News
Pre-orders begin for Flying Boat documentary DVD
General Aviation News Flying Boat, which premiered during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, is about the experience of flying the legendary Grumman Albatross, told through 10 passionate mechanics and the pilots who have restored, fly, and maintain the last remaining examples of this legendary aircraft. Read More read more
GPS Spoofing Raises Alarms
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com. Someone in the Middle East has figured out how to spoof GPS data and it’s playing havoc with aircraft navigation. OPSGROUP, a site used by airline, business and cargo pilots, is reporting that aircraft using Airway UMB688 in northern Iraq are experiencing complete navigation system failures because the hacker replaces the position data beamed by the GPS signals with false coordinates. “[Twelve] separate reports ... read more
Aviation, Trade Sectors Brace for Government Shutdown
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: this article first appeared on FreightWaves.com. WASHINGTON — Aviation and logistics industry officials are frustrated with lawmakers’ inability to fund the government beyond this Saturday and say there will be real-world consequences for commerce if agencies are forced to halt all nonessential services at the end of the month. Airlines will continue to fly and goods will be able to flow through land and sea ports as front-line Customs and Transportation ... read more
When left isn’t right
General Aviation News From now on I will make sure to have a more "big picture" understanding before rolling for takeoff — I was thinking why did I not see him on my ADS-B and I realized because both my GPS units were zoomed in to airport taxi diagrams. Read More read more
Picture Of The Week, September 27, 2023
AVweb 1 of 6 Patiently waiting for the fog to clear at the Superior Airways Float Base (CKS4) in Red Lake, Ontario. Taken with an iPhone 11 Pro. Copyrighted photo by Kalen Bucknell. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Waiting for the Fog to Clear Van's RV-14A N614US "Freedom Isn't Free" photographed at EAA AirVenture 2023, through a Lensball with a Nikon Z50 f/5.6 1/250 170mm ... read more
GPS Spoofing Raises Alarms
AVweb Someone in the Middle East has figured out how to spoof GPS data and it’s playing havoc with aircraft navigation. OPSGROUP, a site used by airline, business and cargo pilots, is reporting that aircraft using Airway UMB688 in northern Iraq are experiencing complete navigation system failures because the hacker replaces the position data beamed by the GPS signals with false coordinates. “[Twelve] separate reports have been now received by OPSGROUP, and in most cases the [Inertial ... read more
Neste Makes Deal to Boost SAF Availability in Southern California
FLYING Magazine Neste said it is working with Vopak, a company specializing in energy industry infrastructure, to expand its capability to supply renewable fuels to customers on the West Coast of the United States. Neste has commissioned storage capacity at Vopak’s Los Angeles terminal for Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF, and Neste MY Renewable Diesel. The company said the fuel-storage arrangement marks a significant step toward making Neste’s renewable fuels more readily ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1995 Learjet 60
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1995 Learjet 60. It is difficult to believe today, but back in the late 1950s, when businessman Bill Lear suggested that a market existed for private jets, barely anyone believed him. I imagine you might have heard ... read more
Horizon Aircraft Announces Plans for 7-Seat Hybrid eVTOL
FLYING Magazine There’s a new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft design in development. And it claims to be bigger, faster, and roomier than designs from Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, Lilium, or EHang. Toronto-based manufacturer Horizon Aircraft on Tuesday revealed that it has improved on the design of its flagship five-seater Cavorite X5—so much so that the firm is pivoting to a new model. Horizon will replace the X5 with the Cavorite X7, a larger, seven-seat ... read more
Booster Delivery Marks NASA Artemis II Moon Mission Milestone
FLYING Magazine In order for NASA to return astronauts to the moon for the first time since Apollo 17—more than half a century ago—the space agency has some work to do. But at a glance, things appear to be on schedule for Artemis, which is essentially NASA’s resurrection of the Apollo program. Northrop Grumman on Tuesday delivered 10 booster motor segments, which the space agency will use for its Artemis II mission, to Kennedy Space Center in Florida from its manufacturing plant in Utah. ... read more
Pictures of the Day: Scenes from the 2023 Reno Air Races
General Aviation News General Aviation News photographer Bradley Orr captured these photos during the 2023 Reno Air Races, held Sept. 13-17. Read More read more
Speak up for better convective forecasts
AOPA General Aviation News Pilots willing to spend about five minutes sharing their perspective on convective weather forecast tools in a survey will help the FAA and the National Weather Service determine which products pilots use, and optimize the offerings. Read More read more
MOSAIC Questions Linger in Light Sport Aircraft Community
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article first appeared on Plane & Pilot. I don’t know about you, but I can guess that Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) fatigue is setting into a lot of quarters. Some pilots have done an extraordinary job of digging into the FAA’s 318-page Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) document to distill essential parts that need to be addressed. Many pilots get exhausted just looking at the NPRM. Me too. READ MORE: How to ... read more
Bye Aerospace Clears Development Milestone
FLYING Magazine Bye Aerospace has cleared another hurdle in the development of sustainable electronic aviation. The Denver-based aviation firm notes the FAA accepts its functional hazard analysis (FHS) for the Bye Aerospace eFlyer 2. “This FAA milestone substantiates our eFlyer design, providing unwavering support for our market and business case,” said Rod Zastrow, president and CEO of Bye Aerospace. “The result is a clean, capable, electric aircraft with a remarkable 80 percent ... read more
Final flag at Reno air races is bittersweet
General Aviation News The 2023 Reno National Championship Air Races saw thousands of air racing fans come together at Reno Stead Airport (KRTS) in the high desert of Nevada, for a nostalgic farewell to the air racing site that is older than many of today's racing pilots. Read More read more
Airplane Math: When Do Upgrades Make Economic Sense?
