Flight Safety

Have you ever given thought to what you would do if you found yourself strapped in upside down in a sinking aircraft? Imagine flying along on a nice warm day, and the next moment, being trapped inside an aircraft with cold water rushing in. It’s very dark, you can’t breathe, and if you’re not prepared, […]

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 […]

Recently, I flew a practice ILS approach, hooded, and partial panel (with the AI and DG covered up). It was surprisingly easy – much easier than usual – because I used my VFR GPS to substitute for the DG, and to assist with keeping on the localizer during the ILS final approach. Here are the […]

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 […]

The media is filled with stories on how today’s youth has gone bad. However, in our aviation industry there are thousands of young people fulfilling their dreams of learning to fly. In the process of learning how to build a wing, or earning a pilot’s certificate, they have acquired self-esteem and an introduction into the […]

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. […]