Features

Welcome back class. Now that we have you up in the air, we have to figure out a way to get you back down. As you have no doubt been told by your CFII, this part is not optional. Failure to successfully complete this section of the course will result in your termination. Permanently. For […]

The term “Fried Valves” seems to be sneaking into the lexicon of engine terminology, and is most often used by those who speak in dire tones about LOP (Lean of Peak) operations. Next they’ll blame LOP for tail flutter, vacuum pump failures, faded upholstery, and other such things. While were at it, let’s blame LOP […]

In December, 2001, the ATSB (Australian Transport Safety Bureau, similar to the U.S.’s NTSB) published one of the worst accident reports I can remember reading. In my opinion, the ATSB has taken junk science, pure speculation and profound ignorance to levels seldom before seen. They have not only perpetuated “Old Wives’ Tales,” but they have […]

I could hear the noise emanating from the pilot’s lounge here at the virtual airport well before I got to the door. I recognized the voice that was underway at full steam. As I considered the identity of its operator, I was reminded of one of my grandfather’s favorite aphorisms: An empty wagon makes the […]

Hazel Sig-Hester was born March 3,1922, in Grinnell, Iowa. Her family lived on 3rd Street, Hazel was the thirdchild, and Grinnell was the third town her parents had lived in, so it’s easy tosee what her lucky number is. Hazel’s father took a ride with Charles Lindberghwhen he passed through Iowa giving rides, and her […]

I was with a woman who wasn’t my wife. I had my shoes off, my belt off, and my pants undone, and she was rubbing my tummy just above my “daddy parts.” Was I flirting with divorce court? Hell no … I was simply going through security at Columbus Ohio International. Friendly enough as security […]

Nearly half the households in the United States include one or more animals, and many of these households also include a general aviation aircraft owner or pilot. Arrangements must be made for the care of their pets before the human members of the household can take a trip of more than one day’s duration. Do […]

The subject of this column was suggested by a reader, a former gofer at the flight school I operated. (We always had an ambitious young person who did “grunt work” on a trade deal in exchange for flight instruction.) Larry was one such, and now he is a graduate electrical engineer and part-time flight instructor. […]

I know it will come as no surprise to you that the recent midair collision on the Swiss-German border has been dominating my thoughts this week. It’s the ultimate nightmare in ATC, for pilots, passengers, and controllers alike. We will have to wait months before we know precisely what went wrong. The waiting will be […]

On Saturday, July 13, 2002, a crowd of more than 1,500 people witnessed the rollout of the first Eclipse 500 in Albuquerque. By the time you read this, the revolutionary six-place, twin-engine mini-jet may well have made its first flight. With its high-tech avionics, 355-knot cruising speed, 1,300-nm range, and 41,000-ft ceiling – all for […]