FLYING Magazine Readers contact me pretty regularly for advice regarding airplane shopping, purchasing, and maintenance. I can only assume they’re inspired by the notion that an individual lacking flying skills, business acumen, and finances can successfully navigate aircraft ownership. I’ll admit I myself am often amused that I’ve made it this far. It’s enjoyable to help, though. Whether it’s a new pilot exploring ownership for the first time or a seasoned expert weighing upgrade ... read more
Aircraft mechanic shortage reaches ‘critical’ point
General Aviation News The shortage of aviation mechanics is reaching a critical stage and it's time for the industry to act, according to a new report. Read More read more
Trailblazers honored in hall of fame
AOPA General Aviation News When a barnstormer came through Newport, Arkansas, in 1916, 13-year-old Cornelius Coffey and his friends pooled their nickels and dimes to raise enough money for just one kid to ride. They planned to draw straws, but as they watched the airplane take off and land, friends dropped out one by one. Finally only Coffey remained. Read More read more
Joby delivers electric air taxi to Air Force
AOPA General Aviation News Electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developer Joby Aviation announced it has delivered its first air taxi to Edwards Air Force Base in California six months ahead of schedule. Read More read more
5G connectivity coming to Dassault Falcon jet
AOPA General Aviation News Broadband connectivity provider Gogo Business Aviation announced its Avance L5 broadband connectivity system with 5G provisions is now available to Dassault Falcon Jet Service Center customers for several Falcon business jet models. Read More read more
Garmin Adds Newer Citation Models to Its G5000 Avionics Repertoire
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com. Garmin has announced it is now offering its G5000 integrated avionics suite as a retrofit upgrade for Textron Aviation Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2 business jets. The upgrade (price not released) replaces the legacy Collins Pro Line 21 panel, which has four 10-inch display screens. READ MORE: Garmin G5000 Earns EASA Approval for Cessna Citation Excel, XLS Carl Wolf, Garmin VP of Aviation Sales and Marketing, ... read more
Why Don’t All Airplanes Have Static Wicks?
FLYING Magazine Question: Why do some general aviation airplanes have static wicks on them and others don’t? I thought they were there to prevent lightning strikes—don’t all airplanes need this? Answer: Static wicks are attached to an airplane to discharge static electricity. The static wicks—sometimes known as static dischargers—are often attached to the thinnest metal surfaces on the aircraft such as the horizontal stabilizer and ailerons. As the airplane moves through the air—any ... read more
Flying Musicians Association opens 2024 scholarship applications
General Aviation News The Flying Musicians Association (FMA), which has offered its Solo Scholarship Program to high school music students for 10 years, is introducing a new scholarship this year: The FMA Swing Wing scholarship to the New York Hot Jazz Camp. Read More read more
Online aviation program expands
General Aviation News As part of the agreement, EAA’s education staff will work with staff from Estes Rockets to develop activities for students in grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. These activities will introduce model rocketry to students, as well as provide credits within AeroEducate’s full Technology badge program. Read More read more
EAA Teams With Estes Rockets On AeroEducate Rocketry Initiative
AVweb The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has teamed with model rocketry standout Estes Rockets to expand opportunities for participants in EAA’s AeroEducate initiative. EAA staff members will work together with Estes to develop “four self-exploratory, grade level-based activities for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12,” according to EAA. Participants in the combined program will get an introduction to model rocketry while receiving credits toward AeroEducate’s full technology badge ... read more
Maintenance error leads to 172’s crash
General Aviation News Maintenance personnel’s failure to use the correct throttle linkage hardware when reinstalling the engine, resulting in a disconnection of the throttle during flight. Read More read more
