I once told a friend that my first passenger on earning my private pilot license would be my brother-in-law and not my spouse, because flying my spouse would put too much pressure on me. At least I knew that much about myself. So it was with that in mind that I queried NASA’s Aviation Safety […]
Opinion
Entertainment, education all around
What do the 1929 Powder Puff Derby, the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, the adventures of an airplane fanatic, the de Havilland Mosquito, and drones all have in common? All of these topics — and many more — have recently crossed my desk over the last few weeks. You see, general aviation is vast. Simply put, if it flies […]
What oil is best for your aircraft?
I am talking about certified aircraft engines like Lycoming, Continental, Pratt & Whitney, CW, etc. In these engines, you should NEVER use automotive or heavy duty truck oils.
Small shows with big impact
Twelve years ago when Light-Sport Aircraft burst on the aviation scene, pilots were hungry to learn more about these machines. Not only could they be flown without a medical, they were packed with new technologies. Glass cockpits and carbon fiber fuselages are now common, but LSA were among the first to adopt them. Most of […]
When I grow up, I want to be a….
Last week I attended a Focus on Education Breakfast held in the student center at Polk State College’s main campus in Winter Haven, Florida. On hand were members of the school board, administrators from the county’s school system, teachers, principals, politicians, community activists, and a smattering of students. The whole crew was gathered for a dual […]
Learn to fly where Lindbergh learned
In 1928 the advertising slogan “Learn to Fly Where Lindbergh Learned” started appearing in ads for the Lincoln Airplane and Flying School. After invoking Lindbergh’s name, the ad stated that students would get the same thorough training that enabled Lindbergh to win fame and fortune. Indeed, in 1923 Charles Lindbergh did start his flight training […]
Ask Paul: Wide vs. narrow deck engines
Q: Big picture question here: For a 250 or 260 hp Lycoming O (or IO)-540, is there any significant reason to favor a wide or a narrow deck engine? In particular, I’m looking at buying a core for a project and there seem to be more narrow deck cores available (presumably because their host aircraft are […]
Confessions of an unapologetic cheapskate
This column is for the optimists — those rare individuals who read the same tea leaves as everyone else, but see an entirely different future. They see potential. They recognize opportunities. Yet they are the very same folks who squeeze a dollar until it squeals, resist opening their wallets unless it’s absolutely necessary, and keep their […]
The day I groundlooped a Baron
By JEB BURNSIDE. Flying the same aircraft all the time can be boring after a while. It’s an affliction most aircraft owners share, though it’s not one to generate much sympathy from non-owners. But after months and years flying the same familiar flivver, one begins to seek out new opportunities, different aircraft and even additional ratings. So […]