Features

Natural selection weeds out the weak and encourages proliferation of the strong. It works in nature but I’m not so sure it hasn’t been subverted elsewhere. Specifically, I’m talking about Franklin engines, a once-upon-a-time contender in general aviation that is, for the time being, out of business.The short version is this: United Technologies — Pratt […]

Somtimes they’re a little busy… Overheard inbound to EAA’s AirVenture, Oshkosh, 2003, where only the controllers on the ground speak and pilots respond by rocking their wings. Controller: Bell Helicopter, Fisk Approach. If you read, rock your wings. Controller: Right… OK, I guess you really don’t have any wings. Bell Helicopter, if you read, transmit. […]

Cessna Twins Spar Corporation36 Columbia Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735-2606 Tel: 516-847-0002 February 23, 2005 Ms.Mary GradyEditorAVWeb Dear Ms. Grady, Per your request, the following are CTScs comments regarding the spar cracks discovered in two Cessna 402C aircraft. The recently discovered spar problems on two extremely high-time Cessna 402C aircraft used in commuter service indicate that […]

Lockheed AFSS I am in agreement with the AFSS controller from AOO AFSS (AVmail, Feb. 14). Mr. Boyer of AOPA says the performance parameters are guaranteed. By whom? If they aren’t met, who are you going to complain to? If you’re not satisfied with the response to your complaint, what’s your recourse? AFSS won’t be […]

Much of aviation involves black and white decision-making; we have to do many of the tasks we do in a closely prescribed way or risk dying. There is no appeal or plea bargain for violation of a law of aerodynamics. If we are in a single-engine airplane and the engine quits under about 500 feet […]

ATC: Saratoga 12345, traffic at 3,000 feet (same altitude), 1 O’Clock, 3 miles opposite direction. Saratoga 12345: Roger, looking for traffic. (long pause) Saratoga 12345: Approach, Saratoga 12345, no joy on that traffic, can you give us a better location on it? ATC: I can give you a much better location … he’s 2 miles […]

CASE NO. 29,385 INTERSTATE SOUTHWEST, LTD., Plaintiff, v. avco corporation, TEXTRON LYCOMING RECIPROCATING ENGINE DIVISION OF AVCO CORPORATION, Defendants. IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF GRIMES COUNTY, TEXAS 278th JUDICIAL DISTRICT CHARGE TO THE JURY LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE JURY: This case is submitted to you by asking questionsabout the facts, which you must decide […]

Judging by the inquiries I get from aircraft owners, it’s a frustratingly common situation: You get a call from the shop that’s annualing your airplane, and the news isn’t good. The IA found something wrong and it’s going to be expensive to fix.Because you’re a savvy and maintenance-involved owner, you ask the IA for the […]