What really caused the problem was that I allowed my impulse to not allow the helicopter pilot’s politeness to be wasted, to override my initial decision to go around, and attempted to salvage a touch and go landing from an unusual position, in an intentionally tight pattern that offers minimal margin for correcting off-nominal altitude and speed.
Picture of the Day: Worth it
Brandon Lincoln submitted this photo and note: “Early morning sunrise makes the 4:45 a.m. wakeup worth it. Student hours 13 and 14.”
At 87, Ed Cervantes supports GA one airplane at a time
The founder of Ed’s Mobile Aircraft Maintenance in Los Angeles, Ed Cervantes is an old school A&P who has a very loyal customer base. And at 87, he has no plans to retire.
New Canadian stamps celebrate aviation
The stamps feature the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, Canada’s first female bush pilot, and the men behind the flight simulator, variable pitch propeller, and G-suit.
Air Safety Institute provides early analysis of training accident
On Oct. 6, 2022, a Cessna 172 crashed during a training flight at the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport (KPHF) in Newport News, Virginia. No one on the ground was injured, however, the CFI died in the accident. A student pilot and another student onboard the Cessna were taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Wipaire floats achieve milestone
In October 2022, Wipaire delivered its 150th set of Wipline 13000 floats to Trans Maldivian Airways, the world’s largest seaplane operator.
You are fighting me
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during an aborted landing and the flight instructor’s inadequate remedial action.
Picture of the Day: A menace on the ramp
Gary Lanthrum submitted this photo and note: “This Yak 3 was visiting the Port Townsend Aero Museum in Washington state, looking menacing on the ramp. It was almost more of a draw out on the ramp than the airplanes inside the museum.”
Blue collar proud
As a pilot, I check the oil, peek into the fuel tanks, then climb under the wing to inspect tires and brakes. Whether a pilot is wearing a crisp white shirt with epaulets or a T-shirt with oil stains, I consider that position to be very blue collar. Gratifyingly so.