Features

Airline Patriotism No doubt it is neither my business nor my right to comment on how certain airlines — specifically United, Northwest and UPS — are equipping themselves with foreign-made (read AIRBUS) airliners.Can’t help but notice that Boeing’s Commercial Airliner Division is still laying off workers, because of dropping sales. So Seattle is feeling that […]

Years ago, as a student pilot, I remember the fear when my instructor told me we would be flying into Class B (then known as a TCA). What happens if I miss a call? What happens if I blow an altitude, or screw up a heading? He kept re-assuring me that I would do just […]

This week, we would like to know your thoughts on the delayed release of Sport Pilot certification. For AVweb’s Question of the Week, click here. PREVIOUS RESULTS We received over 400 responses to our question last week on GA Glass Cockpits. Approaching half (42 percent) of those responding indicated the benefit of a GA glass […]

I consider myself very lucky to be able to go into the pilot’s lounge, here at the virtual airport, and talk with or exchange e-mails with some very perceptive, knowledgeable pilots. I deeply appreciate the time they take to educate me so that I can write this column. In the last five months I sent […]

Flight Schools I’m happy for those companies that have made through these tough times, but all in all, general aviation, flight schools, and A&P schools have suffered a 50 to 60% decrease in business. The small mom & pop operations continue to suffer and are closing at an alarming rate. The media tends to ignore […]

Having just rolled out and made my way to the taxiway, I contacted ground control. The taxiways were very lengthy and one way. This would have added nearly a mile to my travel to the gas pumps which were only several hundred yards away. “Ground control, Cessna ***** at Alpha 6, can I “fudge” a […]

This week, we would like to know your thoughts on GA glass cockpit packages. Thanks to Austin D. Nixon for suggesting this week’s topic. For AVweb’s Question of the Week, click here. PREVIOUS RESULTS We received over 300 responses to our question last week on the Centennial Of Flight Celebration. The vast majority (69 percent) […]

Two Poles, One Pilot, One Engine The idea of flying single engined across both poles doesn’t sound nearly dangerous enough to catch my attention. Let’s disconnect one of the magnetos and use some contaminated fuel just to keep things interesting.Who gets to search the polar ice caps when she goes missing?Sylvia Else Deadheading Pilots Want […]

The office of my Flight Surgeon was littered with the usual magazines, health books, drug interaction guides, free pens with medical supply house names on them, and of course, the ubiquitous television in the corner of the room talking about how you should take care of yourself and strive not to smoke, drink, inhale radon […]

We often have strong winds in Texas. But they usually pick a direction and stay put. This particular night while returning to home base at ADS, the ATIS said the winds were 150 at 15 (right down the runway). Since I was getting a real workout on the controls, I called for a wind check. […]