New On

December 30, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

In a growing nightmare for GA in Australia and the Pacific, the contaminated fuel discovered last week has grounded some 4,000 private and charter aircraft during the busy holiday season. About 300 fuel-storage facilities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are under quarantine.
Okay, okay, we've all been assured at least 2,000 times that U.S. airspace is safe and compliant this New Year's Eve (though we're keeping our fingers crossed). But if you're still deciding on an exotic flight destination for a New Year's celebration, choose carefully.
The San Francisco Bay Area's GA community got an extra Christmas gift when the FAA said efforts to impose curfews on the San Carlos, Calif., airport would be illegal.
When snafus delayed Northwest flights twice this week -- 101 pax stuck in Minneapolis Sunday night and another 276 trying to get from O'Hare to Amsterdam on Monday -- the passengers were not only stewing, some were actually screaming at airline workers.
While FAA Administrator Jane Garvey is munching peanuts on her high-profile trek across the country New Year's Eve, a Mooney that is part of NASA's ongoing datalink research will fly a Y2K flight demonstration that can be tracked in real time via the Internet.
One of the founders of the Sun 'n Fun EAA Fly-In at Lakeland, Fla, is stepping down. Executive Director Billy Henderson plans to retire on December 31, 1999, after 25 years with the Florida fly-in.
Korean Air Lines says it will replace 15 aging planes with brand-new aircraft next year -- but denied the announcement has anything to do with last week's crash of one of its cargo planes in England.

AVMAIL: Reader mail about cockpit videocams, automated ATC, airline delays, the FAA airman database, AVweb's QOTW on undisclosed or untreated pilot medical conditions, overhead arrivals in Boeings, NORAD's Operation Santa, the Driggs GPS approach fiasco, and the state of U.S. ATC.

MAINTENANCE MATTERS: When Metal Lets Us Down: It's rare for an engine, propeller or airframe to fail catastrophically in flight. But when one does, more often than not, the culprit is metal fatigue. To make intelligent maintenance decisions, every aircraft owner needs a basic understanding of how metal behaves ... and why it fails. AVweb's Mike Busch offers a primer on the subject.

THE SYSTEM: AVweb Adds ATC Audio And Web Cam Links Page!: Responding to reader requests, AVweb has added a new list of links to Internet sites featuring live ATC audio feed and airport Web cams. The list includes such facilities as Chicago TRACON, NATCA Net Audio and JFK ATCT, among others. Most require that listeners download and install the RealAudio player; basic versions are free. Hint: using Flight Explorer Personal Edition and these sites, you can watch AND listen to flights in real time. Check AVweb's list of Internet sites to find the new list and go to the Flight Explorer Personal Edition site learn more about Flight Explorer!

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

The cost of flying is obviously on the minds of many pilots these days, since we received over 900 responses to last week's question. The overwhelming majority of respondents (95%) felt that general aviation will never be as affordable as other forms of personal transportation, and almost as many (80%) felt that cost was the main obstacle to more people getting into flying. Some of the interesting comments included, "...I recently toured a major prop manufacturer and they told me over 60% Of the price of a new prop is for liability claims..." while a reader from Europe noted "...praise the FAA and your government. In Europe it's much worse ... a Beech 36 costs around US$200 an hour...." To check out the complete results and comments, go to AVweb's QOTW page.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we want to know your thoughts on the usefulness of conducting a "staged" airliner crash for television. Go to AVweb's QOTW page to respond.

Please remember that the email address qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and can not be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING: AVtracker Extends Holiday Special On Its Aircraft Management Software
Due to an overwhelming response to AVtracker's aircraft management software for both single-owner and partnership versions, it has extended the holiday discount of $20 off either version until January 16. Order now at AVtracker's Web site.

Gleim Order Glitch; FAA Written Exam Book Sale Ends January 2, 2000
Customers who placed orders via AVweb for Gleim Publications products between December 15 and December 27 should contact Gleim either by phone or email to confirm that Gleim received their orders. Seems some gremlins made an early Y2K appearance in Gleim's system and the company wants to ensure all orders are being processed. Call 1-800-874-5346 or go online to Gleim's Web site. Also, remember that Gleim, producers of the "red books" for any FAA written exam, will end its 10% discount on ALL the books January 2. Order now at the Gleim's Web site and save.

SPONSORS: Cessna Makes It Easy To Discover The World Of Flight
Ever dreamed of learning to fly? Know someone who has? Visit Cessna Aircraft Company's learn-to-fly Web site. Discover how easy it is to take to the skies, and how today's new training technology and aircraft make it more convenient than ever. You can even download a specially priced Discover Flight coupon and find a flight school near you. There's never been a better time to learn to fly. Let Cessna show you how.

Ryan Can Alert You Of Other Aircraft In Your Airspace
There are more than 660,000 licensed pilots in the U.S. today. That's plenty of potential traffic in your airspace. You and your passengers deserve the added protection that Ryan Traffic Collision Alerting Devices (TCAD) can offer. From the Ryan 8800 TCAD series -- the most affordable collision-alerting devices on the market -- to the Ryan 9900BX TCAD with active interrogating transmitter and horizontal effective range of up to 10 miles, Ryan TCAD leads the way. For more information, visit Ryan's Web site.

December 27, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

Pilots of GA aircraft in Australia spent Christmas on terra firma after much of the fleet was grounded by a fuel scare. The grounding came on the heels of an emergency Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) after contaminated fuel was discovered in an airplane in Victoria.
Since June of this year, AVweb has been telling you about the FAA's planned changes to FAR 145, and the impact those changes will have on both the 4,509 repair stations that work on smaller aircraft and your wallet. This past week, the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) sounded off again, too, saying that neither economic nor safety benefits substantiate the Proposed Rule Notice 99-09.
Santa Claus has just returned to Driggs Municipal Airport (U59) after, oh, about 18 months, and pilot Rick Sugden, M.D., of Jackson Hole, Wyo., can confirm that as fact.
Ten days ago, AVweb told you about the midair collision between a Cessna 152 and a Piper Cadet that resulted in both planes safely landing at the Plant City, Fla., airport and all aboard walking away. Read all about it in this very special AVweb Profile.
The prototype CarterCopter was heavily damaged during a flight test at Olney, Texas, on December 16, and company officials are predicting a four-to-six-month delay in the test program while the prototype is rebuilt.
In a move that has "career-limiting" written all over it, a pilot with an Egyptian charter company called Midwest Airlines has been charged with making a terrorist threat by mentioning a bomb.
Last week, two women in Florida tried it for real. The pair, Josie Clark, 53, and Wendy Calderon, 32, chartered an unspecified six-seat helicopter flown by Frederick Neuhart IV.

AVMAIL: Reader mail concerning Santa's flight plan, the ground-vehicle collisions involving a NWA DC-9 and an AAL F-100, pros and cons of restricting access to the FAA airman database, the temporary shutdown of the GPS approach at Driggs, Idaho, the Citation crash at Cordele (Ga.), two more virtual towers (in Canada this time), Congress and the aviation trust fund, and a truly out-of-the-box suggestion for reducing airline delays.

