Features

A lot of folks have been saying that the training system is broken. It is and it has been for several years. The advent of technically advanced aircraft has just made that breakdown more apparent. Now, with the coming of the very light jets (VLJ) there is much hand-wringing about “amateurs” in the flight levels. […]

Where is “Southern Canada”? In reference to the Canadian ballooning accident reported this in this week’s AVweb (NewsWire, Aug. 9) …Being as Canada is just about exactly the same width as the U.S. (“Sea to Shining Sea” about covers it), would American readers accept a news story that said a balloon accident occurred this week […]

On Friday and Saturday, Hurricane Charley hit the Florida coastline hard and fast. Despite being without power, contributing writer Tim Kern sent these photos. Click Any Image for a High-Resolution PhotoEach high-res image opens in a new window for easy browsing. Photos of the Punta Gorda Air Terminal

On Friday and Saturday, Hurricane Charley struck the Punta Gorda Terminal in Florida hard and fast. AVweb staffers were on hand to capture the devastation. Click Any Image for a High-Resolution PhotoEach high-res image opens in a new window for easy browsing. Aircraft Depot, a local maintenance shop, lost both hangar doors, and aircraft inside […]

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, we asked how AVweb readers feel about new high-tech instrument panels. By and large, you’re ready for ’em! 42% of our respondents think it’s about time for more comprehensive and reliable instrumentation in the cockpit. Another 33% of you said you were unintimidated by the new panels, answering “what […]

AirVenture Cup Race Correction Correction to your article about the AirVenture Cup Race (NewsWire, Jul. 28). Please note that all the speeds are knots, not mph. Someone in the race staff messed up, and there was confusion about it all week.Sam HoskinsRace #22, 1st Place, Sprint Class Oshkosh Pictures I have long wanted to attend […]

Old Hack, our resident curmudgeon, caught me in the Pilot’s Lounge, here at the virtual airport, the other morning. He plopped down in one of the big, old, worn recliners, scowled at me and said, “Hey, I’m the one who’s supposed to look pissed off at the world. If you look more angry at things […]

Overheard by passenger on United flight SNA to ORD… Fedex ###: Fedex ### with you at FL230. Kansas City Area Control: Fedex ###, roger. How long to climb to FL310? Fedex ###: Roger, just a minute… (brief silence) Unknown 1: I gotta get me one o’ whatever he’s flyin’. Unknown 2: …must be outta Cape […]

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Hoo-boy, did we ever get a lot of response toour last “Question of the Week”!  If you thought our poll about the salaries of professional pilots was a bit one-sided – 2/3 of our respondents answered with an emphatic “no, professional pilots are not overpaid” – wait until you see the […]

Why are so many aircraft owners and A&P mechanics “spring-loaded to the overhaul position”? I think the word “overhaul” might be the most overused and misunderstood word in the lexicon of aircraft maintenance.Last week, I was talking to a friend who had just put his airplane in the shop for its annual inspection. I asked […]