Q: In my pilot club meeting last month, a pilot complained of spark plug fouling before takeoff in our Grumman Cheetah with 150-hp Lycoming. I suggested that after starting the engine, and before taxiing, she lean the mixture, keep it lean while taxiing and put on full rich for run-up. However, if there is a […]
Opinion
Time to end TFRs
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: I totally agree that it is time to end TFRs. It is time general aviation and its airports are removed from the ridiculous so-called security rules that have been imposed. Also, there is no need for any more restrictions placed on GA aircraft and passengers departing and entering the USA than […]
BFR: Does nothing for safety
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The original reason for the BFR was to reduce accidents. Where is the data that shows that it has done that? It don’t exist. It is nothing but a pain in the butt. It does nothing for safety. It’s like the helmet law for motorcycle riders. In California it was pushed […]
FAA proposes changes in pilot, instructor and flight school rules
The FAA is proposing several changes to the pilot, flight instructor, and pilot school certification rules. One proposal would allow future pilots to apply for a private license and an instrument rating at the same time. Other proposals would require pilot in command (PIC) proficiency checks for pilots who act as PIC of single-pilot, turbojet-powered […]
Archaic system to blame for midair
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: According to news reports, FAA tower controllers were warned about the midair collision over the Hudson River but were unable to alert either of the pilots. This failure of communication cost two aircraft, nine lives, and unmeasurable bad publicity for GA. The blame for this failure belongs on the archaic simplex […]
A ploy to sell more engines?
Q: While TBO is recommended as 2,000 hours or 12 years, whichever comes first, the brokers trying to sell me a used plane always belittle that second limitation, chalking it up to Lycoming wanting to sell more rebuilds. Can you clear the air on this one? HUTCHINSON PERSONS, via email A: The text of Lycoming […]
NTSB makes Hudson River safety recommendations
The National Transportation Safety Board today released five recommendations for FAA rule changes relating to the Aug. 8 midair collision between an airplane and a sightseeing helicopter over the Hudson River. NTSB suggests the FAA: 1. Establish a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) for the exclusions to the class B airspace around New York City; […]
The fall-out from the Hudson midair
WASHINGTON. D.C. — The Aug. 8 collision between an airplane and a helicopter over the Hudson River, which resulted in nine deaths, has generated much public and media attention. On the same weekend this accident happened, two autos collided on a freeway near Los Angeles, killing seven people. Local media covered this tragedy, but it […]
MarionStar.com: General aviation a crucial driver of local economies
Niel Ritchie of Minneapolis, writes in a letter to the editor to the Marion (Ohio) Star that, “Your recent article on stimulus money used for small airports (“Gov’t watchdog questions airport stimulus projects,” 8/11) neglects to mention the overall benefits these small airports provide to small towns and rural communities across the country.” Read the […]