As the Eclipse 500 Very Light Jet nears certification, the price has gone up. The jet, expected to be certified in less than a year, now costs $1.295 million, up from the initial price of $837,000, which was raised in January 2003 to $975,000. According to Eclipse officials, the price increases are tied to increases […]
Curiosity and invention
“Results! Why, man, I have gotten lots of results. I know several thousand things that won’t work.” That was Thomas Edison talking. Edison probably was the most prolific and successful inventor of our, or any, time and his statement emphasizes the importance of curiosity. In Edison’s case, that often meant research just for the sake […]
Are commercial flight schools uninsurable?
General aviation has seen an interesting and uncommon change recently. A new certificate is now available. The new Sport Pilot certification has been much awaited, touted, and striven for by many dedicated individuals and organizations whose goal was to help broaden the appeal of GA. Sport Pilot offers a new group of people the ability […]
No empirical evidence
I’m writing about your statement “A preheater left on simply becomes a giant condensation generator resulting in internal engine corrosion” (What led to camshaft damage? Ask Paul, April 22 issue). There is no empirical evidence I’m aware of supporting the above statement regarding the relationship between preheaters and corrosion, but based on logic I think […]
Surely you jest
Regarding “Can’t find a hangar? You’re not alone” in the March 25th issue, you state that monthly hangar rents range to a high (emphasis mine) of $565 (in the Southwest). Surely you jest. Monthly hangar rent at KSMO (Santa Monica Municipal Airport) in the Los Angeles Basin ranges up to $1.50 per square foot. This […]
A puzzling question
Your crossword for Feb. 11 seems to have needed a name to make two others work out. Your answer for the clue to 12 Across, “Sky King’s airplane” was “bluebird,” which let the answers to 13 Down and 9 Down work out as “Lindbergh” and “Bell.” Unfortunately Sky King’s airplane was named “Songbird.” At least […]
Pilots unite
Congratulations to GANews on your articles in the April 8th issue on the increasing dangers to airports due to encroachment. It is a nationwide issue and pilots must pay attention and get involved now, or find themselves without an airport to use. While the nationwide aviation organizations do an excellent job, they cannot do it […]
The Lighning’s mystery and the artist’s passion
There’s something about a P-38. A poker face turns into a smile when you start talking about the Lightning. If you have never touched one or seen one swoosh by with those turbocharged Allison engines singing their beautiful tune, then you’ve missed a great joy in life. And those who have been fortunate enough to […]
Glacier Giel by the numbers
Would you like Glacier Girl to fly at your fly-in or air show? It’s possible, for a price. One of the rarest airplanes around, P-38s are not operationally inexpensive. According to Bob Cardin, operations manager for Glacier Girl, it costs $2,300 an hour to fly the grand old dame. That includes fuel, pilot salary and […]