Features

I was in the pilot’s lounge, here at the virtual airport, doing my shallow breathing exercises, when I found myself eavesdropping on some training one of the instructors was giving to a primary student. The instructor was going on and on about the importance of the preflight inspection as well as all of the possible […]

Pilatus: Tower, we think we just hit Rocky the Squirrel half way down the runway. Tower: I thought I saw a pink mist down there. Is your plane OK? Pilatus: Seems we’re fine, but its not been a good day for Rocky. Tower: Let’s just hope Bullwinkle doesn’t come looking… (10 minutes later) Airport 1: […]

Drug Smugglers Larry Hawes seems to have forgotten the April 2001 downing by the Peruvian Air Force of a plane carrying American missionaries (AVmail, Jun. 7). The Peruvian Air Force was running a drug interdiction/interception program, and believed that the aircraft was running drugs. A mother and her infant daughter, both U.S. citizens, were killed.Advocates […]

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, AVweb asked the somber question, “How many friends have you lost to flying?”  Thankfully, the most popular response was “none,” shared by nearly 40% of those who participated in the poll.  Less reassuring, however, was the number of readers who told us they had lost five or more friends […]

I‘ve probably talked to thousands of owners of piston-powered airplanes over the years. Every one is serious about safety, and I’ve never met one that wasn’t absolutely convinced that his aircraft was safe and well-maintained. “I carry my family and friends in this airplane, so I’d never cut corners on maintenance.” Nevertheless, the piston-powered GA […]

GA Fair Share One of the problems with the debate over GA “not paying its fair share” of FAA expenses (NewsWire, May 31) is that GA doesn’t need all of the FAA “assistance.” The entire U.S. airway system was developed at the request (demand?) of the airlines. So let them pay for it. GA could […]

My co-pilot, Jerry, breezed into the cockpit at pushback time plus five and threw down his flight bag. “Sorry I’m so late — I somehow screwed up my schedule and didn’t even know I was supposed to fly today!”That sort of thing happens from time to time and there isn’t much you can do about […]

When communications run afowl… (Overheard May 15, 2004.) Tower: Landing traffic, be advised that there’s still a turkey on the runway. Pilot (speaking immediately): Tower, Cessna ### clear of the active. Tower: Thank you … (laughter) … but I meant the real turkey.

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, AVweb asked pilots about their relationship with ATC.  Is the controller always right, or do you have to supersede their judgement with your own?  Most of you (45% of respondents) admit to having refused a controller’s directions but you consider it a rare event. Another 21% of those who […]

FSS Privatization I would appreciate you giving me the opportunity to respond to this letter (AVmail, May 17).Mr. Jim Bemiss:I am a dedicated and hard-working Air Traffic Controller at the Terre Haute, Ind., AFSS. I must say I was offended at your letter this month on FSS privatization. Yes, we are in danger of losing […]