By PETER M. BOWERS. The first Curtiss Hawks for the U.S. Navy were nine F6C-1s, direct equivalents of the Army P-1s, and were delivered late in 1925. The designation meant a fighter model (F), the sixth ordered from Curtiss. The –1 identified the initial configuration. These were used mostly by the U.S. Marines from shore […]
Opinion
Should I buy a Canadian engine on eBay for my 152?
QUESTION: I have a chance to buy an engine on eBay that is a good deal for me. I have a Cessna 152 with a Lycoming O-235-L2C and am looking for a replacement. Problem is, the eBay engine was overhauled in Canada for installation in a Canadian experiment aircraft. It’s zero time since a major […]
TSA’s plan to reopen Reagan National blasted
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is trying to match the wants of general aviation, politicians and businesses with its responsibility to maintain a high level of security for the nation’s capital, but is getting heat from all sides. Prompted by TSA’s plan to open Washington’s Reagan National Airport to general aviation, the […]
Sport Pilot’s potential hindered by insurance
In a letter in the May 20 issue, Jason Blair writes about his problems in obtaining insurance to teach sport pilots in a Champ. I have had exactly the same experience he has with insurance. Although I have never had an accident, and I have given over 4,700 hours of dual instruction (nearly half of […]
Seeking information on an O-320 powered Cessna 150
QUESTION: I’m thinking of purchasing a C150 with an 0-320 engine, serial number 4800-027. It may be a D2J. Do you have any knowledge of the history of this engine and its serviceability? Or, could you direct me to another source of information? Arthur Dodd Jacksonville, Fla. ANSWER: From the engine serial number you provided, […]
To save the South
Rollin Olson’s sad comments in his Letter to the Editor in the April issue are further evidence of how maligned the South of yesterday and today remains (A good idea). No, the South is not “all about slavery,” as even the most superficial knowledge of U.S. history tells us. I am not referring to revisionist […]
A big deal
Any time history is changed, lost or forgotten, I believe it is a big deal. Would Mr. Olson also have us forget World War II or Vietnam? The Civil War was not about slavery Mr. Olson. True it was one of the major issues, but the war was really about individual freedom to choose as […]
Training better, happier pilots
I read with great pleasure Joel Elman’s article in the May issue titled “With a grimace or a smile.” I just have to tell you that it was a great article and many CFIs — new and old — should take your advice to heart.I am a CFI and I work in Aiken, S.C., at […]
Lucky — Nope, make that blessed
I’m not one to whine. Well maybe I am, but this year has been challenging for us, to say the least. Several of our family members have decided that the Pearly Gates hold more appeal than this rat race on Earth. They packed up and left in about two week intervals, so I can honestly […]

