Reader Mail

The New AFSS I was wondering how the pilots who used to use Terre Haute, Ind., Anniston, Ala., and Altoona, Pa., Automated Flight Service Stations (AFSS) feel about using the new Washington hub. I have talked to many frustrated pilots who do not like it. Lockheed-Martin has briefers who are totally unfamiliar with the areas […]

Airbus A380 Video Watching the video of the new Airbus A380 landing in America (Video of the Week, Mar. 25) reminded me of the aircraft’s visit to Sydney, Australia, a few months ago, on its Pole-to-Pole proving flight.My wife and I were driving along Qantas Drive, which is a busy road that runs right past […]

Where Are the Air-Taxis? I see no way that the VLJ on-demand air taxi concept can be profitable (Question of the Week, Mar. 7). Too many dead legs, too many fixed expenses. Nice idea, but not practical, not profitable. I give them one year to be out of business.Jim Good The success of the VLJ […]

Comair Sues FAA Over LEX Crash So Comair is suing FAA because the LEX controller didn’t watch to ensure that their CRJ found the right runway (AVwebFlash, Feb. 25). I doubt whether Comair will ask NATCA to testify on their behalf, since NATCA would state emphatically that this is not a controller’s responsibility, and never […]

New FAA Rules About Charity Flights It seems there is some confusion over the effects of the new rules regarding charity flights (AVwebFlash, Feb. 11). Of particular concern would be whether flights must stay within 25 nm of — and return to — the departure airport, and the minimum flight hours a pilot must have […]

Stephen Brown’s Podcast Interview I enjoyed hearing the podcast interview with Stephen Brown (Jan. 28). I admire his straightforward attitude and I especially applaud his lack of support for sensationalizing the incident.Joseph Barber Controller Staffing Finally Administrator Blakely has told the truth, that more controllers decided to retire (by 25%) than the FAA had planned […]

Comair Crash in Kentucky All the obvious reasons have been given for this accident (AVwebFlash, Jan. 22). However, I think the root answer lies in the fact that the regional airlines have a big rush to get pilots in the left seat. In most all cases, pilots are qualified based on paperwork, but in many […]

TFRs at Border Patrol Gee, if you close large blocks of airspace for UAVs to patrol the borders, and advertise the fact in advance so GA won’t be in conflict (AVwebFlash, Jan. 15), it doesn’t take a genius to see that all the bad guys have to do is read the NOTAMS and avoid detection […]

Shortage of Maintenance Technicians I don’t believe [there is a shortage of maintenance technicians] for a microsecond (Podcast, Jan. 5). I was not an airline mechanic but I know that there are thousands out there that have been laid off from the airlines. I have to believe in the adage, “Follow the money, stupid!”Mike Dolan […]

Repairs of Aging Aircraft I read that some FBOs in the States are refusing to work on aircraft over 18 years old (AVwebFlash, Jan. 4). I have an FBO at Clark Field, Philippines, and I will refuse to work on any aircraft newer than 18 years! My Ryan Navion I fly daily is now 58 […]