QUESTION: I’m fortunate in that, in addition to giving glider rides, I’m able to fly the tow planes for a couple of glider operations. The tow planes are CallAir A-9s and Pawnees. All are equipped with O-540s. One of the organizations requires that the tow plane be shut down if the wait for the next […]
Which is better? Multi-grade of single grade oil?
For the past 20 years, an older gentleman has sought me out at Oshkosh to ask me the same question: “”Which is better in an aviation piston engine: single grade (SG) or multi-grade (MG) oil?”” Every year I feel that he wants a quick one-or-the-other answer, but every year I gave him a long, qualified […]
Perceptions
It’s pretty common for the family and close friends of a pilot to consider that pilot “the only one I’d feel comfortable flying with.” It’s no different with my family and non-flying friends. (Those friends of mine who do fly know better!) My wife is my No. 1 flying groupie. We’ve been flying together for […]
Maj. Gen Lyle named Warbird of the Year
Major General Lewis E. Lyle of World War II Eighth Air Force fame has been selected as the 2004 Warbirds of South Carolina. Inc. Warbird of the Year. Lyle will be honored at a banquet Jan. 22. Lyle became a pilot in 1941. As a member of the Eighth Air Force, he flew more than […]
Building a home for The Lost Squadron Museum
The folks at The Lost Squadron Museum in Middlesboro, Ky., are stepping up their annual raffle by offering three prizes this year. The museum is home to “Glacier Girl,” one of the last airworthy P-38s. Located at Middlesboro-Bell County Airport (1A6), the museum is raising money to build a new facility. This year the winner […]
A good backup
I just read “Avoiding GPS traps” in The Southern Aviator. Good direct-to-the-point article. I am an instrument rated pilot who has flown for 14 years in an A-36 which is still analog plus R-Nav (all King equipment), so I was trained this way for instruments. I have put off upgrading my panel because the revolution […]
Avoiding GPS traps
I just finished reading “Avoiding GPS traps,” in Mark Grady’s December column. I thought that your article and advice were right on the money. In my opinion, the greatest danger with GPS navigation is that most pilots don’t read the manuals that come with their GPS systems. I have several friends and acquaintances who are […]
Our flying family
Since Keely has become a permanent part of our family, our flying habits have changed. Where our cross countries used to be literally across the country, they are now limited to forays into neighboring states. Even those are limited to special occasions. Most of our flying is now done within 50 to 100 miles of […]
SA-1: An oldie but a goodie
By PETER M. BOWERS. In the last issue, we looked at the SA-1 (Ship’s Aeroplane) developed by the U.S. Naval Aircraft Factory at the end of World War I. Although an oldie with many features that were outdated even for 1919, it deserves more attention, as it has many features that are applicable to today’s […]