The transatlantic crossing begun yesterday aboard the PA-30. We required 7,5 hours of flying with impressive tailwinds for most of the day. Clocking 185 kts in a Twin Comanche is an agreable predicament. Fueling in Schefferville (CYKL) in late fall weather conditions ( crashing rain, 20 kts gusty winds in 3 deg C temperature) was… Read more »
Flying to Europe in a Twin Comanche How many phone calls, how many people you talk to? Probably not enough. I have been actively planing this journey for a year, thinking about it for a lifetime. Of the thousands who have had the guts to undertake it with half the equipment and aircraft, I have… Read more »
We all take it for granted. Take a peek into any cockpit it is always there: the instrument panel centre piece. Certainly a few light, day VFR only aircraft do not require it, why would it be required? It adds weight, cost to maintain and some will even claim that it dulls seat of the… Read more »
It is never too late to learn and confirm with modesty that you need help wherever you can take it. We are not alone. I am sure I heard this one in a sci-fi movie. A funny thing happened on the way to Sedona Airport (KSEZ) last week. We were flying VFR at 10500 over… Read more »
The news this morning are stuffed with the latest B-737-800 prelimanary report. It is stated by the concerned country regulator that the crew did everything they could have done to save the flight. The media is always at minimum knowledge when it comes to aviation. I am always sceptical on their scientific goodwill. Great job… Read more »
The recent 737 accident, a tragedy by all means brings to light few factors of absolute relevance to the air transport industry. First and foremost is the unthinkable arrogance Boeing (the corporation) has demonstrated. Nothing to do with engineering within. Why is the corporation pushing a most objectionable policy of not divulging a system in… Read more »
Has anyone seen this before? I have. Been there, seen that. Oh how are we going to win they say. We will keep the entities separate, they say. Really? Possibly the best flight planing software on the market, ForeFlight had grown to become in my view the best flight planing software. Super user friendly, maniac… Read more »
Nothing is more imminent than the impossible. Victor Hugo Early during pilot training, engine failures are thought. The rudiments of forced landings are learned, single engine aircraft obliges. The total experience acquired for the newly licensed professional pilot is equivalent to 4 or 5 hours on a light aircraft. According to authorities, this total is quite sufficient… Read more »
Some time off in the hills of Switzerland (Crans-Montana). Why not have the Swiss Air Force visit? Planing this summer’s visit aboard the PA-30 will be the same kind of treat for the eyes. You just have to enjoy the sound!
So what do mechanics think anyway ? Flying your own aircraft is not the same as flying some else’s. When flying professionally, optimizing the operation to reduce down time is quite desirable. Operating within the aircraft limitations and the SOP’s provide the crew with good basic details in that respect. Some elect to go further… Read more »