Earl Murray 3

The Defiant: a classic Rutan design

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:21:41 -0600

The Amazing Service At Southwest That Elliott Could Eradicate: Passenger Traveling For Father’s Funeral Gets Incredible Response to Complaint

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:43:48 -0600

A passenger who was tragically traveling to attend her father’s funeral has shared an amazing response from a customer service agent at Southwest Airlines who wrote a personalized response to her post-flight complaint and even agreed to fully refund the cost of her daughter’s ticket after she decided not to travel. It’s precisely this kind…

The post The Amazing Service At Southwest That Elliott Could Eradicate: Passenger Traveling For Father’s Funeral Gets Incredible Response to Complaint appeared first on PYOK.

Sampling Korea’s Largest LCC: Seoul Gimpo to Jeju with Jeju Air

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:35:21 -0600

Fly with me as I try out Korea’s largest low cost airline from Seoul Gimpo to Jeju

WingTips Weekly: Your Dose of Travel Drama and Loyalty Gold

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:20:30 -0600

Another week, another handful of hot takes from 35,000 feet. Over at WingTips, we’ve been deep in the…

The post WingTips Weekly: Your Dose of Travel Drama and Loyalty Gold appeared first on Wingtips.

Chew On These Three Tasty Restaurant Loyalty Programs

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:07:52 -0600

Today, I’m digging into three of my favorite restaurant loyalty programs and what makes them so fulfilling.

The post Chew On These Three Tasty Restaurant Loyalty Programs appeared first on Miles to Memories.

10 more new-to-Hilton SLH properties, including 3 new countries

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:45:49 -0600

Hilton has slowly but surely been partnering with more Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) properties, meaning that they’re bookable through the Hilton Honors program. As a result, you can book paid stays to earn points, or redeem points or free night certificates. It seems like every month or two they add another dozen […]

The post 10 more new-to-Hilton SLH properties, including 3 new countries appeared first on Frequent Miler. Frequent Miler may receive compensation from CHASE. American Express, Capital One, or other partners.

Booked! SAS A350-900 + KLM 787-10 Business Class

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:39:24 -0600

I’m off to Europe on a short SkyTeam adventure on SAS and KLM on two of my favorite aircraft, an A350-900 and 787-10. SAS A350-900 + KLM 787-10 Business Class: The Safe But Boring Option Almost a year ago, I decided I wanted to review a KLM 787-10 Dreamliner in business class…I’ve reviewed the A330, […]

Tucker Carlson: “I Won’t Fly With Vaccinated Pilots. It’s Too Dangerous.” [Roundup]

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:34:01 -0600

A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips.

Continue reading Tucker Carlson: “I Won’t Fly With Vaccinated Pilots. It’s Too Dangerous.” [Roundup]…

9 Liquids That Can Be Over 3.4 Ounces & Still Go In Your Carry-On

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 08:13:58 -0600

Ever since 9/11 and the formation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), we’ve only been allowed to bring a certain amount of liquids…

Buy Air Canada Aeroplan Points with a 30% Discount [1.71¢ or ₹ 1.46/Point]

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 07:39:05 -0600

Air Canada is a member of Star Alliance. Its frequent flyer program, Aeroplan, is one of the best since it has many airline partners, offers stopover for just 5000 points and has a good availability of awards You can always transfer HDFC Points, Axis Bank Points, HSBC TravelOne Card Miles or SBI Miles Travel Credits to your Aeroplan account, but […]

The post Buy Air Canada Aeroplan Points with a 30% Discount [1.71¢ or ₹ 1.46/Point] appeared first on Points Math.

Experiencing Korea’s KTX: A High Speed Train Journey from Busan to Seoul

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 07:15:08 -0600

Come with me as I take the KTX high speed rail service across Korea from Busan to Seoul!

Review: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Los Angeles (LAX)

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 06:39:40 -0600

Virgin Atlantic just opened a beautiful new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Let’s take a look at the latest SkyTeam Lounge that will give the Delta One Lounge a run for the money. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Los Angeles Review (LAX) I generally don’t attend media events, but I happened to be flying out […]

A Reason To Think Twice Before Visiting Hawaii!

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 06:27:49 -0600

Is “mindful tourism” really a thing? Hawaii thinks so!

2 guys tried to live in Changi Airport for 4 days… then the cops showed up

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 06:21:19 -0600

What happens if you try to live in an airport for days? Setting aside whether you’d actually WANT to do that, these 2 guys stayed in Singapore’s Changi Airport for 4 days. Everything was going fine, until the cops showed up….

