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I Can’t Believe I Did That

Learn from the mistakes of others

I Was There

Pilot stories from around the world

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Air Facts was first published in 1938 by Leighton Collins, dedicated to “the development of private air transportation.” It’s a different world now, and it’s a different Air Facts. Relaunched in 2011 as an online journal, Air Facts still champions, educates, informs and entertains pilots worldwide with real-world flying experiences. More…

Bahamas water

Friday Photo: beautiful Bahamas water

Friday Photo
As we flew across the southwest corner of Eleuthera, the water got very green and looked very shallow. It was nearly impossible to tell where the surface of the water was. We were just at the right altitude to see the greenish cast in the water, white clouds, and blue sky at the same time. There were just two frames like this before the colors faded.
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January 13, 2023
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/04145244/Baum-Bahamas.jpg 751 600 Larry Baum https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Larry Baum2023-01-13 08:25:392023-01-11 10:49:48Friday Photo: beautiful Bahamas water
Richard Collins

Announcing the 2023 Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots

Young Pilots
The Richard Collins family has once again partnered with Sporty’s to offer The Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots. To qualify, the writer must be a pilot (including student pilot) who is 24 years of age or younger. The article must be original, not previously published, and no longer than 1,500 words. The topic should be "my most memorable flight."
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January 11, 2023
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/06160053/Richard-Collins.jpg 604 590 John Zimmerman https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg John Zimmerman2023-01-11 09:22:112023-01-11 10:56:23Announcing the 2023 Richard Collins Writing Prize for Young Pilots

Loss of control: turning over a new leaf

Technique
Loss of control (LOC) is a stealthy, deadly predator. In WWII, my dad flew 44 missions as a navigator in the 8th Air Force. After the war he became a physician and a private pilot. His comment is etched in my memory: "Flying can go all to hell in an instant." In this article, using data generated by a flight simulator, we describe a possible aerodynamic solution for LOC.
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January 9, 2023
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/04172628/Surfaces-with-vectors.jpg 842 1338 Larry and Robert Dunn https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Larry and Robert Dunn2023-01-09 08:38:172023-01-06 17:32:28Loss of control: turning over a new leaf
Maui coast

Flying in paradise: a vacation flight lesson in Maui

I was there
One of my flight instructors once told me he would often bring along his flight gear while on vacation, in case he had the opportunity to fly. He recommended contacting a flight school and asking about taking a short lesson, since having an instructor in the plane with local knowledge would be invaluable. This was the first time I had decided to bring my logbook with me on vacation. I was a little apprehensive, but thought what an adventure it would be.
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3 Comments
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January 6, 2023
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/04135454/Hawaii-under-wing.jpg 1350 1800 Chuck Johnes https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Chuck Johnes2023-01-06 08:41:372023-01-04 14:05:47Flying in paradise: a vacation flight lesson in Maui
Deice pad

Behind the scenes of an airline meltdown

I was there
Every damn person in the nation wants to be somewhere else over the holidays—just when the weather is the worst and the most junior employees are working across the system. The FAA air traffic controllers all want to be home for the holidays, the airline employees want to be home for the holidays, and both systems work strictly on seniority. So, the most junior folks with the least experience at their respective jobs are all working when the going gets the toughest.
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36 Comments
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January 4, 2023
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/03122920/Boeing-deice.jpg 1242 2040 Mike Early https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Mike Early2023-01-04 09:00:582023-01-03 12:30:11Behind the scenes of an airline meltdown
Wing rib damage

Accident report: losing control at 43,000 feet

Accident Report
Nearing its cruising altitude of 43,000 feet (FL430), the aircraft suddenly stalled and departed controlled flight in a series of five rapid 360-degree rolls to the right. The pilot briefly regained control before the aircraft stalled a second time. The aircraft’s wings were structurally damaged as excessive g-force was applied during the recovery from this second stall.
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January 2, 2023
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/23123050/Damage.jpg 1000 1392 Quintin Cairncross https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Quintin Cairncross2023-01-02 08:38:402022-12-23 13:48:47Accident report: losing control at 43,000 feet
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John’s Blog

Top 10 articles of 2022 on Air Facts

John's blog
It was another busy year at Air Facts: we published 156 articles in 2022, written by more than 100 different writers. Many of these writers were first time contributors at Air Facts, just pilots with a story to tell or a lesson to share. Hopefully you're enjoying a moment to relax this holiday season. While you're doing that, enjoy the 10 most popular articles of 2022 below.
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December 28, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/06164935/41854723_m.jpg 565 848 John Zimmerman https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg John Zimmerman2022-12-28 08:01:432022-12-20 14:16:18Top 10 articles of 2022 on Air Facts
Cirrus in flight

