Hangar Talk

Think flying is expensive? It doesn't have to be. Joseph Atkins found the deal of the century, put in some hard work with a friend, and came out with an airworthy airplane for less than the cost of a bag of nice golf clubs. It's proof that if you're resourceful enough, flying can be a reasonably cost-effective hobby. Senior Editor Jill Tallman talks to Atkins in this episode, and we cover the week's headlines.

The entire country mourned. Thousands of lives were lost. 9/11 was a major turning point in the history of the United States, a day of innocence lost. Scattered among the painful stories are thousands of tales of people who banded together to pick up the pieces. Among them, AOPA's Melissa Rudinger, who pushed for weeks to reopen the nation's airspace to general aviation and all its important contributions. Melissa describes what it was like inside the FAA at the time, and the many battles to keep our freedom to fly.

You have read Barry Schiff's insights and expertise over the years in AOPA Pilot magazine. Now hear him describe his favorite airplanes, best flights, and the essence of flight. 

As if flying inverted at 100 feet above the runway on the airshow circuit weren't enough, pilot Michael Goulian also spends his days flying under bridges and within racetracks as part of the Red Bull Air Race series. Goulian is one of the nicest guys in the airshow business, and he sat down to earlier this year to charm our own Julie Walker.

You've heard of Burning Man, the counterculture festival held each year in the Nevada desert. Now experience it from another side, a temporary airport that handles hundreds of flights during the show. AOPA Editor at Large Dave Hirschman and Photographer Chris Rose share their experiences.