Short Final: Question Time
AVweb As a controller, I occasionally get asked, usually (but not always) when it’s slow on the radio, “Approach, do you have time for a question?” OK, when it’s slow then yes, I most likely have time and am happy to answer questions. But, if you ask in the middle of a busy session, then the answer is “no.” One day, I tried another tactic instead of just saying “no.” Pilot: “Approach, do you have time for a question?” Me: “Yeah, but only for the one you just asked … Airliner 279, turn ... read more
U.S. Air Force Accepts First Test eVTOL Aircraft From Joby
AVweb The U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced it has received its first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Joby Aviation. The eVTOL was unveiled in a ceremony at Edwards Air Force Base in California Monday (Sept. 25)—some six months ahead of schedule. The delivery comes after the Air Force Research Laboratory announced a contract extension with Joby in April valued at up to $131 million with options for up to nine aircraft, according to Air & Space Forces ... read more
White House Announces $201 Million Airport Lighting Upgrade Program
AVweb The White House announced today (Sept. 26) that more than $201 million will go to new or reconstructed runway and taxiway lighting systems as part of the administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. During an event marking the new program at Denver International Airport, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “We’re acting to improve lighting systems at 82 airports, an important part of keeping aircraft moving safely, no matter the time of day or weather.” Airports ... read more
Garmin Adds Newer Citation Models To Its G5000 Avionics Repertoire
AVweb Garmin has announced it is now offering its G5000 integrated avionics suite as a retrofit upgrade for Textron Aviation Cessna Citation XLS+ and XLS Gen2 business jets. The upgrade (price not released) replaces the legacy Collins Pro Line 21 panel, which has four 10-inch display screens. Carl Wolf, Garmin v-p of Aviation Sales and Marketing, said, “The G5000 upgrade program for the Citation Excel and XLS has transformed more than 120 aircraft since its certification in 2019, bringing ... read more
Laser Strikes Target Air Ambulance Flights In UK
AVweb Laser attacks on low-flying aircraft are not limited to the U.S. Following recent reports of aircraft targeted near Boston, local news reports in Yorkshire, UK, have passed along an “urgent appeal” from the local air ambulance operator after what UK Yahoo News characterized as an “alarming spike” in laser-related incidents. Last Friday night (September 22), a crew member on a Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) helicopter suffered a burned cornea in one of three attacks that ... read more
Surf Air Confirms Order For 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EXs
AVweb Surf Air Mobility, which has an exclusive relationship with Textron Aviation for development of an alternative-energy version of the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, has confirmed an order and placed deposits on the first 20 of up to 150 of the utility turboprop singles. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of next year. Surf Air’s initial (unconfirmed) order included 100 Caravans with options for 50 more. According to Textron Aviation, “Surf Air Mobility has announced its ... read more
A MOSAIC Q-and-A
Plane & Pilot Magazine I don’t know about you, but I can guess that MOSAIC fatigue is setting into a lot of quarters. Some pilots have done an extraordinary … Read More "A MOSAIC Q-and-A" The post A MOSAIC Q-and-A appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Essential calculation
AOPA General Aviation News Calculating weight and balance before each flight ensures that the weight is within limits and the load is distributed within limits as well. Read More read more
Upgrade your next flight without upgrading your airplane
AOPA General Aviation News This compact device provides ADS-B traffic and weather services, an attitude-heading reference system (AHRS), and SiriusXM weather and entertainment—no installation required. What is it? Read More read more
Can Blue Origin Course Correct with Amazon’s Dave Limp at the Helm?
