When I finally got around to firing up my new air compressor, the drain valve wouldn’t open. You’re supposed to be able to open it with just your fingers, but I couldn’t get it open even with a pair of pliers and destroyed it in the process. And, of course, no receipt, no warranty. Someone [...]

There are always risks involved with flying into any airport, but when there’s a fly-in going on, those risks are higher than usual: lots of traffic, pressure, excitement, special procedures and pilots who may not be up to the task. (Present company excepted, of course.) Nevertheless, you can arm yourself for the demands of fly-in [...]

The prospective buyer sent out Tyler Henshaw to inspect the AirCam before purchase and delivery. Henshaw knew something about Rotax engines (a plus), flies jets (a source of envy), races sailboats, and does all kinds of other useful things. He started inspecting, and I figured he’d find something I didn’t know about, I’d be embarrassed, [...]

The AirCam has been for sale not quite since I got it, but almost. Let’s face it: In the competition for least practical airplane out there, the AirCam gets a bye in the first four rounds. But that’s not really why it’s been for sale. I got it at a government auction, and the plan [...]

If you have a phone or PDA with a Microsoft OS, you might well be interested in the WingX software now marketed by Jeppesen and introduced today at Sun ‘n Fun. For $169 the first year, you get graphical weather, TAFs, winds aloft, a complete Airport Facilities Directory and JeppGuide with one-touch dialing for FBOs. [...]

Puddles and mud from recent rains made lots of work for dedicated volunteers and confused parking for attendees at Sun ‘n Fun. A pair of Sandhill Cranes ignored the people at the ticket booths, and vice versa. First impressions of the show are a few interesting new attractions (the Lancair Evolution turboprop and the Grand [...]