Author: Ron Rapp

Ron is a Gulfstream G550 captain, as well as a CFI-I/CFI-ME specializing in tailwheel, aerobatic, experimental, formation, and glass-panel flying. He's also an aircraft owner, aerobatic competitor (Advanced category), and a National-level judge. Ron frequently writes on aviation topics via his web site and other industry publications. You'll also find him at the theatre, opera, symphony, or perhaps diving in the Sea of Cortez. Other avocations include boxing, hiking, and indulging in fine food and spirits with friends and family. Ron and his family live in beautiful Orange County, California.

The Circular Runway

by Ron Rapp on May 15, 2017 in Aviation • 21 Comments

Ah, the circular runway — it seems to be all the rage with academics. In the real world, I see a few problems with this concept. Read more →

The Engine That Could

by Ron Rapp on April 19, 2017 in Opinion Leaders • 18 Comments

I’ve always been fond of Rolls-Royce engines. They were the beating heart of our most iconic warbirds, and even today are propelling the finest business jets on Earth. But there’s one particular Rolls product which has outlived all the others… and it’s probably one you’ve never heard of. Read more →

Aircraft Security: Serious Business

by Ron Rapp on February 21, 2017 in Opinion Leaders • 15 Comments

In our post 9/11 world, aircraft security is no joke. So when you travel to small airports, third world countries, and other out-of-the-way places, how does one keep a bright, shiny business jet secure when it’s sitting on the ground? Read more →

The Differences Training Difference

by Ron Rapp on December 20, 2016 in Instructing, Opinion Leaders • 6 Comments

Each flying job requires a unique set of skills. Failure to heed the small differences can lead to big accidents, and sometimes that failure goes back to the pilot’s training — or lack thereof. Read more →

A License to Learn

by Ron Rapp on December 12, 2016 in Gulfstream, Safety • 10 Comments

When a newly minted pilot receives his or her temporary pilot certificate after a successful checkride, the examiner often refers to this piece of paper as a “license to learn”. Nearly twenty years into my flying career, does this aphorism still hold water? Read more →

A Pioneer Goes West

by Ron Rapp on November 1, 2016 in Aviation • 8 Comments

Apparently Arnold Palmer played golf. Who knew? I thought he was just a pioneer in the world of business aviation… Read more →

The Accidental Solo

by Ron Rapp on October 23, 2016 in Aerobatics, Instructing • 8 Comments

A first solo flight is always a memorable experience for both student and instructor, but there are a few that stick out in my memory than others. For example, when you solo accidentally… Read more →

We’re All Instructors

by Ron Rapp on September 7, 2016 in Instructing • 16 Comments

Every pilot is a flight instructor, whether they know it or not. I make the case for recognizing that fact and acting accordingly when flying. Read more →

Two Airplanes in One

by Ron Rapp on August 15, 2016 in Opinion Leaders • 7 Comments

Business jets offer the opportunity not only to fly to many interesting places, but to do so at widely varying weights and conditions. As a result, your trusty flying machine can be a blazing thoroughbred one day and a dehydrated mule the next. Read more →

I Go to Extremes

by Ron Rapp on July 17, 2016 in Opinion Leaders • 4 Comments

Summer is here, and it’s got me thinking about important temperature limits for airplanes — and the pilots who fly them. Read more →