A safe pilot is a humble pilot—lessons from the Cirrus community

John's blog
After a recent weekend immersed in the world of Cirrus airplanes, I have renewed appreciation for the old saw: plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. No matter how you slice the data, and no matter what airplane you fly, the most important driver of aviation safety continues to be the person in the left seat. Even with all the latest technology—in fact, maybe especially with all the latest technology—there’s no substitute for a humble pilot.
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October 24, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/20153437/Cirrus-SR22.jpg 1200 1800 John Zimmerman https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg John Zimmerman2022-10-24 07:47:182022-10-24 07:50:13A safe pilot is a humble pilot—lessons from the Cirrus community
Airplane off runway

What does “loss of control” mean? Probably not what you think

John's blog
Before solving a problem, it helps to be clear about definitions. What does loss of control actually mean? The FAA says it’s “an unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled flight.” That definition is so broad as to be useless, like saying the leading cause of car crashes is “unintended rapid deceleration.” Unfortunately, if we’re trying to dramatically reduce fatal accidents, solving loss of control isn’t nearly enough.
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September 12, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/09105024/14446881_web1_WEB-Plane-crash.jpg 960 1280 John Zimmerman https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg John Zimmerman2022-09-12 08:39:412022-09-11 19:17:06What does “loss of control” mean? Probably not what you think
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I Can’t Believe I Did That

Super Cub

A simple oversight almost ruins a bucket list trip

I Can't Believe I Did That
From Andover I flew the first leg to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, the Cub’s birthplace. We topped off and I climbed up to check the tanks, which was probably my first mistake. Lyle took the front seat and I squeezed all 6‘ 1” of me into the back. Lyle cranked the starter and we heard a bang like something hitting the plane. We ignored it. Second mistake.
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September 26, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/19170024/Super-Cub-in-grass.jpg 1125 1500 William Reyer https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg William Reyer2022-09-26 08:41:452022-09-19 17:01:41A simple oversight almost ruins a bucket list trip
Closed runway

The hex of the X

I Can't Believe I Did That
I was soon downwind with a Cheshire cat grin on my face my only thought being what a great pilot I was to become. After a greased landing “Mr. Pro Pilot” taxied up to the FBO. Strangely, no one was there to greet me? It was mid-morning but all the doors were locked. Now what do I do?
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7 Comments
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August 24, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/16150443/46026413735_8bbb80a097_b.jpg 768 1024 Frank Humbles https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Frank Humbles2022-08-24 08:48:132022-08-16 15:05:26The hex of the X
Cessna 182

Weight and balance “get-there-itis” traps

I Can't Believe I Did That
It was a beautiful spring day for an airplane ride, which I was asked to give to a very important and even famous client (and his two friends). As an instrument pilot having flown for years, I knew the importance of getting the exact weight of my client and his two adult friends, so I got the numbers over the phone. I never realized that a hidden trap was awaiting me until I first saw all three of them at the airport.
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July 20, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/15142453/Cessna_182S_Skylane_%E2%80%98G-OBBO_30860356187.jpg 683 1024 Rick Spencer https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Rick Spencer2022-07-20 08:57:452022-07-15 14:26:17Weight and balance “get-there-itis” traps
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Opinion

Cherokee 140

Reflections and predictions

Opinion
That new Cherokee 140 that came out of the factory with a sticker price of $12,000 is now going for 5 times that, even though it’s 55 years old.  It’s not hard to spend as much upgrading a panel as you spent for the whole airplane.
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4 Comments
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January 20, 2023
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/06172110/Cherokee_140_Landing.jpg 480 720 Jay Wischkaemper https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Jay Wischkaemper2023-01-20 09:00:582023-01-27 17:26:42Reflections and predictions
Cessna on grass

The great intermission: a renaissance in general aviation?

Opinion
There is a lot of discussion about the state of GA, whether we are in decline or at the beginning of a renaissance. Briefly setting this ever tempting discussion aside, I’ll propose we are in an intermission: at nearly a million strong in the 1980s, active pilots halved a decade later; now, we are told, there’s been an increase every year since 2016. Somewhere between the GI Bill of our grandparents and the innovations in flight tech that are bringing our kids (and all ages) back to flight, we drift.
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December 19, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/13163625/Cessna-on-grass-square-scaled.jpg 2560 2560 Peterson Conway https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Peterson Conway2022-12-19 08:15:312022-12-13 16:44:45The great intermission: a renaissance in general aviation?
Cessna 172

Unstable (Final) Approaches – History, Fiction, and Fact

Opinion
A score and more years ago, “stable approach” came into vogue as an attempt to reduce airline accidents. Why? All those airline landing accidents came from unstable approaches, so unstable approaches must be the major causal factor, right? Reality may be a bit more complicated than that—especially for GA pilots.
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30 Comments
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December 5, 2022
https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/06161032/C172ExternalLanding.jpg 563 1000 Ed Wischmeyer https://airfactsjournal-images.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/06142440/Air-Facts-Logo340.jpg Ed Wischmeyer2022-12-05 08:33:572022-12-20 11:47:38Unstable (Final) Approaches – History, Fiction, and Fact
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I Can’t Believe I Did That

Learn from the mistakes of others

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The next generation writes

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