Vic Syracuse
Vic is a fixed-wing and helicopter commercial pilot, CFII with ASMEL/ASES ratings, an A&P/IA, DAR, and EAA technical advisor and flight counselor. Passionately involved in aviation for over 40 years, he has built 11 aircraft and logged over 10,000 hours in 72 different kinds of aircraft. Vic volunteers as a Young Eagle pilot, has his own sport aviation business called Base Leg Aviation, and has written two books on aircraft prebuy and condition inspections.
Broken Tailwheel Chain Link
Tailwheels and their associated linkage should be carefully preflighted. Here’s a partially broken tailwheel chain link that has the potential to cause a complete...
Out-of-Date Hoses
As the fleet ages, many owners and builders forget to check the date codes on rubber hoses, especially in the engine compartment. Rubber hoses,...
Angle of Attack vs. Airspeed
Angle of attack indicators have been used by the military and airlines for years and have made their way into general aviation as well,...
Building the ‘Beater – Part 4
It’s hard to believe that several months have gone by again and it’s time for an update. I’ve told Carol many times over the...
Unreadable Data Plate
Data plates are required to show the manufacturer, model and serial number, and they must be legible. It’s highly unlikely that one like this...
Wrong Fire Extinguisher
A Class BC fire extinguisher has no place in the cockpit of an aircraft. If activated, the powder residue will cause so much corrosion...
First Flight Experiences
I’ve done quite a few first flights for new builders. I lost count when the number went over 40. Most of them have been...
Unattached Vertical Fin
Here is a photo of a vertical stabilizer attach point on an RV-9A that is completely missing the four lower attach bolts shown in...
In Case You Missed It
Build It Better: For Want of a Nail
In aviation, one pin out of place can result in disaster. Details matter.
Ski Patrol
RANS S-7S builder Tom Simko details how his desire to fly year-round in snow country was satisfied (and then some) by installing Datum wheel skis.
