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 […]
Opinion
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 […]
Get your medical back after a heart attack
In January, a 66-year-old airline transport rated pilot went to the ER for chest pain. He was evaluated for a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The enzymes that we do when people enter the ER were negative for heart damage and his EKG was within normal range. However, his chest pain persisted. He stayed overnight in […]
What causes engines to develop less-than-rated power?
QUESTION: I just read your article on the history of the 0-320-H2AD engine (What engines should I avoid, Dec. 24, 2004, issue). I have had three Skyhawks with the later engine (two 1977s and one 1979) and have had no problems with TBO — all went well past 2,000 hours. My question is about power. […]
What’s a billion here or there?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — If you live the average life span, from the moment you are born until your death your heart will beat a little more than 2 billion times. Many years ago when I worked for a newspaper, I drew a caricature of one of the columnists. He liked it and used it to […]