BRAINTEASERS: Interactive Quiz #24 -- Cold-Weather Flying: Cold-weather flying requires a specialized set of pilot skills and knowledge to be accomplished safely. Just as you wouldn't drive your car in severe winter weather without the proper preparation, the same is true for flying an aircraft under such conditions. Try your hand at Irv Siegel's latest interactive quiz and see if you're ready to tackle the winter flying season.

COLUMNS: The Pilot's Lounge: A Homebuilt Taste Of Summer: As Old Man Winter settles in on the Lounge's residents, thoughts turn to warmer climes and times. One resident, though, is not letting the cold weather keep him from aviation. Instead, he's working steadily away on a homebuilt amphibian, a SeaRey, by Progressive Aerodyne. AVweb's Rick Durden has poked around the project and even made the pilgrimage to the company's factory.

PROFILES: Alan Vangee: Fly the airplane! Whatever happens, fly the airplane! That's what CFIs drill into us from our first run-up. CFI Alan Vangee got a chance to practice what he preaches when a Piper Cadet landed on top of the Cessna 152 in which he was instructing on Saturday, December 11. As AVweb reported, he guided the newfangled "Cess-per" to the ground with no loss of life, no injuries, no fire and only minimal damage to both airplanes. If there's a "Nerves of Steel" award he should get it. Since as far as we can tell, Alan has logged the most time in a 152 carrying another airplane piggyback, AVweb's Joe Godfrey asked him for some details about the event. Don't miss this special Profile.

SHOPPING: AirSport's $100 Discount Ends December 31
AirSport Corp., manufacturers of portable transponder monitors and altitude alerters, is offering $100 off their AirSport PRO, IFR/VFD, IFR/LCD and VFR models. But act quickly, because this great deal ends December 31. Order online at AirSport's Web site.

SPONSORS: NEW SPONSOR
IWANTGPS.Com Offers A Full Line Of Portable GPS Systems
When you're ready to buy an aviation GPS, visit IWANTGPS.com for all your portable system and accessory needs. IWANTGPS.com offers the lowest available prices, a complete selection, superior service, and free UPS ground shipping. The founder of IWANTGPS.com, Ash Vij, is president of Premier Aviation in Tuscon, Ariz. He and his crew have been dedicated to serving the general aviation community since 1972, with extensive experience in the installation and use of GPS systems sold for general aviation use. So when you contact IWANTGPS.com with questions about your GPS needs, you'll speak to someone who really knows GPS. Visit the IWANTGPS.com Web site today for the best selection and service available.

A New Cessna Skyhawk Is The Answer For Your Flight School Needs
Are you trying to run a professional flight school with worn-out, high maintenance aircraft? There's a better way -- a new Cessna Skyhawk. A new Skyhawk is more economical and practical than you think. Let us introduce you to other flight school operators who know the difference a new aircraft makes, and let us show you how to make it work. For more information call 1-800-4-CESSNA or visit Cessna's Web site.

Pilot Insurance Group Warns This Is The Last Chance For Lowest Rates
Impending legislation will affect your ability to get insurance at lower rates with current benefits. If you want to lock in the lower rates and better terms available in 1999, it is important to act NOW! Your application MUST be dated and received before year-end. For more information call 1-800-380-8376 or visit the PIC Web site. Don't delay!

December 23, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

Air traffic controllers warned the pilots of an American Airlines MD-82 several times about deteriorating weather conditions, including wind shear, heavy rain and gusts up to 44 knots, in the minutes before the jet crashed at Little Rock in June, according to transcripts released by the FAA this week.
The Washington Post reported Sunday that early this month in Providence, R.I., a US Airways-Metrojet crew refused a takeoff clearance from the tower, knowing that a United airliner that had just landed was lost somewhere on the dark, foggy field
FAA inspectors sent to the North Pole reported the reindeer and sleigh comply with all the regs, and feature a GPS, de-icing equipment, and collision avoidance systems to keep Santa on course and on time.
Obstacles may not exist for Santa on his flight, but if you're planning to fly commercial over the next couple of weeks, don't expect to be so lucky.
AVweb told you last week that three U.S. servicemen were killed in an Air Force C-130 accident in Kuwait, but the cause was not smoke inhalation, as originally reported. It turns out that in this incredibly hairy sequence of events.
Air traffic controllers at the El Paso radar approach facility have become first in the nation to use the FAA's new Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) workstations.
An Airworthiness Directive on the Precise Flight SVS III Standby Vacuum system may cause more safety problems than it solves, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association said yesterday.

AVMAIL: Reader mail concerning Al Gore's unscheduled aerial tour in Air Force Two, the golf course bombing by an F-16, airline carry-on baggage policies, aircraft insurance in Mexico, the "diluted" drug-test urine sample that got a Delta Airlines flight attendant fired, Teledyne Continental Motors' new magazine ads, fuel selectors in low-wing homebuilts, Doc Blue's medical kit, illegible runway and taxiway markings, rip-offs at airport security checkpoints, Chase-Durer pilot chronographs, and more on AVweb's alleged anti-liberal bias.

SAFETY: When Engine Instruments Lie: Retired 737 captain and AVweb contributor John Laming tells of experiencing a similar problem, on takeoff from the tiny Pacific island of Nauru, which brought him to within seconds of disaster and was saved by the actions of a quick-thinking pilot-in-command -- who was subsequently crucified by the airline whose airplane he saved. It's a fascinating story of technical intrigue and political injustice.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

We were impressed with the candid responses we received to last week's question on unreported medical conditions. Though some readers were suspicious of our motives (Hey, we never said you had to give your REAL name!), many of the respondents gave heartfelt comments on this sensitive issue. With over 500 respondents, almost half (46%) said they had a medical condition for which they didn't seek treatment for fear of jeopardizing their flying. Some of the interesting comments included, "I maintain a relationship with two doctors. One is solely for the FAA, the other for me," and "Trying to 'cheat' on a physical is like going below minimums on a instrument approach -- foolish and dangerous, maybe deadly." To check out the complete results and comments, go to the QOTW Web site.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we want to know your thoughts on the costs associated with general aviation. Go to the QOTW Web site to respond.

Please remember that the email address mailto:qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and can not be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at mailto:qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING

Check Out The Holiday Shopping Page For These And Other Great Specials!

AirSport's Portable Transponder Monitors And Altitude Alerters sale ends December 31. Get $100 off each model

AVtracker Aircraft Management Software is discounted $20 on either AVtracker-Single Owner or AVtracker-Partnership versions.

Off-The-Wall Has Last-minute Gifts including shirts, prints, screen savers, mouse pads and more!

Photon Micro-Light Sale Ends December 26. Order these compact, astonishingly bright lights online.

Summit Aviation produces the renowned Computerized Aviation Reference Library. Order online. today and save. Sale ends December 31.

Vrotate.Com Has Unbeatable Prices On Charts, with a holiday special ending December 26. Order a subscription and get some unbeatable prices on several classic training books.

SPONSORS

With Cessna's Leaseback Program, If You Can Rent, You Can Own
Let other pilots finance your dream of a new Cessna single-engine aircraft with Cessna Leaseback. Rental income, business tax incentives and special factory-sponsored financing can downsize the net cost of buying and operating your new aircraft. If you can afford to rent an airplane, you can probably afford to own one. See for yourself by calling 1-800-4-CESSNA or visit Cessna's Web site.

