Classic Cubs

20/12/2023

Lot to be said for a brake check when you first taxi out to check that they work and how they feel, especially if you’re not totally familiar with heel brakes.

The pilot's improper brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

20/12/2023

Part of the benefit of a brake check when you first taxi out, especially if it is not a familiar aeroplane to you or work has been done on the brakes is to get a feel for them. Also is part of the reason older Taildraggers have ‘weak’ brakes, and heel brakes versus toe brakes tend to help avoid too heavy application.

The pilot's improper brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

06/12/2023

In aviation, as in all fields that require a commitment to lifelong learning, it’s wise to repeat the lesson. To share best practices. To reiterate the rules. To pass along lessons learned over a period of time that support and encourage the safety of flight.

02/11/2023

Hmmm

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilots mismanagement of fuel.

20/10/2023

I always try to take my PPL students to Hamilton Tower at some stage during their training so they can get an appreciation of the people on the other end of the radio and ask any questions. The Air Traffic Controllers are always friendly and helpful and the students come away with some of their fears allayed.
Happy Air Traffic Controllers Day for ester day 😀🎉🎂🍺

It takes a special set of skills to join the very exclusive club of air traffic controllers in New Zealand. Do I have what it takes?

19/10/2023

Good Aircraft Tech Knowledge revision for most pilots and extra background information for student pilots.

Almost any assessment of the Accident Briefs section of this magazine’s issues reveals that engine failures, followed by the inevitable arrival back to Mother Earth, pose a significant contribution to the accident record and the NTSB’s workload. What happens after the engine fails isn’t the to...

05/08/2023

Good advice to young pilots 😀

The real glitch in an adventure-seeking flight is not the flight outbound, although any one of us could be excused for thinking that might be the case. No, it is the trip home that presents the larger challenge.

17/06/2023

There’s them that have and them that will. Gear up landings aren’t compulsory though so try and retire without having have the experience. 😲

The truth is pilots can adopt procedures that, if followed, would prevent most gear-up events. We should, too. Fewer insurance claims result in lower insurance costs. Fewer gear-ups also means fewer runway closures. Everybody wins.

13/12/2022

Great article about gliding. Many of the local tow pilots are introduced to taildragging at Classic Cubs and then complete their Tow Rating with us.
Charlie is a Raglan local and she was hooked on gliding after a flight at Raglan Airfield a couple of summers ago, when Piako Gliding Club had their annual summer gliding camp there. Awesome!

05/08/2022