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Conceived as a next generation bushplane with turbine power, the Caravan was a huge risk for Cessna to take at a time when aircraft sales were collapsing and the selling price of a new turboprop would have to be multiples of the prices for the used, piston-pounding DeHavilland Beavers and Otters with which it was […]

This article originally appeared in IFR Refresher, Oct. 2006. Most ILS approaches take from three to five minutes to complete after crossing the final approach fix (FAF). What you’re about to read is the story of a pilot who was cleared for an ILS approach just before his aircraft disappeared from radar, only to pop […]

Commercial Airlines Recently my wife and I flew to Seattle from Connecticut. I fly enough to be aware of all the abuses reaped on the passengers by the airlines and the government. I flew in a regional jet from Bradley International in Connecticut to Chicago, where I was surprised to have side-by-side seating (no middle […]

Look at the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or installed placards on most airplanes and you’ll find a notation about “unusable fuel.” Unusable fuel is that fuel in the tank(s) that is not considered to be accessible for running the engine(s). Fuel tank design philosophy provides a sump area into which heavier-than-fuel water or other contamination […]

Ominous skies and gusting winds were extra challenges to deal with for the Aero GP racers on the last day of the Constanta air race challenge in Romania last month. According to their Web site, this was in marked contrast to the first day of the event when wake turbulence and thermals had been the […]

Where Did I Fly This Summer? Regarding the Question of the Week about flying trips (QOTW, Aug. 30):I flew that big trip I’d always planned … and I flew to Oshkosh (two separate trips), but I can’t enter both options!Rob Lees Benefits of a Privatized FAA Concerning Mr. Burnley’s comments (Podcast, Aug. 31): As far […]

We just had a little excitement in the Pilot’s Lounge, here at the virtual airport. No, Old Hack didn’t get into another fight with someone over nosewheel versus tailwheel pilots; one of the charter pilots actually had one of the engines on a twin Cessna quit on him in flight. I’ll refer to him as […]

Carbon Offset Program Geared for GA I think AVweb is a great source of information. However, I was disappointed to see your inclusion of the Carbon Offset Program in your newsletter (AVwebFlash, Aug. 26). These programs are nothing more than a modern-day pyramid scheme. I followed the link to learn about this service and found […]

This is the story of an aviator who started out in flight training prior to World War II. The narrative chronicles his experiences through the tremendous and rapid development of aviation in all its phases. It tells the story of the evolution and growth of a working pilot, in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean […]

This article originally appeared in Aviation Safety, July 2005. Stuff happens. Despite our best, most conscientious plans, once we get airborne things can change. Weather forecasts turn to lies, passengers change destinations and a well-maintained aircraft can break. It can get lonely up there.When the landing gear fails to extend, do we calmly and professionally […]