Fly-Low Publications Archived Stories

Main Menu

2004

April - May

Throttle Forward

May 31 - As our air show season gets into full swing (see our air events calendar), the TFRs continue to POP UP all over.  We sent out a TFR NOTIFICATION E-MAIL last week to those who subscribe to our NOTAM warning.  It contained eighteen (18) solid and/or anticipated TFRs.  The President was going home to Texas with stops in surrounding states.   

If you don’t receive our e-mail notification and would like too, just e-mail your request to notams@fly-low.com and we will add you to the list.  MORE...

Tears From Heaven

In Loving Memory of Deanna Hearn

May 30 - Three years ago, in 2001, I approached the Log Cabin Democrat (Conway, AR) to print a start-up aviation publication called FLY-LOW.  The person I dealt with was Deanna Hearn.  It really wasn’t much of a decision whether to print with them or not after meeting Deanna.  MORE...

Deanna Hearn and Ralph McCormick viewing first issue of Fly-Low 3/01/01

CAF P-51 Crashes

MIDLAND, Texas (May 30, 2004)  – A Commemorative Air Force (CAF) operated single-engine World War II North American P-51C Mustang, N61429, made an off-airport emergency landing at approximately 2:10 p.m. (Central Daylight Savings Time) on Saturday, May 29, 2004. The airplane was participating in the Wings of Freedom Airshow at the Red Wing Regional Airport located between Red Wing, Minn. and Bay City, Wis.  MORE...

Horse Sense

May 29 - It has been circulated about the aviation community that there is no such thing as ‘horse sense’ — common sense — when it comes to the operation of an airplane.  Think about it. The definition of common sense is “the unreflective opinions of ordinary people forming sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment.”  

Judgment, then, is “the process of forming an opinion or evaluation by discerning and comparing.”  MORE...

Give Me A Break

May 28 - The FAA has turned down a petition from a Massachusetts anti-noise group to require aircraft owners to put two-foot-high N numbers under their wings. As AOPA had argued in its comments on the petition, the FAA said the issue had been debated, studied, and decided years ago — the current 12-inch-high numbers on the fuselage are sufficient. More...

EAA Summer Fun

May 27 - There's no better time than summer to let flights of fancy grab your imagination and this summer, there's no better place to enjoy the world of flight than the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh.

From the world-famous EAA AirVenture fly-in to a multitude of events at the EAA AirVenture Museum, the wonders and excitement of aviation is readily available to all visitors. MORE...

Grand Opening of New Glider Airport

May 26 - Cherry Valley (AR) will have a Grand Opening and ribbon cutting at the new Glider Airport (4AR5) called Lawrence Field.  The event is scheduled for 11:00 AM, June 19, 2004.  MORE...

Aviation of Kentucky Events

May 25 - Museum of Kentucky special events for the summer Check here...

Fly in a Warbird at the Aviation Museum of Ky...  Check here...

Navy Abandons Ship

May 23 - Last month we told you about vintage aircraft enthusiast Lex Cralley being sued by the Navy for his actions in digging up the wreck of a Brewster F3A-1 Corsair that crashed during a training flight in 1944. This is the Rest of the Story as of today.  MORE...

Going to AirVenture?

May 24 - Check this site for the NOTAMs for arrival and departure to AirVenture 2004.  HERE...

June Classifieds Are Posted

May 24 - Our June issue is at the printer and will be at FBOs as early as Tuesday next week.  We always post the Classified page early.  If you call one of our customers, tell them you saw it in FLY-LOW.  Click on the classified icon on the left, above.

Ego In The Cockpit

May 21 - We were toward the end of our flight in the L-39 jet trainer, and I was just getting established in the downwind leg at the Santa Fe Municipal Airport. This was my second flight in the Albatross, and I was handling things much better this time around, I thought. I’m not an airline pilot or a military jet jock -- just your average general aviation CFI.  MORE...

AOPA Works On Tennessee Aviation Fuel Taxes

May 20 - AOPA has been hard at work in Nashville to head off a more than 100% increase in the state aviation fuel tax rate. Thanks in part to AOPA Southeast Regional Representative Bob Minter's efforts, a bill (S.B. 3454) that would reverse the tax hike, which would take effect next January, has already received unanimous approval in the state Senate's Finance, Ways and Means Committee.  MORE...

