Author Archives: Joe Clark

From Cropduster to Airline Pilot – a new book

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Joe Clark

We have published a new book, a very interesting book. It is the biography of LeRoy Brown, cropduster, National Airlines pilot, and retired of Pan American World Airways. As things happen, one of my colleagues at work, Dr. Leo Murphy, … Continue reading →

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Farewell, Faithful Friend

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Joe Clark

Well, it is over. After 367,910 miles, the Road Warrior swallowed her last little sip of gasoline, sucked in her last breaths through the air induction system, and rolled her last few feet into the Hyundai dealership in St. Augustine. … Continue reading →

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The Safety of “Little Airplanes”

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Joe Clark

Many question the safety of “little airplanes.” By the way, they are only “little” until you have to wash and wax them; then the smallest airplane suddenly appears similar in size to a Boeing 747. General aviation aircraft have always … Continue reading →

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First Flights

Posted on March 31, 2013 by Joe Clark

When you first go flying with a new student, you should make certain everything is as perfect as possible. In other words, a new student’s first flight should occur very early in the morning when the temperatures are low and … Continue reading →

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Praise and Insults by Hemingway

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Joe Clark

I am writing again about writing pilots or flying writers. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which are adjectives and nouns when it comes to describing writers who are capable of flying, or pilots who can actually write. On my … Continue reading →

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On Buying An Airplane, Part IV

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Joe Clark

Well, it is yours! The question now becomes, how much will it really cost to operate? The price of operating an aircraft falls into two broad categories. These include “fixed” costs and “variable” costs. Pilots (and accountants) appropriately refer to … Continue reading →

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On Buying An Airplane, Part III

Posted on January 24, 2013 by Joe Clark

Okay, after discussing where to find airplanes, we now come to the question of what to look for when appraising the airplane. As with any mechanical conveyance, there are things that stand out right away when you evaluate the machine. … Continue reading →

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On Buying An Airplane, Part II

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Joe Clark

When it comes to operating your own airplane, you have to keep a few things in mind. First, airplanes are not cheap, but if you are going to do more flying than usual, which is to say more than seven … Continue reading →

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On Buying An Airplane, Part I

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Joe Clark

Once you make the decision to buy an airplane, it is one of the most exciting times of your life. It can also be one of the most frustrating. Oh, and let me also say there is a little stress … Continue reading →

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The Dawn Patrol

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Joe Clark

In World War I, the fighters went out at dawn. In short order, the fighter pilots and maintenance crews began referring to this early morning mission as “The Dawn Patrol.” The pilots would rise early, breakfast, and then go out … Continue reading →

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