Gary Lanthrum sent us these photos and a video taken during the Aug. 21, 2017, eclipse. He reports: “The eclipse was spectacular for us. We live in a small town north of Seattle, so it was just a 2-1/2 hour flight to get to the ideal spot in the path of totality. It was well […]
Aviation News
How much is this gonna cost?
Surveys have shown that cost isn’t the number one impediment that prevents folks from learning to fly. But it is a significant consideration for almost anyone who puts serious thought into getting their wings. Other industries that sell high dollar products or services face similar challenges. And so they engage in something called exceptional customer […]
New runway dedicated at KSKX
Culminating a two-decade-long effort, a new 8,600-foot runway was dedicated Aug. 25, 2017, at Taos Regional Airport (KSKX) in New Mexico. The new runway is perpendicular to the original runway. It will enable pilots to operate more safely at times of the year when wind directions make the airfield more challenging, according to FAA officials. […]
Miss Vermont flies herself to Miss America pageant
A new post on MyChamplainValley.com reports that Miss Vermont was the first ever Miss America contestant to fly herself to the pageant in Atlantic City. “I get to go to Miss America, a once in a lifetime experience, and I get to fly myself there, another thing I love to do. It’s a win win […]
The ultimate guide to how to fly a drone
Interested in venturing into the drone arena? Jess Miller recently wrote a detailed 7,000-word guide on how to fly a drone that is packed with tips and advice. It begins: “If you’ve got a drone and you don’t know how to fly it yet, don’t despair – flying a drone isn’t rocket science. It’s not exactly […]
Honduran students get a taste of flight at I19
Seven Honduran high school students, along with their host-family students, got the chance to try their hand at flying at Greene County Regional Airport (I19) in Xenia, Ohio, in July 2017. MacAir Aviation flight instructors Chuck Daley, Ashley Paulus and Doug Magoffin gave the group of students some basic ground instruction (with the help of […]
Tools with a twist — and a lower price
Inspect any A&P’s tool box and you’ll find safety wire pliers. Often referred to as SWIPES (for Safety Wire Installation Pliers), they ease the operation of twisting wire that firmly secures fasteners and other parts. The two primary components of swipes are the locking jaw and a lever that rotates pliers when pulled out. In […]
Grumman ground loops
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the tailwheel-equipped Grumman G164A AgCat biplane in Welsh, Louisiana. He stated that, during the landing roll as the tailwheel touched down, the nose of the airplane veered sharply to the left. He attempted to correct with right rudder, but the airplane exited the runway and ground looped. During […]
Dog is my co-pilot
Hal Denton sent in this selfie of him and his co-pilot, Simon. “Normally Simon has doggie ear muffs on, but he knocked them off in the back of the plane and I was unwilling to try to retrieve them,” Hal explains.