Features

Overheard on ground control frequency at LAX: Boeing 727 (to a newly introduced Short 330 commuter) :“Hey, that’s a nice looking aircraft.” Short 330 pilot:“Thanks.” Boeing 727:“When are you going to take it out of the box?” John K. Lewisvia e-mail

The big question in the commercial airplane business – and one that wasn’t answered at the Paris Air Show – is whether Boeing will upgrade the 737 at great cost (because of design issues) or create a whole new airplane. If you were Boeing’s CEO, what would you do in the single-aisle market? Should Boeing […]

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 […]

My sister-in-law and I were working together across the production bench a few years back as the local ATC scanner played in the background. The controller cleared an aircraft to take off, ending the transmission with, “Wind calm.” Instead, my sister-in-law heard, “… when calm.” She was quite alarmed that ATC would clear a pilot […]

The loss of an antique aircraft like Liberty Belle, the B-17 that burned on the ground near Chicago on Monday, raises the question of whether we should fly these rare museum pieces. How would you decide whether an aircraft should be flying or a static museum piece? (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want […]

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 […]

[AVweb’s reprint of Dick’s memoir began with the Introduction.] In 1954, the typical, newly-minted, AFROTC officer tied the wedding knot and shortly thereafter began his first tour of active duty, a commitment of three years. For pilot wannabes, the tour included a full year of pilot training. Flight school assignments didn’t necessarily follow on the […]

Years ago, an air traffic controller at KSYR was working Approach Control and had numerous aircraft on his screen. Controller:“N1234, can you identify yourself? Are you a Cardinal?” N1234 (after a moment’s hesitation) :“No – but I used to be an altar boy!” Tom Grovervia e-mail

Aviation groups are lobbying to allow much easier GA access to VIP-inspired TFRs. Is that a good idea? Should security around TFRs be loosened up? (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. […]

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 […]