The pilot’s improper preflight fuel planning and quantity inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a total loss of engine power, a forced landing on unsuitable terrain, and a subsequent nose-over.
Picture of the Day: A piece of aviation history
Pauline Douglass sent in this photo with a note: “I thought you would like a copy of this aviation history. Lucien Desjardin was my dad who, with my mother Grace, and my uncles Frederick, Larry, Alfred, and Albert, did a lot of flying and instructing in the 1930s. The airport is no longer in Westboro, Mass. Now it’s all houses. It now costs about $13,000 to get a private pilot certificate. They used to charge $2 per lesson. Rides were 50 cents to go around the pattern, $1 for half an hour, and $1.50 for an hour. The phone number only had three numbers. My, how times have changed!”
Unblinking eye to aid in safety
“Imagine a sensor co-located with your aircraft light system. An unblinking eye that’ll warn you when another aircraft is getting too close for comfort. First versions may be simple auditory alerts in your headset.”
What makes a good flight training experience?
The sheer enjoyment of flying tops the list of what makes a great flight training experience.
FAA weather camera launched at Michigan airport
Metro Aviation becomes the first non-government entity to participate in the FAA’s Weather Camera Program.
Latest edition of The Pilot’s Manual: Flight School released
In addition to covering all the maneuvers required for the checkride, this textbook also prepares readers for the student pilot milestones: First solo, cross-country, instrument, and night flight.
Luscombe’s engine fails on takeoff
What I forgot to do was make any announcements on the CTAF after my engine failed. If it was busy, I am pretty sure I would have made a call that I had landed again and would be occupying the runway for a few minutes, and then another call to say I was clear.
Picture of the Day: The romance of an old airliner
Cedric Bassin submitted this photo and note: “A DC-3 just after landing at Grenchen Airport (LSZG) in Switzerland.”
Tips and tricks from our readers inspired by accidents and incidents
Our readers aren’t shy about sharing their viewpoints, but when it come to the NTSB Accident Reports they are more than willing to offer the tips and tricks they’ve learned along the way to avoid a similar mistake.