Lawrence Necheles submitted this photo and note: “The Falcon pictured landed with mechanical failure at Pontiac Municipal Airport (KPNT) in Illinois. The Falcon tri-jet sat on our ramp for a few weeks until someone retrieved it. We speculated and guessed when someone was going to get it. There was talk of a betting pool. As the lone weekend fuel service attendant, I brought my dog, Judy, to the airport and tied her up to take a funny picture.”
Aircraft
Questions from the Cockpit: Paperwork
Matt, a student pilot in Florida, writes: I’m studying lift as part of my pilot training. I can get my head around Bernoulli and Newton, and how that works with the airfoil, but none of my instructors can explain how a simple paper airplane — having no airfoil — generates lift to fly.”
Taking off with the swipe of a finger
“This latest accomplishment will allow any pilot, regardless of experience level, to achieve a perfect takeoff, every time, with just the swipe of a finger.”
FAA offers grants for pilots and mechanics
Eligible organizations must apply by Feb. 5, 2025.
Alpha Wingman launches workforce management platform and app
Once AOG technicians download the new app, they are linked to a dispatch center via a moving map displaying technician status (working, available, off-duty, etc.), explained officials with the company, which offers aircraft owners a variety of services, such as AOG, scheduled aircraft maintenance, parts, FBO services, and more.
Engine catches fire after pilot floods it during cold engine start
Probable Cause: The pilot’s flooding the engine with fuel during a cold engine start, which resulted in an engine fire.
Picture of the Day: A mighty preflight
Cheryl Goodwin sent in this photo with a note: “Martin Mars water bomber pilot Peter Killin walks the wing of the mighty airplane prior to a high speed taxi test on Sprout Lake, BC. We had the pleasure of spending time with Peter and experiencing the thrill of stepping the airplane up while still keeping her touching water. An outstanding life experience and then some!”
Just 50 instances
In 2023, pilots in 50 instances misunderstood “Line Up and Wait” instructions, highlighting a decades-old debate about the clarity of aviation phraseology and its impact on safety.
Video: Stinsons on display
Smitty Smith, the man behind the website Fun Places to Fly, recently posted a new video capturing two Stinsons flying in to a gathering of EAA Chapter 1246 in McKinney, Texas.