People and Places
Article: LSA Ownership—Condo Style!
I love this concept of sharing ownership in an aircraft, new or used. Last month, I delved into David Kruger’s Aircraft Partnership Association (www.theapa.com), a type of online matchmaking service t...
Article: Air Capital Tanker Chase
As a flight test engineer for the Boeing Company assigned to Wichita, Kans. (“the Air Capital”), I’m among the fortunate people who truly love their work. ...
Article: Sweet Dreams
If the NTSB had its way, the FAA would be gauging whether or not you’re having sweet dreams and sleeping through the night cuddled up with your teddy bear. ...
Article: Upgrade Your Plane!
From time to time, Plane & Pilot embarks on a proverbial aircraft-upgrade project and chronicles the progress for the enjoyment and edification of readers.
Article: The Checkride Chronicles
Who’s the judge beside you in the cockpit, deciding whether you’re worthy of receiving aviation’s highest honor (a license to learn)? Hopefully, it’s someone who’ll make your entry into the world of aviation less than turbulent.
Article: From The Editor: Spreading The Word
While working on this month’s Guest Speaker column, Managing Editor Pam Lee suggested that the reference to Patty Wagstaff mention that the air show star performs annually in front of thousands of spectators. Hundreds of thousands, I countered.
Article: The Character Of Risk
It’s no news to most pilots that we recently lost Vicki Cruse, president of the International Aerobatic Club. What was almost certainly a control failure caught her in the worst possible position, and I can’t get her out of my mind.
Article: Air Shows As GA Rallying Point
As much of the aviation industry suffered through the effects of the historic economic downturn during the last year, the air show industry experienced double-digit growth and, in some markets, record attendance.
Article: The Paranoia Of Landings
I had been hired to fly a Cessna 340 from Torrance, Calif., to Glasgow, U.K., on an Atlantic tour with the owner in the right seat. The first four days of the trip had gone well. We had departed Torrance, stopped in Denver and made it to Ohio the...
Article: The Steve Fossett Accident
The NTSB says the probable cause of the 2007 crash of adventurer Steve Fossett was an inadvertent encounter with downdrafts above mountainous terrain that exceeded the climb capability of the Bellanca Super Decathlon he was flying. Downdrafts,...
Article: Light-Sport Chronicles: Matchmaking...For Pilots
Webster should put a picture of a human under its definition of “adaptability.” Webster should put a picture of a human under its definition of...
Article: Flight I'll Never Forget: The Little Runway That Started It All
People often associate memorable flights with a particular aircraft or airport. Others subscribe to the notion that the journey is more important than the destination.
Article: Top Mistakes In Convective Environments
Deep, moist convection, better known as thunderstorms, are the nemesis of all aircraft, big or small. Avoidance is mandatory. Deep, moist...
Article: P-51 At Twenty One
As the fighter taxis by, the sound of 12 hot-water Merlins crescendos, crackles and pops as the early-morning sunlight glistens off the silver paint highlighting the name Glamorous Glen III—the markings of Chuck Yeager’s Mustang from the 357th Fighter...
Article: From The Editor: The Wild West
We’re following the map, but as we pull into Lake Isabella’s South Fork boat ramp, Marc Lee and I aren’t sure we’re in the right place.
Article: Pilots N Paws
Like many of you, I’ve owned dogs for as long as I can remember, probably longer.
Article: Listen Up!
All of us will reach a stage in life when we’ve lost or are losing friends (as they slip away physically, mentally or both).
Article: My Secret
I have a secret that I’m going to let fly with the aviation community. I have a secret that I’m going to let fly with the...
Article: Backstage With A Rock Star
“Rock star.” It’s a phrase you frequently hear when talking to Kirk Hawkins, founder and CEO of Icon Aircraft in Los Angeles, Calif.
Article: From The Editor: From Bush To Big City, And Way Beyond
Any taildragger pilot will tell you that you can take a Husky out of the backcountry, but you can’t take the backcountry out of a Husky.
Article: Flight I'll Never Forget: Cross-Country Cubbing
Some things in life make sense. Others do not. For instance, flying a 65 hp, 75 mph cruise J-3 Cub 650 miles from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania does not, by most definitions, make sense.
Article: Reflections On Inner & Outer Flight
Why are we so fascinated by flight? What draws us to it? What makes flight so special? Why are we so...
Article: Light-Sport Chronicles: Three From The Heart
Weeks into the New England summer season, which, as of July 4, is more like an extended March, I’m feeling a serious need for some LSA speed. ...
Article: Getting Creative: Affordable Flying
Affordable flying is something of an oxymoron. World War II aviator Jimmy Doolittle is credited for uttering the phrase, “How can it be said that there is no money in aviation? That's where I left all of mine!"
Article: Best Of The West!
One of the great benefits of general aviation is having easy access to spectacular destinations around the world. One of the great...
Article: What Recession?
Is Oshkosh ever really over? It’ll be weeks, maybe months, before my mind catches up with my body.
Article: Ferry Flying As A Career?
I receive more e-mail and snail mail from readers about ferry flying than on all other subjects combined.
Article: Days Of Celebration, Days Of Dreams
We may well mark 2009 as a dramatic evocation of past and future, a time when the traditional veneration of past achievements and the bright and amazing promise of future technology both occupied center stage.
Article: Ticket To Ride III
Right after soloing in 860LS, the lovely Flight Design CTLS, I feel light as a cloud. In our
Article: Formation Flying! Part II
Formation flying is a dangerous and, for me, compellingly beautiful and engaging experience. Formation flying is a dangerous and, for...