Ryan International Doesn't Want To Scare You, But...
Most pilots don't consider installing a Traffic Collision Alerting Device (TCAD) until they have had a good scare. Don't wait for a near-collision to get your attention. Visit the Ryan Web site or call them at 1-800-877-0048 for complete information on the Ryan 8800 TCAD series. They're the most affordable collision-alerting devices on the market. For full details go to Ryan's Web site.

The Life Insurance Rates You Save May Be Your Own
The Pilot Insurance Center wants to lock in lower rates and better terms for you before new legislation increases rates and lowers benefits in 2000. Act now! It doesn't cost a single cent to call PIC at 1-800-380-8376 or to fill out an online application at PIC's Web site, but it may cost you thousands of extra cents if you wait until 2000 to provide for your family.

December 20, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

A U.S. District judge has awarded $1.6 million to the parents of a pilot who was killed when the Beech E-18S he was flying crashed, after finding that controllers didn't help him as much as they could.
In recent years we've seen computer manufacturers adopt "plug-and-play" data transfer standards to simplify and reduce costs for peripherals. Could a similar standard for GA avionics put a few more pennies in pilots' pockets some day?
Deep from the trenches, comes now a story that will live in infamy and grow in its retelling for many years to come. This past Wednesday morning was a crazy one for controllers at the Atlanta Air Traffic Control Center (ZTL ARTCC).
Chances are your airline trip over the holidays will be, too. However, complaints that airlines treat passengers like just so many mooing Guernseys have reached such a crescendo and caused such a commotion in Congress that the DOT and FAA have mandated changes.
If you've ever had a close call with a building thunderstorm, the just-completed report by the United Kingdom Air Accidents Investigation Branch of a lightning strike to a Schleicher ASK-21 glider makes for interesting reading.
If you're ready for a story to put you in the holiday spirit, imagine what a pretty sight it must have been last Sunday when 22 aircraft owners and pilots paraded their aircraft at Hollywood Airport in Florida.
We reported last week that on December 9, the California wing was grounded. However, as of December 16, most of the pilots were back up and flying.
Order from the DOT to the FAA: approve IFR flight plan, no navigation/communication instruments needed (except for one red light in case of severe fog or heavy snow), direct routing, block altitude -- ground to FL200.
Do you sit around thinking about how aviation maintenance professionals contribute to the safety, quality, and fiscal soundness of the aviation maintenance industry? Well you should, because there could be money in it for you!

AUCTIONS: Checked out the AVweb Auctions site lately? You'll find aircraft, panel-mount and handheld radios, headsets, instruments, aircraft parts, pilot supplies, books, videos, software, aviation collectables and lots more, all waiting for you to name your price. Hundreds of AVweb readers have already nailed down fabulous bargains, or turned their unused aviation items into cash. Dozens of new listings appear daily, and there's never a fee to bid. Join the action and fun at the AVweb Auctions site.

AVMAIL: Reader mail about Toronto's "missing" runway 06L, airline delays, staffing shortages at Chicago ARTCC, Mexico's requirement for Y2K- compliant insurance, making GA aircraft safer, laser eye surgery for pilots, FAA regs regarding motion sickness, the temporary grounding of CAP's SoCal wing, last week's piggyback "Ces-per" landing, and the FAA's Tower Integration Laboratory. Also, criticism of AVweb's alleged anti-liberal bias, and praise for AVweb's pro-intellectual "aim high" editorial policy.

COLUMNS: Eye of the Examiner: Operations At Non-towered Airports: Just because there's not a control tower at an airport, it doesn't mean that there aren't any procedures to follow for landings and takeoffs. Still, operating at a non-towered airport can be one of the most confusing parts of a flight, for experienced and neophyte pilots alike. AVweb's Howard Fried demystifies these procedures with some common sense and some examples of what not to do.

PROFILES: Eleanor Wagner: "Orchid" was the notation that TWA employees of the late '40s used for reservations made by Howard Hughes. Chuck Yeager and Pete Everest took off in the dark using a bus for runway lights. Actress Swoozie Kurtz is named for her father's airplane. In this month's Profile, Eleanor Wagner chats with AVweb's Joe Godfrey about the Early Birds, the WASPs, Howard Hughes, Paul Mantz, the Salton Sea speed runs, and shares more stories about some of the more colorful characters in aviation.

SHOPPING

THESE HOLIDAY SPECIALS END DECEMBER 26, 1999

If You Use Airborne Radar, Listen Up!
Archie Trammell, radar expert and publisher of "Airborne Weather Radar Training Course", says you don't have to be a commercial pilot to train in the PROPER use of your radar system to avoid fatal misinterpretations and mistakes. For the holidays, with each order of the training program you will receive one of three other books free. So don't delay. Go online to Archie's Web site and order the program via USPS priority for the holidays.

Try WeatherTAP Free For One More Week
There's still one week left to enjoy the AVweb/WeatherTAP holiday treat. Check out this highly acclaimed Internet aviation weather service for FREE! Just go to the WeatherTAP Web site and enter the following when prompted: User name="avweb99", and Password="holiday99".

Current Productions' Videos Offer More Warm Breezes For Cold Evenings
Current Productions is offering two more videos as part of a special package. Baja & Cayman Islands is now being offered at a special price of $53.95, a $6 savings. Order now at Current Productions' Web site.

Boundary Layer Research's 10% off all VG products and 10% off Spring Things for Barons and Dukes. At the Boundary Layer Web site.

Desser Tire & Rubber Company has a number of great holiday specials. Check them out at Desser's Web site.

FlightLevel's New 2000 Edition of their PC logbook program comes pre-wrapped upon request for immediate gift giving.

FlightSafety International's New Hire Program $100 Discount.
Plus, buy one AviatorPro 98 at regular price of $34.95 and get the second at 25% off. Every order includes a sign-up for a free upgrade to fly the upcoming AviatorPro2000.

Kennon Aircraft Covers: Purchase over $100 and receive your choice of a metal nostalgic sign.

Vision Aerobics offers the gift of good sight with their CD-ROM eye exercises. Get $5 off your first CD and $15 off any additional CD in the same order with free shipping and handling, and all packages are pre-wrapped!

SPONSORS: Cessna Singles -- Aircraft You Can Rely On
When you -- and others -- rely on your airplane, there's no better bet than a Cessna. Whether it's aerial surveillance, transporting personnel, or search and rescue, Cessna's Skylanes and Stationairs make the perfect partners for public service organizations. For more information, contact the Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representative (CSTAR) near you, call 1-800-4-CESSNA, or visit Cessna's Web site.