The Most Comfortable Way to Spend a Long Layover

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 06:13:46 -0600

Sometimes your travel plans don’t line up perfectly. Maybe you have a long layover. Maybe you landed early, and your hotel check-in isn’t until mid-afternoon. Or maybe your flight isn’t…

Transfer Amex Points To Qatar Airways With 20% Bonus

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 06:13:10 -0600

Several weeks ago, we saw a bonus introduced when moving points from Amex Membership Rewards to Qatar Airways Privilege Club. This opportunity will be expiring shortly, so I want to post a reminder of this, especially since it’s also an opportunity to earn other ”flavors” of Avios at an advantageous rate.

Southwest Exec Warns: Checked Bag Fees Will Bring Gate Seizures And Flight Delays

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:58:02 -0600

Southwest Airlines is going to start confiscating passenger bags at the gate on almost every flight once they begin charging for checked bags in two months.

Continue reading Southwest Exec Warns: Checked Bag Fees Will Bring Gate Seizures And Flight Delays…

Mid-Air Collision Alarm Leaves Passengers With Broken Back And Ankle As Pilots Of United Airlines Flight To San Francisco Suddenly Pitched Up

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:32:56 -0600

A mid-air collision alarm that went off during a United Airlines flight from Newark to San Francisco left one passenger with a broken back, and another with a fractured ankle after the pilots took evasive action to avoid hitting an aircraft that was passing 1,500 feet below them. As well as seriously injuring two passengers,…

The post Mid-Air Collision Alarm Leaves Passengers With Broken Back And Ankle As Pilots Of United Airlines Flight To San Francisco Suddenly Pitched Up appeared first on PYOK.

Best Hotel Loyalty Program For Suite Upgrades?

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:16:50 -0600

In the past, I’ve written a post comparing the major hotel loyalty programs, sharing what I view as the pros and cons of each. There are various factors to consider, ranging from a hotel group’s global footprint, to elite recognition, to the points earning structure.

Bloody Fight Breaks Out In DCA Tower Between On-Duty Controllers?!

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:43:58 -0600

If reports are to be believed, a fight broke out in the air traffic control tower at Washington National Airport (DCA), and it got so bad that blood was spattered on control consoles.

Southwest’s Variable Pricing is Live; Up to a 71.6% Devaluation on Wanna Get Away Fares

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:35:36 -0600

Among the many “enhancements” announced this month by Southwest was a change to variable point value on top…

Standing Defiant | Harry Manvel's classic twin-engine Rutan canard

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:17:54 -0600

FEALX SID, KFLL. Accelerate to 250 knots

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 06:36:13 -0600

On the FEALX SID out of FLL, it indicates to accelerate to 250 knots. Normally in a C or D 91.117 limits us to 200 kts within 2500′ or 4 NM. However, closer look at 91.117, specifically paragraph (b), says “Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC….”
My question is does the note on the SID constitute an “authorization” to accelerate before the normal 2500’/4nm limit. Looking to the AIM, 4-4-12, paragraph (k) also implies ATC can authorize it (assuming you are not under an overlying Class B. In this scenario at KFLL, you are not under a B). I’ve already searched the FAA legal interpretations, and came up empty. Obviously the conservative answer is to simply wait then accelerate, and in many airliners it is somewhat moot because you’re just accelerating around the 200 kias mark around the 2500′ level anyhow; but I’m looking for any definitive answer (outside of asking FAA legal). Thanks in advance for taking the time to think about this!

A Real Gem | Paul Slawko and his Super Emeraude

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 08:16:08 -0600

Super Piel Emeraude: The Flair of French Aircraft Design

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 07:40:51 -0600

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 10:05:05 -0600

Celebrating 90 Years of the Grumman F3F

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 02:50:02 -0600

John Moody's Icarus II Marks Milestone Year for Ultralights!

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 23:51:49 -0600

An Immaculate Triple-Tail Bellanca

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:15:04 -0600

Uncommon Grace | Scott Johnson's fast and fascinating triple-tail Bellanca

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:23:10 -0600

Strike a Pose and Win This 1947 Cessna 120

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:38:10 -0600

1996 Flashback: Avro Shackleton at Oshkosh

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 00:38:09 -0600

Soliciting Feedback on Radio Call at NTA

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:15:10 -0600

Looking for feedback from CFIs and their students:

If you were flying patterns at Hondo Regional (a non-towered airfield) and heard the following radio call, what path would you expect that aircraft to fly? “Hondo traffic, Texan 21, 3000 feet overhead the field, descending for left traffic runway 31, Hondo traffic.”
Same question except “Hondo traffic, Texan 21, 3000 feet overhead the field, descending direct left base runway 31, Hondo traffic.”