Wings Weekend:  Tullahoma Airport

May 18 - The Wings Weekend aviation safety event will be happening in just a couple of weeks.  We expect to attract over two hundred participants to this event.  Since the seminars and flight instruction are provided at no cost to the participants, there is a grand opportunity for area businesses to gain exposure for their products or services by assisting in the underwriting of this event.  More...

June Issue of Fly-Low At FBOs On Wednesday

May 18 - The June issue will be in stands on Wednesday next week.  Our events calendar will have one of the summers first big month of air shows and air events.  If you would like to get your event in our calendar, I recommend you send the information to airmail@fly-low.com ASAP.  Check our website on  Friday for TFRs and current air events.  Hope you like the new Fly-Low logo above.  It is spring, isn't it???

New Mexico Aviation Conference

May 18 - The 5th Annual New Mexico Aviation Conference will be held in Albuquerque, NM on June 10 - 12.  This is a maintenance seminar, airport management seminar, aviation legend Scott Crossfield will be at the event.  This will be a New Mexico Bash.. come one come all.  For more information call NMDOT Aviation Division at 505 476-0937. 

Time In Your Tanks

May 15 - What does "Time In Your Tanks" mean? Depending upon your aircraft's particular fuel consumption rate, the amount of usable fuel in your aircraft equates directly to how long your aircraft will fly. The longer you can fly, the more choices you have for ensuring a safe flight; consequently, you can say that flight time equates directly to flight safety.  MORE...

Planning On Flying To AirVenture

May 16 - If you're planning a summer "Big Adventure" to AirVenture at Oshkosh, we recommend you go to this website.  The 32 page NOTAM on arrival and departure is now posted.  MORE...

Mack's Hangar - If You Vote, You Can Gripe!

May 14 - In the year 2004, we have the opportunity to VOTE.  The disappointing fact is that only a small percentage of those eligible to vote will do so.  We live the best life in the most free country in the world, where voting is taken so complacently.  There are Americans who have died in every century since the inception of the United States protecting our right to vote.  Yet, many of us don’t go to the polls and exercise our FREEDOM  – VOTING!   MORE...

FYI: Aviation Accidents

May 13 - On April 17, 2004, at 1930 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 150H was substantially damaged when it impacted into a lake, 1/2 mile east of the Boulder Municipal Airport (1V5), Boulder, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant on board the airplane reported minor injuries.  MORE
 

Cessna 170s Flock to MPJ

May 12 - Petit Jean Mountain Airport was home to the Cessna 170 Association  fly-in May 7-9.  David Laseter organized the May fly-in.  Cessna 170s from GA, TX, TN, OK, AR, MS,  and MN attended the event.  Approximately 15 planes flew in for the event.  MORE...

USAF 'Total Force Exhibit' at OSH

May 12 - The United States Air Force, which has long supported the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual EAA AirVenture fly-in, will have a big presence with its 20,000-square foot "Total Force Exhibit" at this year's event.  EAA AirVenture 2004 takes place July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.  MORE...
 

Business Spotlight

Green Country Aircraft Exhaust, Inc  -  Tulsa, OK

May 11 - Richard Gann started out with the dream of owning his own business and from that dream came Green Country Aircraft Exhaust, Inc.  Richard saw a need in the Tulsa area for aircraft exhaust maintenance and knew he could fill it.  Green Country, family-run business from the start, Gann and his daughter, who runs the office, have done a bang up job for the last 8 years.   MORE...

Wild Bill's Airline

May 10 - As my beloved Grandma used to say, “wonders never cease!”  I heard her voice in my head as I read the latest proclamation from the FAA. I yelled to my wife, “Hey, Hon’ we’re an airline.” She laughed, as she is well aware that I’m one sarcastic, irascible, human being with a penchant for tomfoolery. In this instance though, I was only repeating the doctrinal vagaries of the government.  MORE...

