gregwatts

I don't think he meant [close the airport]........I think he meant [close the tower]. Or at least I hope so!

Can't we all just ..............fly ROP?

Negotiate hard on that!

The 3 blade is better in the climb. You can buy a two blade.....but I believe it will be north of $9K

That is because the union's revenue will go down as they shed workers and not replave them. I work for USPS.......a non-union member.........the union never has the best interest of the company or it's survival. Remember the Air Traffic Controllers, Eastern Airlines, Hostess? I have the upmost respect for ATC and what they do....and I don't want to lose any towers.....but if you get the whole story and look at their union contract, you will see why they are choosing to close contract towers rather than change operations around to keep these towers open.

Union contracts!

Actually....this may work itself out. Boca Raton is already having meetings to find the $650K per year to keep their tower open. Saint Agustine will most likely do the same because they want the traffic and revenue for their golf courses. Naples will most likely find the money also because the Airport Authority sells a ton a fuel to the corporates and they don't want that money going to Ft Meyers. I think the only reason Pompano ever had a tower was to relieve FXE of training traffic........they probably can do without. The cities and local Chamber of Commerces will have to figure out if they can afford to not have a tower.

I learned at FXE....the radio action alone kicked my butt! I now fly out of F45 where I hear pilots call when on "right final" or call 22 miles out in a C 152. Some don't talk at all....and use a crossing runway....while not talking! I am absolutely in favor of towers....however......some of the issues that I see are what is being taught to the aspiring pilots. A tower controller can't help a pilot that relies on 2 GPSs and an Ipad and never looks out the window! That said......after a controller in.......MD?......fell asleep and the media caught wind of it, the FAA now puts 2 controllers in some of these towers....where nobody lands at night. The problem as I see it......they can't legislate common sense! So..............we will all pay the price! Just remember who you voted for...........!

Anybody that is near Tuscaloosa Alabama........there is a shelter closing down and they need help relocating dogs. 205-242-1815 REBECCA

If you are on a visual approach, you should be looking out the window for other traffic.....not playing with the GPS. There are too many ......even lower time......pilots flying around with 2 GPS and an Ipad, not looking out the window....that you have to watch for them! Set your GPS up early so that you can be practicing "see and avoid". As far as takeoff........you should not be at the hold short point until you are READY to take off. READY means checklist complete...except for any runway items, such as fuel pump. When you are holding short, the controller assumes that you are ready to go. My opinion only!

Sat 3/16/13

One of the training items for my Learjet type rating was a runaway pitch trim. I actually had a pitch trim malfunction in a LR 24 leaving MIA once.........scared the hell out of me. I believe you have a toggle switch on the panel to disengage..........also an independent breaker.

The Navajo was a medivac that took off about the same time to Bahamas. Was not the accident airplane. As of right now, it is thought that Steve Waller was the pilot. Well known and respected in the S Fl area.

Word is....it was a Cheyenne that had not flown in 8 months and just had work done. Lost first engine a 300 ft and second one right after.

Pilotsnpaws mission. 3/10/13 KSGJ _ F45

I did a Pilotsnpaws flight this morning. Picked up a 2 yr old Weimeriener at KSGJ and dropped him off at F45. Dog was a great traveler. I am grateful to have the opportunity to help animals.

With all due respect.......I think the general consensus is to sell the plane as is. A savvy buyer may not have an interest in a "field OH". That may actually cost you a buyer. List it....and see what activity you get....and if you have to go to plan B, then do so. I am in the political party that endorses selling it as is.....and price it right! My opinion only!

If I am not mistaken, most if not all of these are "contract" towers.

+1 The problem is, that many of these pilots never get any real training that professionals get. They pick up bad habits and after repeating them over and over, they become convinced that their way is correct.

Your ability to take ownership of this and share it with others is commendable! This topic has come up before and if it makes you feel any better......there are a bunch of pilots that do the same thing and all justify it to themselves. You are not the first and you certainly won't be the last. The good thing is....you didn't get injured or injure anyone else. Good luck with putting things back together and ........keep sharing your story! It may prevent someone else from having this happen.

I think the scare tactics demonstrate the credibility......or lack thereof.......of the people using them. This needs to happen.....for better or worse......so that the elected elite will STFU and get to work. These 11th hour deals at each crisis do not solve problems, they delay the inevitable. Just remember.....WE elected these failures, so this is OUR fault! Now we have do deal with it! My opinion only!

Don't worry......the Gum Tech will get food stamps and 99 weeks of unemployment, and a tax credit!

According to Landmark management, the prices are set by the county. I have been told by Landmark that the county doesn't care because the money doesn't come out of their pockets. You will need to lobby the county commissioners if you want anything changed at F45. OBE has changed management and their fuel is no longer cheap. I usually top off at APF.

Having owned a 68 C.....then a 71 F(201 clone) with M 20 Turbo.......then a 76 F.....and now an 81 J model, I would stretch for the J model. I would not get anything with a 3 blade prop. I had the wingtips on my C model and the 71 F and now the J model. I love them...they look good and I believe they add to stability. I cant say if they add speed. A stock 76 F is damn near a 77 J model.....about $20K less and about 10 knots slower. I do prefer the push-pull as opposed to the throttle quadrant( in the 77 J). I would decide first what your mission is.....then your budget......then your needs vs wants, and go from there. My opinion only!

Also.....read your insurance policy! Some policies only allow you to charge the actual cost of fuel and oil! There has been more than one policy voided because an accident flight was deemed a commercial operation.