Fly to Southern California’s backcountry again. Discover how the Recreational Aviation Foundation successfully reopened scenic Monache Meadows airstrip.
Opinion
The Curtiss Kingbird: A Forgotten Twin Engine Airliner
When aviation enthusiasts think of Curtiss aircraft, they rarely remember the Curtiss Kingbird.
A Practical Guide to Buying an Airplane Successfully
Think you can’t afford to buy an airplane? Think again. This practical guide breaks down the essential steps to successful aircraft ownership, from defining your true mission and setting a realistic budget to navigating insurance, pre-buy inspections, and securing local hangar space.
Human Factors: Deadbeats
When a seasoned Malibu pilot experienced a total engine failure, he executed a flawless off-airport landing. However, the real shock came during the ensuing NTSB investigation, when investigators discovered nearly two decades of brazen aviation maintenance fraud.
Airplane Ownership is Within Your Grasp
Tired of renting airplanes and facing strict daily minimums that restrict your long trips? Discover how creative airplane ownership options — including private ownership, co-ownership, and flying clubs— can reduce costs, increase your flying freedom, and make cross-country aviation truly affordable for almost any pilot’s budget.
Questions From The Cockpit: How Do Rotary Engines Work?
Amanda, a private pilot in Minnesota, writes: I was reading about the early aviation engines, and with the rotary engine, the entire engine spun. How on earth did that work with getting spark to the cylinders? Obviously cables were out…
It’s In The (Flight) Bag
When the Wright brothers first flew, they needed no bag. Pilots weren’t really a thing yet. There were no tools to carry. No mandatory logs to be kept. The only thing a pilot of the day might need to be successful was a functional airplane, a hat and, perhaps, a pair of goggles. Honestly, the hat was optional.
Questions From The Cockpit: Why Are They Called Wig-Wag Lights?
Curtis, a student pilot in Arizona, writes: On a training flight yesterday I saw an airplane coming in to land that had landing lights on the wings that were alternately flashing off and on. My CFI said that it was a “wig-wag” system. Such a funny name. I’m wondering where it came from.
The Risks of Summer Thunderstorms for General Aviation Pilots
This summer we are likely to see metal bent, blood spilled, and easily preventable deaths as pilots fly into weather they have no business being anywhere near. That’s a bleak, depressing prediction but one that is based on what has happened in the past.