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.
Opinion
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.
Expert Tips For Troubleshooting Your Aircraft Engine Issues
Planning to ask a factory representative for help at the next big aviation event? Don’t show up empty-handed. You need to be able to provide specific details like make, model, and serial number, to get the solution to your engine problems.
Questions from the Cockpit: Decoding Cessna Performance Charts for Grass Runway Landings
Justin, a student pilot in Florida, writes: I’ve been studying the performance charts in my Cessna 172’s POH and was surprised to see a note on the short field landing table that said to add 45% to the figures for landing on grass. Why do you need more landing distance on a soft field? Shouldn’t the surface friction slow the plane down more than on pavement?
70 Airports For His 70th Birthday
To celebrate his 70th birthday, Oregon pilot Ray Phelan embarked on an ambitious mission: Landing his 1971 Beechcraft Bonanza at 70 different airports in a single day.