By PETER M. BOWERS. In the last issue, we looked at the SA-1 (Ship’s Aeroplane) developed by the U.S. Naval Aircraft Factory at the end of World War I. Although an oldie with many features that were outdated even for 1919, it deserves more attention, as it has many features that are applicable to today’s […]
Opinion
The No. 1 question of oil experts: How often should oil be changed?
You are probably thinking that someone who worked for an oil company would recommend more frequent oil changes so that more oil is sold. However, the choice is really quite simple: You can spend more on oil or you can spend more at the engine shop. Oil is a lot cheaper than engine parts.
More to the story than meets the eye
The first time I saw Sam Lyons’ print “”Shellightning,”” it got my attention. It is vividly colorful and it depicts one of the famous Lockheed planes, specifically one made notable by Jimmy Doolittle. Little did I know then the fascinating story of this plane, which was to unfold as I investigated its history. The plane, […]
What engines should I avoid?
QUESTION: I have a 1969 Skyhawk with a Lycoming O-320-E2D engine. I think it is an excellent engine. I would like to update to a 1975-1980 Skyhawk. I heard Lycoming had trouble with engines in 1977-78. Is that true? What engines should I stay away from? What year did the company come out with the […]
Where do most accidents happen?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Insurance companies say they pay more for ground-based accident claims than for any other area of aviation. That’s why the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is undertaking a program to cut accidents on the ground in half within five years. This initiative was just one of the subjects discussed by NATA President […]
High-flying book sales
Thought you’d enjoy this: My phone rings and the conversation goes like this: “Hi, I’m calling you from my airplane, I’m at 8,000 feet. My passenger is sitting here reading the review of your book in GA News (The Cessna 150 Primer, Nov. 12 issue), and he says I really need to buy a copy […]
What’s up doc?
How important is your choice of Aviation Medical Examiner? Very important, it seems. I recently received two e-mails from a newspaper requesting information about a doctor who had lost his medical license, but continued to do FAA medicals. Apparently, the doctor lost his privileges at a couple of hospitals due to a head injury he […]
Simple Structure: The SA-1 was designed to be simple, almost to the point of being crude
By PETER M. BOWERS. A major design objective of the Naval Aircraft Factory SA-1 of late 1918 was to have as simple a structure as possible. This was achieved, but almost to the point of being crude in some areas. The structure, particularly in the fuselage, has some features well worth considering for today’s ultralights […]
The fine print: Your logbook has many of the answers you need
QUESTION: I own a 1968 Cherokee 140 with a 160 hp O-320-D2A engine that was installed prior to my purchase of the aircraft. According to the logbook endorsement and the tach installed in the aircraft, the redline on the engine was reduced when the new engine was hung. The new redline is 2,550 instead of […]