“”Your article on grounding the airplane prior to fueling was informative on why we ground the plane,”” wrote Ken Kellogg after he read my June 9 column, “”Grounded: What’s the proper way to ground during refueling?”” “”Your article on grounding the airplane prior to fueling was informative on why we ground the plane,”” wrote Ken […]
Visser's Voice
Ethanol”” Energy balance or a balance of power?
The number one question about ethanol should be “”does it take more energy to produce than we get out of it?”” The number one question about ethanol should be “”does it take more energy to produce than we get out of it?”” Here is one of those questions that I can answer with a question, […]
Ethanol’s lower energy content another problem for aviation
A few issues back I discussed possible fuel handling problems with a proposed ethanol aviation fuel. In this column I would like to discuss energy content. A few issues back I discussed possible fuel handling problems with a proposed ethanol aviation fuel. In this column I would like to discuss energy content. In Dr. Dennis […]
Grounded: What’s the proper way to ground during refueling?
We ground an aircraft during the refueling process to ensure that the plane and the refueling apparatus are at the same electrical potential and to dissipate the electrical charge that is generated by the fuel transfer process.
Ethanol and airplanes: A good mix?
There is an old joke that the definition of mixed emotions is watching your mother-in-law go over a cliff in your new Corvette. It is in this state of mind that I recently read Dr. Dennis Helder’s “”Investigation of Ethanol as a General Aviation Fuel-Final Report.”” There is an old joke that the definition of […]
Can you hear me now?
Kip Pratt, director at Berkeley County Airport (50J) at Moncks Corner, S.C., recently wrote to let me know that my article, “”Stay safe while fueling your plane”” in the March 24 issue, would be posted around the airport “”in hopes that my tenants who use auto fuel will take heed.”” Kip Pratt, director at Berkeley […]
Stay safe while fueling your plane
Part of the concern over the use of auto gas in aircraft is procedures used to handle the fuel.
Can I use E-85 in my airplane?
Patrick Puckett asks: “”Since E-85 is rated at 105 octane, can we use it in engines that require 100LL?”” Patrick Puckett asks: “”Since E-85 is rated at 105 octane, can we use it in engines that require 100LL?”” This is one of the best questions I’ve received in many years. The reason I like it […]
All greases are not created equal
To the average pilot ? and even many mechanics ? grease is grease. People feel that as long as they inject a slimy substance into each grease fitting at the proper time interval that all of their bearings should last forever. To the average pilot ? and even many mechanics ? grease is grease. People […]