Flying December 2023

EVERYONE WANTS TO hold on to the last of the light—and the warmth that goes with it—as the winter days approach. We thought we’d deliver one last dose of that light with this month’s image described by photographer Timothy Dantuma—who also contributed the “Next Great Flight: Tail Chase” installment for our November 2021 issue: “Close your eyes, just briefly. You’re strapped into the ejection seat of an L-39 Albatros, behind pilot Ron ‘Pucker’ Staley. The weight of the parachute harness rests over your shoulders, and the release handle lies against your chest. Air whistles into the engine intakes on either side of your helmet. Now, squint and open your eyes, enough to let the golden sunset shimmer past your eyelids. Silhouetted beside you in lead is Bill ‘Sparty’ Shortt and…

“CLIMBING. FAST.” The program using this title launched at NBAA-BACE in October at Las Vegas, and it captures the efforts of the business and general aviation communities to address the challenges of our time with innovation and upward progress. But it also holds several meanings for me as we close an incredible year of growth—and the corollary drive to keep that growth sustainable. Aviation—among just about every other industry that has supported progress—has had an affect on the environment, but it has also been a primary source of new technology and change that currently offsets and will eventually replace the ways we power our aircraft. On the cover of this issue, we have a great example of an intermediate step that makes a big difference—the Diamond DA62. Over its nine-year…

FLYING MEDIA GROUP continues to expand its reach into the lifestyle space with its foray in October into the recreational marine industry. With the acquisition of Bonnier’s marine media titles, including Boating, Yachting, Sailing World, Cruising World, SaltWater Sportsman, Wakeboarding, Sport Fishing, Sport Fishing Television, and the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series, we build on the passions of our audience. And it brings FMG full circle, in a way. In July 2021, I acquired FLYING from Bonnier to form FLYING Media Group (FMG), leveraging my success as the founder and CEO of FreightWaves. Over the next two years, FMG has welcomed 25 other aviation brands, creating the most comprehensive aviation media enterprise in the world, serving audiences across all aspects of aerospace. Up until now, FMG focused solely on…

I FOUND AVIATION BY CHANCE. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing that’s at least somewhat true for you as well. At some point, circumstances lined up and there came a moment when each of us said, “Yes, I am going to commit to an industry that demands I bring the best of myself. One that takes time, money, and commitment to do at all, let alone well.” Even after 20 years as a pilot, it still amazes me how much can hinge on those moments that bring together chance and choice. I began my aviation journey at 18 when my father, perhaps a little frustrated with a daughter who had done well enough in school but couldn’t seem to find even the hint of a plan for the future, jokingly…

After the Engine Failure While I agree with Peter [Garrison’s] answer about how to react to an engine failure in a single engine plane (Ask Flying, Issue 943), I think there is a better way to pick a landing spot. Calculating glide distance and figuring out what is X miles from where we are isn’t that easy while you are troubleshooting the problem, communicating with whoever, and flying the plane. By practicing in the pattern of a low-volume airstrip, I knew that my plane could glide to the spot under a reference point on the plane (row of rivets on low wing, spot on wing strut, and “inch” over the nose). This worked well for me after two engine failures (one in the mountains and one on a moonless night…

A TRIP TO LAKE TAHOE on the Truckee, California, side might find a pilot wanting to visit the Truckee-Tahoe (KTRK) Airport. With a relatively long, 7,001-foot runway, even with the higher field elevation of just under 6,000 feet msl, the airport is an attractive option for many flying into this mountain getaway because of its proximity to Lake Tahoe, area ski resorts, and hiking trails. That’s not to say the approach isn’t without unique considerations that make it worthy of some review. A TERRAIN ALL AROUND The airport elevation of 5,904 feet msl doesn’t sound all that terrible until you look around and see that there are many parts of the terrain that are above 9,000 feet, especially to the west and south. The pilot needs to get established on…