Search results

It helps to define what we're talking about. AI is not just complex logic, but automated systems that detect patterns in data, make decisions based on those patterns, and make better decisions with more data. Such systems are inherently probabilistic and unpredictable. Put differently, if you...

Spencers in Puyallup WA is solid. But like most, very busy and hard to schedule. https://spenceraircraft.com/avionics/

That was a risk a few years back. I kept a second SD card in my flight bag loaded up ready to go, just in case. A few years ago they updated the software image to use a read-only root partition which eliminated the issue (at least for me).

Same here. I built my Stratux 9 years ago. Cost me all of about $100. It's been rock solid reliable for 9 years and about 1000 hours of flying.

No doubt. Yet the guy I worked for back in the 1980s was frugal. He would reuse the bag & surgical tubing, and buy regular old condoms in bulk. Cheaper that way. More precisely, he'd have me buy them for him. Buying a 100-pack of condoms at the store, I got some amusing comments like, "big...

Many years ago I worked as a personal attendant for a quadriplegic. Turn the condom inside out, snip off the tip, rubber band the surgical tubing to it, then "install" it. Works like a charm. :)

IFR, VFR, or a mix? Either way, be prepared and equipped to spend a few unplanned nights in random places due to weather or other contingencies. Plan to fuel with at least 1 hour of fuel remaining, and have a nearby alternate airport with fuel for each stop. Bring plenty of water and a pulse...

I'll add that the flight school that operates out of the FBO that does my annuals, uses Dresser retreads on their trainer aircraft because they are so durable when subjected to student landings.

I just had the tires replaced at my annual a month or so ago. Went with Dresser retreads. They are inexpensive and durable.

True, so long as what the instructor requests does not contradict the POH or engine operating manual. Leaning is simple for most certified common lower performance aircraft engines like the O-320, O-360 and similar Continentals. Essentially, it boils down to 1 simple rule: any time you are...

Yep, and one consequence of this is that one can log actual IMC while flying in legal VFR conditions. The "moonless night" was an example of where this might happen.

I just tried Avare again on my Android tablet, after a few years, due to comments here. It does not allow charts & other data to be stored on any external SD. This is a non-starter for me. The app says that Android makes this impossible since version 5, but that is totally false. Many other apps...

I love the idea, learning to fly TW improves skills and makes better pilots. But most student pilots may not want to do this, if they think it makes the training "harder" and they may not ever fly a TW aircraft again. The higher insurance rates reflect the risk of damage, whether veering...

I tried Avare years ago. If you want free, it does work. I just didn't like the interface, would rather pay for an interface that I like more. But it's good to know it's there, in case I need to fall back to it. As an Android developer myself, I can say that over the past year Google has been...

Yep, for Android it's one of the best, if not THE best. I've been a subscriber since it first came out called "Avilution". It also syncs all your routes and waypoints across all your devices automatically. For me, the #2 next best app on Android is Naviator. Cleaner graphics than Droid EFB, but...

FltPlan Go is the worst aviation app I have used. It's a steaming pile of bloat-ware with super slow response, drains the battery quickly, and crashes often. This is on several different Android devices. There are much better choices, including Droid EFB, Naviator, Avare, and others. Now I see...

Indeed. On my Alaska trip in 2018 we did exactly that in Northway, met with "Trek" who gave us an in-person briefing for our continuing flight to Talkeetna, and also happened to be the fellow answering our radio calls as we approached Northway. PS: I'll add that a pilot about an hour ahead of...

Ah, yes. A domestic VFR flight plan serves only to active SAR if you don't arrive at your destination on time. An international VFR flight plan actually goes into the ATC system.

What does that mean? I've flown VFR internationally and after takeoff when I call Flight Service to active the VFR flight plan, it is in the system, I get a squawk code, and the Canadians know I'm coming. Maybe that is just for international flight plans?

If a VFR pilot is tempted to do this, why not instead simply file and activate a VFR flight plan?