Not a huge demographic of people have MMELs on US registered aircraft outside the US. But good to know for the clients that don t have a tail # specific MELs and use an MMEL as a work around. If you have an LOA for an MMEL, Canada will allow it, no matter how terrible your Continue reading MMELs and Transport Canada
The aviation tie-down quick release (also known as the slipped half-hitch on a bight or double slip knot) is something that isn t discussed enough with brand new airplane candidates. This video is a good overview of how to do it quickly and easily. Here is more step by step graphic.
Congratulations. You ve decided to buy a Skywagon. You imagine, very soon, how you will look in your outback magic carpet machine: Camping, float flying, ski fly-ins, and fishing at a lake that few can get to. You see it parked in your driveway. And then there s the mobility: Alaska, finally wait maybe Maine? Geez, or Continue reading How to buy a Skywagon
A challenge for airplane people that write and fly for a living is that we never know when inspiration will come. You hope it comes when you aren’t too busy. This piece started while I was facing backwards (in the backward facing seat) of an air ambulance on a steep climb. Safe? Statistically no. Not Continue reading Airplanes, Lies and Money
I was early to the interview and that meant there was a chance for a nap. I desperately needed some short burst of sleep. I had a simulator evaluation at 1:00 pm and it was now 10:40 am and I only had a short drive from airport to hotel. Perfect. I ll call and hope for Continue reading Soft Cookies
Per advice from well meaning advisors, this entry is entirely fictitious. It involves flying the sheriff out to the island, and turning right around and flying a distraught victim off the island. It is an airplane story only on the basis of center of gravity and freedom of control movement issues. The control and CG issues Continue reading A Rescue from Crustaceanicus
As you read the accident report, try and accept the fact that a mere 22 years ago, pilots often did things that were questionable at best. To keep the job, to get your foot in the door, or to conform to norms in your company and culture you did silly stuff. Never mind the customized Continue reading Mentor Mortis (Part 1 of 3)
Sometimes, in the frozen bays of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, your frozen runway might not last long. That area you landed on yesterday? Gone overnight. I look out de window, and dare was de runway gone. The only French Canadian in the village was called Patrick McKinnon, and he reported all matters flying Continue reading De runway, she s gone.
When I think about people like Bunte, Jordan or Sparks, Mark or Neil, or a few others with a few too many hours in single engined aircraft, I realize that my education began after college, somewhere far from Western Massachusetts. You might argue that my graduate education began with learning the engineering limitations of a Continue reading University of Okavango
Let s admit that all taildraggers are different. Some way way different. Some are easy and some are mean. I have not landed a Douglas DC-3, but I bet it is easier than a Super Cub on a cross-windy day. Regarding the cult of the Skywagon and related 185 / 180 obsessors, I can offer this Continue reading 185 Wheel Landing Myth Stuff