$100 Hamburger Locations

May 10 - On this website you will fine $100 Hamburger  locations we have accumulated for the past several years.  We attempt to keep it updated and timely.  If you would like to add your favorite spot to our list, please e-mail us the location.  If you know of any of our $100 Hamburger locations that have closed, let us know.  MORE...

Black Pilots of American To Meet

May 8 - The Annual Black Pilots of America (BPA) will be held on Memorial Day at Grider Field in Pine Bluff (AR).  The activities start on Thursday, May 27^th and go through Sunday May 30^th.  Friday’s events will include a Pace Program presented by the LIT FSDO.   MORE....

Wanna Help, Wanna Participate

May 7 - The Wings Weekend aviation safety event will be happening in just a couple of weeks.  We expect to attract over two hundred participants to this event.  Since the seminars and flight instruction are provided at no cost to the participants, there is a grand opportunity for area businesses to gain exposure for their products or services by assisting in the underwriting of this event.  MORE...

"The Gunfighter"

By Ralph McCormick

Every pilot has, at one time or another, dreamed of being Pilot In Command (PIC) of a P-51 Mustang.  For many of us, it will never happen.  Besides the fact that the P-51 is a scarce bird, they now cost over 1.5 million dollars.  The other problem is that it would take over two-hundred hours in a T-6 to get the required {time require by the Commemorate Air Force (CAF)} experience to drive the big bird. MORE...

Website Makeover

May 6 - For those of you who visited this site Tuesday and Wednesday, it may have been in shambles.  I now have it changed and back in order.  I apologize for the mess during the re-construction.  It is now over, for the most part.  I hope you like the new look.  Our content will remain current aviation news - updated on a regular basis.  We still offer the opportunity to receive TFR notifications on a weekly (or sooner) basis.  Simply email your request to notams@fly-low.com and you will be added to our list.

Ralph McCormick

Give Me A Break!!!

May 6 - You have to keep up on this story and similar stories.  The FAA has turned down a petition from a Massachusetts anti-noise group to require aircraft owners to put two-foot-high N numbers under their wings.  MORE...

How Many Souls on Board?

By Robert Ezell 

May 5 - There is no doubt your world is moving fast and furious if you hear the question, “How many souls on board?”  It will only be asked if you’re flying and have an emergency situation.  If we’re lucky as a pilot, we will never have (Air Traffic Control) ATC ask that question.  Over 20 years of flying has passed under my prop and I have yet to be ask it.  I did heard, “Do you want to declare an emergency?”  Once, to which I quickly responded an emphatic, “NO!”   MORE..

Throttle Forward...

May 3 - Our website, www.fly-low.com, continues to change.  Last month, we started putting our classifieds on line.  This is done with no additional charge to the customer.  Now would be the best time to get your item sold (hint, hint).  Send your classified to us, ASAP.  It will be the best $10 you ever spent.  Our website has reached the 100,000 hits for the first time last month.  Since January 1, our site is receiving five times the hits per month more than it received last year.  MORE...

New Restricted Area In Louisiana

May 1 — The FAA on Tuesday announced its intention to establish a new restricted area requested by the U.S. Air Force near Alexandria, La., effectively closing a Victor airway to most general aviation traffic. R-3801 straddles V-212 and extends to 23,000 feet msl, well above the ceiling of most light GA aircraft, and inaccessible to any VFR pilots.  MORE...

AOPA Speaks To The Twin Cities

May 1 - Testifying before a Minneapolis hearing room packed with AOPA members and local pilots, AOPA President Phil Boyer on Thursday told Twin Cities airport commissioners "not to undo a system that is a model of efficient capacity relief just because the largest tenant - Northwest Airlines -  at Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) finds itself in economic difficulty - again."  MORE...
 

Rocky Mountain Fly-In Relocates

April 30 - Past success and future growth opportunities have led the board of the Rocky Mountain EAA Regional Fly-In (RMRFI) to relocate their popular celebration of aviation to Front Range Airport in 2004.  With growing popularity over its 25-year history, the two-day summer festival has outgrown its traditional host in Longmont, Colorado.   MORE...

IAOPA Tackles Universal Issues

April 27 - Frederick, Maryland USA -   The International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations has just concluded its 22nd biennial World Assembly in Toulouse, France, determined to protect general aviation and aerial work (GA/AW) from overzealous security precautions and excessive costs. MORE...
 

