I have a Lycoming O-360-A3A in my Cherokee. According to the Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS), this engine is similar to an -A1A, except without provisions for a constant speed prop. Nevertheless, it is equipped with a hollow crankshaft, and there is a pad on the accessory case for a prop governor. A friend told […]
Opinion
LEAVE OPINION OUT OF ACCIDENT REPORTS
In the Dec. 15, 2006, issue in the Accident Reports the headline reads “Contaminated fuel contributes to crash that kills two.” After reading the full narrative of the probable cause I found no reference in the report to suggest that “fuel contamination” was the cause for the tragedy. Your report also stated “there was speculation […]
Fair is fair
I am writing to express my concern over overt actions of Washington State’s Spokane International Airport Board and staff in negotiations with Spokane Airways regarding lease terms. In describing these actions, vendetta is perhaps too strong a word, but that is what comes to mind after perceiving (for better than a year) that the airport […]
Senators push TSA to ramp up GA security: ‘More robust plan’may be on the way
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Some members of Congress want general aviation to undergo the same security checks as airline passengers — and the head of the Transportation Security Administration told senators that TSA is “”looking at steps”” to improve its general aviation tactics, and added that “”a more robust plan”” is on the way. At a […]
EGT: What’s normal
If you notice a sudden change compared to what you’ve experienced, then a chat with your maintenance technician might be in order.
What’s your motivation?
What’s your motivation when it comes to flying? Do you fly because it’s something you enjoy? Do you fly because you are building your hours to get a better paying job? If you have a career in aviation, the answer to both of those questions is probably yes. When you lose that motivation it is […]
“Paul Rever’s hose”: Charlie Lawrance and his engine that changed aviation
It is probable that you’ve never heard of Charles Lanier Lawrance, and that’s a shame. You know a lot about Wilbur and Orville Wright, of course, and you’re beginning to know about Charles Taylor, who was their mechanic and engine builder, and thus the world’s first A&P. You know somewhat less about Glenn Curtiss than […]
A busy year ahead: Expect confrontations on everything from user fees to cell phones
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This is going to be a busy year in Washington for aviation. Expect confrontations between various segments of aviation, between the FAA and some of its employees, between the government and some users, between the FAA and certificate holders, and possibly within the political parties. We already know about the user fee […]
Are dual mags reliable?
I own a Cessna R-182 that has a Lycoming O-540 J3C5D engine. It seems like a great engine and runs well. I have a concern about the “”dual-pack”” type magnetos that run off a common gear. Yesterday, another pilot told me of an engine failure that he had years ago in a Cherokee Six where […]