As I write this I am preparing mentally and physically for my annual excursion to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture. Since 1970 I’ve missed only three or four of these grand aviation extravaganzas. I haven’t been able to attend the entire gathering every year, but for the vast majority of those years I’ve been on hand […]
Opinion
Eliminating the terrorist threat
It is encouraging to read letters like “A different view” and “more tolerance” in the July 8th edition, regarding the Washington, D.C., ADIZ. I couldn’t agree more. The entire “Patriot Act” should be repealed. It is a most egregious and dangerous step toward a Fascist government. It was all prepared before Sept. 11, and rushed through in a […]
How should aircraft engines be preheated?
I just read Paul McBride’s response to John Folinsbee in the April 22, 2005, issue (What led to camshaft damage?) I know this is a huge subject with no easy answers. May I give some information about engines and preheaters that we have observed and which might help your readers understand? Contrary to what you […]
Diabetic? You can still fly — if you’re willing to jump through some hoops
I recently had a 43-year-old diabetic pilot in my office for a Third Class Medical. My examination of the airman was unremarkable. His urinalysis was negative for sugar. He was slightly obese. Reports were provided stating he had no hypoglycemic reactions and no ophthalmological, neurological or nephrology problems. His A1C blood test, a measure of […]
Shark attack: Marking airplanes with a shark mouth used by both sides during both World Wars
By PETER M. BOWERS. Since the start of World War I, one of the most popular “extra” markings on military aircraft (aside from the standardized nationality and unit markings) has been the application of a mouth (sometimes a whole face) with very prominent painted-on teeth. This was supposed to represent a face or mouth for […]
The few, the proud, the persistent…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Homeland Security Department has issued an Interim Flight Rule that will again permit general aviation aircraft to operate into and out of Reagan National Airport. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, GA aircraft have not been permitted at DCA, which is located just across the Potomac River from downtown Washington. […]
What is causing this engine’s vibration problem?
QUESTION: I have a vibration problem with my IO-540-C4B5. I had a computer analysis done and it seems to be the engine instead of the prop. The test showed to add 96 grams at the 72° position and this seemed way out of tolerance. What can cause vibration instead of the prop being out of […]
Like-minded souls
Were you part of the annual migration of aviation enthusiasts to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture? Pilots joke that attending the event at least once in your lifetime is required by the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations. In the regular world just a fraction of the population are pilots. During Oshkosh, they are in the majority. […]
Do we really need to save airports?
I am an airport manager of a small airport in northern Oklahoma (O53), and I have to disagree that we need more airports (Join the campaign to save our airports, July 8 issue). It has been my observation in this part of the country that we don’t have enough airplanes and general aviation activities to […]