A few months ago, I posted a similar question regarding position reporting flying simulated engine-out patterns at a NTA. Thanks to those who responded. Looking back, I think this is a better way to ask the question.

Birds of a Feather | Inside the International 180/185 Club

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:46:10 -0600

Birds of a Feather: Cessna 180s and 185s Flock Together

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:44:38 -0700

The Last American-registered DC-8 Coming to AirVenture 2025

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 01:27:04 -0700

A First Flight Anniversary of Epic Proportions: the B-52H

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 18:50:03 -0700

IFR Equipped vs IFR Certified

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 08:12:28 -0700

A scenario: the TCDS for an airplane (in this case an 8KCAB) is silent on certification for VFR or IFR. The AFM states “VFR-only”. It is equipped iaw 91.205(d) and flown by a current IFR-rated ASE pilot. Can the airplane fly on an IFR clearance? 91.205 implies it can, but does the “VFR-only” in the AFM prohibit IFR flight or only flight in Instrument Meteorological Conditions? If operated in IMC on and IFR-clearance with the AFM VFR-only restriction, what regulation has been violated?

Citations, please.

Radio calls during power off 360 at NTA

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 11:37:46 -0700

I am a military T-6 (TEX2) instructor and occasionally fly simulated forced landing patterns at non-towered airfields. I typically arrive over the airfield/intended landing point 3,000’ AGL then fly a 360 degree steep descent to a short final. This maneuver is described in JO 7110.65 (PCG). I believe the civilian equivalent is the 360 degree power-off landing once required of commercial pilot candidates, and described in previous editions of the Airplane Flying Handbook. An example of my arrival radio call is “Smithville traffic, Texan 25, a military T-6, 10 miles west for simulated forced landing, runway 17, Smithville traffic.” My call overhead the field is “Smithville traffic, Texan 25, 3,000’ overhead, left simulated forced landing pattern, runway 17 Smithville traffic. I have also experimented substituting the overhead “simulated forced landing pattern” call with the following: 1. “descending for left traffic,” 2. “left descending spiral,” 3. “Left 360 degree power-off landing,” and our military call which we use at towered airfields, 4. “High key.” My base/final calls are similar to civilian calls.

My question is this: In your opinion, which of these overhead calls would best communicate with other pilots in the pattern? Also, I’m open to other suggested calls.

Emergency Descents

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:13:54 -0700

While brushing up on emergency descents, from all resources (textbook, POH, YouTube, online ground schools), I can’t seem to find anything documented or at least favored when it comes to performing such maneuver at either a constant bank of 30-45 degrees in the form of a spiral, the descending turns from left to right while maintaining a constant airspeed, or a straight dive (for lack of better term) down to the deck at a constant speed. I recognize that the nature of the emergency has a factor (engine fire, wing fire, cabin smoke). However, I have yet to find any cited references, even from the FAA airplane flying handbook, that dictates the course the maneuver (spirals, left to right, or dive). Am I digging too deep in this? Is this just a case by case? Or someone’s (or CFI’s) go-to preference? Any and all views and opinions would be helpful!

Logging cross country time

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:12:59 -0700

Can i log the whole flight time as cross country time?

My cross country flight plan is as below:

KRHV – E16 – KHAF – KRHV

KRHV to E16 is 18.5nm

E16 to KHAF is 50.5nm

KHAF to KRHV is 34.3nm

Or i can only log xc time for the E16 to KHAF leg?

Thanks ahead.

Instrument Training in Tandem Aircraft

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:40:50 -0700

Hello, I recently got an experimental Cub with an IFR panel that includes a G3X, GNC355, G5 and a GMC305 autopilot controller. I have no NAV radios. I understand that I will be limited to RNAV/GPS approaches but my home airport has several such approaches and airports in the training area also have many of these as well. I have several questions. Are any GPS approaches considered equivalent to a Precision Approach as required for the checkride? I have a tandem seating setup with no instruments in the back. Do you think any instructor would be willing to instruct in such a plane? Since I have a perfectly good airplane I really don’t want to have to pay for time in another aircraft if I don’t have to. In addition, I really want to learn my avionics and it seems that training in a plane with a completely different panel would be kind of a waste of time.

