Recent Updates

During the past century, man has realized his dream to fly. The aircraft has been developed and partially perfected. The aviation industry, as it is known today, has grown into a set of definable sub-industries based upon usage. Modern-day aircraft range from military to commercial airlines to the most diverse group, general aviation. As with […]

There has been a change in basic business practices throughout the aviation industry when considering insuring one’s activities against loss. In fact, this new business phenomenon is surfacing in all industries. We are talking, of course, about refusing responsibility for your own actions if you can pass that responsibility on to someone else. It is […]

Here’s the issue: Suppose you want to refurbish the interior of your FAA-certificated light plane with new carpet and upholstery. Further suppose that you have found a reputable auto upholstery shop that does great work and will reupholster your seats and cut you new carpets if you bring the stuff to them. What does the […]

While hanging around and working at the Sarasota-Bradenton airport (SRQ) in the mid-50s, I became aware of a small group of pilots my father called “airport bums.” It was years before I realized that was intended as a derogatory term, for they were my heroes. That was probably why Dad put me into forced labor […]

Staggerwings flock to Tullahoma, Pipers fly to Lock Haven and antiques gather in Blakesburg, Iowa. Pietenpols have their own annual gathering at Brodhead, Wis., that draws, if not quantity, definitely quality and a passion from those who come to see these distinctive little homebuilts. For Pietenpol builders, going to Brodhead means the chance to actually […]

It suddenly occurred to me that I’ve never done a column on my all-time favorite airplane! How could I have so neglected my old sweetheart? My logbook reveals that I have 1,864.08 hours in this old classic, second only to the 747 time, which we won’t count because it’s a nosedragger, it burns that stinky […]

“Life insurance.” These are two words almost guaranteed to glaze the eyes of even the most attentive pilot and cause many others to look for a way — any way — to quickly change the subject to something more stimulating — like wall paint or 8-track tape players. They conjure up, in my mind anyway, […]

What’s the most critical part, the indispensable portion of any airplane? The wings, of course. There have been tail-less designs and flying wings without fuselages, and gliders without engines, but you really don’t have an airplane without a wing. Given the central importance of the wing to any airplane, why would I choose to build […]

One Saturday after I walked back into the house from my shop reeking of varnish, my wife said I must be high on the fumes. I wasn’t; I wear a good filter mask when I’m varnishing or doping, but I was on a natural high. I’d just finished putting the second coat of epoxy varnish […]

When completing an application for life insurance as a pilot, there are several tips you should know that can save you time, money, and frustration. Just as you would put a new airplane through a pre-buy inspection before buying it, insurance companies put you through their underwriting process to determine whether or not to offer […]