Fairbanks, Alaska-based Wright Air Service flies a variety of aircraft on charter flights to remote locations in the interior of Alaska. Among its fleet of 21 aircraft are four Helio Courier H-295s.
Years ago, Wright modified the engines on two of its Helios. The modifications were field approved by the FAA. Since then, those two Helios have more than 22,000 hours of operating experience. [Read more…]
I like Jamie Beckett. Both as a person (most importantly) and as an aviation enthusiast. For those of you who don’t recognize the name, Jamie is one of General Aviation News’ columnists, as well as an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Ambassador in Florida. (We had him first 🙂 )
Like me, he’s far from objective about flying. Exactly as it should be. Flying is a great thing. For a wide variety of reasons. And none of those reasons are THE reason flying is so cool. [Read more…]
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. And in the course of sharing countless stories each year, we include many great photos.
Great photos can inspire and motivate. Pictures can relate an experience in ways words can’t. [Read more…]
I’m not a Mom. But I have a Mom. And my wife is a Mom.
So I know there is – oftentimes – a special bond between a mother and child. I certainly feel that bond with my Mom.
Go ahead, call me a “Mama’s Boy.” I can take. In fact, that’s a badge I wear with pride. [Read more…]
Is flying an airplane that only has lap belts — no shoulder harnesses — taking an unacceptable risk?
I’ve taken a number of people for airplane rides, most recently in a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub a friend lets me fly. Each flight has gone well. Both pilot and passenger enjoyed each flight. [Read more…]
A group of more than 100 high ranking people recently gathered in Washington, D.C., to “discuss the shortage of pilots and mechanics facing the industry.”
Hallelujah, we’re saved. To be clear, that sentence should be read as dripping with sarcasm. [Read more…]
It started innocently enough with a text message from Marcus, a high school classmate. His 11-year-old son Cole attended an aviation camp at the Hiller Aviation Museum last Christmas and really took to the idea of aviation.
Marcus, knowing that I’ve been a pilot since high school, asked if I could take his son flying next time they visited the Pacific Northwest. [Read more…]
How is it possible to adequately say “Thank You” to someone you’ve worked alongside for a trio of decades?
In short, you can’t. [Read more…]
Words matter. And as language evolves, words sometimes take on new or additional meanings. And that time spent in transition can be difficult to navigate.
I received an email from a reader who took a bit of exception with my use of the term “electric engine” in a recent column. For context, I said, “Electric engines will become reality. Battery capacity will improve to the point of being practical.” [Read more…]
I love aviation. More specifically, I love the people who are passionate about aviation and the puzzle it can be. Neil Stone is a great example.
He’s 80 years old. He’s a pilot. He’s also an active airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic with inspection authorization (IA). He’s also taught himself electronics and industrial design.
In the last several years, he’s added computer programmer and manufacturer to his business card. [Read more…]
