Here is another “rule” for your database (Rules for flight, June 9 issue), an oldie but a goodie: “The two most useless items in flying are the runway behind you and the altitude above you.” Par Loennquist via email
Opinion
To build a fire … to save our airspace
You may remember reading Jack London’s short story, “To Build a Fire,” in which a would-be Alaska gold rush prospector dies when he can’t build a fire to stay warm. He ignored the advice of the more experienced and set out ill prepared for the trail. It can be seen as a cautionary tale for […]
Where can airplane designers find info onengines?
Where can I obtain CAD information for Continental and Lycoming engines to use in a preliminary airplane design? In addition to the dimensions of the engines and very specific positions and angles for mounting and accessories, I’d like to have weight, C.G., etc. I’d also like to have some information on rpm ranges and vibration […]
The rest of the story
I am writing not as Mr. Clow’s attorney, but as a friend and admirer of Mr. Oliver Boyd Clow (“Boyd”). I would like correct an impression the article, Save a private airport: Pilots can make a difference, April 21 issue, left in the minds of some readers that Clow International Airport (IC5) was developed by […]
Thanks!
I wanted to take a minute to say thanks for the fine article you wrote for PilotShareTheRide.com (A new way to share an airplane — or at least a ride, May 19 issue). GANews has been very helpful to me this past year and I do greatly appreciate it. It has boosted my membership quite […]
ATC: Are we headed for a meltdown?
WASHINGTON. —The FAA has spent more than $43 billion on the air traffic control (ATC) system over the past 25 years and plans to spend an additional $9.6 billion through fiscal year 2009 — and the system “”is not much different from that used in the 1960s,”” Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) said recently when opening […]
‘Prove it’ should be our call to Washington
Your article in GANews (Prove it! May 19 issue) was exactly what I always thought in regard to the politically correct way of disseminating information in today’s society. In college, I was required to take a class called “critical thinking” and found it very good as a tool in using caution in putting any stock […]
Ethanol: It’s misunderstood
I just read Mr. Visser’s article about ethanol and airplanes (Ethanol and airplanes: A good mix? May 19 issue). I agree that ethanol blended gas may not be the best choice for aircraft use. However, as an ex-farmer and now an aircraft mechanic, I have a slight argument about the general use of ethanol blended […]
Why is my engine so hard to start?
QUESTION: I have a 1979 Cessna 152 II with a Lycoming 110 hp engine. I have a hard time starting it in all weather conditions with any combination of prime, from zero to four primes. Many times it will not start, draining the battery. How can I resolve this problem? Joe Ragon Okeechobee, Fla. ANSWER: […]