Features

[AVweb‘s reprint of Dick’s memoir began with the Introduction.] Flying a KC-97 during an aerial refueling embodies all the basics used by a good formation leader; for example, don’t move the tanker any more than absolutely necessary, make all movements as smooth as possible, and — unique to the KC-97/B-47 combination — fly as fast […]

Friends of the Earth has upped the ante in its bid to ban lead additives in aviation fuel by suing EPA to get that process moving. What are your thoughts on the issue? (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want to see the current breakdown of responses? Take a moment to answer the question […]

Some Army helicopters are big and loud. Tower:“Army helicopter, cleared to land – runway 25.” Army:“Cleared to land, 25.” [after landing] Army:“Tower, be advised that there is a large flock of birds near the departure end of the runway.” Tower:“Roger. And you didn’t scare them away?” Ted Timmonsvia e-mail

AOPA’s Air Safety Foundation says that, statistically speaking, you’re as likely to crash with all the bells and whistles as you are with a six-pack and that your basic pilot skills may not be as sharp as they should be. How do you feel about the impact of modern panels on GA? (click to answer) […]

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 […]

Conversation that took place while a student pilot was in the traffic pattern at KSAV: Control Tower:“Cessna 12345, how much time do you have?” Cessna 12345:“I have the plane until 5:30.” Control Tower:“I meant, ‘How many hours do you have?’” 12345:“About twenty.” Michael Calarrudavia e-mail

We are already seeing five to six dollars per gallon of 100LL avgas, and the problems with Iran promise to send them even higher. AVweb reader Hal Gosling would like to know what price per gallon you’re willing to pay. How much are you willing to spend per gallon before you stop flying? (click to […]

Overheard while listening to an area radar center in England during the early ’80s. Two United States Air Force Europe fast jets climbing out of a low flying area were trying to locate each other to join formation. “Ratch 13”:“Ratch 12, where are you?” “Ratch 12”:“Ratch 13, one mile south of Chester.” “Ratch 13”:“Ratch 12, […]

This week’s question comes from an AVweb reader who wants to know about your confidence as a pilot. Dave Coriaty asks, “At what point in your flying career did you honestly feel to be at your peak of competence in all piloting situtations?“ (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want to see the current […]

[AVweb‘s reprint of Dick’s memoir began with the Introduction.] During the 1950s, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) was the ultimate deterrent to nuclear war, the keeper of the peace and no doubt had a quieting effect on the rattle of Russian nuclear sabers. Considering SAC’s world-wide responsibility, security was a huge player in day-to-day operations […]