Dealing with Tail Rotor Problems
When I was learning to fly helicopters, I practised all sorts of emergencies with my instructor. We performed simulated engine failures numerous times – into wind, downwind, and in the hover. We talked about what you would do if you had an engine fire, if the governor failed, or if a warning light came on. We simulated vortex ring, sometimes known as ‘the helicopter stall’. And we also discussed tail rotor problems… but...
100 octane unleaded fuel gains blanket FAA approval
The search for an unleaded replacement to 100LL aviation fuel could finally be over following the US Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) signing on 01 September of a supplemental type certificate (STC) that allows General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s (GAMI) 100-octane unleaded aviation fuel (G100UL) to be used in every GA piston engine and every airframe powered by those engines. The move has been hailed by the aviation industry...
Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre given notice to quit Newquay Airport
Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre (CACH) is being forced to close after the local Council decided not to renew its lease and told it to vacate its home base at Newquay Airport by the end of March 2023. The centre is home to a number of rare historic aircraft, such as the RAF in-flight refuelling tanker the Vickers VC10K3, and the BAC 1-11, a former Royal Aircraft Establishment research and development aircraft, both of which are one...
CAA reminder on EU-UK licence transition
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued a reminder to holders of EASA approvals and personnel licences that they will need to apply to the CAA to obtain the UK equivalent approvals and licences required to continue providing services to UK organisations and operating or providing maintenance for UK registered aircraft. The CAA adds that a smaller number than expected of Part 145/component/C rated companies that support GA...
Mermaids frying bacon
When they designed the Airbus, the head of the company was quoted as saying that they were building an aeroplane so simple “even my concierge” at his apartment building would be able to operate it. As we know, commercial aviation is not quite as simple as that, but many of us appreciated Airbus’s attempts to relieve the pilot workload. In doing so however they introduced other potential errors which need to be trapped. I am talking...
