http://www.aviationtoday.com Aviation Today en-us 2013 Tue, 21 May 2013 2:31:52 EDT We have all heard about “the bridge to nowhere.” What about a bridge to somewhere? Somewhere can be improved aviation capabilities en route to the U.S. Army’s Aim Point 2030. The challenge is with aviation leadership’s willingness to actually be the honest broker and analyze the... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Bridge-to-Somewhere_78166.html Tue, 1 Jan 2013 0:00:00 EST One of my challenges in writing a column for Rotor & Wing is to attempt to be relevant to its entire readership. In the broadest terms that means for profit, not-for-profit, military, non-military, foreign and domestic. My career has spanned all six of the groups identified but mostly involved domestic... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Procurement-Dragons_77796.html Thu, 1 Nov 2012 0:00:00 EDT I want to start this column by acknowledging the retirement of Jeff Pino as president of Sikorsky Helicopters. I met Jeff while he was with Bell Helicopter. He called from Bell one day and invited me to a customer feedback session. I attended along with several other chief pilots from Bell operators around... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Thanks-Jeff-Pino_76663.html Sun, 1 Jul 2012 0:00:00 EDT I know that some of you must think that I’m an anarchist. I have BMW-ed—that’s “bitched, moaned and whined” in California speak—about most of the regulators of aviation at one point or another. Whether it’s the FAA or the NTSB, I have my concerns. After 40-plus years... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Public-Service-System-Mindset_76265.html Tue, 1 May 2012 0:00:00 EDT In my last Public Service column (“Orphan Treatment,” January 2012, page 64), I wrote about the NTSB Public Aircraft Safety meeting on December 1 in Washington, D.C. To recap, this meeting was held to discuss the proposed efforts by some that may lead to the elimination of public aircraft... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Public-Service-Its-About-Safety_75859.html Thu, 1 Mar 2012 0:00:00 EST One of the companies that I consult with afforded me the opportunity to attend the recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Public Aircraft Forum held in Washington D.C., on November 30th and December 1st. The conference was well attended, with representatives of all the three letter organizations... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Orphan-Treatment_75465.html Sun, 1 Jan 2012 0:00:00 EST While getting your rotorcraft ratings, the main focus is on the technical side of aviation. LTE, dissymmetry of lift and autorotations are examples of subjects/skills we work hard at mastering. We study hard to pass written and oral exams. After gaining our commercial certificate we then worry about how to... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Lessons-Learned-in-Kindergarten_75285.html Thu, 1 Dec 2011 0:00:00 EST Usually I try to come up with a central theme for my column, so that I sound somewhat coherent. An overriding thought has eluded me this month, so look out for the flying fragments. In the past few weeks I have spoken to several friends that are involved with maintaining existing night vision imaging systems... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Night-Vision-and-Safety_74884.html Tue, 1 Nov 2011 0:00:00 EDT There is a perceived increase in EMS accidents over the last 10 years. One reason cited for EMS having a higher accident rate than other forms of flying is that pilots are under some sort of pressure to fly. The main pressure to fly is pressure the pilot puts on himself. There are pilots who pretend to be... http://www.aviationtoday.com/rw/issue/columns/public-service/Public-Service-Pressure-to-Fly_74451.html Sat, 1 Oct 2011 0:00:00 EDT