Touring Machine Company

The FAR was updated in 2012 and I didn’t notice. The new rule still lets the pilot update the database but does not require a logbook entry since maintenance in not performed. §43.3 Persons authorized to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, rebuilding, and alterations. (k) Updates of databases in installed avionics meeting the conditions of this […]

Get out a sectional and look at the radials that define Victor airways between two VORs. (Note the radial is usually printed just outside the compass rose although sometimes other objects on the chart are in the way and it is inside the compass rose.) Frequently, the two radials are reciprocals, but often they differ—sometimes […]

Automotive engines have been tried in several airplanes but with the possible exception of the Mercedes-Benz diesel engines manufactured by Thielert they haven’t been successful in production aircraft. The experimental market is a different story, This article in Ridelust talks about engines by Porsche (unsuccessful), Subaru (successful), Mazda (successful) and others. Designers have experimented with […]

Mousemilk Mousemilk is a special-use penetrating product. It good for freeing up frozen joints, etc. From their website “MOUSE MILK will dissolve rust, relieve friction and resist oxidation. MOUSE MILK has amazing creeping ability. Frozen nuts and bolts can be easily loosened and removed after allowing MOUSE MILK to creep down the threads and break […]

I just stumbled upon the NFDC Preferred Routes Database at the Air Traffic Control System Command Center Website. If you plug in you departure and arrival airport, it gives you the preferred IFR route. This information is already contained in the A/FD Chart Supplement but it is easier to access here. You can also get […]

I don’t remember which presentation, but one of the speakers at a recent FAA Safety seminar mentioned that the FS briefers now know when SUA areas are hot. I checked in with them on my last two flights and the did in fact have the information. More interesting though was the second call. He said, […]