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Category Archives: aircraft ownership

What about wheel pants?

Posted on June 3, 2023 by skysmith

Interesting question about wheel pants.

wheel pants

The question came up about buying an aircraft that doesn’t have wheel pants (fairings). Is it really worth the money just to make it look better? Or is there more value to fairings than just looks.

My thoughts, of course, it also depends on the aircraft.

Wheel fairings or wheel pants do more than just look good. But some aircraft are designed with a landing gear that doesn’t support wheel fairing (trailing link gear like the Beechcraft  Sundowner).

Fairings can also increase the cruise and flight performance of an aircraft.  Although it is usually only one or two knots.  While that is not much of a speed increase, any boost in cruise speed is better than nothing.

Wheel fairings can also protect the aircraft from being damaged from inadvertent rocks being thrown against the wings, cabin or tail surfaces.  If you are flying from dry smooth or  paved runways its probably a good thing to have fairings.  If you are flying from dirt mud snow or worse, leave the fairings in the hanger.   Same goes for unimproved strips.  Rough terrain will just break the fairings into pieces.

Even though, if you think about it,  this is probably where you need them the most. Because they also have a few drawbacks like they can be clogged with rocks, snow and mud.  And they can be damaged by rocks and debris picked up on the runways.

Oh, and fairings get in the way when airing up those low tires and fixing a flat.

And those Cessna nose wheel shimmies, that can destroy a wheel fairing.

I guess it really comes down to the aircraft, how you are using it and where you are going.

But personally, I like the looks of most aircraft when they have wheel fairings.

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Posted in aircraft, aircraft insurance, aircraft ownership, Aviation | Tags: aircraft, Aircraft insurance, airplanes, aviation, aviation insurance, Beechcraft, Cessna, Piper, Textron |

Flying Musicians 2023 Solo Scholarship Recipient

Posted on May 30, 2023 by skysmith
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 25, 2023 — Fort Worth, TX:  The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) is proud to announce the selection of our sixteenth overall scholarship recipient of the FMA Solo program: Justin Duval from San Jose, California. Justin will begin flight training at AeroDynamic Aviation in San Jose at the Reid-Hillview Airport of Santa Clara County (KRHV)

Justin has the desire, passion, drive, and initiative to succeed in so many areas. His attention to detail and pursuit of all things aviation and music has stood him apart from many. His musical achievements have led to many opportunities like Carnegie Hall and the Oakland California Temple to perform pieces ranging from Sonatas to traditional Chinese music. Now we will all witness his growth in aviation. “Much like music, aviation has been a constant obsession of mine, as I aspire to be a commercial airline pilot.”– Justin Duval

Eighty-seven outstanding nominations were received from across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The FMA board had to choose from 5 finalists. They were overwhelmed with the level of talent and passion. “As typical all five are well qualified and talented. The decision is not easy.” – Dr. Ian Blair Fries “Again, terribly hard choices. Each nominee, every one of them, would be a good candidate.” – Tim Kern, MBA, CAM “Wow, all worthy finalists, what a hard choice!” – Louise Vickerman, principal harpist Utah Symphony. “If only we had the resources to fund more scholarships, I would have been delighted to select all five finalists!” – Prof. H. Paul Shuch “My heart is saddened knowing there are so many worthy individuals that we are unable to assist. We must do a better job raising funds.” – John Zapp co-founder and President of FMA

John Zapp, co-founder and President of FMA, said, “The great news is that FMA has grown by eighty-seven very talented, motivated, and passionate student musicians. They will all make excellent members of our community.”

The FMA Solo Scholarships are made possible by our sponsors, donors, and members donating their time and talents. We also raise funds through activities such as HangarJAMs and music at corporate functions.  In addition, we look forward to support from across the aviation and music communities.

Follow Justin as he blogs about his learn to fly journey. Visit FMAsolo.org to congratulate and add your words of encouragement and wisdom.

 

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Posted in aircraft, aircraft ownership, Airventure, Aviation, EAA, flight instructor, flight schools, flight training, Flying Musicians | Tags: aircraft, airplanes, airshows, Airventure, AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT, aviation insurance, EAA, flight training, Flying Musicians, Piper, sunnfun, Textron |

How to Buy A Single Engine Airplane

Posted on May 24, 2023 by skysmith

Buying an airplane? You need my book “How to Buy A Single Engine Airplane” @amazonbooks . Order your copy now! @AmazonBookStore @GlobalAerospace @cessnaowner_mag @Cessna @piperaircraft @Cirrus_Aircraft @tangofoxtees @FlyingMusicians @TradeAPlane

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Posted in affordable flying, aircraft insurance, aircraft maintenance, aircraft ownership, aircraft sales, aircraft training, airplanes, airshows, Airventure, Aviation, aviation insurance, aviation market, Uncategorized | Tags: aircraft, airplanes, airshows, Airventure, aviation, aviation insurance, Sun N Fun, sunnfun, Textron |
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