Features

Caution: Greenhorn on the runway… As I taxied into the number two position (holding short of the runway behind one of the local flightschool aircraft) I switched to tower frequency — just in time to hear the following transmission between the tower and student pilot: Tower: Skyhawk 123 taxi into position and hold. (pause) Skyhawk […]

My last column (The Annual Inspection Trap) triggered some fascinating responses from several readers who are career A&P/IAs.One such reader — who oversees a GA maintenance facility — chastised me severely for my assertion that FAR 43.11 calls for an IA who is asked to sign off an annual inspection with discrepancies to document those […]

Sharing Military Airspace The excessive impact of military airspaces (Question of the Week, Mar. 3) could be mitigated by providing general aviation safe corridors. Similar corridors work in Class B airspace.The military should provide safe flight-following for civilian flights. If this is considered burdensome, it shows the impact of the airspace restriction is excessive.Chuck Forsberg […]

Retirement parties, like funerals, get more plentiful as your life and career nears their respective ends. Much like funerals, these retirement fetes are sometimes the last opportunity to pay last respects to old friends.Leaving the airline almost always means literally leaving your flying friends. This is because a major airline’s flight crews are usually made […]

Such concern is touching… Overheard ata smallAustralian regional airport. Regional Carrier XYZ Tower, XYZ, we may be reporting a bird-strike on landing. We’re just backtracking the runway to check. Tower Theres a large bird lying on the runway, so were confirming that strike. Regional Carrier Roger, XYZ.Can you see any damage? Tower Dont know yet, […]

Lying to the FAA It’s interesting that the FAA would be so serious about lying on a medical application (NewsWire, Feb. 28). I do not justify or condone any form of dishonesty, and I do not object to liars being prosecuted. It’s strange, though, that when lawyers openly lie in court, it is not considered […]

As heard over the Palomar Tower Freq. back in 1981, from a female controller to a distinguished elder gentleman pilot (and friend)… Palomar Tower: Tiger Moth on the right downwind, say your intentions. Tiger Moth: Strictly honorable Ma’am, strictly honorable.