Posts by Andy Wilson
CalPilot's Response to Faulty EPA Lead Data
It is very disappointing to read the questionable results of the lead monitoring at San Carlos Airport. Although the EPA and the Bay Area Air Quality Officials were advised in advance against placing the monitors in the aircraft preflight run-up area, they chose to ignore the warnings and to no one’s surprise came up with the faulty results they published.
Read MoreEPA Publishes Faulty Data Report on San Carlos Airport Lead Levels
EPA: San Carlos Airport has high levels of lead fuel emissions – SAN CARLOS — A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study of 17 small airports across the country found that San Carlos Airport had the highest concentration of airborne lead particles, measured at a level that exceeds tough new federal standards. (CalPilots Editor’s Note: Even though the EPA was advised that the findings would be inappropriate due to the run-up area monitor location, they continued to use the faulty monitor location – why?).
Read MoreCritical thinking
There is a important difference between critical thinking and being critical. Knowing that difference can be the deciding factor in whether you are successful at affecting change or become an ineffectual aggravating irritant. Now that I have your attention…it will come as no surprise to learn I have a tendency to critique almost every aspect…
Read More2013 Women's Air Race Classic
Pilot Barbara Goodwin, of Kalamazoo, MI (Michigan 99s) and Co-Pilot Maureen Kenney, Caliente, CA (San Fernando Valley 99s), are participating in the 2013 Women’s Air Race Classic June 18-21, 2013. The race start is Pasco, Washington, with the terminus is Fayetteville, Arkansas. Maureen is the only entrant in this year’s RACE from the Greater LA Area, and is involved in aviation as SWS 99s Webmaster, Air Race Classic, Inc. Director, FAAST Team Representative, SoCal area, and a CalPilots Member.
Read MoreFAA Seeks 100LL Alternative Help
WASHINGTON – The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today asked the world’s fuel producers to submit proposals for fuel options that would help the general aviation industry make a transition to an unleaded fuel. The FAA is committed to the development a new unleaded fuel by 2018 that would minimize the impact of replacing 100 octane low-lead fuel for most of the general aviation fleet.
Boeing Back at San Bernardino Airport
The return of the world’s leading aerospace company is a welcome and much-needed boost for San Bernardino’s beleaguered international airport. Following up on a commercial shoot and aircraft testing at the airport earlier this spring, Boeing returned in late May to begin testing its 747 model. The company expects the work to wrap up in August.
It’s not the commercial passenger service San Bernardino International Airport officials have long sought, but landing the Boeing contract is a positive sign of recovery and should muzzle critics who continue to paint the redevelopment of the former Norton Air Force Base as a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Read MoreOakland Aviation Museum – Open Cockpit Day
Museum slates Open Cockpit Day – The Oakland Aviation Museum in California will hold an Open Cockpit Day and aviation paraphernalia fundraising sale June 16 — Father’s Day — to support its A-3 Skywarrior restoration project. The planes will be open for inspection from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Imagine sitting in a Korean or…
Read MoreBeyond the bumper sticker
Periodically my eye is drawn to a bumper sticker while I’m out driving. Many are aviation oriented — or at least many of the stickers I see are. The slogans are familiar to you as well, I’m sure: “I’d rather be flying.” “My other car is an airplane.” “I love jet noise.” They’re all positive…
Read MoreEditorial: FAA fee for AirVenture misguided
Though for a time it seemed the IRS would hands down win the title of daffiest and most misguided three lettered government agency, the FAA quickly shot up in the rankings last week by demanding the Experimental Aircraft Association pay $500,000 for air traffic controller expenses during its annual AirVenture convention here in Oshkosh.
EAA leaders, members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation and the aviation community have made a strong case for why the Federal Aviation Administration’s demand is out-of-line and potentially unlawful without explicit Congressional authorization. Thousands of aviators who will make their way to Oshkosh this summer will shell out substantial user fees for fuel and the like to help directly cover the expenses of controllers and other parts of the nation’s air traffic safety system.
Read MoreGoing to Golden West? Stop in and Say Hi
If you’re heading to the Golden West Airshow in Marysville this weekend stop in and say hi. The California Pilots Association’s booth is located about mid airport with the other aviation organizations and vendors. CalPilot Director Bill Turpie talks to an associate at Golden West
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