FLYING Magazine Bob Smith is out as CEO of Jeff Bezos’ space tourism baby Blue Origin. First reported by CNBC and confirmed by Blue Origin to FLYING, Smith will step down to be replaced by Amazon senior vice president of devices and services Dave Limp, who recently announced his own departure. According to Blue Origin, the changing of the guard will happen on December 4, when Smith effectively retires from his role and Limp steps in. Smith will remain with the company until January 2 “to ... read more
Airbus Helicopters Unveils PioneerLab Sustainability Platform at Aviation Conference
FLYING Magazine Airbus Helicopters unveiled the PioneerLab, a twin-engine technology demonstrator, during the German National Aviation Conference in Hamburg. The company said the purpose of the demonstrator, which is based on its H145 helicopter platform, is to test technologies that reduce helicopter emissions and make use of bio-based materials—both in its fuel as well as structural components. READ MORE: Airbus Helicopters’ Diesel H120 First Flight Test Successful “With PioneerLab, we ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 2023 Tecnam P2010 TDI
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 2023 Tecnam P2010 TDI. When Tecnam’s P2010 arrived on the U.S market in 2015, many people regarded it as a modernized Cessna 172, and the two aircraft did share several characteristics in basic design, engineering, ... read more
Picture of the Day: A new perspective
General Aviation News Kent Shiemaker submitted this photo and note: "Another view of the beautiful P-51." Read More read more
Living large on wheels and wings
General Aviation News There is a common thread between the motorcycle and the airplane that perhaps deserves consideration. Those of us who engage with these machines are considered to be adventurers. Some might call us daring, although the truth is most of us do our best to limit risk when riding or flying. It’s in our best interest to do so. Read More read more
Upgrade your next flight without upgrading your airplane
AOPA General Aviation News This compact device provides ADS-B traffic and weather services, an attitude-heading reference system (AHRS), and SiriusXM weather and entertainment—no installation required. What is it? Read More read more
FAA Announces $300 Million for Net-Zero Goal Projects
FLYING Magazine The application window is now open for $300 million in federal aviation grants earmarked for projects that will support sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) infrastructure and low-emission aviation technology, the FAA announced Monday. The funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, described as the largest climate investment in history, according to the FAA. “We have a need for speed in this race, and thanks to President [Joe] Biden’s Investing in America agenda, we have ... read more
A shorter route to aviation success
General Aviation News Imagine graduating from high school with an associate's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. That's exactly what Florida pilot Noah Burrows just did. Read More read more
Electric Regional Aircraft Firm Signs Deal for 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EXs
FLYING Magazine Surf Air Mobility Inc., a Southern California aerospace company devoted to developing regional air travel through the power of electrification, has placed an order for 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company. According to Textron, Surf Air Mobility has paid the deposit for the first of 100 aircraft with the option for an additional 50. The deliveries of the ... read more
Practice Makes Pilots
FLYING Magazine Remember the first time you tried to taxi an airplane? You probably tried to steer with the yoke, inadvertently added brakes, and wallowed like a drunken goose. By the second or third flight lesson, you were steering with the rudder pedals and used just enough power to avoid stomping on the brakes. By the third lesson, you used the perfect amount of power to avoid the need for brakes, and you even applied appropriate crosswind correction. You did this because learning ... read more
EAA Ray Scholarship program reaches 400 pilots
General Aviation News Since the program’s introduction in 2019, more than 730 scholarships have been provided to young people. The current pilot certificate completion rate for Ray Scholars is 81%, with approximately 240 more scholars currently in flight training, according to EAA officials. Read More read more
VI&E Solutions, Ace VTOL Plan to Add 700 Vertiports in Oceania Region
FLYING Magazine Vertiport infrastructure and electric charging station provider Volatus Infrastructure & Energy Solutions (VI&E)—which earlier this month rebranded from Volatus Infrastructure—is taking its business Down Under. The new-look VI&E on Monday unveiled a joint venture with Australia-based Ace VTOL to build an advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure ecosystem in the Oceania region spanning 700 vertiports. The agreement also calls for the integration of Ace’s ... read more
Sherwin-Williams introduces high-flexibility body filler
General Aviation News Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings has introduced Fill Bond Flex Aerospace Filler (FBF100) as a new method for filling seams, rivets, and small spot repair areas on general aviation aircraft prior to painting. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Essential calculation
AOPA General Aviation News Calculating weight and balance before each flight ensures that the weight is within limits and the load is distributed within limits as well. Read More read more
Maintenance error leads to in-flight oil leak
General Aviation News I was very lucky to have made the airport before oil starvation and engine seizure, which could have occurred minutes later. Read More read more
FMA Opens 2024 Scholarships
