AVWeb Classics

For over 30 years, AVweb's John Deakin has been flying big iron for Japan Airlines. But in a previous lifetime (mid-60s), John flew for Air America in Southeast Asia. (Yes, THAT Air America.) As you might imagine, he's got a zillion fabulous and funny flying stories from those days. This true tale of livestock running amok aboard a C-46 is one of John's most entertaining. Besides, aren't you just dying to see what Deakin looked like in 1965?

Winter's not over yet, not by a long shot. While waiting for the preheater to thaw out your airplane, have you ever wondered about the first pilots to brave cold-weather flying? AVweb's Rick Durden has, and he took the time to research the "The Patron Saint Of Cold-Weather Flying." Some follow-up from his recent column on winter flying, plus the story of his daughter's first aerobatic flight round out The Pilot Lounge this month. Don't miss it!

Some pilots fly by the numbers, while others fly by attitude. AVweb's Howard Fried is in the latter camp, and thinks today's pilots are way too dependent on the airspeed indicator and have forgotten (or never learned) how to fly by "sight picture." In discussing this, Howard reopens the old argument about whether power controls airspeed and pitch controls altitude, or vice versa. He explains how to put your airplane where you want it, when you want it, even without an airspeed indicator!

Having problems finding Aviator's Breathing Oxygen to refill your bottle? Upset about the rip-off prices some FBOs charge for an O2 fill? Don't put up with it, says AVweb's John Deakin, who explains why it's perfectly safe - and perfectly legal - to use cheap welder's oxygen, and tells you exactly what you need to know to buy it in bulk and do your own refills.

Brrr, it's cold out there. If recent storms in the U.S. weren't enough of a sign, be assured that winter has arrived. Should the change in season mean grounding your bird until the swallows fly home to Capistrano? Winter flying has its own set of challenges, but also brings with it many rewards as long as a pilot is properly prepared. AVweb's Rick Durden takes on the season's challenges in a detailed discussion of the many planning and operational considerations pilots should think about this time of year.

Should every pilot be instrument-rated? The FAA seems to think so, and many in the industry seem to treat non-instrument-rated pilots as second-class citizens. Ever the plain-spoken contrarian, AVweb's Howard Fried says his answer isn't just "No" but "Oh, hell no!" and proceeds to examine the real value of the instrument rating, the commercial certificate, and other types of advanced training.

The last time you were at an airshow, did you wonder what it takes to keep all those warbirds up and running? Ever wanted to get "up close and personal" with the people and the machines themselves? So have we. In response, AVweb's John Deakin takes readers on a mini-tour of what a "warbird" is, discusses some of the considerations in getting involved with a warbird group and even offers some suggestions on whom to contact to learn more. Be sure to bring your ear plugs - and your wallet!

Which group do you fall into - the flap crowd or the no-flap crowd? Do you know when it's best to use wing flaps for landing and when it's best to leave them stowed? This is one of general aviation's longest ongoing debates, especially with the lighter, smaller models in the fleet. After defusing an emotional "flap flap" in the local airport lounge, AVweb's Rick Durden takes readers on a detailed discussion of the pros and cons and the whys and why-nots of using those often misunderstood devices. Where do you stand?

No one has ever accused the FAA of being either logical or consistent in the interpretation of its regulations. AVweb's Howard Fried examines some classic examples of the FAA's often less-than-sensible approach, both in regulations and in how we train to fly. We've sent Howard our Kevlar flack jacket.

Never one to let a good idea, or safer method of flying, wither away for lack of action or misunderstanding, AVweb's John Deakin takes on the subject of flying IFR with your GPS handheld. "Not legal," you say? "Not so," says John. Flying IFR with your handheld GPS is not only legal, it's a godsend he says, and explains just how to get the most out of that handful of navigation wizardry.