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Sikorsky Aircraft unveiled its X2 Technology Demonstrator Aircraft Sunday at Heli-Expo in Houston. The counter-rotating coaxial rotor design is aimed at delivering the high-speed cruise while keeping the low-speed handling, hovering and autorotation safety characteristics that operators want. “The X2 Technology Demonstrator is an integrated suite of technologies intended to advance the state-of-the-art, counter-rotating coaxial […]

It was late when I got into the Pilot’s Lounge at the virtual airport. I’d airlined into the big airport and driven about an hour here, as I wanted to drop off some things in my hangar and then see if I could locate a back issue of a magazine in the Lounge before going […]

This article originally appeared in Light Plane Maintenance, Jul. 2005. The following article is done in a question-and-answer format to cover some of the most common questions and misunderstandings concerning aircraft and lubrication. This represents only but a few of the many questions I am asked about when I meet people and they find out […]

Air Traffic Controller Staffing As an air traffic control supervisor at one of the nation’s busiest airports, I am angered and disappointed by the opinions expressed by Mr. Jim Trinka, FAA director of technical training and development (AVwebFlash, Feb. 10). Either Mr. Trinka is [unaware of] the plight of FAA ATC field facilities, or he […]

This article originally appeared in Kitplanes magazine, Feb. 2008. It’s almost a given that the Bose Headset X is at or near the top of every pilot’s wish list, in large part because the $1000 noise-canceler is comfortable, quiet and sleek. Now comes the LightSPEED Zulu, a clear shot across the Bose bow. So here’s […]

This article originally appeared in Aviation Safety, Jan. 2006. Owning an airplane can be a real pain. There are costs for insurance, tiedown/hangaring, annual inspections and debt service, all of which are incurred before the engine even turns over. Add in the hourly costs of fuel, oil, tires, unscheduled maintenance and overhaul reserves, and it’s […]

National Business Aviation Association President Ed Bolen opened the third Asian Business Association Conference and Exhibition today in Hong Kong by telling delegates the economic growth in the region makes aviation a natural partner for success.”There is no doubt that the future is bright for business aviation in Asia. China, in particular, as one of […]

Bob, the owner of a Cessna 172RG, found himself in an unexpected predicament. Seems he had an unfortunate gear-up landing. The airplane suffered only minimal damage, largely limited to minor belly damage and the outer four inches of the prop tips curled back. The engine had only about 100 hours SMOH at the time of […]

Light Sport Aircraft Who will profit most by my purchase [of an LSA]? Who will profit least by my purchase?The trend of business in the U.S. today seems to be driven by the notion that we can simply be the brokers and let everyone else do the “work.” Our fathers left us with the ability […]

It was a tough approach to a landing and I was all by myself. No co-pilot to help me and no company dispatcher to ask for numbers or advice. I was fairly low on fuel — about two and a half gallons left — and the air pressure in my left main gear tire was […]