Recent content by John Collins

"Push the button" suggests someone who only knows how to use Direct-to. I find that many pilots don't have a workable understanding of how to do many things using a GPS navigator. Pilots who have only been trained to use conventional navigation systems will often struggle with: 1. What Activate...

Do you mean like the GFC 500 caused? https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2023-01-16/garmin-resolves-gfc-500-runaway-trim-issue

Many fatal accidents have been caused by runaway trim.

I have the exact opposite opinion. I have a manual electric trim on my Stec autopilot because I don't want to have a trim system that can get a mind of its own. A runaway trim is a much more serious event than a trim error on turning off the autopilot. My system shows an up/down trim...

During the period before the ACS is required on 5/31/2024, the FAA has put out guidance that in essence allows the pilot to be tested to either 8B or 8C version of the IFR ACS.

Wayne, I have some questions regarding flying in Mexico related to flight plans. It has been a long time since I have flown in Mexico, so your current experience would be extremely helpful. May I call you?

You need either a Flight Stream 510 or 210. It uses BT for the connection.

That message is indicating that an external device is not providing data to your GNS430W. It is not a loss of GPS, but may be an input such as the barometric altitude. You need to find out what is attached to ARINC 429 and get that issue resolved.

I do lat-long flights all the time, send to panel. I have a GTN750Xi and ForeFlight. If you have a flight plan that is locked, you need to find it in your catalog on the GTN and delete it. Using a name of a waypoint that isn't in the GTN DB is one cause. A lat-long will just get setup as a user...

Say hi to Joe for me. We were college room mates and he taught me how the hitch hike.

A neighbor hanger club has a working when removed KAP 140 system available for sale. It was factory installed in a Cessna 182T, so should work for spare parts. If you are interested, contact me at n7083n@att.net.

That would answer my question if I didn't already have a copy. I think Mark provided it to me. By posting an answer on their website would communicate to a much wider audience. If I have my count right, I have asked the General Counsel for opinions in 8 cases, they decline to answer only one of...

The FAA General Counsel has a website, but it does not go back to the 1980's, so from what they publish on their site, it would be helpful IMHO.

Then it should be an easy question to answer. IMC and actual instrument conditions are often conflated with each other.

Ron, I think it would be worthwhile to submit a question regarding the meaning or definition of actual instrument conditions. My working definition is the conditions are such that control of the aircraft may not be accomplished visually and the pilot/crew must use their flight instruments to...