Features

Many years ago, as a student pilot sitting on the ramp at Kansas City Downtown Airport, I was in the plane with my instructor listing to “information whiskey” on the ATIS recording when we heard a high-pitched squeal followed by laughter on the tape. My instructor turned to me and said:“Sounds like there’s a little […]

It has again become fashionable in some aviation circles to assert that if only we could return to ways and days of yore by getting rid of some or all of the Federal Aviation Regulations and those who enforce them, all would be well and general aviation would zoom into sunlit uplands and robust financial […]

I remember my first flight as left-seater in a TAA (technically advanced aircraft). Too. Many. Buttons. And each switch, knob and button had multiple roles, depending on my stage of flight and the information I wanted to pull up or program into it. And harmony? Well, other than the integrated glass panels available on then-new […]

The Weekender sees spring fever picking up all over on SocialFlight with airshows, fly-outs and airports opening up for the flying season. Fort Lauderdale’s 2016 “Ford Lauderdale” Air Show, running Saturday and Sunday, will feature the Navy F-18 Hornet, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Canadian Air Force Snowbirds and the first civilian airshow performance of the […]

Recently, on flight following above Santa Barbara on a beautifully clear afternoon, approach was uncomfortably quiet. After several minutes of silence I called: Mooney 1234:“Approach, Mooney 1234. Is there anybody there to talk to?” Approach:“Mooney 1234, say request.” Mooney 1234:“Just checking to see if it really is this quiet.” Approach:“Yes, it really is.” [Pause.] Approach:“Mooney […]

Dave strolls into the FBO carrying a travel bag and a pizza box. I let out a sigh. “Well, look who showed up. Dave, you’re 45 minutes late.” “Well, I needed gas, and there was a pizza place next door and, well, that smell hit me. I got some for everybody.” “We’re already late and […]

Let’s assume you had a cash budget of up to $160,000 to buy an airplane. Your short list of required equipment includes a glass cockpit with autopilot, a modern interior, plus a proven engine that’s easy to service and economical to operate. You’ll use the plane for local flying, short trips and perhaps some basic […]

An airline en route to [airport redacted] asked ATC if the had any smooth rides. Controller:“You won’t find a smooth ride until you taxi into the gate.” Pilot:“You haven’t been [airport redacted] lately. The taxiways are just as bad as this ride!” Kirk Johnson

Engaging in aerobatics—moving dramatically in the third dimension above our planet on a gloriously clear day—ranks right up there among the most delightful things a human can do. If flying represents freedom and an escape from the mundane of beetling across the surface of life, aerobatics is painting that escape and freedom with the broadest […]

When it first appeared in the mid-1980s, the Piper Malibu was a head turner. Aside from its ramp appeal, pilots were intrigued with its high-flying pressurized cabin, 200-knot cruise speed and its impressive range. There was nothing quite like it and Piper soon found a loyal market for its new flagship product, mostly among well-to-do […]