John Schmidt submitted this photo and note: “My friend, amateur photographer, pilot, and Zenith builder Pat Hoyt from Texas, while at Brodhead, caught a photo of a Pietenpol with a smoke system, just at sunset. Pietenpols with smoke systems are a rarity indeed, much less catching it with the timing of a beautiful sunset to boot!”
Questions from the Cockpit: Buckle up, baby!
Gracie, a private pilot in Montana, writes: I took a flight with a fellow pilot the other day, and he took the time to give me the flight attendant speech. It got me wondering, why the stupid seat belt speech? I mean, I know it’s the law, but — really? — who doesn’t know how to unbuckle a seat belt?
Helicopter sales soar in first quarter of 2023
While helicopter sales were up almost 50% from a year ago, airplane deliveries grew just 6.7%, with a 3.5% drop in billings.
Preparing for electric aircraft
The Colorado Division of Aeronautics has entered into a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory to conduct a study to help identify “future opportunities and potential challenges posed by the introduction of alternatively powered aircraft in Colorado.”
Radiant Technology introduces CO-PRO carbon monoxide detector
Radiant Technology has introduced a new carbon monoxide (CO) detector with graphing capabilities and a G-Meter.
Dangerous and unacceptable behavior
I spoke with the pilot of Aircraft Y, and he seemed unconcerned that he almost hit us mid air and honestly seemed bothered that I would bring up the situation in person.
Picture of the Day: Reflecting on biplane season
Megan Vande Voort sent in this picture with a note: “Biplane season has finally arrived. After a nice spring rain, the sun peeked out and the biplane was ready to fly. I love the reflection in the puddle.”
Flying with Nathan
By the time he was 10, Nathan was able to recite the entire dialog from the movie “Top Gun.”
FAA finds Cyclone 180 meets 51% Rule
A Cessna 180 replica in kit form.