I thought some of you might be interested in this. I passed my multi-engine w/instrument a week ago last Thursday (10/22). First off, perhaps a brief explanation is in order. I'm 42 years old, farm primarily and also run two other businesses. I'm not a professional pilot. I don't ever intend to be one. I … Continue reading Multi-Engine Checkride… by John Stricker
What You Need To Know About NTSB Accident Investigations by Phil Kolczynski
Whether you are a witness, a party, an insurer, a technical expert or an interested airman or survivor, this article will provide you with all you need to know about the inner workings of an NTSB accident investigation. The author, Phil Kolczynski, has represented pilots and operators in a variety of NTSB field investigations of … Continue reading What You Need To Know About NTSB Accident Investigations by Phil Kolczynski
CFI Checkride Report by Richard Kaplan
This week I passed my CFI Airplane checkride! I thought I would post some background on my training for those who might be interested. I took my first flight lesson in March, 1991 in Rochester, MN (RST) in a C-152. I was hooked and earned my private 4 months later and my instrument 6 months … Continue reading CFI Checkride Report by Richard Kaplan
Protecting Yourself Against FAA Enforcement Actions by Phillip Kolczynski
Try This Preventative Legal Medicine If you hold an FAA License, no matter whether you are an airman or a business, it is important to realize that the FAA considers your License a privilege. If you commit an infraction that endangers safety, the FAA may revoke this privilege, suspend your License, or assess penalties, even … Continue reading Protecting Yourself Against FAA Enforcement Actions by Phillip Kolczynski
What If You Are Involved In An Air Crash by Phil Kolczynski
Because of the risks inherent in flying, all airmen should have an understanding of their rights, options and responsibilities in the event of an accident. "Operators" should be even better prepared and have a written Accident Response Plan (See Appendix A at end of this article) ready to implement in the event of a crash. … Continue reading What If You Are Involved In An Air Crash by Phil Kolczynski
FAA Versus Airman (10 Tips) by Phil Kolczynski
The Relevant Facts of An Exemplar Case A student pilot fails to refuel his private airplane on a cross-country solo flight and crashes. The student pilot was warned by his instructor (CFI, ATP, FE certificates) to refuel before embarking on his return leg. The instructor fails to convince the FAA Investigator and NTSB Administrative Law … Continue reading FAA Versus Airman (10 Tips) by Phil Kolczynski
Aircraft Owner Liability by Phil Kolczynski
The purpose of in this article is to alert you to the basic issues of individual owner liability, discuss ways to minimize liability exposure and expose FAA enforcement policy towards owners. Anyone wishing to take action to minimize their individual liability exposure, should retain an experienced aviation lawyer and seek advice on their particular "arrangement" … Continue reading Aircraft Owner Liability by Phil Kolczynski
Trivia Teaser: Quick! What’s that number, again?
You are flying a Normal Category aircraft. During cruise, ATC informs you that moderate turbulence is to be expected in about 10 miles on your route of flight. You quickly try to remember what the maneuvering speed (Va) is for your aircraft, is but to no avail. On the placard in front of you, though, is written the stall speed, which is 50 knots. Which number would be closest to Va for your aircraft?
Trivia Teaser: Best glide, but with a wrinkle
A pilot is in gliding flight at the optimum indicated glide speed and then enters a turn. To maintain a maximum-range glide during the turn, glide speed should?
Small Airports: Crimped by Costs and Pinched by Prosperity by Michael Marotta
[This story originally appeared in the June/July 98 issue of GREAT LAKES PILOTS NEWS. $12 per year at 1219 Van Dusen Road, Ann Arbor Michigan 48103] Small airports are disappearing despite the fact that they usually enjoy heavy use. It takes hard work and ingenuity to walk the thin line between mounting costs and increased … Continue reading Small Airports: Crimped by Costs and Pinched by Prosperity by Michael Marotta