Features

Computers have made aviation so much easier. A mere decade ago, flight engineers were trained to compute weight and balance figures on something called “a piece of paper.” These figures were then used in the operation of the aircraft.Then a major breakthrough happened and the airlines came up with a radio dispatch system that was […]

From our “Finer Points of Maintenance” file… “Remember, you really only need two tools: WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn’t move and it should, use the WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn’t, use the duct tape.”

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, AVweb asked readers what they thought of the new Boeing 7E7.  Interestingly enough, this was the most evenly split poll AVweb has run in 2004!  Your responses were split almost evenly across all five responses, with a very slight lead (26%) for (you guessed it) our median response – […]

Sport Pilot Not Ready Yet The EAA does not understand that OMB represents the public (NewsWire, Apr. 19).Way back when I was in an Air Force Reserve meeting at Warner Robins, Ga., the Chief Engineer of the Chandler Evans Company emphasized, “Never hatch a half-baked scheme!”There has been no evidence that NPRM FAA-2001-11133 has approached […]

From our brain burps file… Tower: Fokker 170, hold position. Fokker 170: I don’t know how to do that. (pause) Manila Tower: [Airliner] 2, hold position. Fokker 170, continue approach, cleared to land.

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Last week, AVweb asked your opinion on the much-anticipated Sport Pilot rating.  Most respondents are ready for Sport Pilot and changes it will bring – including new aircraft, new pilots, and a renewed interest among senior pilots.  Over 200 people (60% of those surveyed) are waiting for the new rating with […]

Trying to guess what Mother Nature is going to do is risky business. I had to wait three weeks to get my yard aerated because it wouldn’t stop raining. I finally got it done, threw down a bunch of grass seed and I bet it hasn’t rained an inch in the month since.Mother Nature will […]

ATC Training Issue This radio exchange actually took place between a Cessna 172 (with an instrument student and instructor on board) and a Class C ATC controller in the Midwest. One day prior, the instructor contacted the tower by phone to determine the best time that workload would allow controllers to perform an Airport Surveillance […]

Overheard enroute from RMG to 45J… Pilot: Approach, Skylane N###, Could I have a right turn direct mydestination? Approach: Standby. I’ll check to see if that Dash 8 doing 200 knots up your five-o’clock feels like wearing you on his lapel…

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** Two weeks ago, AVweb was preparing for Sun ‘n Fun and the 9/11 Commission was just beginning to hear the testimony of Condoleezza Rice – and we asked readers how they feel about “terror in the skies.”  The overwhelming majority of you (almost 500 people, 63% of poll respondents) put your […]