The FAA’s Inclusive Language Summit combined two of our columnist’s favorite things: Aviation and Language. William E Dubois gives us his take on the agency’s initiative to change crucial words in aviation, such as airman and repairman to more gender-neutral terms because language matters.
Questions from the Cockpit
Questions from the Cockpit: A colorful question
The cost of a quality airplane paint job borders on the astronomical. But, in fairness to the paint shops, that’s because the work involved in doing it right borders on the astronomical. In an effort to save money, can you paint your own airplane? Here’s what the FAA regulations say.
Questions from the Cockpit: The numbers game
How do N-Numbers get assigned? Why are they so wildly different? Who has N-1? And what about other countries? These questions — and more — are answered by our Questions From the Cockpit columnist William E. Dubois.
Questions from the Cockpit: A toast to the law
While pilots have to report getting caught driving under the influence, what about other alcohol-related troubles? And why does the FAA care about our drinking behavior?
Questions from the Cockpit: Bright city lights (not)
Do the yellow shapes surrounding cities on the VFR Sectional Chart show the appearance of the various cities’ lights at night? Our intrepid columnist investigates this colorful query.
Questions from the Cockpit: What is a Fowler flap?
Fowler isn’t a what, but a who. They’re named after Harlan Davey Fowler, the guy who invented the most complicated flap in our arsenal.
Questions from the Cockpit: A long-winded answer to a short-field question
“How short must a field be to be a short field?” It’s a question that you’d think would have a simple answer…
Questions from the Cockpit: Fire starter
Is it true you can break a whiskey compass and use the liquid to start a fire in a survival situation? And why are they called “whiskey compasses” any way?
Questions from the Cockpit: Are non-towered airports more dangerous?
Are non-towered airports really like the wild, wild west? And should there be more laws governing them?