AVweb The Flying Musicians Association (FMA) is accepting nominations for its 2024 FMA Solo Learn to Fly scholarship program for high school music students. Now in its tenth year, FMA Solo provides scholarships for flight training through first solo as well as assistance obtaining flight training materials and gear and a student membership to FMA. To be eligible for the program, students must be nominated by their music director or teacher, be able to get a third-class FAA medical, ... read more
Airbus Unveils PioneerLab Demonstrator
AVweb Airbus Helicopters introduced its new PioneerLab flying laboratory during the German National Aviation Conference on Monday. According to the company, the helicopter demonstrator will be used to test technologies designed to reduce emissions, increase autonomy and integrate biomaterials. PioneerLab is based on the H145 twin-engine light utility helicopter. “With PioneerLab, we continue our ambitious strategy to test and mature new technologies on board our helicopter demonstrators,” ... read more
Pilots Report Numerous Laser Strikes In Boston
AVweb Law enforcement and aviation officials in the Boston area are trying to figure out who is using lasers to target aircraft. Last week there were three incidents of laser strikes from the ground. The first two occurred in the predawn hours Thursday and involved two JetBlue aircraft. Both were reportedly struck by green lasers while on approach to land at Logan International Airport (KBOS). According to the FAA, the first incident was reported by the crew of JetBlue Flight 494 from ... read more
General Aviation Accident Bulletin, September 25, 2023
AVweb AVweb’s General Aviation Accident Bulletin is taken from the pages of our sister publication, Aviation Safety magazine. All the reports listed here are preliminary and include only initial factual findings about crashes. You can learn more about the final probable cause on the NTSB’s website at www.ntsb.gov. Final reports appear about a year after the accident, although some take longer. Find out more about Aviation Safety at www.aviationsafetymagazine.com. June 10, 2023, Apache ... read more
Yamaha-Powered STOL Highlander
AVweb Eddie Sanches herds an American Airlines 777 around for a living, but on the weekends he enjoys the rough and tumble world of STOL drag racing. Three years ago he purchased and raced a Just Aircraft Highlander with a Rotax 914 engine, which he later upgraded to an EP 912, putting out 155 hp. At ArkanSTOL 2022 (what a great name for a STOL event) Eddie ran into seasoned STOL racer Kevin Hoopes, who was working on a one-off Highlander XL designed with modifications to make it a top ... read more
Pilatus delivers 2,000th PC-12
AOPA General Aviation News Pilatus has come a long way since boldly redefining the turboprop market in 1994. This year, Pilatus handed over the 2000th PC-12, dressed up in a special paint scheme to match the occasion, to their longtime customer, PlaneSense. Read More read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1973 Bellanca Citabria 7KCAB
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1973 Bellanca Citabria 7KCAB. Citabrias are popular among the range of two-seat taildraggers that includes Piper Cubs, Luscombes, Cessna 120s, and Taylorcrafts. Taildraggers have gained a bigger audience of late ... read more
Pilots Report Numerous Laser Strike Incidents in Boston
FLYING Magazine Law enforcement and aviation officials in the Boston area are trying to figure out who is using lasers to target aircraft. Last week there were three incidents of laser strikes from the ground. The first two occurred in the predawn hours Thursday and involved two JetBlue aircraft. Both were reportedly struck by green lasers while on approach to land at Logan International Airport (KBOS). According to the FAA, the first incident was reported by the crew of JetBlue flight ... read more
NATO Set to Adopt British MOD Standard for Counter-Drone Technology
FLYING Magazine NATO wants to open new lines of communication—but not between its member nations. Rather, the organization is exploring a new way for counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) to talk to each other. Open-source intelligence company Janes reported NATO will adopt the U.K. Ministry of Defense’s (MOD) Sensing for Asset Protection with Integrated Electronic Networked Technology protocol, or SAPIENT, as a “C-UAS standard.” Essentially, SAPIENT will lay out new guidelines for ... read more
Supplemental Oxygen for the Rest of Us
Plane & Pilot Magazine In the spring of 2003, a couple years after the introduction of the Cirrus SR22, a group of dedicated Cirrus pilots invited a team of … Read More "Supplemental Oxygen for the Rest of Us" The post Supplemental Oxygen for the Rest of Us appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Remember the Importance of Keeping Your Ideal Aircraft Clean
FLYING Magazine Recently I was scrubbing sooty exhaust residue and runway grime from the underside of Annie, our Commander 114B, when I realized I had drastically underestimated the time required for the job. Indeed, I had planned to clean the entire airplane that day, including the interior, but after a few hours of slow progress it became clear that this task would be measured in days. I also knew that I had only myself to blame for waiting too long to address the dirty buildup. Had I ... read more
Picture of the Day: Unique Fokker flying again
General Aviation News Robert Erenstein submitted this photo and note: "The only flyworthy Fokker D.XXI (D.21) in the world, a Dutch design from just before the Second World War, has recently become airborne again. Van Egmond Vintage Wings — a private initiative — has built it from original parts and it is completely new again. Here it is flyig from Hoogeveen Airport in The Netherlands." Read More read more
Just Getting Started