Classified Now Has Link

April 26 - If you will check in the box above at the bottom is the Classified link.  I have posted the May classified section today.  From now on, that will be the location. 

Take A Look

April 24 - This is a good site for a Texas airport. 

Take a look!!!  They have a BBQ Fly-In on May first...  Come on down.

KidVenture EAA

April 23 - A totally interactive flight experience for young people, unlike any other in Wisconsin or the Midwest, will open to the public on May 15, as the EAA AirVenture Museum unveils its new "KidVenture Gallery" at its facility in Oshkosh.  MORE...

Throttle Forward...

April 19 - General Aviation is taking hits on all fronts.  The government is throwing punches at us with the TFRs and restricted areas.  Years ago, all a pilot had to worry about was the weather.  Today, we have Uncle Sam’ TFR (PFR), presidential movements, restrictive threats from states, new rules to protect the world from a Cessna 150, and now we have a small group of discontents that don’t want a plane flying over their house.  MORE...

Hell Must Have Frozen Over!

April 16 - An attempt of the Sun N Fun officials to prevent Jim Campbell, publisher of Aero-News Network, to attend the event as a member of the media.  They prevented him from attending as a member of the media, but he was permitted to attend with the purchase of a ticket.  MORE...

Ford Tri-Motor Flies Triumphant!

April 16 - The Experimental Aircraft Association is celebrating this year's 75th anniversary of its prized Ford Tri-Motor passenger airplane, and the 75th anniversary of transcontinental air service, by taking this rare aircraft to selected cities in the Midwest this summer.

Two "mini-tours" are scheduled with the Ford Tri-Motor, one running June 25-July 18 in Michigan, Ohio and Illinois and a second tour to yet-undetermined Midwest cities in September.  MORE...
 

Superior Air Parts and Lancair Team UP

April 15 –– Two of the true innovators in sport aviation have teamed up to create an engine and airframe package that will deliver kit aircraft builders an amazing level of performance at surprisingly affordable prices.  Superior Air Parts, Inc.  and Lancair International have partnered to install Superior’s TNIO-360 Turbo Normalized XP-360 Engine® on the popular fixed-gear Lancair Legacy sport plane. MORE...

Water And The Pilot

April 14 - The Federal Aviation Administration has recently updated a requirement in the Practical Test Standards that applicants for pilot certificates explain the symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions for at least three physiological conditions. The list now includes hypoxia, hyperventilation, middle ear and sinus problems, spatial disorientation, motion sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, stress and fatigue and dehydration.  MORE...

UFO (Unidentified Falling Object)

April 12 - Having flown in all kinds of conditions since the early 60’s, Ken Pearson experienced a most unusual occurrence in February of this year, somewhere over Texas.  This event will certainly not be repeated often.   

MORE...

Space Travel for Me & You...  Soon.

April 12 - Hot on the heels of receiving it's FAA license, the American SpaceShipOne team had a perfect rocket-powered flight today, April 8, reaching an altitude of 105,000 ft.  Behind the controls of SpaceShipOne's second successful powered flight was pilot and future astronaut, Peter Siebold.  The engine burned for 40 seconds and reached a speed of approximately Mach 2, making it the first privately built space vehicle to accomplish this feat.  "105,000 feet down, 223,000 feet to go!" exclaimed an excited onlooker, as he watched the ship fly overhead.  MORE...

Texas Pilot Get Fired On By The Military

April 10 - It has finally happened, a pilot flying in Texas has been fired on by the military.  Fortunately, they fired flares.  That is the good news.  The bad news is he busted a Presidential TFR and now he will pay for that mistake.  That is why we send out the TFR Notifications by e-mail when new TFRs are posted by the FAA.  If you want to be included on that e-mail notification list, just click on "Contact us" above and request to be added to the Notams Contact list.  Simple and it might keep you from being fired on by an F-16.  If you're flying in Texas next week, please check the next story and investigate the Notams in depth at the FAA website.

Weather To Fly, Or Not?

