I finally got around to installing the copy of MSFS X that's been sitting on my shelf for about 2 months. I must say I've very underwhelmed. First, I would recommend having it installed. I wasted almost an entire day installing it. The installation is very, very difficult. First, there are 2 DVDs....

A continuation rate of 0.26%--not very encouraging. An interesting article: http://www.flyingmag.com/blogs/flying-lessons/why-dont-more-young-eagles-become-pilots

Eeyore wrote in : Bertie the Bunyip wrote: Eeyore wrote Skybuck Flying wrote:

I want to know how a bird maintains positional awareness and avoids vertigo while in the clouds. My next stop is to try & find out via Google & other online resources. If anyone here knows, though, it may make an interesting topic. Ricky

It occurred to me today that in fifteen years of flying I have never once found water in my fuel when I've drained my tanks. Not a drop. Ever. Am I just lucky, or is this really as rare an occurrence as it seems to be? (I fly in SoCal. Maybe that has something to do with it.) rg

While I have little sympathy for the alleged reckless and dangerous aircraft operation by the pilot in this case, I do wonder just how safe it is for a the sheriff to force a landing on a sand bar in the Sacramento River? I also wonder by what authority the sheriff was authorized to order the...

All day yesterday Google Groups showed the "newest" messages as being more than 24 hours old. Today there are newer messages showing up, but messages are not being uploaded/updated in a timely fashion. Messages I posted 15 minutes ago have still not appeared. (Normally this occurs almost...

When you are flying (and assuming you have a GPS with electronic chart databases), do you usually use paper charts for navigation (looking up frequencies, checking for restricted airspace, etc.) or do you look it up on your GPS, and why? -- Transpose mxsmanic and gmail to reach me by e-mail.

What's it like to fly in and out of Aspen (KASE)? I've been flying in and out in simulation and it seems challenging. It makes me wonder what it must be like in real life. What are the most distinctive characteristics of the airfield? Is it as challenging to fly into or out of in real life as...

Hi, I'm interested in learning more about airplane construction, say maybe a Cessna 172. I know the basics of airframes and power plants, but what I'm having a hard time finding is actual diagrams and depictions of the actual assembly. For example, wing root connections, engine mounts,...

I have had the opportunity to test out the new XMRadio Satellite Weather system (www.wxworx.com) enroute to Oshkosh... The unit is a demo unit which has been somewhat delayed from the initial planned production date of July 1 -- I am planning a Forums talk Wednesday 7/30 at Oshkosh on portable...

My instructor has over 100 hrs on the Skymaster, and he always said that the problem with the Skymaster crashes were untrained piltos who didn't take imemdiate actions when needed. He mentioned the Synchrophaser gauge, that would show you which engine was doing the work. IT either pointed forward...

Like cars, mass production of personal plane is possible. Mass training of pilots who can work on pay equal to pay of car-driver is possible. But still i do not see planes in sky. Reason is costly fuel. Am i right?

Well, here we go again although so far there is just the one nut. A few years back there was an organized effort to close Midland Barstow (3BS). Of course the argument was noise even though we were here first. As the noise issue was not working they tried to fire up the residents by complaining...

I would like to extend an offer to you or any other pilots that might be interested in the Breitling watch line. This is a great watch for professionals. Some features include slide rule, emergency tracking, chronograph and many more. I can mail you a catalog or your visit www.breitling.com We...

Hi all, I was very impressed by the article on the Eclipse 500 in the latest AOPA magazine. After so much skepticism, criticism, and so forth, it appears that the promised aircraft is about to be delivered. I was particularly impressed by the description of the development process, and by...

What's the farthest west civilian airport in the Aleutians? I see military airports on Shemya and Attu: what happens if a civilian aircraft comes along and politely asks to join the traffic pattern? -- all the best, Dan Ford email (put Cubdriver in subject line) Warbird's...

To date I have a whopping 8 hours in the Arrow. The last 2.9 were by far the most fun since the two flights involved maneuvers and landings (lots of landings). The more I get to fly N2104T, the more I like it. Things are becoming more and more comfortable and familiar. Still have lots to learn...

Forgive something a little off topic for the group. Thought that some fellow pilots would want to know about this effort to save Star Trek Enterprise from cancellation. It is a very serious effort, and not just "trekkies". There is an active campaign to raise money to finance a fifth season that...

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