CFII Checkride

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 09:12:05 -0700

can I take my CFII check ride at night without being night current

Logging Dual Given

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:22:28 -0700

Can I log dual given in an airplane that I rented from a local flight school?

University Program Progress – From A Dad

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 06:12:03 -0700

My son is a freshman at a small university in Arkadelphia, AR pursuing a Bachelor of Science – Aviation; Professional Pilot. He entered the school with his PPL, allowing him to commence flying as a Sophomore. The school indicates at graduation in May 2028, through their track, he’ll be around 280 hours.

He’s not hugely social, so the college/university experience is not a big deal to him. He spends most time in his dorm trying to find the next available hole to reserve an airplane.

Since starting university in late August, and as of this writing, he’s accumulated 39.2 hours (!10/month) at the university (he was at 70 going in, so around 110 total).

Now that he’s there, the program track seems odd… Commercial time building first, followed by Instrument. So given where he’s at, he won’t be ready for Instrument checkride until his 4th semester; another 15 months from now. He’ll finish Commercial right after, followed by CFI and CFII in spring of his Junior year.

The school has 7 trainers; generally only 5 in service on a regular basis; that are Maule MXT-7’s, all steam. They are fun to fly, but I see challenges with the school trying to educate 180-190 kids on 5 planes.

A degree is (was?) important to my wife and I, if only as a fall back, but now questioning if this was the right path for him.

He’s home for Thanksgiving and we’re visiting an accelerated collegiate aviation school to evaluate the possibility of a transfer. He could wrap up his ratings in 12 to 14 months while earning his Associates, then take their Bachelors program online while CFI’ing for the school.

By the time he reaches his current graduation date; May 2028, he’d have is Bachelor of Science in Technology Management AND somewhere around 1,300 hours, qualifying him for a 1,250 hours R-ATP.

He’s focused and dedicated personality, and very self motivated.

Am I missing something, or could the accelerated program be a more adequate path?

TLDR; Son is in university, flight progress is slow, looking to transfer to accelerated program with online degree.

Solo takeoffs and landings at airport outside of 25 nm

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 13:02:05 -0700

I love the what if game, especially when preparing for my CFI Checkride. While reviewing 61.93(b)(1) endorsing a student pilot to practice takeoffs and landings within 25 nm from the airport where the student pilot normally receives training… I understand that its purpose is to expose students to takeoff and landings at another airport (v). I couldn’t help but think, if my student’s closest airport for such exposure was more than 25 nm away, what endorsement would be appropriate? If possible, I do not wish this training flight to be considered as solo XC, this flights mission is solely for the purse of takeoffs and landings at a different airport. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

IFR Flight Plan – Legal?

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:22:49 -0700

Pilot is IFR current; Plane is not (expired pitot static check); Is it legal to fly under an IFR flight plan but in VMC? KHEF, Class D underlying Class B inside DC SFRA; much easier and efficient to fly this destination under an IFR flight plan. The weather on the planned day will be “severe clear”.

Flight Currency to Rent ASEL – How Many Days Before Requiring Another Rental Checkout Ride in Same Type Aircraft

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:39:21 -0700

This question is about recurring aircraft rental checkout requirements.

I would like to know what guidelines flight schools use for requiring an updated rental checkout ride for a PPL renting ASEL (not complex & not HP) . If it has been a 6 month lapse in flight experience in that type aircraft I can see requiring the renter to get checked out again with a CFI.

What about 30, 60, or 90+ days since the last rental in that type?

What about if you’ve recently flown the identical aircraft, but rented at a different school? Is that logged flight experience recognized?

Are there different guidelines for pilots with a PPL, CPL, or CFI rating? Or folks with >500 Hours?

Are there any overlaps regarding aircraft types, meaning for example that a Cessna 172 checkout or flight currency would cover both a C172 and a C-150. Piper PA28-160 and PA28-161 ?

I am sure there is probably a “Goldilocks” zone in there somewhere. I’m hoping the many seasoned veterans here on this site can help reveal it.

Can a pilot/owner change the old style rotating beacon to a tso/pma led beacon ie sunbeacon ii

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:33:45 -0600

Can a pilot/owner change the old style rotating beacon to a tso/pma led beacon ie sunbeacon ii On his own airplane, then sign the logbook without an a and p?

61.129 Night Requirements

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 22:11:47 -0600

I already have well over the 10 solo hours required but I don’t have the night requirements met. I was wondering if I can satisfy the 10 solo hours requirement without a CFI on board then do the night with a CFI on board? I understand you can’t mix and match the 10 hours but can you do the night stuff separately?