April 10 - VFR Flying today is easier than it was twenty years ago.  If you wanted weekend weather in 1984, you had to call Flight Service.  No maps were available, no local news on the weekend until six pm...  Today, we have more weather information than one can imagine.  Weather graphics from DUATS, the Internet, and now the weather channel.   Flying VFR is easier than ever.  It is hard to miss those fronts coming through an area.  Forecast graphics from the AOPA website is excellent.  Local TV stations now have weather on their sites.  Click on the picture for DUATS, if you are one of the 400,000 members of AOPA you can go to www.aopa.org for all you wx needs and here is another good SITE.

Funk, Where Is The Funk?

April 9 - If you have never seen a FUNK, then you are in the majority.  Until a few years ago, I never came in contact with a Funk.  There was one was for sale in Kansas.  I went to look at it and didn’t buy it.  The owner and I couldn’t come to an agreement on the price.  The Funk is a popular plane among those who know of it.  MORE...

Looking For FSDO

April 7 - Every so often, something comes up and a pilot needs the correct answer.  FSDO is the best source for a correct answer..  This site locates the FSDO website for your area, no matter what part of the country you live.  MORE...

Why Fly to Williamsburg?

April 7 - If the reason below wasn't enough, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown can be added to the list.  Jamestown is our first settlement in America.  It is being re-discovered.  A 'dig' is going on at present to discover what the early settlers left behind.  By early, I mean 1607 AD early.  More on this in FLY-LOW future issues... 

Today's Adventure

April 6 - If you want to go to a real nice, friendly FBO, I suggest you mark the Williamsburg Airport (JGG) on your sectional.  Our visit today with airport manager, Jean Waltrip, made us feel like we had been friends for years.  The FBO has a great pilot's shop, excellent restaurant, kids playground, fuel, and it is CLEAN.  It is one of the few "privately owned and operated - PUBLIC airports in the country.  We will have more on the airport in a future issue of FLY-LOW.  Meanwhile, stop in for a visit.  MORE...

Missouri Pilot Association

April 6 - To find out what there doing in Missouri, go to HERE...

Old Planes, Be Gone

April 5 - It’s going to get tougher and tougher to own and operate old certified airplanes. That isn’t a revelation to most of us who do. It’s about as plain as a pig’s nose. All we have to do is look over the raft of sweeping AD’s issued by manufacturers, or attempt to order a replacement part, to realize that such is the case.  MORE...

Never Assume The Solution...

April 5 - When two problems happen close together to an airplane, it doesn't mean the problems are the same.   Bobby Day explains the similar problems and how it can be confusing.  MORE...

Franklin, VA:  Today's Stop

April 4 -  Are you flying the east coast and looking for a nice place to stop.  Try Franklin (FKN), VA...  Fuel prices are low and the facility is extremely nice.  The friendly airport manager, Jimmy Gray, will make you feel right at home, as he did me today.  Next time you're in Virginia, stop in Franklin... "Virginia is for lovers", remember! 

It is close to one of the oldest communities in the USA, Smithville.  Which is close to the oldest community, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg... More on them later.

                               Franklin (VA) Airport >>

FYI:  NTSB Accidents

April 3 - FYI (For Your Information) is printed each month as a lesson in what not to do as a pilot.  These are pulled directly from the NTSB site and printed as a learning tool for all pilots. MORE...

Cameron Baker Named Flight Instructor of Year

April 2 - Cameron Baker is the 2004 Regional Flight Instructor of the year in Arkansas.  The award is presented by the Federal Aviation Administration.  Each year, candidates from Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma compete amongst each other for the Regional Flight Instructor Award.  MORE...

How Many times?

April 2 - The 1960's were full of Popular Science Magazines with this promise.  Fly from your house to work with this 'gizmo' was the promise....  I am still driving to work in a 1960's car at 2004 prices...  For MORE...

Business Spotlight:  Wing Waxers

April 1 - Wing Waxers was started in 1989 in Big Bear, Ca. As with most small businesses they start with an idea and a need to fill. That need was a way to clean and protect the paint on airplanes.  Ron & Charlotte Sharp own Wing Waxers in Kansas and Missouri. They have been detailing airplanes for 2 years and have recently expanded their services offered.  MORE...

Archive

Main Menu