Flight Planning

After I heard a GA pilot expressing concern about getting into icing conditions, I responded to air traffic control: Me: “PIREP for the 172 concerned about icing, the freezing level over Santa Cruz summit is 5,000 feet.” NorCal Approach: “What was the OAT?” Me: “Well, uh, that would be zero degrees Celsius.” Bennet Taber San […]

This week, AVweb‘s news roundup found reports of a new sim lab, a second chance to catch a weather tool webinar and a change in leadership at Pro Star Aviation. In partnership with Cirrus Aviation, Alsim has opened a demonstration center and simulation lab at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) in Sarasota, Florida. The facility […]

Possible LSA Weight Limit Increase I’ve heard reference to four seats, 3600lb, and 150mph. Now, I won’t complain about the weight number… but honestly I’d rather trade some of that weight increase for a further speed increase. How many four-seaters out there weigh 3600lb and only top out at 150? Maybe if they could make […]

An ongoing effort by AOPA and some GA industry allies has met with some success—Signature, the biggest FBO in the U.S., with about 200 locations, is now publishing its fees online, at least for piston aircraft. “This is a step in the right direction,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. AOPA’s staff review of the posted […]

Around 20 years ago, a cold snap in the mid-southeast U.S. brought temperatures to well below freezing. The following day, my employee and I headed to the airport in midafternoon. We planned to fly our borrowed twin Commander to Milwaukee, returning it to its owner. We walked directly to the airplane, which had not been […]

On my way home from Oshkosh Air Venture last August, I observed the billowing anvils of thunderstorms south of my flight path. Both the radar and satellite pictures showed buildups advancing northward, which would cut directly through my route. So, I took the safe option and landed at Dalhart, Texas for the night. The ability […]

If it seems like storms are getting worse, there may be some comfort in the fact that storm response, including GA’s contribution, is getting better. Volunteer pilots stepped up in numbers to help bring relief to millions affected by Hurricane Florence and thanks to some well-organized efforts of groups that have learned from past disasters, […]

I was flying from Jacksonville, North Carolina, to College Park, Maryland, on an IFR flight plan to go to a Redskins game. It was a CAVU day. The following exchange took place somewhere southeast of Richmond: Washington Center: “Skyhawk 68E, traffic two o’clock, 10 miles, westbound, 500 feet above.” Skyhawk 68E: “Negative contact, but I’m […]