Features

A few years ago, I was routinely flying my Bonanza from Houston Hobby to Austin. The trip was normally very predictable, including the knowledge that radio traffic, when handed over to Austin Approach, was extremely busy and communications needed to be very efficient. On one trip, the Approach controller changed those rules and added some […]

This Week’s Question |Previous Week’s Answers PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, we asked AVweb readers how much flying they did in 2009. Answers varied, but the largest single group of respondents (32% of you) said you flew about the same as in previous years. Coming as a pleasant surprise, the second largest group (23%) said […]

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 […]

Heard over northern Florida last night: Jacksonville Center:“Airliner XYZ: Turn left, heading 320.” Airliner XYZ:“Is that a 320 heading for Airliner XYZ?” Jacksonville Center:“No, that should be, ‘Turn left, heading 230’ for Airliner XYZ. Sorry about that. Five out of four controllers are dyslexic.” Airliner XYZ:“No problem. Five out of three pilots, same thing. Airliner […]

This Week’s Question |Previous Week’s Answers PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, the TSA dropped some hefty fines against thee airlines involved in a notorious ramp delay. We asked AVweb readers what they thought of the fines. The clear majority of you (53% of those who took a moment to respond) said it’s about time airlines […]

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 is a nice one from a few years back. I know the captain of the aircraft, so I’m sure it’s authentic. A South African Airways B747 just off LHR had a problem and said they were returning and would need to dump fuel for landing. London Departure:“You are approaching Windsor Castle, and the Queen […]

This Week’s Question |Previous Week’s Answers PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, we asked if the TSA’s interest in repair stations as a potential security threat is warranted. An overwhelming majority of readers who responded (62% of you) said it’s just more paperwork and expense for businesses who are already barely making it. For a complete […]

Its always interesting to contemplate general aviations boom-and-bust cycles. While exceptions certainly abound, it seems every other decade since the 1930s has included introduction of new aircraft or new technologies that further advance the state of the art. The 1970s were an upswing, avocado-green vinyl upholstery and Continentals Tiara engine notwithstanding. In addition to the […]

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 […]