Features

Mobile (AL) Approach:“Aircraft calling Mobile, say again.” Delta Flight:“Delta 1234, out of 14 for ten.” Mobile:“… That’s a real bad radio; sounds like an old T-37 in my ear.” Delta:“Roger that.” [brief pause] Delta:“How’s this one?” Mobile:“Better. Still a lot of whining in the background.” Delta:“That’s just the flight attendants.” Dan Lukevia e-mail

The Senate says a hefty tax increase on jet fuel for GA is the way to go. Is that fair? What are the options? How should we pay for NextGen? (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 […]

I was flying with my friend Mike in a 200 King Air inbound to TPA. When we couldn’t get three gear lights, we told the tower we would abort to work on the gear problem. Tower:“Would you like to declare an emergency?” Mike:“Emergency is such a harsh word.” Tower:“Understand. We’ll roll out the equipment anyway, […]

Eclipse Aerospace and Sikorsky have a deal that may mean a return to production of the EA 500. Will it be the next big thing in aviation like it was supposed to be? Will Eclipse fulfill the VLJ dream? (click to answer) Last Week’s Question: Results Want to see the current breakdown of responses? Take […]

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 […]

Years ago, I flew out of Santa Monica (SMO). Primary students quickly learned the controllers were sticklers, especially regarding radio communication. And that’s understandable given the high volume of traffic. Early on a Saturday morning, I was holding short, awaiting clearance and monitoring the tower frequency. A student (I checked later) from an area airport […]

Another MiG-29 is flying and in private hands. If money were no object, what warbird would you fly? (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 […]

Although airplanes are often sold as business and transportation tools, the reality of ownership falls short of the ideal. While either lack the range, the carrying capacity or the ability to deal with real-world weather, thus an airline or a charter outfit gets the call. A serious business airplane needs a decent cabin, credible speed […]

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 […]

Overheard in IFR Magazine‘s “On the Air” I’m a First Officer for TMC Airlines, a small freight airline operating Lockheed Electras based at Willow Run Airport in Detroit, Michigan. We use the call sign Willow Run Three Forty-Six, and we’d just picked up a load of freight at Muskegon, Michigan and were en route to […]