Scott "Sky" Smith, Author at Piper Owner Society

Fly the Airplane Until It’s Tied Down

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

Good piloting means using cross controls, maintaining a heading, and controlling the aircraft to the ground.

Do Runways Matter?

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

Remember when you were training for your private pilot’s license and the instructor pulled the power back and declared an “emergency”? That was to prepare for an emergency off-airport landing only.

Beyond Flying for Fun

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Columns & Opinions

Piper Aircraft Insurance Risks: What it really boils down to is if you are going to an air show, fly-in, or other event and you want to participate in static display, flyby, formation flying, aerobatics, etc., make sure you have the correct aircraft to meet the FAA require¬ments, the correct ratings and certificates, and the correct insur¬ance. And if you’re getting paid (fuel, rental car, rooms) know what the rules are from the FAA and the underwriters.

Musical Chairs: What the FAA and Insurance Companies Say About the Left and Right Seat

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

If you’re acting as the Pilot in Command (PIC) on a flight, and you let a nonpilot do some of the flying from the right seat, is that legal?

Tips and Traps in Warranties

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

So, I got to thinking. What about all these warranties on aircraft and their components? I know that if you have an accident and you have insurance, the damage should be covered. But of course, repairs to worn-out parts aren’t covered. And what about the engine? If the crank is cracked or the compression is low, is that a warranty item or an insurance item? Or is that just a part of ownership?

What is Piper Aircraft Liability Insurance?

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

Limits, What’s Covered, and Choosing Piper Aircraft Liability Coverage You may have heard that as...

Prop Strike Damage

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Maintenance

If you happen to be the unfortunate person to have a propeller damaged, what can you expect your aviation insurance company to do?

How to Find a Good Deal on a Piper

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

Ever hear the great story about the $5,000 dollar Learjet? Or the Cherokee 140 for $1,000? Or how...

Flying at Home

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Columns & Opinions

Gameplay photo courtesy of Microsoft. Simulators Are Not Only Fun, They’re Also a Practical Way to...

Where to Land in an Emergency

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Become a Better Pilot, What To Know Before You Go

But bodily injury, that’s the big thing. If your decision injures people on the ground or your passengers, that’s a major issue.

Crazy Airplane Prices: Why You Need to Care

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

Over the years, I have owned quite a few aircraft. I have bought experimental biplanes, Cessnas,...

Do Safety Devices Save Money?

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | Aviation Insurance & Finance

Do we really need more safety equipment? Just get a safe airplane and you don’t need more safety devices, right?

SUN ‘n FUN, the Annual Spring Break for Pilots

Posted by Scott "Sky" Smith | News, Reviews

In April pilots flock to Lakeland Florida just like a flock of geese heading south. Lakeland and the Lakeland Linder airport are the home of Sun’N fun, the annual spring break for pilots.