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I have designed panels for two planes and, in each of them, might do things differently if I started over knowing what I know now. One plane is an experimental with two seats, the other is a certified plane with 6 seats and no G3X Touch approval. I fly long distances, sometimes IFR, and always...

The F-35 has 8 million lines of code and probably the world's safest ejection seat. I know which one I would take my chances with when things started to go that wrong with the avionics. Even if the standby instrument was a known-perfect item (and it's hard to blame a pilot for having low...

The local tire shop has two options for us if we decide not to order online. The choices are Sailun S740 or Falken RI151. The latter sounds like a road-only tire, so I'm considering the Sailun. Does anyone know the brand or the tire and have a cautionary tale to share?

Thanks for the detailed thoughts on tread wear. I'll have to research the fronts we have a bit more -- the truck is a 4x4 and I definitely want to get the benefit of that when it's needed. The DH07 on the front are marketed by Hankook as a 16-ply, M+S rated, regional haul, drive position tire...

Thanks for that. It makes sense but I hadn’t thought about it. I’m not a hardcore off-roader so I don’t tend to mess with tire pressure or try to get through the two-tracks when it’s muddy. I just need something that can keep me moving up the gravel hills with a load on.

Thanks. Which Coopers? Any experience off the pavement? I'm totally new to commercial type tires but so far I do know that I don't want to spend that much dough to get 6 of something I hate. :)

Not quite everything. I think some of their T-shirts don't leak oil.

That's nothing. Ten years ago, Harley-Davidson managed to invent an electric motor that leaks oil.

One of my partnerships has a 2008 Ford F-450. The rear tires are showing sidewall cracks so I guess it's time to get at least 4 new tires, maybe 6. Our main use for the pickup is to pull a trailer with medium size equipment (e.g., a Bobcat T650 which should be about 9,000 lb) to a destination...

We had a 1976 Scout pickup when I was a teenager. The power to weight ratio got better every year due to expanding rust. We had a roll bar and front bumper welded out of oilfield tubing and painted those parts white, the rest gray. It would go anywhere. One time, we were out hunting and idling...

Fly often. Don’t start the engine if you’re not going to fly. Log every squawk and prioritize fixing them. Study all the systems. Use the performance charts for every flight and see how your reality compares. Schedule your annual inspection 3+ months before it’s due. Be present for the annual...

I’m eager to hear if the remote pilot was following all applicable regulations during the flight.

Definitely do the balloon ride and find a smaller basket. I am terrified of falling (not exactly heights, mostly you won’t catch me enjoying the view from the edge of a cliff or top of a ladder). I loved the balloon ride I went on with a few family members. Bring your logbook. I didn’t have mine...

Probably not immediately after, though. There is probably a decades-long backlog of these.

It’s a cult. You can leave a club. Congrats to the OP. You’re going to love the plane and you’ll have a very hard time ever talking yourself into upgrading out of it. The Bonanza really is hard to beat. Most people just upgrade into other Bonanzas.

You got friends in California but you don’t wanna go You told them “fly commercial” but they still said “no” Set a course for Santa Monica, but just a low pass You’re looking for a source of real blue avgas You’ve gotta fight, for your right, to buuuuuurn lead

Your stated feeling is probably a fair response to my hyperbolic post, but isn't borne out in reality. My day job involves teaching complicated things to barely-willing students. Understanding how people learn is a very big part of what I do. And I'm reasonably good at my job. What I do lack is...

I think that part of my mental hurdle with the FOI is that these two questions summarize the test: Actual FOI question: What is the worst way to learn anything? Correct answer: Rote memorization. All FOI questions: What is the only way to pass this test? Correct answer: Rote memorization of...

Nicely done. Any tips for aspiring applicants? I had an easy time with prior knowledge tests but for some reason I am not getting my brain shifted into gear for the FOI and FIA tests.

Common wisdom holds to define your mission and pick a plane that matches it. For your first plane, your primary mission is to refine your understanding of your mission. For me, the right opportunity came along in the form of a Piper Arrow. My 400 hours in that plane taught me a lot about owning...