The Evergreen Aviation Museum is rolling out the red carpet Feb. 27 to celebrate the 11 Academy Award nominations received by “”The Aviator.”” The film, which has already won three Golden Globe awards, depicts the life of Howard Hughes and his contributions to modern aviation. The movie includes Evergreen Aviation Museum’s largest attraction, the “”Spruce […]
Does size matter?
Airbus recently unveiled its A380, which boasts more than 500 seats. But how does the A380 stack up against other large aircraft, such as the Hughes Flying Boat? The Flying Boat fuselage is shorter than the A380, but the Hughes design has a wider wingspan, which makes sense when you recall that the Hughes aircraft […]
Wailing and gnashing of teeth over 2006 federal budget begins
WASHINGTON, D.C. — That loud explosion you heard earlier this month from here wasn’t a terrorist attack — it was reaction to the Fiscal Year 2006 budget submitted to Congress by President Bush. Howls from general aviation interests were loud, but only a small blip in the sound level generated by the politicians and lobbyists […]
Lycoming engine pump for HO360-B1B
QUESTION: I purchased a Lycoming HO360-BIB to use in an experimental aircraft. I have to convert from a rear pressure carb to a downdraft carb. I purchased a sump (part #71871) for this conversion. This is the part number from an early Lycoming parts catalog for most 180 hp 360s. This sump has tubes that […]
Should this engine have a fuel return line?
QUESTION: I have a Glasair, started by someone else, with an IO-320 engine. He has a fuel return line from the side of the throttle body going back to the bottom of the header tank. It is my understanding that there is not supposed to be a fuel return line on this system. I can’t […]
What does the future hold for avgas?
I’ve received several questions about the future availability of avgas. One reader noted that AOPA President Phil Boyer has warned that oil companies will stop producing avgas in five years or so. The reader went on to ask if he would be able to use auto gas in his aircraft or would he need to […]
The power of three
By PETER M. BOWERS. Without exception, all of the floats seen on licensed civil seaplanes today are of the twin-float type. The single-float type popular with the U.S. Navy when it still had seaplanes, with small floats under the wingtips as on flying boats, has never been approved for civil operation. There is another configuration […]
Failure to remove ice results in an off-airport landing
These February 2003 Accident Reports are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, they are intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Beech 18. Location: Burlington, Wash. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Minor. What reportedly happened: During the preflight inspection the pilot noticed there was ice and […]
Oil Eater Cleaner/ Degreaser gives new meaning to the term all-purpose
Oil Eater Cleaner/Degreaser dissolves grease and oil on engines, tools, concrete, asphalt and walls and removes stains from floormats and upholstery. It is even safe to use as a spot remover on color-fast clothes. The formulation safely accomplishes the cleaning that previously required solvent or acid cleaners. The non-flammable cleaner is water-based, biodegradable and contains […]