Discovery Wings Channel, a favorite among aviation enthusiasts since its debut in July 1998, has signed up for active duty. The cable channel becomes the Military Channel Jan. 10. The revamped channel will feature “”a dramatically broadened programming mission,”” according to channel executives. New programming is designed to take viewers “”behind the lines”” to tell […]
NASCAR races to the battefield
For the past several years, NASCAR race cars have had their windshields covered with thin laminate films that can be removed easily during a race for increased visibility. The same technology will soon be applied to U.S. Army Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters flying in Iraq and Afghanistan. “”A lot of technology comes from the armed […]
Where do most accidents happen?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Insurance companies say they pay more for ground-based accident claims than for any other area of aviation. That’s why the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is undertaking a program to cut accidents on the ground in half within five years. This initiative was just one of the subjects discussed by NATA President […]
What engines should I avoid?
QUESTION: I have a 1969 Skyhawk with a Lycoming O-320-E2D engine. I think it is an excellent engine. I would like to update to a 1975-1980 Skyhawk. I heard Lycoming had trouble with engines in 1977-78. Is that true? What engines should I stay away from? What year did the company come out with the […]
The No. 1 question of oil experts: How often should oil be changed?
You are probably thinking that someone who worked for an oil company would recommend more frequent oil changes so that more oil is sold. However, the choice is really quite simple: You can spend more on oil or you can spend more at the engine shop. Oil is a lot cheaper than engine parts.
What’s up doc?
How important is your choice of Aviation Medical Examiner? Very important, it seems. I recently received two e-mails from a newspaper requesting information about a doctor who had lost his medical license, but continued to do FAA medicals. Apparently, the doctor lost his privileges at a couple of hospitals due to a head injury he […]
Simple Structure: The SA-1 was designed to be simple, almost to the point of being crude
By PETER M. BOWERS. A major design objective of the Naval Aircraft Factory SA-1 of late 1918 was to have as simple a structure as possible. This was achieved, but almost to the point of being crude in some areas. The structure, particularly in the fuselage, has some features well worth considering for today’s ultralights […]
Improper maintenance contributes to crash that kills one
These December 2002 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: Rockwell Commander 114. Location: Hot Springs, Ark. Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The airplane was en route to […]
New laser scanner improves portability and accuracy
NVision introduces the ModelMaker Z series laser scanner, which offers better portability and accuracy for inspection and reverse engineering. A new camera provides higher accuracy by resolving details half the size of those that could be captured by the previous model. The scanner can be powered by a battery for up to two hours of […]