It’s your aviation blog! With several hundred readers per day, I wanted to reach out and see if your aviation blog is providing aviation content that you want to see. I obviously talk about topics that I am interested in, but that certainly isn’t what everyone wants to read. If you have topics that you feel…
I shot this video in 2011 during the 40 hour test phase of my RV-8. The music is totally cheesy and way over done, but at the time it seemed appropriate. I didn’t have a lot of time on the aircraft at this point so the aerobatics aren’t perfect by any stretch – still…
Risk vs Reward: GO/NO GO decision-making Every single flight you take is laden with decisions. Most of them are accounted for in regulatory guidance, operating procedures, training, or just common sense. One decision that makes the rest of these decisions go away and stops the error chain is one of the hardest to make –…
Airplane Withdrawals Well I haven’t flown the RV since December 1st and it’s really getting to me. I endeavor to fly weekly even in the winter, but the last month and a half have been tough with work, family, and the weather. I can usually detect the onset of withdrawals. It starts with a nagging…
Flying with music Oh the guilty pleasure of rocking out to your favorite tune while you are piloting an aircraft through the void. Is there anything more gratifying? I remember as a young man trying to rig up my Sony Walkman (cassette tape) to my portable intercom in the ole -152; those where the days!
Modern Day Barnstormer: John Mohr If you haven’t heard of John Mohr, he’s the guy in the stock Stearman that flies so low you have to be in front of the crowd to see his performance. I first saw John at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in 2007 here in Columbus, OH. This airshow…
Score one for innovation against the declining pilot population I have to say I am impressed by all the ideas being brought to bear on the “war against the declining pilot population.” Some of the ideas are brand new and some are recycled from the past. A couple of these are pretty clever. Open Airplane provides…
It’s the end of the world. What did you do? Yesterday marked the end of the Mayan calendar, 12/21/12. I hope everyone got out and flew, just incase! Unfortunately, the weather across Ohio was bad all day and I had to work, so I was left to fantasize about the whole thing. What if yesterday…
What will general aviation look like in 40 years? The year is 2053. I drive to my small general aviation airport in my electric vehicle and pull right up to my hangar. There is no need to gain access via gates due to the virtual barrier placed around the perimeter. Any breach will quickly dispatch…
Should I fly into Oshkosh? This is a question that many aviators ask themselves. Airventure Oshkosh is an amazing experience that should be on every pilot’s bucket list and for thousands it is the one event every year they WILL NOT miss. But for some there is a risk versus reward question. Sometimes the answer…