December 16, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

The pilots of two trainers in Florida received an early Christmas present Saturday when they walked away from a midair collision that occurred while both planes were on final for touch-and-goes. In what has to be one of the most unique landings ever accomplished, after colliding at an altitude of about 200 feet the two planes became interlocked.
The FAA beat the IRS, but that was about it, as it racked up a low score of 58 in the first-ever government-sponsored survey of federal service users. The FAA surveyed commercial pilots as part of an "American Customer Satisfaction Initiative" (ACSI), under Vice President Al Gore's National Partnership for Reinventing Government.
While headquarters is busy surveying its customers, a funding shortfall has left the FAA so desperate for air traffic controllers in the Chicago area that it has pulled student controllers out of classes and put them to work.
On Monday the salvage vessel Smit Pioneer began the task of recovering crash debris from the ocean floor where an EgyptAir B767 crashed on October 31.
This week NASA officially opened "FutureFlight Central," the world's first full-scale virtual control tower.
If you're ready for a story to put you in the holiday spirit, imagine what a pretty sight it must have been last Sunday when 22 aircraft owners and pilots paraded their aircraft at Hollywood Airport in Florida.
As the nationwide turmoil in the Civil Air Patrol continues, the CAP California Wing has been told to stand down, except for search missions.
Taking observers by surprise, Boeing yesterday unveiled not one -- but both -- of its X-32 concept demonstrators for the Joint Strike Fighter program.
The Discovery shuttle mission STS-103 to repair the crippled Hubble Space Telescope is scheduled for launch this evening if the replacement of a dented hydrogen line vacuum jacket is completed in time.

AEROMEDICAL: Doc Blue's Emergency Medical Kit: Do you carry a first-aid kit in your airplane or car? According to AVweb's Brent Blue, M.D., first-aid kits of the drugstore variety are mostly packed with stuff that is totally useless and occasionally harmful. Over the years, Dr. Blue has assembled his own traveling medical kit, based on his long experience as an emergency-room doc, frequent traveler, pilot, outdoorsman, and dad. He offers details of exactly what's in his kit and why, and how to assemble a really good kit of your own.

AVMAIL: Boeing PR wrote to correct our story about the Classic 737 rollout, and a few readers complained about our wisecracks about N.J. politicians. Also reader mail about NASA's view of Y2K, Canada's view of Y2K, wire strikes, combustible lav fluid, feedback on the ReliefBand for air sickness, and cheesey deicing.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

AVweb readers who responded to our question on video cameras in the cockpit were almost evenly split in their opinions. With over 500 respondents on the topic, 52% felt that video cameras in the cockpit would not enhance safety, while 48% said vidcams would help. Slightly more than half felt that cameras would be an invasion of privacy, but a higher percentage (58%) felt cockpit vidcams should not be mandated. Reader comments were equally divided, from "...camera will make a great place to hang a hat," to "As a professional pilot's wife, some of the 'shenanigans' that go on in the cockpit while that door is closed need closer scrutiny." To check out the complete results, go to AVweb's QOTW page.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we want to know if the FAA's medical regulations have ever caused you to avoid medical care or to be less than truthful with your doctor about a medical condition. Go to AVweb's QOTW page to respond.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING: CORRECTION: Current Productions Offers An Even Better Deal
In Monday's AVflash we told you that Current Productions' videos, Caribbean & Cayman Islands, were on sale for $79.95, a savings of $10. What we forgot to mention is that the Belize video comes with this package for the same price! So while it may be chilly outside, you can give a warm gift of island breezes by ordering these videos at these special prices until December 19 at the Current Productions Web site.

February 29, 2000: Last Chance For Special ICOM Rebate
ICOM is the name knowledgeable pilots know and trust for handheld aviation radios. For comfortable size, ruggedness and advanced easy-to- use features, ICOM has no peer. Some of the great savings include: $50 on the world's most popular handheld nav/com radio, the IC-A22; $20 on the IC-A3, the com-only version of the IC-A22; and, $20 savings on the IC-A22sport, the alkaline-powered version of the IC-A22. These rebates are being offered until February 29. For more information on these great radios, and how to get your rebate, go to ICOM's Web site.

Gleim Offers Special On All Their Written Exam Books
Gleim is putting ALL their written exam books on sale at 10% off until January 9. There's no better way to study for a written exam than with Gleim's "red books." Order online at Gleim's Web site.

Comm1 Makes Interactive Radio Communications Training Easy
Check out their software and savings at Comm1'sWeb site.

Photon Micro-Lights Are The Perfect "Little" Gift
They've been called the best. Find out why and check out the Holiday Special at Photon's Web site.

If There's A Used Aircraft In Your Future, Read This First
Gene Unterman's "How To Buy A Used Aircraft Without Taking A Dive" can save you money and grief. Order online.

AVtracker Software Eases Aircraft Ownership Records
Sole owner or partnership, either version of AVtracker software is now available with a $20 discount at the AVtracker Web site.

Aviation Shopping Network Is The Best For Last-Minute Gifts
Holiday specials include select King "Take-Off" Videos at $21.95 each, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000 Professional for $69.95. Order these specials, or download ASN's unique Instant Gift Certificates, at their Web site.

SPONSORS: Off-The-Wall Is A Unique Site With Unique Items
Off-The-Wall is a manufacturer and distributor of quality, Alaskan-made aviation gifts, including computer screen savers, mouse pads, T-shirts, sweatshirts, prints, maps and posters. Off-The-Wall brings these unique items to you with humor and fantastic scenic art. If you are looking for that one-of-a-kind gift, a treat for yourself, or are a retailer searching for new products, browse through the Off-The-Wall catalog.

Falcon Insurance Appoints Bill Tabbert As Chief Operations Officer
Falcon Insurance, aviation insurance specialists, has appointed Bill Tabbert as chief operations officer to coordinate the Falcon offices in 11 cities. Mr. Tabbert comes to the job with 17 years of aviation insurance experience, is a private pilot, a graduate of Embry-Riddle, and has an MBA from Amber University. For all your aircraft insurance needs, go to the professionals at Falcon's Web site.

Unison Industries Has Complete Ignition Systems
Unison Industries offers maximum cost savings and convenience with a complete Unison Ignition System Kit featuring Slick magnetos, Slick harnesses, and Autolite aviation spark plugs. Check out this convenient package at Unison's Web site.

Pilot Insurance Center Warns Of Pending Life Insurance Cost Increases
Pilot Insurance Center is adding two extra hours, until 7:30 p.m. CST, through December 22 to handle calls from those who want to lock in lower rates and better terms in 1999. On January 1, legislation will mandate an increase in life insurance rates with fewer client benefits. Applications must be dated and received before year-end. Call PIC at 1- 800-380-8376 or go online.

