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.
Common In-Flight Failures, Part 2
This column is a continuation of common in-flight failures that I began discussing in the September 2024 issue. With today’s glass cockpits and all...
Unlabeled Switch and Circuit Breakers
For safety’s sake, all switches and circuit breakers should be labeled as to function and direction.
Risk Tolerance
There’s only so much we can do to eliminate risk, so it becomes more about risk tolerance, which is usually different for everyone.
Leaking Brakes
Leaking brake calipers will not only deplete the brake fluid, but the fluid will be absorbed by the brake pads and adversely affect braking...
High CHTs
An RV-10 owner recently brought his airplane to the shop due to high CHTs. He also mentioned that the problems started after the panel...
Fuel Pump Overflow
The overflow connection at the engine-driven fuel pump needs to be connected to a tube that exits the cowling.
Failed Ignition System
When it comes to aircraft ignition systems, I’ve always favored having one magneto and one electronic ignition system (EIS). Many dual electronic ignitions require...
In Case You Missed It
Fast Filter Replacements
Fuel filters are found on every aircraft that has an engine. They need to...
Industry Report: What’s Up With LSAs?
Four years after SLSAs were approved by the FAA, dozens of companies producing more than 100 aircraft models have qualified as SLSAs. Dave Martin examines the state of the industry in light of the current economic climate.