Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson is a second-generation pilot, A&P, and was a U.S. Air Force aircraft technician for 10 years. He holds a private pilot certificate and currently flies his Harmon Rocket II and a friend's RV-8, which he also maintains. Both aircraft are used for cross-countries, aerobatics, and a developing interest in formation work. And yes, an instrument rating is high on the agenda.
In Case You Missed It
Engine Beat
Exhaust systems do more than just get air into and out of aircraft engines. Exhaust system design, in terms of exhaust pipe length, diameter and tuning, affect the efficiency and performance of the engine, for better or worse.
Wind Tunnel
Barnaby Wainfan brings aerodynamics to life with an illustrated field guide to the various devices seen at AirVenture.
Around the Patch
Have you checked your fuel system for leaks lately? Turns out there's a good reason to periodically conduct a thorough investigation. Incipient leaks may go undetected. Worse, when the O-ring on the fuel-selector valve goes bad, it could allow air into the system, which means your engine could misbehave at a most inconvenient time. Often, this malady is difficult to diagnose and the assumption is that the fuel selector is OK when it is not.