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First post in a long while... 6 years ago when I bought by carburated C182E I had a "normal mission" of 250nm each way and was a low time (100-ish hours TT) pilot with no instrument rating. Since then I got my IR and flown in lots of actual (still current). I got my HP endorsement in the 182...

This might seem like a strange question, but do you actually NEED a 2nd class medical to take a checkride for a commercial pilot's license? I know you NEED a 2nd class medical to exercise the privileges of a commercial pilot's license. Here's why I ask: I currently have, and have only ever...

So I was out flying today and my EGT started climbing about 1h 30m into my flight. I was over central PA when this happened and my first thought was, "Well it must be carb ice." OAT at 7,000' was right around freezing, much warmer than at the surface. I have experienced carb ice before, even at...

So I was thinking about the two newest transport aircraft, namely the A-380 and 787. Both utilize composites a great deal. Yet both still have conventional wing and tail configurations rather than a canard. If all the canard flyer claims of greater efficiency (both surfaces lift as opposed to...

Took a buddy to pick up his Grumman Cheetah from the avionics shop today. He safety piloted for me while I shot a couple of approaches in my 182. After we got back to the home field he took me up in it and I got my first stick time in a low wing, WOW it is different! Not nearly as quirky as I...

Since I don't have any deice equipment I don't play with icing. But curiosity forces me to ask, "Since you can't see the ice building on your prop how can you tell it is getting ice?"

The other weekend we took a trip (myself, wife and another couple) up to Burlington, VT. I'll relate the details because the decision making was not trivial. Background: C-182E with /A equipment (VFR GPS onboard iPad on yoke, iPhone back-up) 54 gallons useable fuel (always full on departure)...

I've heard lots of tales about the Vari-EZ and Long-EZ being tight for bigger pilots. I'm 6' 2" and currently weigh just under 210 pounds (down a LOT from what I was, but that's for another thread). Does anyone have one of these canard planes that I could "try on for size"? Ideally, it'd be...

Alright, so I need to go to PHX for business 9/30. It's about 1500 nm and I'd like to do it all in one day. Am I biting off more than I can chew? Some background and parameters: 300-ish hour PP-ASEL with IR Going solo, packing a cooler with plenty of food/beverage Straight leg 182...

So I flew down to Myrtle Beach Sunday and came back Monday. First leg of the trip I waited a bit to let the big line of storms pass, then took off and picked my way through. My Strikefinder really earned its pay. Lots of requests to ATC for deviations, which they were plenty happy to provide...

http://heartoftexasaircraftengines.com/NO_SURPRISE_PRICING.html While wondering about the cost to overhaul an engine I stumbled across this site. They certainly have nice pricing, and seem to say that their price won't creep upwards like some shops, but I am always suspicious of, "Too good...

If you we're considering buying a plane with a Continental IO-360D that had 4 of 6 cylinders in the low 60s last check what would your thinking be? Just factor in topping it when you buy it? Replace all cylinders just to be safe? The time is virtually at TBO, not that it is a death...

Had to be in the greater DC area today for business, so I put my online SFRA training to work. But the thing is if you file IFR (important caveat, you MUST get your clearance on the ground, no air-filing) you can treat it almost like any other airspace. Since I have my instrument rating now I...

All, I wussed out. I made a No-Go call and thus drove my normal BJJ-VJI route instead of flying the 182. This was for yesterday 4/11/13. Darn near fell asleep driving home but did manage to make it in one piece. Details: At 0400 EDT (0800Z) I made the call. There was the big line of storms...

Last Thursday I had to be down at VJI for business. Getting out of my home drone, BJJ, could be done VFR but down around VJI ceilings were overcast and close to the mountain-tops. VFR, I would have had to swing wide to the west to try and find a way under the clouds where the ground is lower...

So I need to be at VJI by early Wednesday morning for a business meeting. I think I'll fly down Tuesday evening, maybe 2200Z departure from BJJ, and come home Wednesday afternoon. Prog charts are showing rain and snow (and headwinds) from a low pressure system. We'll see what the TAFs say...

Eventually I will get a 6-place twin (and all of them are retractable), once I can afford to feed and care for it. According to my financial plan that is about 3.5 years from now. My goal is to get the insurance for that leap as manageable as possible. I currently have PP-ASEL, HP, Complex and...

In a recent thread someone mentioned about how flutter at higher altitudes, even below indicated Vne, can be rather bad for certain aircraft. My question is, "Which aircraft are susceptible to flutter below indicated Vne?" If someone wants to give a layman's definition of flutter, that'd be...

I've seen a couple of aircraft for sale that brag about how well maintained they are because they had to spend $100K on a recent annual. Example...

Right now I rent a t-hangar. I realize that this is far less expensive than owning (or building) a box hangar but for various reasons the idea keeps rattling around in my head. I am contemplating a 50x50 box hangar. Nothing hugely fancy and probably only have electric run to it. Not sure if...