FLYING Magazine We can all easily remember the first time the dream to fly wrapped its arms around us and refused to let go. That was Carole Hopson’s story. Becoming a pilot was to her not a question, it was more of a challenge, and as a young Black woman, the hurdles could have seemed too high to overcome. Carole is not a person who saw those challenges as insurmountable. Previously, as a corporate executive and journalist, she met every obstacle with gusto. When she started training to ... read more
A Tale of Four Princes
FLYING Magazine The word ‘rare’ is defined as seldom occurring or uncommon. When used to describe airplanes, it is often applied to designs that are few in number—such as the Student Prince, an open-cockpit biplane briefly manufactured in Oregon in the late 1920s to early 1930s. The Student Prince was the first airplane to be commercially built and certified in Oregon—the second was the Van’s Aircraft RV-12, built in Aurora, Oregon. Van’s would begin turning out the 912is-powered SLSAs in ... read more
The 32nd annual Fly/In Cruise/In sets records
General Aviation News 2023 was a record-setting year for the 32nd annual Fly/In Cruise/In. Held on Saturday of Labor Day weekend every year, the weather was perfect this year. The sky was brilliant blue, and the traffic pattern was humming with all sorts of aircraft, while the well-orchestrated mass arrival of vintage and antique cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, and more poured through the gates and onto the grounds of Marion Municipal Airport-McKinney Field in Indiana. Read More read more
Pilatus delivers 2,000th PC-12
AOPA General Aviation News Pilatus has come a long way since boldly redefining the turboprop market in 1994. This year, Pilatus handed over the 2000th PC-12, dressed up in a special paint scheme to match the occasion, to their longtime customer, PlaneSense. Read More read more
Luxury General Aviation Airport Overcomes Limits
FLYING Magazine San Carlos Airport (KSQL) is special. The airport not only sits in a picturesque location in the San Francisco Bay Area but also boasts a number of strategic infrastructure investments that have created a high-end general aviation experience. The investments include nearly 50,000 square feet of new hangar space and another 22,000 square feet of common area, office space, and meeting rooms. All of this work was completed in spite of KSQL’s natural limitations, which some ... read more
EarthX batteries earn FAA approval
General Aviation News EarthX has earned an FAA AML STC that will permit the installation of its FAA TSO’d 12V LiFePO4 battery on a wide variety of single-engine Cessna, Piper, and Mooney aircraft, as well as the Aviat A-1. Read More read more
The popularity of plane spotting
General Aviation News LA Flights, a YouTube channel dedicated to plane spotting, reached a milestone in July 2023: 200,000 active subscribers. Read More read more
STEM Flights celebrates five years
General Aviation News “When you can get a kid airborne and actively participating in the flight, their confidence and motivation soars," says STEM Flights Founder Dave Brubaker. "Flying can expand horizons for kids and inspire them to dream bigger.” Read More read more
China Looking For ‘High Quality’ Pilot Candidates
AVweb China is updating its military pilot recruitment by extending eligibility to science and engineering graduate students. Reuters is reporting those selected (male only) will train to fly fighters from carriers as the country rapidly expands its naval aviation capability. In contrast with other major powers, which mostly require a university degree for pilot candidates, China has actually kept them out of the running with an age limit of 20. Last year it raised the age to 24 to attract ... read more
‘Hard Landing’ Damages Praetor
AVweb All the usual authorities are investigating a “hard landing” that may have written off a Flexjet Embraer Praetor 500 in Georgia last week. The bizjet was flying six passengers from Westchester County Airport in New York when it apparently slammed into Runway 04 at McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport and ended up sitting on its wings on the grass. Neither the passengers nor the two crew suffered any injuries. Based on photos from the scene, it appears the right gear collapsed and the ... read more
F-35B Pilot Explains Ejection to 911 Operator
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com. CNN has obtained the 911 audio of the aftermath of the loss of a Marine Corps F-35B that flew on for 60 miles after the pilot ejected over Charleston, South Carolina, last week. The audio reveals a few more details of the incident and illustrates a knowledge gap with emergency response personnel on dealing with military aircraft crashes. The pilot starts out by asking for an ambulance but ends up giving a short ... read more
Joby Presents First eVTOL to Air Force Ahead of Schedule
FLYING Magazine Ahead of the planned 2024 due date, Joby Aviation has delivered the first unit of its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base. The company is making the announcement today during a special ceremony at the base. The air taxi marks the first such eVTOLs to enter testing with the Air Force—and it’s believed to be the first such aircraft delivered within the U.S. overall. The unit arrived last week under a cloak of secrecy ... read more
Piper pilot stalls over runway while being escorted by military aircraft
General Aviation News The pilot’s exceedance of the wing’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and loss of aircraft control. Read More read more
Checking In On AI
AVweb Back in August, as I was plodding away on that universal symbol of the futility of modern life, the treadmill, I was simultaneously enriching my brain by listening to a podcast. It was some New York Times columnist prattling about how amazing artificial intelligence has become, specifically ChatGPT. She assigned it the task of writing a column in her style and professed to be gobsmacked at the results. Perhaps, I thought, I’m drifting behind the power curve on AI. Maybe the newer ... read more
Poll: Does The World Need A New Basic Training Aircraft?
