Ha ha Richard, it's the seats and doors that got smaller! ;)

(Written on 28.06.2013)(Permalink)

To anyone considering or working towards their PPL. Regardless of where you get training, Part 141, Part 61 etc., be observant of your instructor. You can always tell the ones who are just logging time trying to get to the airlines. They will not be that interested in actual teaching. A good CFI will not only give you classroom instruction, but will quiz you on what you have been learning. A good CFI will give you an overview of what she/he hopes for you to accomplish with each lesson. If they are on the phone or staring off into space during preflight and NOT asking you questions on why and what you are looking for during that inspection, they probably don't care. During flight maneuvers they should be not only explaining how to do a maneuver but also why the aircraft does what it does. A good CFI will offer constructive criticism and is interested in answering your questions. If you are doubtful of the training you are receiving, ask around and switch schools or instructors.

(Written on 28.06.2013)(Permalink)

Yeah. I can remember when you could take a small suitcase in the lavatory and do a complete change of clothes. Nowadays you're lucky if you even fit through the door.

(Written on 28.06.2013)(Permalink)

Commercial air travel now is nothing but an airborne Greyhound bus!

(Written on 28.06.2013)(Permalink)

Hey Mike, no harm, no foul. Didn't mean to sound snarky. Fuel mismanagement is my biggest pet peeve among pilots. I know WAY too many who push that envelope daily. I don't even know if I would trust a CIES unit myself. I have electronic gauges in my aircraft and they're accurate ONLY when the tanks are full. I still calculate every drop and fume.

(Written on 03.06.2013)(Permalink)

Hey Mike, from what I understand that at this time, the CIES units are only available for retrofit on Cirrus aircraft. Unit costs around $500.00 not including installation. Do you really think owners of 30 to 50 yr old single engine aircraft will spend what will probably be $1000.00+ for this product? It may be old fashioned, but how about calculating fuel by fuel burn and time. When in doubt, LAND.

(Written on 03.06.2013)(Permalink)

Absolutely unacceptable!! fortunately no one was killed. In a time when GA is under particular scrutiny, we don't need bozos like this that have no fuel management skills. These type accidents give the non flying public the idea that small planes and private pilots shouldn't be in the air. I set my personal minimums at 1hr fuel reserves PERIOD. If the plane you are flying is not capable for the mission, get another plane or don't fly. Fuel gauges are notoriously inaccurate.

(Written on 01.06.2013)(Permalink)

We use a car for business trips 90 miles or less, our small aircraft for trips up to 400 miles, and the airlines for longer flights. The ATC delays and the rescinding of the Tarmac" rules will make using a small aircraft more feasible for longer business flights. Even with an additional fuel stop, can still get it there before the airlines. Haven't filed for an IFR trip yet to gauge release times but on a VFR day we will be ahead.

(Written on 27.04.2013)(Permalink)

Good! the little b_____d got exactly the sentence he should have. Saying that he didn't intend to hurt anyone is indicative of a part of society who takes no responsibility for their actions. Guess he thought Mommy and Daddy could bail him out of this one. He now has a FEDERAL prison sentence on his record that will affect him for the rest of his life. Maybe this will send a strong message to others attempting the same foolishness. Are there warnings on the packaging when someone purchases these things? Maybe they should add " WARNING. Pointing at aircraft can get you a free ride to FEDERAL prison"

(Written on 29.03.2013)(Permalink)

This is a sad and tragic accident that every student pilot should hear about. One of the first things we learned as student pilots are THE RULES. Who was this kids CFI? What ahole would give a teenage student pilot the keys to an aircraft he is not qualified to fly or any aircraft for that matter? Bad judgement all the way around resulting in the deaths of 2innocent passengers.

(Written on 04.01.2013)(Permalink)