Monthly Archives: August 2011

Making Sense of Small Airplane Certification Rules

Posted on August 30, 2011 by Mac

The FAA rules that govern certification of “small” airplanes are a mess. Finally, the FAA has begun the lengthy process of trying to change FAR Part 23 so that both the makers of basic piston singles, as well as those … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft, Industry & Government | 12 Comments

How Much Hull Coverage Should You Buy?

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Mac

I was at the shop the other day and four airplanes were in for major structural damage repair. Two Cessna singles had their wings and tails crumpled when a very strong gust from a powerful thunderstorm blew the hangar door … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft, Safety | 3 Comments

When a Kit Aircraft Is Not a Kit Aircraft

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Mac

Until a few years ago the NTSB did not recognize kit aircraft as a “type” and would not record them as a common type in accident statistics. That position is technically correct because each amateur-built airplane is certified as an … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft, Airmanship, Mac Clellan's Left Seat Blog, Safety, Technology | 50 Comments

For Young Eagles Which Wins, New or Old?

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Mac

We have a lot of data on the more than 1.6 million young people who have taken an airplane ride in the hugely successful EAA Young Eagles program. We know the Young Eagle’s age, gender, and where they live. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft, EAA, Flying for Fun, Mac Clellan's Left Seat Blog | 14 Comments

The One in a Billion Rule

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Mac

It was great to visit with Jeff Skiles and Sully Sullenberger at Oshkosh last week. The two heroes of the Hudson are doing a terrific job of keeping thousands of pilots excited about the EAA’s Young Eagles Program, and we … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft, Industry & Government, Mac Clellan's Left Seat Blog, Safety, Technology | 12 Comments