Features

Unusual Attitudes Training I did spins during primary training, and now fly commercial aerobatics in light aircraft and IFR in commercial heavy aircraft. I feel that unusual attitude training is important for all pilots, but aerobatics in light planes has limited unusual attitude value for pilots of heavier aircraft.Chas Kelly Concorde Viability Most Americans seem […]

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** We received over 200 responses to our question last week on unusual attitudes training. Over half (54 percent of those responding said they had received unusual attitudes training as part of their primary flight-training curriculum. Fourteen percent indicated they have participated in specialized course, while 18 percent have not but would […]

Huricane Flight Great information about flying the Hurricane (Pelican’s Perch, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12). I am an old Marine F4U driver — WWII & Korea — we thought we had some problems with that plane, but … !I am the historian for the original VMF 312, formed June 1, 1943. A young fellow made […]

Overheard on the Mexico City ground control freq…. F-100: Ground control, F-100 ready to taxi. Ground: F-100 clear to taxi to Runway 5 left. Follow the 767 ahead of you. F-100: Where is the ’67 going? Ground: To Madrid … but you just follow him till before the runway!!!

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** We received over 200 responses to our question last week on business aviations recovery. Over half (56 percent) of those responding felt business aviation, lime all segments of the aviation industry, have greatly suffered since 9/11 from an economical standpoint and with the numerous flight restrictions sill in place. To check […]

What’s not to like about October? It’s my favorite month of the year. I don’t know what it’s like in your neck of the woods but here in the Southeast it’s just about perfect. Cool nights, warm days and the sky: the crystal-clear, beautiful, blue sky.They’re the kind of days that are perfect for flying. […]

Editor’s Note: This is the second of a two-part series on flying the Hurricane. Read Part 1 first. First, there is excellent news. The main electrical panel for the Zero has been repaired after my little smoke and fire event, and I should be able to test hop it today (10/7/03). The Hurry has been […]

From Grand Rapids tower… Tower to Continental ABC: I see that your flight plan states, “no ice”. (pause)Won’t the passengers be upset? Tower (again): Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

*** PREVIOUS RESULTS *** We received over 300 responses to our question last week on the publics support of general aviation GA). Approaching half (44 percent) of those responding felt many people dont understand the many benefits GA offers the community, while 309 percent said general aviation is perceived as an annoyance. Only 1 percent […]

Thanks to Professor Lisa Whittaker at Western Michigan University for providing much of the information in this column. One of the frequent visitors to the pilots lounge, here at the virtual airport, is a pilot who has been flying for three or four years. He is conscientious, works on improving his skills and has fun […]