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  1. M

    Engine Break-in

    There ARE regulations about the first flight after maintenance. See FAR 91.407 Generally, the first flight after major maintenance must be SOLO. If you carry non "crewmembers" and you have a problem resulting in an accident, you will need to answer to the FAA, and worse yet, to your...
  2. M

    Cirrus down in SC

    All airplanes spin, except the Ercoupe. The Cirrus is a fast airplane. What is the typical dirty/gear-down stall speed in a turn? How does it react to too much rudder into the turn (skidding turn)? My understanding is that the Cirrus was certificated by the FAA with the only spin...
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    3rd Class Medical Exam

    I'm not suggesting you cheat the system here, only some thoughts (myths?) that might cause you to fail an exam. Here is some "pass the medical" advice from my father, a long-gone airline Captain (he lived to 90!): Don't drink any coffee or caffeine drinks (Mountain Dew, Red Bull) for a...
  4. M

    Flying for free??

    Hang on. Not all towplanes are taildraggers, so don't count out towing gliders in a Cessna 182A, or my Cessna 150 with 180 HP engine & climb prop. Both tow quite well at my high elevation (5,000' msl) at Marfa in west Texas. As a Commercial Soaring Operation, I find more towpilots by NOT...
  5. M

    How to know when to say enough?

    An Alternative: I offer my Copilot Program. Works well for older pilots or anyone who should not fly solo. We simply agree that flying is fun, so we go fly. No "hammering" and only minimal instruction. I'm there just to assure the safe outcome of the flight, protect my aircraft and enjoy...
  6. M

    Preflight Cycling of Controllable-Pitch Prop?

    My 1958 Cessna 182 POH says "Once", for either Hartzell or McCauley prop. A local old-timer mechanic agrees, as did my Dad, a professional pilot (30,000+ hours), and an A&P. He would keep all ground run-ups as short as possible to protect the engine and prop, from DC-3's to Piper J-3's...
  7. M

    NAFI? / SAFE?

    Lads and Ladies of POA, I've been a proud NAFI Master CFI several times over. The renewal process is time consuming and expensive, but when NAFI fired Sandy & Joanne Hill, I was quite put off. I asked NAFI several times what the problem was but never got a straight answer. I then asked SAFE...
  8. M

    Glider Acro...

    Dancin' Dave Taylor towed for me (5X) today at Marfa in my 1958 Cessna 182A. Smoothest towpilot I know, and he got recurrent with me (12 month towpilot re-currency per FAR 61.69) just last week. It was important for Dave to give tows today not just for my tourist ride but for a local...
  9. M

    Good News from Kansas

    Tony, That's wonderful news! Kathie and I were married by the local Justice of the Peace by radio while soaring our Blanik sailplane over Marfa on Friday the 13th of July, 2001 at High Noon. I know you might be thinking "another one of Burt's soaring promotion schemes" but if both of...
  10. M

    Where in the world is Matt?????

    Spider Matt should post a map of the USA with the states in which he has cut trees. He trimmed mine in Marfa, Texas! Our good soaring season has begun. Wave over the Davis Mountains and strong thermals today in west Texas with temps in low 80's. Texas Glider Rally fast approaching on...
  11. M

    US Airways A320 Crash Into Hudson River

    That sounds like fun. I should try that sometime . . .
  12. M

    Padding Your Logbook?

    " . . . gave his position at the FAA and the FSDO he worked for. I gave the magazine to the CP, and a few days later he confirmed it was the same guy." I would like to know the FSDO . . . I would guess it is Miami. Don't ask me why, just a feelin'. Some logbook history: Many years ago...
  13. M

    Ready for that Glider add on?

    Your host Burt Compton here in Marfa, west Texas -- I sure enjoyed having the lads down here -- we did a ton of glider flying including 2 Commercial glider ratings and 2 CFI ratings (the initial CFI for Adam and the CFI renewal for Matt.) Thanks Chris R, Chris U, Pete, Adam, Tony and Matt...
  14. M

    Ready for that Glider add on?

    Whoa! Hold the phone! You can earn your glider rating with me year-round at Marfa in west Texas, not just when the midwest gang is here. They are just using Marfa as a base to get some flying and checkrides done. I'm here soaring most all year long! Matt, Tony and Adam will return from time...
  15. M

    What can I do with a commercial ticket?

    Be a Towpilot! You could tow gliders after earning a towpilot endorsement per FAR 61.69. Many towplanes are NOT taildraggers (Pawnee / Super Cub), which require a minimum number of tailwheel hours experience for insurance coverage. I use a tricycle gear Cessna 150 with 180 HP Lycoming (and a...
  16. M

    soaring season is coming...

    Get this: Baseball caps are not welcome at the UK Gliding Clubs, I am told. Not just because of the button on top may crack the canopy in turbulent thermals, but because of the limited forward visibility when pulled low over the eyes. It is thought this might have contributed to a mid-air in...
  17. M

    soaring season is coming...

    Soaring season is year-round down here in the southern states, especially at Marfa near the mountains of west Texas. Burt here - lurking with you guys. Looking forward to seeing Adam here for the Texas Glider Rally. You WILL fly! (But you need to blow something up for me - I'll show it to...
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