IFR Magazine

Technological advances in aviation are few, slow and occur in small increments. Aside from composite materials, airframes are essentially unchanged over the last 70 years. Engines? Well, there have been a few interesting attempts to modernize, but even the antiquated magneto spark remains dominant. So, the aviator seeking the latest advances has to focus on electronics, which, fortunately, are evolving at a remarkably fast pace.

Nutjob. Thats what we all called him. He was one of my trainers at my first tower. Extreme skydiving and off-the-grid adventure travel earned him the title. His not-safe-for-work There I was… stories were legendary throughout our ATC community.

A while back, I wrote an article on departing an airport in Class G airspace. To follow up, well delve a little deeper into the departure and discuss entering the radar environment to see what radar provides. Well also look at what radar doesnt provide.

Bob and I are flying back to Connecticut, IFR in his Cessna 182, after a fabulous experience with my first visit to Oshkosh. We depart with full tanks.

A controversial airworthiness directive that affects certain Superior Air Parts cylinders took effect April 25 despite widespread opposition from the maintenance industry and the manufacturer. The AD grounds any aircraft with Continental 550, 520 and 470 engines with SAP cylinders that have been in the engine for more than 12 calendar years.

Say youre flying to Asheville, North Carolina on a rainy IMC day. The visibility is hovering around a mile and a half and the ceiling is 1200 feet. ATC has you on vectors for the RNAV (GPS) RWY 34. Without a WAAS GPS in your Turbo Bugsmasher, youre stuck with the LNAV minimums. The weather is above the Category B minimums that youll be using, so you shouldnt have any problems. Right?

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Several years ago, it was one of those rare days when low-altitude winds were really howling-strong, steady, but relatively turbulence-free. On a dark winter night, we were beating against this headwind. Near Huntsville, we heard the following:Cessna 123: Huntsville Approach, Cessna 123. What is your radar painting for our ground speed?Huntsville Approach: Cessna 123. We show you making a bit more than 140 knots.Cessna 123: Not bad for a Cessna 150. …

I read with interest-and a chuckle at the question why no one wants to be a pilot today-your editorial, Pilot Shortage Arrives in April 2013. Bottom line is that its just too damned expensive. Getting into the game costs tens of thousands and takes precious time people do not have these days. They see no value in being a pilot. People today have many alternatives for their hard-earned discretionary/recreational funds.

Competition breeds innovation and lower prices. I think I read that a few decades ago in a business course. Sounds about right.