Features

Letter of the Week:Drones No Danger I’m a commercial pilot and small drone operator and want to thank you for not joining the unfounded media hysteria over small UAV operation in the U.S. Regarding the “numerous” drone sightings reported by pilots as tabulated by the FAA, I’ve examined them, and the most frequently used words […]

We began our occasional series on aircraft refurbs last month with an article discussing the benefits and costs. There were twin bottom lines: If refurbishing your airplane makes sense for you, the next question becomes selecting a shop to do the work-how do you make the choice? We’re certainly aware of aviation maintenance horror stories, […]

The Weekender remembered Valentine’s Day is on Saturday, thanks to celebratory events coming up on SocialFlight. Perception Prime at Beverly Municipal in Massachusetts will offer discovery flights all weekend for those who make a reservation. Make it a Valentine’s gift and it will come complete with chocolates and flowers. Call ahead even the day of […]

Turbocharging systems get somewhat of bad, but to a degree, deserved rap for requiring more than their fair share of maintenance and pilot workload. They certainly have to deal with more than their fair share of very hot air and have to spin at dazzling rpms to do their jobs. Moreover, they can be less […]

Heard this exchange on the radio a few (many) years ago. Cessna 123:“Center, Cessna 123 with you at angels eight five.” ATC:“Cessna 123, traffic 2 o’clock, four miles, eastbound. Say altitude.” Cessna 123:“No joy. Angels eight five. Looking.” ATC:“Cessna 123, say altitude.” Cessna 123:“Angels eight five.” ATC:“Cessna 123, we’re not making a war movie here. […]

We bow to no one in our willingness to reject ATC clearances and forcefully but politely seek what we want and need from a controller. Since our chair usually is moving faster than their’s, we cop the attitude that our needs are more important than ATC’s. At the same time, we certainly understand controllers often […]

I love GPS. It’s absolutely great the way you can program the most complex route from anywhere to anywhere else. With a little help from your friends at the other end of the radio, you can often even just make a straight (great-circle) line to your destination, or at least to some intermediate point. GPS […]

The Weekender has seen plenty of snow this week, so there’s no shortage of places to land a skiplane as seen on SocialFlight. Hinde Field in Huron, Ohio, will hold its Mid-Winter Chili Skiplane Fly-In on Saturday. Chili, burgers, hot dogs and beverages will be supplied; bring a covered dish if you can. Fly, drive, […]

A little late, perhaps, but we couldn’t pass this one up. After the National Conference playoff game between Green Bay and Seattle in Seattle Sunday night, the Boeing Field ATIS went through the normal weather, approach, and NOTAMS, and at the end the controller said: “On initial contact inform ATC you have information ‘Russell Wilson.’” […]

Few situations require quick judgment like deciding to go missed with weather at minimums. Arriving at missed approach point or decision altitude, the pilot must determine if the runway environment is in sight and the required flight visibility is evident. If these conditions are met, is the aircraft in a position to land and is […]