Features

Live the likes of new-age airplane companies like Cirrus and Diamond one thing: They have resisted the overwhelming urge to fit their airplanes with folding gear. But manufacturers of the 1960s and 1970s had no such resistance, including Cessna when it added retractable gear to the venerable 182. Was the effort worth it? It did […]

ATIS was being implemented in the late 1960s, and many pilots were not yet aware of it. While making practice instrument approaches at San Jose International Airport in California, I overheard the following exchange: Cessna 1234:“San Jose Tower, Cessna 1234. Ten south, landing San Jose.” SJC Tower:“Cessna 1234, do you have information Hotel?” [silence] SJC […]

In light of the apparent lapse at Reagan National early Wednesday, we’re wondering if you’ve noticed any slip or improvement on the other end of the radio in the past couple of years. How would you rate ATC service? (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want to see the current breakdown of responses? Take […]

In the largish universe of used airplanes, there are a handful that are often overlooked. One of these is Pipers Cherokee 140, the modest but nonetheless seminal model that literally launched a lot more than a thousand ships. The baby Cherokee was a variant of a model that marked Pipers no-looking-back departure from its rag-and-tube […]

While on final, RNAV 9, into Isla Grande airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico recently: Tower:“Mooney 5 Triple 8 Quebec, be advised: Iguana crossing the runway, south to north, midfield.” Then, on short final: Tower:“Double 8 Quebec, iguana no factor. He’s crossed the white line on the north side.” I’ve heard a lot of funny […]

Analyst and investment guy Brian Foley thinks he can attract homegrown investors to outbid the Chinese for control of Cirrus Industries. If you had some investment cash, would it attract you? Would you invest in Cirrus? (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want to see the current breakdown of responses? Take a moment to […]

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 […]

Memphis Center:“Cessna 1234, the HOG MOA is hot. Recommend course or elevation change to remain clear.” Cessna 1234:“How many planes are in there? Usually if there’s only a couple, I’ll go on through.” Memphis Center:“Well, even if there’s only one, you’re supposed to remain clear. But we’ve got four A-10s with transponders off, and I […]

While on a flight from NC to Cape May, NJ (along the coast of MD), I heard this exchange between Dover approach and a pilot: Cessna 1234:“Dover approach, we would like to fly down the coast at 3,000 feet.” Dover Approach:“Cessna 1234, proceed as requested.” A few minutes later … Cessna 1234 (frantic!) :“Dover approach! […]

Last week, we asked what “Made in America” means for airplane manufacturers; this week, we’d like to know what the future may hold for domestic airplane makers. As has been speculated for a year (at least), a company owned by the Chinese government has bought Cirrus and earlier bought Continental Motors and Epic Air. What […]