Your connection with the sky

Flying the Boom – A Ride with the 72nd Air Refueling Squadron

Steve Tupper, June 29th, 2009

Ssgt Jason Bireley at the Boom Station

If you ask SSgt Jason Bireley what he does for a living, he might say that he lies on his belly and passes gas.  SSgt Bireley doesn’t give me the impression of a guy who’d actually put it that way, but it’s true in a sense.  Read More >>

How to improve pilot salaries: Try tipping

AndrewS, May 22nd, 2009

A lot has been written about low pilot salaries recently.  Especially the salaries paid to regional pilots.  How can anyone live on $20,000 a year, especially when they have $80,000 in pilot-related school costs to pay off?

We, the passengers on commercial airlines, are partially responsible.  We demand the right to fly coast to coast for $99.  Airlines have little wiggle room in managing fixed costs, such as fuel and maintenance.  Where they have room to drive down costs is with labor.  So they do.  The FAA may require minimum hours to pilot a plane, but it doesn't require minimium pay. Read More >>

Flying the Pilotmaker: A ride in the USAF T-6A Texan II

Steve Tupper, May 18th, 2009

Tupper in the T-6A 14 May 2009

For many of us, the initial thrill of aviation came from military aviation as it was portrayed in the movies and on television.   Read More >>

How I learned to fly.

PaulT, March 23rd, 2009

One of the things I enjoy most about being a corporate pilot is the relationship and conversations I get to enjoy with my passengers.  If there is a long enough pause in the discussion, inevitably the question comes up, "So, how did you learn to fly?"  Here is my full, non-abbreviated answer: Read More >>

When our heroes die…..

FrancoisD, March 20th, 2009

 

I was afraid this would happen when I reported of the missing aircraft (Cessna 180) of Sparky Imeson yesterday. Search crews found the wreckage of it and Sparky died in the crash. So really really sad.First of all my condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sparky. It is always sad when someone dies, even more when it is one of our pilot friends, even when he's doing what he loves best: flying!

Read More >>

Pilot Path: Flight Instructor

PaulT, February 25th, 2009

I've been highlighting various professional pilot paths and the profession tonight is a favorite of mine, flight instructor.

Flight instruction, by many pilots, is unfortunately seen as only a means to an end.  Just a way to build flight experience before moving on to the next rung on the professional pilot ladder.  But for some instructors, they realize that becoming a certified flight instructor (CFI) is much more than just another line on a resume, it is the key to sustaining general aviation as we know it today. Read More >>

The Voices in Your Head: Aviation Podcasts

Steve Tupper, February 12th, 2009

iPod on the yoke of the Skydive Chicago Twin otter

Those who know me will not be surprised to hear that I’m a huge fan of aviation podcasts.

For those not familiar with the medium, a podcast is an audio or video show delivered over a computer network on a periodic or occasional basis.  Read More >>

Hello Aviators!

Jason Miller, February 11th, 2009

Introduction

Greeting aviators!  I am so happy to be writing this blog at AOPA’s new flying site, LetsGoFlying.com.  There is nothing I am more passionate about than spreading the word about aviation in the ever changing online world.  A bit about me - I am an active CFI, Podcaster, Video Producer and avid Sailor.  Read More >>

Let’s Not Forget the Co-Pilot and Flight Attendants

AndrewS, January 21st, 2009

My office window is along 10th Avenue in Mahattan-- which last Thursday put my and my co-workers in perfect view of something that looked quite out of place... a commercial airliner bobbing in the water.

By now, the story of the US Airways jet that took off from LGA, had an unfortunate encounter with some birds, and then a miracle landing on the Hudson River, is well known. Read More >>

Airline’s Loss Could Be GA’s Gain

AndrewS, January 12th, 2009

While there is growing concern and evidence that the general aviation industry is falling off a cliff, there is also evidence of a significant opportunity.  According to the New York Times, more and more small cities are losing airline travel.  You can read the article here. The result?  That small towns supported by tourists are feeling a harsh economic downtown. Read More >>