A look back at the the big events that took place for me in aviation during 2011, along with a few photos. Read more →
Category: Other
500,000 Miles
Five hundred thousand miles might not be much of a feat in an airplane, but when that number shows up on the odometer in your car, it’s pretty special — especially when all the major components on your vehicle are original! Read more →
SR22 Delivery Flight
A select few among us still have the opportunity to hop a miserable flight in the aluminum tube and take delivery of a brand new airplane just as it rolls off the final assembly line. I made just such a trip recently, and that “new airplane” smell really is intoxicating. Read more →
Who’s the Boss?
It’s odd when politicians don’t seem to understand how government works. The latest example involves the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and their vote urging the FAA to do exactly what it already does every day. Perhaps the politicos should pay more attention to their own job and leave airspace management to the pros. Read more →
In Defense of Business Jets
Business aviation has been the scapegoat long enough. The facts are more than sufficient to turn the tables on politicians and talking heads who challenge the use of corporate jets to maintain a competitive edge. Read more →
Cheapo Airlines
“No-frills” seems to be the rule more than the exception these days for most of the flying public, but nobody takes it to the extreme quite like the Irish airline Ryanair. Instead of just charging to use the lavatory, they’re now doing away with them altogether! Read more →
There’s No Place Like Nome
I return to Alaska for the first time in more than 25 years and spend a day north of the arctic circle exploring the small town of Nome. Read more →
Affordable Flying
Fewer and fewer non-professional pilots can afford to stay in the cockpit anymore, but there are quite a few ways to reduce the cost of flying if you’re creative about it. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Read more →
Non-Commercial Landing Fees
It’s a good thing everyone who flies is filthy rich, because the imposition of landing fees for small non-commercial aircraft continues, this time at Hilton Head Island Airport in South Carolina. Read more →
When I Ruled the World
The year was 1981. Life was good, and I was about to join an elite group which would put me on top of the heap. The codename of this wondrous event? ZX80. Read more →