“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 →
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 →
It’s vital for pilots to be aware of what’s happening on the radio, out the window, on the instrument panel, and elsewhere. We call this “situational awareness”. But when something unexpected happens, how often do we really see it? Read more →
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 →
In the aftermath of that deadly crash in Reno, people — even some in the aviation industry — are starting to wonder if the National Championship Air Races shouldn’t be relegated to the dust bin of history. I make the case for continuing the event. Read more →
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 →
The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attack had most folks on edge when it comes to flying, but for me it gained a happy twist when a friend soloed for the first time. Read more →
Further analysis of comments coming in from the blogosphere about the pros and cons of cockpit automation. My take? In the end, it’s all about the beginning. Read more →
Is flying safe? Every passenger wonders, and for good reason. I take a candid look at risk management in the world of general aviation and discuss a few ways to turn the odds in your favor. Read more →
Automation can be a tremendous asset to flight safety. It can also rob us of the basic flying skill we need to monitor that whiz-bang stuff and fly without it. Read more →