Special Report Introduction (updated Oct 5th, 2012) The dwindling number of pilots in the U.S.A. has the attention of a lot of people. There are currently far more questions than answers and it is unlikely that those answers will come from one source. It will take a collective effort to reverse this trend, if indeed…

Automotive Powerplant Conversions: Caveat Emptor Editorial I offer my opinion and experience on the subject of using high performance water-cooled automobile engines in your homebuilt airplane. Although I am not a mechanic, I have flown behind several professionally built and maintained auto conversions. In fact one of those car engines put me into a field…

Space: The Final Frontier Editorial With the recent passing of Neil Armstrong, I find myself lamenting about where we are in the history of manned space exploration. I am a disciple of all things related to outer-space. I actually found myself in love with flying as a result of wanting to be an astronaut. Growing…

Editorial Our Unfriendly Airports When it comes to customer service there seems to be a universal constant among airports – they stink! It slays me that FBOs, Flight Schools, and other airport-based businesses are so unapproachable. “What do I mean? They are nice to me.” “I come in and they know me by name and…

User Fees – The Never Ending Saga: Wednesday Sept 12 the Small Business Committee of the House of Representatives convened with strong opposition to aviation user fees, but there are still indications that some members will continue to push for the change. Panelist and university professor Kenneth J. Button, PhD was a major proponent of…