Jamie Beckett

1 week ago | generalaviationnews.com | Jamie Beckett

There is an old joke that virtually every pilot has heard and agreed with immediately. “How do you know there’s a pilot at your party? They’ll tell you.”Yeah, I can admit to being guilty on that score. I’m a pilot and I’m not a bit shy about telling anyone who shows the least bit of interest. We are a proud bunch. Deservedly so. Learning to fly isn’t easy. Learning to fly well is a lifelong challenge that never ends. The book learning has to be ingrained into our thought processes.

2 weeks ago | generalaviationnews.com | Jamie Beckett

As a new flight student I was astounded by the almost unimaginable number of buttons, switches, levers, and instruments installed in the cockpit of the airplane I was issued. That’s probably true for most of us. The basic six-pack in the panel was a bit intimidating at one time. Looking back on my early years I find a bit of amusement in what I then considered to be an almost overwhelming array of instrumentation and controls.

3 weeks ago | generalaviationnews.com | Jamie Beckett

Each one of us is a representative of all of us. Consider that idea as you read along. From time to time, I will refer to the general aviation community as if it is a real thing. A collection of individuals who share a common interest. There is a bond between us. At least, that’s how I see it. Some will dispute this claim. That’s understandable. We don’t all look alike. We don’t all live in close proximity to each other. Most of us will never meet.

1 month ago | generalaviationnews.com | Jamie Beckett

Let me say right from the start I am aware of many aircraft powerplants that do not make use of carburetor heat. This is in large part because many aircraft powerplants do not require a carburetor in order to meter fuel. Turboprop aircraft are a fine example of this exception. As are turbojets, turbofans, and, of course, high-bypass turbofans. Oh, I guess I should include fuel-injected aircraft engines too. And electric powerplants. They may be few, but they are growing in number.

1 month ago | generalaviationnews.com | Jamie Beckett

Throughout the nation there has been a long tradition of evangelicals raising tents to welcome the public. Their intent is to comfort the believers while providing an opportunity to encourage newcomers to the flock. It’s been a largely successful program, unregulated and largely independent as it is. Aviation shares a common thread with these religious events. We hold air shows and fly-ins and pilot association gatherings. We gather the faithful to commune with our common interests.