The Women Airforce Service Pilots were founded with the purpose of freeing male pilots for combat roles during World War II. Logging an estimated total of 60 million miles, these remarkable pilots transported every type of aircraft in the US military arsenal. They towed targets for live anti-aircraft gun practice, simulated strafing missions and transported … Read more »

This story about racers in the 2004 Palms to Pines air race originally appeared in the Merced Sun Star. It is reprinted here with permission from the author. Sun-Star photos by Marci Stenberg. Many of the pilots featured in this story are members of the Santa Clara Valley 99s. Dateline: August 7, 2004 Fliers make … Read more »

The following is a reprint of a story first published on the now-defunct Ninety Nines list serv. What would you do if your airspeed indicator slowed 80 knots and then, suddenly, moved to 140 knots, and you weren’t doing anything? What Is This? By Pat Gregory The visibility was greater than 10 miles, and a … Read more »

Every checkride I do a write up about the experience. So why not continue that trend? This time it was my CFI Initial checkride (the doooosey). Most people told me that it’s likely the hardest checkride I was to face. I found the training to not be necessarily difficult.

I mean it’s the same material I had been studying for 3 years now in all my other training. But the level of comprehension and mastery was much different than it had been before. …Read more »

The list of women pilots who persevered against the odds to make aviation history is long. Since the Wright Brother’s, they have performed, set records, and stepped up to serve bravely in times of need despite sexists attitudes and limits to opportunities. There are dozens whose compelling stories and accomplishments make great reading. Here are … Read more »

Amelia Earhart’s is one of the most recognizable names in early aviation history. Famous as the first female aviator to fly solo non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean (making her only the second nd only other person a to do so after Lindbergh), she went to on break records and achieve many aviation firsts. Her tragic … Read more »

Imagine planning a flight where you don’t know what your destination is. All you are given is a sheet of paper with clues in the form of headings, distances, and landmarks. It is up to you to use your pilotage skills to fly the course, identify the landmarks, and reach the mystery destination. Whether you … Read more »

Thought I’d share this story, since someone posted a question about rough landings and I discovered I was too embarrassed to share this, initially. Then I thought, ‘it’s all about learning and sharing and learning some more!’ …Read more »

Do you your gear every year or leave the same old stuff in it? It’s good to take an inventory once in a while to get rid of no-longer-useful or expired items. When you are far away from the ground, you want to carry with you the things that will make you comfortable while still … Read more »

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, my engine has blown up and my airplane is on fire! By Lane Post Dateline: Wednesday, middle of July. I own 1/2 of a 1961 Cessna 182 which we keep at Palomar (CRQ) in Carlsbad, CA. It’s overcast with about a 1500′ ceiling and with my wife and youngest son, 18 years old, … Read more »