December 12, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

Another New Jersey town had a harrowing incident with a GA plane when a 1980 Beech/Raytheon Baron 58 crashed into the suburbs of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., Thursday killing all four on board. The crash damaged several homes in the densely populated suburb, but fortunately only three people on the ground suffered minor injuries.
The FAA's NPRM on Part 145 -- changes to the regulations governing certification of aircraft repair stations -- needs work itself, according to AOPA. The association's vice president and executive director of government and technical affairs, Dennis Roberts, last week said that the changes "would lead to significantly higher maintenance costs for general aviation aircraft owners."
Representatives from several members of GA's alphabet soup, including AOPA, EAA, GAMA, NBAA, the Ninety-Nines, and SAMA, met with FAA officials in mid-November to discuss how to rejuvenate Flight Service to provide better and more useful weather information and services to pilots both in the air and on the ground.
The FAA affirmed that no more exceptions will be allowed for the "reserve rest" rules, denying several requests for extensions including one blanket request from the airlines' trade group.
The FAA's fearless leader detailed her plans to lead us into the New Year by throwing caution to the wind and winging across the country on a flight that spans from sea to shining sea.
Let's hope last week was just a rare string of bad luck for aviation around the globe. In the Azores, a British Aerospace ATP turboprop operated by SATA Air Azores crashed with 35 souls aboard and, at AVweb's deadline, it appeared that there were no survivors.
After weeks of intense interpretation of the CVR tape, NTSB chairman James Hall has stated unequivocally that "no sounds have been detected that would be consistent" with mechanical failure or an explosion onboard EA990.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is taking exception to recent NTSB recommendations on commercial single-engine over-water and beyond-gliding-distance-to-land operations.
Senior crash investigators in Bangkok have announced that they believe problems in the Airbus A310-200's rudder and aileron control systems played a part in a fatal crash which occurred December 11, 1998.

AVMAIL: Reader mail concerning multiengine endorsements by CFIs, a proposal for rationalizing airline flight schedules, the Chieftain crash in South Africa, the aviation trust fund held hostage by Congress, crew meals, overpopulation as a cause of airline delays, cross-sensitivity of carbon monoxide detectors, ATC reporting of Mode C errors to FSDOs, gate-hold delays for VFR aircraft at Teterboro, comments on using satcom telemetry in lieu of FDRs and CVRs, and another American Airlines blame-game anecdote.

COLUMNS: As The Beacon Turns: Write It Up!: What to do about that new rattle, that previously-unnoticed change in the controls' feel, or that new-and-different gauge indication? Do you park the aircraft, just write it up and launch, or let the next guy worry about it? Most of the time, it's nothing. But, as AVweb's Michael Maya Charles correctly notes, the NTSB's files are chock-full of accident reports resulting from aircraft being flown with known deficiencies. It's a club you don't want to join.

SHOPPING: Trade-A-Plane Internet Aviation Weather Is Back!
Back by popular demand! It's the AVweb/Weather TAP holiday treat brought to you by your friends at AVweb and Trade-A-Plane. For the next two weeks, you can sample TAP's highly acclaimed aviation weather service for free. Just go to the WeatherTAP Web site and enter the following when prompted: User Name="avweb99", and Password="holiday99".

Southeast Aerospace Shows You The Way To Holiday Savings
Southeast Aerospace is offering holiday specials for Garmin GPS III Pilot and GPSMAP 195 handheld GPS units. Advance orders are being accepted on a discounted price for the new GPSMAP 295, available in January 2000. There are also big savings on King Silver Crown avionics such as the KX-155, KNS-80, KRA-10A, and KX-175B. For complete details, visit Southeast Aerospace and check out their online avionics catalog.

Avionics West Posts Specials For December 13-26
Tom Rogers is extending Avionics West's lowest-ever below-MAP prices right through Christmas on the Garmin GPSMAP 195, Lowrance AirMap 100 and 300, Yaesu VXA-100 Aviator Pro, and all LightSPEED ANR headset models (20K, 20XL, 25XL). All are currently in stock for same-day shipping. Prices good through December 26, 1999. Get prices by emailing the autoresponder, then order online at the Avionics West Web site.

Current Productions Lets You Take An Armchair Vacation To The Islands
For one week only, order the Caribbean and Cayman Islands videos from Current Products for $79.95, a savings of $10 off the regular price. Order now at Current Productions' Web site in time for Christmas delivery. Act fast: This special ends on December 19th.

Vrotate.com Offers NOS Chart Subscriptions As Gifts
An NOS chart subscription from Vrotate.com makes a useful gift for any pilot on your Christmas list.

Pilot License Replications From About Frames Is The Perfect Gift
For the pilot who has everything, About Frames offers license replicas etched on a brass plate.

Destination Direct Flight Planning Software Makes Trip Planning A Snap
See all the details at DD's Web site.

Gleim Discounts Six Special Products For Holiday Giving
Check out the savings!

"Flying On The Gages: A Book About Instrument Flying" On Sale
Odyssey Aviation Publications is discounting Brian Jacobson's must-have book by 10% until December 26.

Aeromedix Offers Safety Combination For The Holidays
Aeromedix is offering the Nonin Onyx pulse oximeter (regularly $379) and the AIM CO detector (regularly $44.95) in a special combination package for $399. Give a gift that let's them know you really care. Go to Aeromedix.Com's Web site to check out this great package sale.

SPONSORS: NEW SPONSOR
MyPilotStore.com Has Great Gift Ideas For Pilots!
MyPilotStore.com has hundreds of great gift ideas for every pilot. Check out their great selection of flight bags, headsets, GPS, books and videos, training kits, pilot guides, and much more. Sign up for the free gift registry service to help friends and family shop for you this holiday! AVweb Special: FREE ground shipping throughout December with overnight and second day service available for last-minute shoppers. Use coupon code: AVWEB99 during checkout to receive a FREE Travel John Portable Toilet. Visit MyPilotStore.com's Web site today!

Pilot Insurance Group Gearing Up For Clients Before New Legislation
New legislation effective January 1, 2000 will make life insurance more expensive with less client benefits. Because of this legislation, the Pilot Insurance Center is available two extra hours until 7:30pm (CST) through December 22 to process pilot requests for a review of their life insurance coverage. If you want to lock in the lower rates and better terms available in 1999 it is important to act NOW! Your application MUST be dated and received before year-end. For more information call 1-800-380-8376 or visit PIC's Web site. Don't delay!

With Cessna's Leaseback Program, If You Can Rent, You Can Own
Let other pilots finance your dream of a new Cessna single-engine aircraft with Cessna Leaseback. Rental income, business tax incentives and special factory-sponsored financing can reduce the net cost of buying and operating your new aircraft. If you can afford to rent an airplane, you can probably afford to own one. See for yourself by calling 1-800-4-CESSNA or by visiting Cessna's Web site.

December 9, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

"Aviation in the 21st Century -- Beyond Open Skies" wrapped up in Chicago after two days of reports, speeches and schmoozing among air transport officials, airline and airport representatives, and aviation workers from more than 90 countries.
The precedent-setting courtroom drama surrounding the 1996 ValuJet crash that killed 110 people has ended -- for now -- with the conviction of a jet maintenance company on criminal hazardous materials violations and the acquittal of two former employees accused of mishandling oxygen generators blamed for fueling the fire that caused the crash.
The FAA yesterday ordered operators of Boeing 777-200 and -300 airplanes, regardless of engine model, to inspect backup generators and replace any found with sheared shafts within 14 days. The FAA's immediately adopted Airworthiness Directive is prompted by two recent reports of inflight engine shutdowns caused by a failed engine backup generator.
Still looking for answers in the mystery of EgyptAir 990, the NTSB -- with help from the FBI -- will supervise Navy salvage operations at the scene of the October 31 crash that killed all 217 aboard.
The FAA's proposed changes to rules on aircraft repair stations are based on seriously flawed economic analyses, and would require huge price increases that shops serving the GA community simply couldn't afford -- to nobody's surprise, that's the National Air Transportation Association's conclusion concerning the NPRM on Part 145.
Planning to greet the new millennium in the air? If you're flying your own bird, AOPA has a checklist for you. Among other things, it calls for taking more care than usual in getting weather and airport briefings, and checking with your avionics manufacturers for any Y2K issues.
A Czech-built twin-engine Let L-410 operated by a small Philippine airline crashed Tuesday, killing all 17 aboard. By early yesterday, the bodies had all been recovered from the wreckage of the Asia Spirit plane, which crashed in the mountainous area of Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya.
In what's being described as South Africa's worst plane accident in a decade, all 10 aboard a chartered Piper Chieftain were killed when the plane crashed into a dry riverbed near a highway.
The NTSB's controversial practice of working with aircraft manufacturers in investigations has once again come under fire -- this time in a report commissioned by the safety board itself.

