What sounds better to you? $637,000 today or $900,000 in the near future? But first some back story before you answer: Way back in 2015, Washington state’s HB 1526 became law. The legislation reallocated 100% of the aircraft excise tax to the “Washington State Department of Transportation aviation airport aid grant program.” Previously, just 10% […]
Touch & Go
FAR Part 0 – Really?
If you’ve spent any time reading — and re-reading — the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), then you’ll recognize the humor in the FAR Part 0. It has crossed my email inbox a few times now and I think it’s funny enough to share. Enjoy. FAA Regulation / Part 0, Section 000 (a) 1 (c) Section I: No […]
The cost of $3,200
United Airlines has had a rough few weeks. And yet, the days of overbooked commercial flights are likely here to stay. So what’s an airline to do? When crew must get from A to B and all the seats are filled with paying passengers, the options are often limited. United Airlines recently offered four passengers […]
A letter from prison
“I imagine it’s not very often you get mail from a prison,” Tim’s letter started. He’s right, we don’t get many letters from prison. We do have a dozen — perhaps more — General Aviation News subscribers who are currently incarcerated. “After getting a grace issue and letting my subscription lapse, I felt obligated to thank you,” […]
The dream of flight is universal
Humans have dreamed of flight for hundreds — if not thousands — of years. And today is no different from centuries ago. Want proof? BBC Culture’s Fiona Macdonald wrote a marvelous story about the making of the book, “Aeronautics in the Backyard.” “He [Zhang Dousan] retrieved an engine from the wreckage of a light aircraft destroyed in a […]
Could STEM prevent the next Santa Monica fiasco?
To say my “Don’t Cry for Santa Monica” column struck a chord would be an understatement. Sadly, I fear it struck the wrong chord. (And, for the record, I support the efforts of the National Business Aviation Association and others as they continue to fight SMO’s closure.) A sampling of comments taking me to task… “Ben’s attitude […]
6 suggestions for finding more power
Who wouldn’t like to get a little more power from their engine? A recent Ask Paul (aka Mr. Lycoming) column was a response to a reader wanting to know how he could coax a “tad more power” from a “150-hp, narrow-deck O-320”. In addition to Paul’s thoughts, a good many readers weighed on the topic on […]
Low power ADS-B for drone integration
“1.2 million drones were sold in the United States in 2016,” notes uAvionix’s Christian Ramsey. That’s a lot of drones. And the prevailing response from the full-scale aviation world seems to still be AHHHHHHH. Or words to that effect. Here’s the thing though. Not all of those drones will be airborne at the same time. […]
Perfect or Better?
Which should we strive for? Perfection or Better Performance? The question was the result of reading Matt Zuccaro’s recent column, “Zero Accidents: Yes, We Can.” Matt is the president of the Helicopter Association International. He’s also not afraid to say what’s on his mind. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Matt’s opening paragraph: “Call […]