Blog - LME Notam

Lake Amphibian – Comprehensive Guide to Lake Aircraft

Pilots seeking access to remote lakeside destinations often face a difficult choice between conventional aircraft and specialized seaplanes. Lake Amphibian aircraft neatly address this dilemma by combining the ability to land on both water and runways in one aircraft. First developed from David Thurston’s innovative designs in the late 1940s, these distinctive high-wing aircraft have evolved through multiple models including the popular Buccaneer and LA-250, while maintaining their signature hull configuration and practical utility for adventure pilots and bush operators.

Aircraft Knowledge

Understanding Carburetor Icing: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Many pilots have experienced the sudden drop in engine RPM and rough running that signals carburetor icing—catching many off guard. This potentially dangerous condition can develop even when outside temperatures are well above freezing, especially in descents or when humidity levels exceed 80 percent. The mechanism is simple: as air flows through the carburetor’s venturi, temperature drops substantially, causing moisture to freeze on internal components and restrict the critical fuel-air mixture.

Flight Operations

VFR Fuel Requirements – Understanding Legal Standards

Pilots navigating under Visual Flight Rules must carefully calculate their fuel needs beyond simply reaching their destination. Federal regulations mandate specific reserves—30 minutes for daytime airplane flights, 45 minutes at night, and 20 minutes for helicopters—to provide crucial safety margins for unexpected situations. These requirements, codified in 14 CFR § 91.151, account for variables like headwinds and weather conditions that can affect fuel consumption.

Aircraft Knowledge

Understanding Maximum Structural Cruising Speed (VNO) in Aviation

Pilots working with aircraft performance need to watch their airspeed relative to the maximum structural cruising speed (NO). This critical threshold, marked by the upper limit of the green arc on the airspeed indicator, represents the highest speed at which an aircraft can safely operate in smooth air without risking structural damage. Exceeding NO doesn’t guarantee immediate failure, but it cuts into the safety margin when encountering unexpected turbulence or making control inputs.

Flight Operations

Understanding Scud Running: Risks and Alternatives

Flying beneath cloud layers to maintain visual contact with the ground might seem like a practical solution when weather deteriorates, but this practice—known as scud running—has contributed to numerous fatal aviation accidents. Pilots who descend to extremely low altitudes to stay visual face serious risks including collision with terrain, towers, and power lines, all while dealing with decreasing visibility and minimal reaction time. Even experienced aviators can quickly find themselves trapped between worsening conditions above and obstacles below, with few options remaining.

General Knowledge

Eugene R. ‘Rudy’ Rowland – Life and Legacy

Behind every community are individuals whose quiet contributions quietly shape local history, and Colonial Heights, Virginia was fortunate to have Eugene R. ‘Rudy’ Rowland among its respected residents. The Navy veteran, who passed away in April 2025 at age 96, lived through nearly a century of American change while maintaining his connections to Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg. Though his public profile remained modest, Rudy’s military service and longevity embodied the resilience of a generation that navigated profound social and technological change.

Aircraft Types

How Much Does a Cessna 172 Cost? A Comprehensive Guide

The price of a Cessna 172 Sky hawk varies significantly based on age and condition, with new models starting around $359,000 and potentially exceeding $600,000 with upgrades. Budget-conscious pilots can find used models from $30,000 for older aircraft to $235,000 for recent pre-owned examples. Beyond the purchase price, owners must account for significant ongoing expenses including engine overhauls, annual inspections, insurance, and hangar fees that typically add $10,000-$20,000 yearly to total ownership costs.

General Knowledge

Winged Boots – A Guide to Magical Flight in D&D and MTG

Adventurers seeking tactical advantages in fantasy realms frequently underestimate the remarkable capabilities of Winged Boots. These magical footwear items grant their wearers up to four hours of flight at their normal walking speed, turning impassable terrain into manageable challenges. Unlike other magical flight options with unpredictable cooldowns, Winged Boots recharge at a steady rate of two hours for every twelve not in use, which makes them essential for both combat positioning and exploration.

Aircraft Knowledge

Exploring Old Airplanes – A Journey Through Aviation History

Walking through an aviation museum reveals more than just metal and fabric—it unveils the extraordinary story of human flight captured in the graceful lines of old airplanes. These vintage aircraft serve as tangible connections to defining chapters in history, from the Wright brothers’ pioneering designs to the breakthrough jet aircraft that transformed global travel. Behind each preserved plane lies thousands of hours of meticulous restoration work by specialists who balance historical authenticity with necessary modern improvements to keep these flying treasures airworthy.

Aircraft Types

Cessna 210 Centurion – Specifications, History, and More

The Cessna 210 Centurion earned its reputation as a workhorse in the skies, blending strong payload capacity with retractable gear performance. First taking flight in 1957 and produced until 1986, this six-seat high-wing aircraft evolved from a modified Cessna 182 into a distinct platform capable of cruising at 170 knots while still carrying substantial loads. Pilots particularly value the Centurion for its dependable handling and versatility, whether hauling family members on vacation or transporting cargo for business purposes.