AIRMANSHIP: The Bootstrap Approach to Aircraft Performance (Part Two): Calculating performance numbers for an airplane equipped with a constant-speed propeller requires a different bootstrap model than was used with fixed-pitch props. In this promised follow-up to his earlier article on performance of fixed-pitch propeller aircraft, aviation physicist John T. Lowry offers a downloadable spreadsheet plus some guidance on how to use it to calculate key V-speeds and performance numbers at any given combination of loading and atmospheric conditions.

AEROMEDICAL: Physical Duress: Hate having to make that visit to the AME to get your medical certificate renewed? Just thank heaven you're dealing with the American authorities, not the Japanese. AVweb regular Ken Cubbin is a 747 flight engineer for JAL. After reading Ken's riotous account of his recent JCAB flight physical, you'll probably feel a whole lot better about your next FAA exam.

AVMAIL: Reader mail continues to flood in concerning the Itzhak Jacoby crash and Newark's lawsuit against the Jacoby estate, and about airlines blaming their delays on ATC. Mail also about Deakin's VNAV column, archaic FDR/CVR technology, lav fluid and pee-factor.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

* LAST WEEK'S RESULTS *

We received numerous interesting comments on last week's Question Of The Week about the quality of Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) information, including intriguing ideas on Internet updates and standardization of POH info. Of over 300 respondents on the POH topic, 63% felt that POH information is insufficient or too complicated. Forty-two percent felt that additional POH data on how V-speeds change with weight, altitude and temperature could help them fly more safely and efficiently. As to how the FAA or NTSB should deal with POH data that is consistently faulty or "overly optimistic," 45% responded that the feds should conduct experimental spot checks and then mandate POH corrections. To check out the complete results, go to AVweb's Question Of The Week page.

* THIS WEEK'S QUESTION *

This week we want to know your views on proposals to install video cameras in cockpits, supplementing the FDR and CVR as an accident investigation tool. To respond, go to AVweb's Question Of The Week page..

Please remember that the QOTW email address is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and cannot be posted.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at the QOTW email address

SHOPPING: NEW SPONSOR
AVtracker Software Eases Aircraft Ownership
AVtracker has introduced a new version of its software, AVtracker-Single Owner, a $99 Windows application that combines a pilot logbook, operational alerts and complete aircraft cost tracking into one package. AVtracker-Single Owner can also be upgraded to AVtracker-Partnership, incorporating all the features of AVtracker-Single Owner, plus partnership management. Holiday Special: A $20 discount on either AVtracker-Single Owner or AVtracker-Partnership. For more information on these two packages, or to order online, go to AVtracker's Web site.

AVweb's Holiday Shopping Page Is Online!
Eliminate the hassle of shopping the malls searching for the perfect gift you can never find: Order online at AVweb's Holiday Shopping Page! No matter what your budget, you're sure to find the right gift for that special aviation enthusiast in your life. Many AVweb sponsors are offering wonderful holiday specials to make shopping even easier. So sit back, turn on some holiday music, grab your mouse and do your holiday shopping online.

Aerox Is Offering Free Shipping And Handling On Aero-Step Orders
Aero-Step is the perfect gift to help pilots get to those hard-to-reach spots on their aircraft. At $49.95 with free shipping and handling, it's a real bargain. Go to the Aerox Web site for details.

Select Current Productions Videos On Sale Through December 12
Current Productions' Bahamas I & II, and Caribbean videos are value priced at $89.95, a $10 savings, through Sunday, December 12. Order now.

Vision Aerobics Provides Free Shipping, Gift Wrapping On Holiday Orders
Vision Aerobics, makers of the patented eye exercise software, will ship free and pre-wrap each order for instant giving. Check out this offer and all their holiday discounts.

Butterfield Press Has Popular Homebuilt Aircraft Book On Sale
"You Want To Build And Fly A What?" is a must-read for the current homebuilder or wannabe homebuilder, and at $12.95 it's a great stocking stuffer or that little extra gift. But to get this great price, you must order before Sunday, December 12, at Butterfield's Web site.

SPONSORS: Reading AVflash Pays!
John Clough of Seattle, Wash., is the winner of Aviation Shopping Network's $1,500 flight training scholarship. John read about the AvShop AirFunds Scholarship drawing in the November 8 edition of AVflash and registered for the contest that day. AvShop, a long-time AVweb sponsor, will deposit $1,500 in Clough's account at Seattle's Galvin Flying Service. "I am working toward my multi-engine and CFII ratings. This scholarship will certainly help to achieve my goals," said Clough. To see AvShop's complete line of pilot supplies, go to AvShop's Web site.

Unison Industries Now Carries Autolite Spark Plugs
Unison Industries offers the new Autolite Aviation Spark Plug line, in addition to its proven Slick magnetos and ignition harnesses. Autolite plugs are designed for maximum lead-scavenging capability to reduce the chance of lead fouling. The resistor is placed under the glass seal inside the plug to increase electrode life, while the bright nickelplate finish protects the plugs against the elements. For complete details on Autolite Spark Plugs go to Unison's Web site.

December 6, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

Last Thursday, AVweb told you that the city of Newark had decided to sue Itzhak Jacoby's estate to pay for damage and injury caused when the ATP-rated pilot's 1964 Bonanza S35 smashed into a neighborhood November 26. Newark Mayor Sharpe James says, angrily, that he was forced to file the suit when he learned no federal disaster aid was forthcoming.
An instructor and student from two different south Florida flight schools were killed Friday when planes from their respective schools collided near the DeLand, Fla., Municipal Airport. The accident involved a Piper PA-28 Cadet from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Piper PA-44-180 Seminole owned by Phoenix East.
After a Newark controller complained, Continental Airlines has agreed to pull from distribution the "complaint" cards on which AVweb reported last week until they can be re-worded.
The NTSB set January 26-28 as the dates for its public hearing into the June 1, 1999, accident involving American Airlines Flight 1420, an MD-82 that crashed while attempting to land at the Little Rock, Ark., airport.
The jury is still out in the criminal trial of two workers and a maintenance company that federal prosecutors say are the reason 110 people died in the Florida Everglades in May of 1996. Charges include falsifying records and mishandling the oxygen generating canisters that led to Flight 592's fiery crash.
Yet another reason to fly GA, we here at AVweb might conclude. From last December until April 1999, DOT investigators paid visits to major airports all over the country conducting spot checks on security, and without exception, were displeased.
Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., worked throughout the weekend to determine if the spacecraft purposely turned itself off due to a minor malfunction, causing the silence of the Mars Polar Lander, or if the mission has been lost.
If you ever needed more proof of the importance of situational awareness ... according to Norwegian officials, the worst crash in their country's history looks to have been caused by a cockpit dispute over exactly where the plane was.
The U.S. could spend up to $30 million in compensation for the families of those killed when a U.S. Marine EA-6B Prowler sheared a gondola cable last year, killing 20 skiers riding to the top of the slope.

