At the close of 1927, 1,572 pilots had been licensed and 2,573 others had applied for licenses. Additionally, 681 aircraft had been licensed for interstate commerce, and 908 aircraft had been assigned identification numbers. There were also 2,218 applications for license and identification of aircraft awaiting action. It was at this time that the Department […]
Opinion
The conundrum of general aviation
It will come as no surprise to you, a general aviation enthusiast, that the United States contains a considerable number of airports. Even so, the actual number of airports may be higher than you imagine. Higher by quite a bit, frankly. Our non-aviation enthusiast counterparts may feel differently, however. They may learn that in 2004 […]
LSA market share for 2014
When government reports unemployment, GPD numbers, or crop yields, they release some information that is invariably changed. Despite best efforts, statistics are often improved later. With that fact in mind, following is our preliminary report for fully-built Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) in calendar year 2014. SEEKING TRUTH All the information is taken from the FAA N-number […]
If it’s about who you know…
When I was a young man headed out into the world, trying to make a success of myself, there was an expression I heard over and over again: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” The subtext was clear. No matter how smart or capable or driven you might be, it would not […]
Letter: Dismantle the FAA’s involvement in medical certification?
By Jim Posner, Poulsbo, Wash. I have long thought that the FAA should NOT be in the medical certification business, at least for Part 91 operations. Ever since my denial – despite letters from my doctors specifically stating that I am good to go – I have tried to understand why they should consider themselves […]
If these bomber jackets could talk…
Cdr. Leroy Robinson, a World War II naval aviator, flew in the Pacific Theatre and is a confirmed “Ace.” He also flew in the Korean Conflict and had a 32-year career at Delta Air Lines. In failing health now, most of his time is spent in his Civil War-era Tignall, Georgia, farmhouse. Stories like this, and more, […]
Airshow etiquette: Look, but don’t touch
Once, when I was a teenager manning the pumps at a full service gas station, a gentleman rolled up in a gorgeous Rolls Royce. He claimed it had previously belonged to the velvety-voiced crooner Nat “King” Cole. You can imagine my surprise when he climbed out and encouraged me to take a seat behind the […]
Ask Paul: Should I worry about just a little rust in the cylinders?
Q: My Piper Colt PA-22-108, has a C1B installed. I have a little rust in the cylinders in the lower part. From the middle part and up to the top of the piston area there are no cracks or visible rust. I have honed all cylinders and there are no sharp edges. GUNNAR HEGSTAD, Norway A: […]
Say again
A long time ago it was decided by people much smarter than I am that only one language should be the language of aviation. That language was to be English, regardless of a pilot’s nation of origin. Those same people decided that a specific lexicon should be created within English to reduce any confusion spawned […]