AVweb Poll: Does The World Need A New Basic Training Aircraft? Poll: Does The World Need A New Basic Training Aircraft? No, all it ever needed was the 172. No, there are plenty of choices. Yes, but who can make an affordable one? What we’ve got now will do until electric airplane take over. Other Δ The post Poll: Does The World Need A New Basic Training Aircraft? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
OSIRIS-REx Mission Explained
AVweb After a seven-year mission to a remote carbonaceous asteroid called Bennu, a small sample container blazed through the Earth’s atmosphere Sunday morning returning the first ever samples from that object. As explained in this week’s NASA video, the entire mission was conducted autonomously, although in mid-mission, NASA had to reprogram the satellite so it could land on Bennu’s unexpectedly rough surface without tipping over. It did and successfully navigated back to Earth over the ... read more
F-35B Pilot Explains Ejection To 911 Operator
AVweb CNN has obtained the 911 audio of the aftermath of the loss of a Marine Corps F-35B that flew on for 60 miles after the pilot ejected over Charleston, South Carolina, last week. The audio reveals a few more details of the incident and illustrates a knowledge gap with emergency response personnel on dealing with military aircraft crashes. The pilot starts out by asking for an ambulance but ends up giving a short course on what happens after an ejection. He did finally get his ... read more
Jump Pilot Blames Skydiver For Fatal Midair Collision
AVweb The pilot of a jump plane has testified he believes a wing-suited skydiver was to blame for a midair collision with the aircraft that resulted in the jumper’s decapitation. The pilot, identified as Alain C., is facing manslaughter charges in a French court in the death of Nicholas Galy in July of 2018. After 10 skydivers departed the aircraft at 14,400 feet, the pilot told the court he veered away from their expected path and began a steep descent. The wing and strut of the plane ... read more
Picture of the Day: Christen Eagle soars during air show
General Aviation News Galen Huber submitted this photo and note: "A Christen Eagle performs during the 2023 South Plains Air Show in Slaton, Texas. The June show was put on by the TexasAirMuseum.org." Read More read more
A down-to-earth, relaxing fly-in
General Aviation News The annual fly-in at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM) at Hood River, Oregon, gets a returning crowd of happy pilots and pals each year. Read More read more
Pilots flock to KMYJ for Zenith Homecoming
General Aviation News Organizers proclaimed the 2023 event as the “best one yet,” estimating that more than 500 visitors were on hand over the two days and about 50 planes flew in to Mexico Memorial Airport in Missouri for the Homecoming. Read More read more
Top Letters And Comments, September 22, 2023
AVweb Beware Of Low-Pressure Open Door Policies Great yarn Paul, brilliantly penned. Thank you. It reminds me of an old mate, now long departed. 40 years ago, I was a young shearer working in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. One old bloke whose sheep we shore had a Jodel D11 he’d built. It was customary in those days for the farmer to put on a “cutout” at the conclusion of the annual shearing job. A “cutout” was a carton (or two) of beer and several hours drinking and ... read more
Wanted: Another school ready for takeoff
General Aviation News The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire has opened its search for another high school to start a student plane-building program. Read More read more
FAA disapproves certain adhesives
AOPA General Aviation News The FAA on September 13 issued a rare unapproved parts notification pertaining to 12 specific aircraft adhesive products used to secure fabric aircraft covering material and made by a California company between 2011 and 2022, following an investigation. The agency cited no safety concern. Read More read more
Call for comments to save Custer State Park Airport
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA is seeking support from South Dakota pilots as the state considers closing a small airport nestled within the Black Hills. Read More read more
‘That’s all folks’
AOPA General Aviation News Thousands of race fans flocked to the Reno/Stead Airport in Reno, Nevada, September 13 through 17 to witness history as the Reno Air Racing Association closed out its 59-year-long run in “the Biggest Little City in the World.” Read More read more
New oil gasket AD affects thousands of Continental engines
AOPA General Aviation News An airworthiness directive (AD) published September 21 finalized revisions to prior directives issued in recent years, adjusting the scope and instructions for replacement of oil filter gaskets on a range of Continental Aerospace Technologies Inc. engines, and now affecting an estimated 6,300 aircraft registered in the United States. Read More read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1981 Ted Smith Aerostar 601B
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1981 Ted Smith Aerostar 601B Aerostars like this one used to fly over my family home when I was in grade school. Looking up, I immediately noticed their swept empennage, short wings, and seemingly huge engine ... read more
What’s Happening in Wichita
FLYING Magazine The West Side. The East Side. And Kellogg Avenue connects the two. That’s the Wichita I knew when I left Kansas in 2012 to return to Colorado, leaving the Cessna Aircraft Company two years prior to the day when the news broke that Textron had purchased the assets of Beechcraft from the throes of its bankruptcy. In early 2014, we speculated that Textron had purchased Beech for the King Air line—and little else—and the outcome of the facilities surrounding the storied Beech ... read more