AIRMANSHIP: Stalls and Dr. B.: You probably think you understand what makes a wing stall, don't you? Well, think again. Can you explain why the wing seems to lose all its lift suddenly, even though a graph of lift vs. angle of attack would seem to suggest it shouldn't? Or why the sudden stall you experience in a real airplane doesn't happen to a wing mounted in a wind tunnel? AVweb's Roger Long explains these phenomena and more, exploring such facets as airflow separation, wing camber, boundary layer, laminar flow, coefficient of lift, and wingtip dynamics. The graphics that illustrate Roger's article (including several animations) are alone worth the price of admission.

AVMAIL: Lots of mail about the Itzhak Jacoby crash and Newark's lawsuit against the Jacoby estate. Also mail about EA990, preheating, handheld GPS reviews, birds and tall grass, the high cost of flying, camcorders in the cockpit, North Carolina's Phelps MOA, CO detectors, the high cost of flight school insurance, EAA Family Flight Camp, and Administrator Garvey's planned Y2K-eve flight.

COLUMNS: Pelican's Perch: Sloppy, Sorry VNAV: Flying a non-precision approach has traditionally been a "Dive and Drive" affair in which the pilot descends rapidly to the MDA or step- down altitude and then levels off. Recently, however, pilots of aircraft equipped with glass cockpit FMS systems or VNAV-capable GPS receivers have been encouraged to fly such approaches using a constant descent path. There's even a buzzword for this: CANPA (constant-angle non-precision approach), and these calculated pseudo- glideslopes are now starting to show up on Jeppesen approach plates. AVweb's John Deakin thinks this is a BAD idea, one that will result in a lot more missed approaches and perhaps even some accidents. Deakin explains why, and makes a compelling case for flying non- precision approaches the traditional, old-fashioned way that God and Cap'n Jepp intended.

SHOPPING: CORRECTION
Flight Tech Has A Free Demo Cassette With 90 Minutes Of Instruction
We goofed last Thursday with our AVflash link to Flight Tech Inc., who offers students a way to study the FAA Private Pilot and Instrument Knowledge tests at their own pace with Audio Cassette Courses. For more information on Flight Tech's courses and how to request the free demo cassette, give this link a try.

Aviation Shopping Network Has The Perfect Holiday Gift For Any Pilot
Don't know what you want for the holidays? The Aviation Shopping Network is offering five percent off its unique downloadable gift certificates. Or, if you need stocking stuffers, check out the Jeppesen Airport Images Screen Saver CD-ROM for only $16.95, the King Schools single-subject Takeoff Videos for $21.95 each (regularly $29), or the "Flying IFR" book by FLYING magazine's Richard Collins for $18.95 (regularly $24.95). And, AVflash readers can cap off their savings with a $5.95 shipping credit if they visit the ASN link published in Sunday's edition, through December 15.

Bose Offers More Than Headsets For The Holidays
With every headset purchase, you'll receive a free Cordura carrying case, a $25 value. But Bose is also offering a free Wave radio with the purchase of a selected Lifestyle 30, 25 or 12 Series II home theater system, or a Lifestyle 20 or 901 music system. Check out these fantastic gift-giving ideas at the Bose Web site.

Get A Nostalgic Sign With Every $100 Purchase From Kennon A/C Covers
Order any Sun Shield, aircraft cover, pre-heater, or other Kennon product and receive your choice of a metal nostalgic sign. Check out all their products at Kennon's Web site.

Desser Tire & Rubber Has Lots Of holiday Specials For Pilots
From discounts on LoPresti Hubba Hubba caps for 6" wheels, to new windshields, go online and check out all the Desser specials.

SPONSORS: Safire S-26 Personal Jet First-Year Delivery Positions Sold Out
Safire Aircraft Company announces that the Safire S-26, 6-place personal jet has sold out its first-year production capacity in only four months. Safire President Michael Margaritoff stated, "We had a tremendous reply from mostly pilots who put down deposits for the S-26. We proceeded with a limited test-marketing program, and to our surprise we were flooded with orders. After reviewing our production schedule we realized that our first year was sold out." Safire is now offering second year delivery positions. For more information call 1-800-862- 8680, or go online to the Safire Aircraft Web site.

GANS Can Ensure You're Never Without Your Proper Currency Requirements
GANS (General Aviation Notification System) is a service to assist pilots and aircraft owners with recording and keeping track of key dates associated with medicals, flight currency, and aircraft inspections. Notification of renewal dates is sent via mail and/or email one month and then one week prior to currency requirements. All client information is confidential and protected. For information and a member application, check out GANS' Web site.

Cessna Says A New Aircraft Doesn't Have To Be Too Expensive
Purchase your new Cessna Skyhawk for only $995 a month and get a brand-new, fully outfitted aircraft with a two-year "spinner-to-tail" warranty. With a payment this low and operating costs this economical, you don't have to settle for a used aircraft. When you're ready for the most affordable aircraft ever, or to learn more about the new Cessna Skyhawk, contact your local Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representative (CSTAR), call 1- 800-4-CESSNA., or visit Cessna on the Web.

December 2, 1999

NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

The FAA, on the heels of several recent and seemingly unrelated production lapses at The Boeing Co., is scheduled today to begin a special review of the manufacturing giant's production and quality control systems. The production problems, which included the installation of adhesives and components that had failed flammability tests, bolts tightened incorrectly, and debris found in fuel tanks, prompted the special audit, which was announced Monday.
The National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into last Friday's crash of a Bonanza flown by well-known pilot and instructor Itzhak Jacoby continued this week, with the release of communications between Jacoby and ATC. Jacoby, his wife Gail and their 13-year-old daughter Atira were killed when his 1964 S35 Bonanza crashed onto a street in Newark, N.J., shortly after takeoff from the Linden, N.J., airport.
In a move that stunned its employees and ticket-holders, Montreal-based InterCanadian Airlines ceased all flights over the weekend and told its workers to clear out their lockers. InterCanadian is Canada's largest independent regional airline, serving Atlantic Canada as a feeder for struggling Canadian Airlines.
In his first public comments on the crash of EgyptAir Flight 990, FBI Director Louis J. Freeh said Tuesday that the Egyptian authorities were cooperating with the inquiry into the cause of the crash and would investigate a list of leads at the request of American law-enforcement officials.
Yesterday, NOAA's National Weather Service marked the 81st anniversary of the first aviation weather forecast. Using data collected from kites and tethered balloons, the Weather Bureau (as it was then known) produced its first route forecast for the fledgling airmail service.
Remember Mike Warren, the pilot who ran into power lines during a go-around in his Cessna 150 at Boeing Field in April 1998, and hung upside-down by one wheel for four hours until rescuers figured out how to free him? The City of Seattle sued him for $14,810 earlier this year, to recoup the damage done.
Next time you fly Air Zimbabwe, be sure to check who's riding in business class. Dozens of passengers on Monday's Flight UM9724 were surprised and dismayed when their plane made an unscheduled diversion to Madrid to drop off Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe.
The FAA has issued a final Airworthiness Directive (AD 99-24-10) that applies to Precise Flight Model SVC III standby vacuum systems.
In light of recent concerns about foreign air carriers like Taesa and EgyptAir, it is perhaps no coincidence that the DOT is drafting safety guidelines to increase the scrutiny of foreign airlines that code-share with U.S. carriers.

