Pilotcast #028 - 2006.03.18

Pilot Kent is calling in from North Platte, Nebraska.

Some feedback and followups:

• Pilot Dan apologizes for denigrating the hobby of RC Model Aviation, in Pilotcast #27
• Capt. Joe Deon is back with his latest Fly With Me PodCast
  • Describes radio communications with a Cessna 172 having engine trouble
  • Interviews a totally blind individual who wants to become a helicopter pilot
• Pilot Dan has fallen in love with an immaculate Piper Cherokee 160 and is trying to convince his other club members to purchase it
  • He's concerned about the Mach 1700 digital Interface retrofit to the KX170B radio
  • It turns out, two planes in Kent's club have this upgrade and have had no problems
• Pilot Kent says Hi to fellow club member, Pete, after seeing his plane on the Frappr! map

• The airlines have gone to Congress and the FAA suggesting they should run things like an airline
  • Make it a commercial venture with a billion dollar budget and user fees
  • They are applying pressure to eliminate all but commercial travel
  • Airlines are not exactly a stable business model
  • Norm Mineta's latest comments on user fees
• There is a bill (SB 520) in Connecticut that would repeal aviation taxes in order to prevent pilots from going to other states for repairs or parts
• Who is Pilot In Command?
  • A CFI from Ohio was on a flight, as a passenger, when the plane went down, fatally injuring the other two occupants. The NTSB has determined he was PIC because he had the highest rating on-board the aircraft
  • CFI's should determine who is PIC before any flight as a passenger
  • The best way to protect yourself is to leave a signed letter with the FBO, stating who is PIC for that particular flight
  • You can not be considered PIC if you are not rated for the type of flying being done
  • You are PIC on your checkride
• Pilot Ryan suggests a future Pilotcast on home builts
  • An upcoming article in Kit Plane magazine, describes building a Glasair Sportsman in just over two weeks
  • Watch the Robert Cringely video, Plane Crazy, and see how he tried to scratch build a plane in 30 days
• Pilot Kent describes driving past an airplane boneyard in the Mojave Desert
• German company Thielert, takes over Superior Air Parts
  • Gives them an instant manufacturing facility as well as dealer network, in the U.S.
  • They produce the engines for the Diamond Twin Star and the diesel version, for the Diamond Star, currently only available in Europe
  • May mean we'll see more diesel engines in GA aircraft, in the future
• The FAA was ordered to take down the transcript of the public meeting on the Washington ADIZ
  • NORAD and the DOD considered some of the discussion included to contain sensitive information
• House Bill HR1871 - Volunteer Pilot Organization Protection Act
  • Meant to protect volunteer organizations, like Lifeline Pilots, from liability
• Bad news - Hooters Air is scaling back
  • High fuel costs
  • First, Naked Airlines and now this
• Steve Fossett's Global Flyer is probably destined for a museum
• Help Wanted
  • Looking to pay a Web Designer to help update the Blog
  • Looking for volunteers to help with production
  • Contact us at by email:   pilotcast (AT) gmail.com

• Pilot Matthew will be visiting Florida and wanted suggestions from Pilot Kent on renting a plane
  • Find the airplane you want to rent as soon as possible and schedule a checkout
  • Most checkouts will take about an hour and require 3 landings
  • Prior to flying, purchase the appropriate sectional charts and study the airspace
  • If you don't have a lot of time, turn the checkout into a sightseeing flight
  • Be prepared for Florida's summer turbulence

• Can a Wings checkout be done with 3 different CFIs?
  • Yes, there is a separate CFI signature line for each phase of the checkout
  • It is necessary to send in the paperwork even though the CFI(s) endorse your logbook
• What can I do with my old charts?
  • Sell them on eBay as wallpaper
  • Give them to kids who are interested in aviation
  • Use them as wrapping paper
  • Give them out as souvenirs at Young Eagles rallies
• What are the most popular charts?
  • Probably Washington and New York
• If you have any topics or questions for future Pilotcasts, please let us know

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Podsafe Song: Aerodrome by Flying Heroes http://www.flyingheroes.co.uk Music on The Pilotcast is from The Podshow Podsafe Music Network. Check it out at http://music.podshow.com

Pilotcast show notes are at http://www.pilotcast.com The Pilotcast sends sincere THANKS to "Pilot Bill" of the Pilotcast's Apple Air Force for writing the show notes!