Rewards of being a flight instructor far outweigh the challenges.

Mud flats of an Alaskan lake provide a sticky situation from which to learn.

“Alaska is trying really hard to kill you all the time,” said Chip Ferguson. “The challenges and rewards are immense, but it is not for everyone.” Chip and Amanda Ferguson own Alaska Rainbow Lodge on the Kvichak River, located 230 miles southwest of Anchorage. They host anglers from around the world who come for world-class […]

Last March, a Beechcraft Bonanza A36TC was in cruise flight at 15,000 feet on the way to the annual aviation celebration known as Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, when the pilot noticed the engine power had dropped and the airplane began to slow. A check of the manifold pressure confirmed the turbocharger was no […]

The underside of the wing catches the slanting morning light as I watch the world waking below. The limestone ridges light up first, leaving the valleys in deep shadow. Riding the butter-soft air before the thermals stir, I follow the old air routes that lead me across the high plains of the Llano Estacado. The […]

Flying, life and the temptations of first impressions.

According to the pilot/controller glossary, an emergency is ’€œa distress or an urgency condition.’€ Well, that’s not particularly helpful, so let’s dig a bit deeper.Â

Should you stay or go?

Can small planes really help when catastrophe hits? Maybe.

We fly because we love it, but along the way, we gather no shortage of memories, some of them sweet and some of them hilarious.