AVIATION LAW: Recent Developments In Airline Disaster Law

TWA 800, Swissair 111, EgyptAir 990: three international airline flights that crashed into the ocean after departing New York's JFK airport, killing all aboard. The rights of those survivors to recover damages from the airlines are limited by a veritable thicket of legal obstacles: the Warsaw Convention, state and federal laws, and intercarrier agreements. AVweb's aviation law editor Phil Kolczynski reviews the relevant laws (and some major recent changes), and then looks at some of the unique legal issues that may bear on the EgyptAir crash.

AVIATION MEDICINE: The Screaming Eagle and the Doc

When AVweb's Dr. Brent Blue was offered the chance to fly back seat in an F-15E Strike Eagle recently, he naturally jumped at it. After egress training and life-support preparations, the flight began with an unrestricted afterburner climb to 10,000 feet in 15 seconds (do the math!), but was cut short by a mechanical problem that resulted in dumping 10,000 pounds of the taxpayers' finest jet fuel and an earlier-than-scheduled landing. Nevertheless, Brent wound up with a never-to-be-forgotten aviation experience and a slew of great photos you won't want to miss.

AVMAIL: Reader mail continues to pour in concerning the EgyptAir 990 and Itzhak Jacoby crashes. Several readers wrote to ask why Vx and Vy vary with altitude (Mike Busch explains). Mail also about anonymous airport noise complaints, a novel solution to airport bird hazards, and the blame game concerning airline delays.

NEW AIRCRAFT: 'Coupe de Thrill: Come with us now, back to those glorious days of yesteryear, as Aviat resurrects a classic 1932 race design, the Monocoupe 110 Special, and upgrades it for the next millennium. The result is a fully aerobatic hot rod for the sky, complete with a pair of fuzzy dice dangling from the overhead. But, as AVweb's Dave Higdon writes in this pilot report, the dice don't always hang straight down.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: AVweb's Question of the Week is your chance to register your opinion on important issues. Your responses are tabulated immediately and you can compare them to those submitted by other readers. Plus, you can submit additional comments, which will appear with your responses.

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

We received many good comments on last week's Question of the Week about GA safety, including thoughts on safety regulation, ideas for safety devices, and even some digs on how we ask our questions. From over 400 respondents, 79% felt that GA manufacturers could improve the safety of their products. Better crashworthiness capability topped the wish list, cited by 31% of the respondents. And 52% said that the best way to implement advanced safety features would be for the manufacturers to offer them as options. To check out the complete results, go to AVweb's Question of the Week page.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we want to know what you think of the information provided in the performance section of Pilots Operating Handbooks for general aviation aircraft. Go to AVweb's Question of the Week page to respond, and thanks to John T. Lowry, Ph.D., of Billings, Mont., for this week's QOTW suggestion.

Please remember that the email address qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and cannot be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING: NEW PRODUCT
Introducing The Aviator's Power Bundle For The Palm OS
Gleim Publications has teamed with Palmtop Publishing to bring the latest in learning technology to pilots. The Aviator's Power Bundle consists of the Palm OS Pocket Review Software for FAA tests, and the Aviator's Pocket Reference, both designed for the Palm OS Personal Data Assistant computer. Also included in the bundle is the Gleim written exam book. The Aviator's Pocket Reference software includes helpful items such as an aviation glossary, weather symbols and abbreviations, and much, much more. Go online for a free demonstration at Gleim's Web site.

AVweb's Holiday Shopping Page Is Online!
Eliminate the hassle of shopping the malls searching for the perfect gift you can never find: Order online at AVweb's Holiday Shopping Page! No matter what your budget, you're sure to find the right gift for that special aviation enthusiast in your life. Many AVweb sponsors are offering wonderful holiday specials to make shopping even easier, such as AirSport's offer of $100 off each of its altitude alerter models, and FlightLevel LogBooks pre-wrapped at your request. So sit back, turn on some holiday music, grab your mouse and do your holiday shopping online.

NEW SPONSORS
With Priority One Group FBO Network, There *Is* A Free Lunch
Visit a Priority One Group Fixed Base Operator and they'll buy you lunch. Priority One Group's network of 17 independent FBOs across the nation has joined forces to reach out and provide extraordinary service at all of their locations. Because each FBO is privately owned and operated, they take your business personally. If you're tired of feeling like "just another pilot," give a Priority One Group FBO a try ... you'll be glad you did. To find the nearest Priority One Group FBO, and learn how to get that free lunch, check out Priority One's Web site.

Flight Tech Has A Free Demo Cassette With 90 Minutes Of Instruction
Flight Tech Inc. offers students a way to study the FAA Private Pilot and Instrument knowledge tests at their own pace with Flight Tech's Audio Cassette Courses. The courses are presented in a logical, step-by-step, understandable manner. Simplicity is one major reason the Flight Tech method is so effective, and using memory aids and good solid teaching techniques throughout the presentation is another. For more information on Flight Tech's courses and how to request the free demo cassette, go to Flight Tech's Web site.

NavAire Has Aviation's Finest Cockpit Flashlight
Every prudent pilot who flies at night carries one or more flashlights. Some lights are too bright; some have too narrow a beam or have to be hand-held. But with the NavAire Blackout Light, you have a small, lightweight flashlight that attaches to virtually any headset and features a unique swiveling mount to aim the beam right where you need it. The blue-green night-vision lens provides the correct light level to illuminate blacked-out instrument panels and makes reading aviation charts easy. For more information and to order, go to NavAire's Web site.

SPONSORS: Cessna And SallieMae Financial Join To Help Pilots Learn To Fly
Cessna Aircraft Company and SallieMae Financial Corp. have teamed up to provide financial aid for pilots using Cessna's exclusive Computer-Based Instruction. With SallieMae financing, pilots can earn their ratings at Cessna Pilot Centers and finance lessons with interest rates as low as prime plus one percent -- that means learning to fly is as affordable as $30 a month. For more information, contact your nearest Cessna Pilot Center or call 1-800-4-CESSNA. There's never been a better time to learn to fly! Visit Cessna's learn-to-fly Web site to learn more.

New On

December 30, 1999

December 27, 1999

December 23, 1999

December 20, 1999

December 16, 1999

December 12, 1999

December 9, 1999

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

December 6, 1999

December 2, 1999

Previous Weeks...

* LAST WEEK'S RESULTS *

* THIS WEEK'S QUESTION *