Features

It’s a sad law of aviation that while we like to think of pilots as honest, upstanding citizens, when it comes to selling airplanes, an unpleasantly high proportion suddenly turn into snake-oil salesmen. I’ve seen way too many airplane-shaped piles of junk marketed by pilots piously claiming they are in perfect shape. Sadly, some of […]

Editor’s note: We wish to thank the folks at LP Aero Plastics, www.lpaeroplastics.com, phone (800) 957-2376 for much of the following information and recommendations on how to properly care for your aircraft windows. They have been around for many years and we suggest if you have any acrylic needs that you check them out. That […]

It’s never too late in the year for barbecue, according to The Weekender’s SocialFlight calendar. First stop is the Annual Wings and Wheels Fly-In at St. Tammany Regional Airport in Abita Springs/Covington, Louisiana. See classic cars, planes and a Civil Air Patrol search and rescue aircraft. Lunch will be served by Abita BBQ and includes […]

Heard over tower frequency at our local airport recently. Left me crying and difficult to talk on radio. Unknown aircraft:“Err — Tower — altimeter?” Tower:“Go ahead, Altimeter.” Bob

Last month’s feature on the frustrating persistence of engine operating superstitions generated a number of comments from readers, most appreciating the ammunition to fire back at the Old Wives’ Tale-spouting “experts” at their local airport. Several referenced other operating superstitions—engine and airplane—regularly being passed off as time-honored aviation truths and asked if they could be […]

Since 1968, the Beech 36-series Bonanzas has steadily built a solid record for workmanship, performance, handling and comfort. Prices on the used market reflect the high regard for the airplanes. Easy entry to the rear seats and club seating made them popular with passengers as well as pilots, even though the aft CG limit can […]

Whether it’s a clam lunch out East or ball drop contest out West, The Weekender found some worthwhile trips on SocialFlight. The annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede starts today and runs through Sunday with thirty-plus balloons participating. Saturday begins with a navigational challenge for the balloon pilots competing for the Mayor’s Cup. Join them on […]

I was recently flying my Mooney into an airport in Colorado. Listening on the CTAF, I heard a Citation X announce:“Citation N1234 about 15 miles west, landing.” Trying to be accommodating, I replied:“Citation, Mooney is about five miles out, but I’ll go to the VOR, then return and follow you. You’re burning a lot more […]

Every pilot is inspired to fly for different reasons—personal and technical challenge, freedom and new perspectives, civilian or military professional career paths. But the obstacles that arise between us and that goal are just as varied. Medical problems, family priorities, geographic inconvenience and financial obligations can all get in the way. The latter is what […]

With glass cockpits becoming more prolific, a wider spectrum of the pilot community is now engaged in flying them. Understanding the implications of malfunctions is an important responsibility of the PIC as higher levels of technology competence and preparedness are required. While glass presents increased capabilities for pilots, it also offers a new set of […]