Features

There was a time when almost all light airplanes had tailwheels. They were cheaper and lighter to build than nosewheel airplanes and, besides, “we’ve always done it this way,” has always been very powerful in guiding design decisions. In the little airplane world, save for a few non-conformists such as the Ercoupe, Navion and Bonanza, […]

Each week, we run a sampling of the letters received to our editorial inbox here in AVmail. One letter that’s particularly relevant, informative, or otherwise compelling will headline this section as our “Letter of the Week,” and we’ll send the author an official AVweb baseball cap as a “thank you” for interacting with us (and […]

This happened some years ago when I was wrenching as an A&P tech at the old TallMantz aviation hangar at John Wayne Orange County Airport in Southern California. The airport is a very busy airport with a tight mix of air carrier and recreational aircraft, causing occasional high stress moments for all. Radio traffic can […]

Training seems to get a lot of the attention when pilot attrition is discussed, and private schools seem to get most of the heat. If you learned at a local airport school, how did it work out? How was your private flight school training experience? (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want to see […]

Each week, we run a sampling of the letters received to our editorial inbox here in AVmail. One letter that’s particularly relevant, informative, or otherwise compelling will headline this section as our “Letter of the Week,” and we’ll send the author an official AVweb baseball cap as a “thank you” for interacting with us (and […]

Many years ago, as a USAF C-141A/B flight engineer, I was a crew member on a routine supply mission from McGuire Air Force Base (New Jersey) to Thule, Greenland. Oh-dark-thirty take-off. The AC (aircraft commander), Capt. Julie Sangiorgio — great pilot. We had just been handed off to Moncton Center, from Boston Center, I believe. […]

Growing up in New Jersey, I learned that when a stranger sitting on the bar stool beside you asks, “How ya doin?” the last thing the stranger wants to hear is how you’re doin’. Moving quickly past the obvious question — Why did I hang around bars as a kid? Because they had good bowling […]

Newly confirmed FAA Administrator Michael Huerta has a desk full of priorities. Which one should he tackle first? (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want to see the current breakdown of responses? Take a moment to answer the question yourself, and then you can view real-time results. What’s On Your Mind? Have an idea […]

The fresh bloom of interactive applications available on portable devices today is changing how pilots fly, but if SocialFlight.com has its way it may also be changing why you fly — and for all the right reasons. SocialFlight’s creators have lofty goals. They aim to improve your business connections, your social life, your flying life, […]

Between Houston and Austin on December 18, 2012, I overheard the following breif conversation between Houston Center and another aircraft: Aircraft:“Houston Center, can you give me a current altimeter setting?” Center:“At your altitude, it is 29.92.” Aircraft:“Uhhhh — yeah.” [A brief pause.] Aircraft:“Guess I will see that one in the back of IFR magazine next […]