EarthX Obtains STC for 12-Volt Lithium Battery Install
FLYING Magazine EarthX has earned an FAA Approved Model List Supplemental Type Certificate (AML STC) for the installation of a 12-volt lithium battery in a variety of single-engine aircraft including Cessnas, Pipers, Mooneys, and the Aviat A-1. [Courtesy: EarthX] According to EarthX, the new generation EarthX LiFePO4 lithium battery is more than 23 pounds lighter than an equivalent lead acid battery and boasts increased cranking power and a lifespan of more than six years. The battery ... read more
Flying Musicians Accepting Applications for Flight Training Scholarships
FLYING Magazine There is an undisputed link between aviation and music—both require passion and practice to get any good, and training in both mold you for life. The Flying Musicians Association (FMA), a nonprofit, recognizes this and is offering scholarships to student musicians who wish to join the world of aviation and aviators who are musicians who want to enhance their musical abilities. FMA is accepting nominees for the FMA Solo Learn to Fly program. The scholarship is open to high ... read more
VoltAero Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Makes Landmark Flight Fueled By Wine Waste
FLYING Magazine According to researchers at the University of California-Davis Department of Food Science and Technology, the equivalent of 3 in 10 grapes initially collected for winemaking end up going to waste. Most aviation companies would see that statistic and think nothing of it. Royan, France-based VoltAero isn’t most aviation companies. The firm on Thursday announced it completed what it claims is an industry first. This week, it flew a hybrid-electric aircraft powered entirely by ... read more
September 23 Is Girls in Aviation Day
Plane & Pilot Magazine On September 23, the world of aviation will belong to the girls in the form of the ninth annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) hosted … Read More "September 23 Is Girls in Aviation Day" The post September 23 Is Girls in Aviation Day appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Santa Monica to Celebrate the ‘First Around the World’ Douglas World Cruisers
FLYING Magazine The Douglas World Cruisers stood tall against the trees along the edge of the landing area at Clover Field on September 23, 1924. The Chicago and the New Orleans had nearly completed a circumnavigation of the Earth—they only had one leg to go up to Seattle to tie the bow on the route—but Donald Douglas, founder of the Douglas Aircraft Company, wanted to celebrate their achievement in Santa Monica, California, first. After all, the five total DWCs had first taken flight ... read more
Girls in Aviation Day Set for Saturday
FLYING Magazine On Saturday, the world of aviation will belong to the girls in the form of the ninth annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) hosted by Women in Aviation International (WAI). According to WAI, there are more than 150 events planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Links to events in your area may be found here. These age-appropriate activities are designed to introduce girls ages 8-18 to the career and lifestyle ... read more
Navigating Telluride’s Box Canyon Runway, Virtually
FLYING Magazine Ever since I can recall, way back as a teenager staring at sectional charts, I dreamed of the day I could actually see those places in person. Telluride, Colorado, was always a mysterious, mythical place that I wasn’t sure I would actually visit in real life. That was until this month when I had a flying assignment to Telluride Regional Airport (KTEX). Weeks of mental planning, and some sim time in and out of this incredible place paid off. The restrictions to this ... read more
Diesel Power to Pistons
Plane & Pilot Magazine Up until recently, if your goal was to have a turbine engine under the cowl it meant you had to pony up and invest in … Read More "Diesel Power to Pistons" The post Diesel Power to Pistons appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Garmin autopilot certified for Cessna Cardinals, Beechcraft Mentors, and Piper Senecas
General Aviation News Garmin has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC 500 digital autopilot in additional aircraft, including the Cessna 177/177A Cardinal, the Beechcraft T-34A/T-34B series, and the Piper Seneca PA-34-200T and PA-34-220T II-V. Read More read more
Zenith Homecoming Recap
Plane & Pilot Magazine Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on KITPLANES.com. Zenith Aircraft Company hosted its 32nd annual Homecoming fly-in and open hangar days on September 15 … Read More "Zenith Homecoming Recap" The post Zenith Homecoming Recap appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
FAA Proposes Rule to Limit Commercial Space Vehicles Debris
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com. The FAA has proposed a rule designed to limit new orbital debris from commercial space vehicles, citing the need to “reduce the potential for collisions with spacecraft and satellites to promote a sustainable space environment.” READ MORE: Should We Be Worried About Space Debris? According to the agency, current estimates put the number of orbital objects measuring 10 cm or greater at over 23,000 with projections for ... read more
Passenger’s leg cramp results in bent RV-8
General Aviation News A loss of directional control and subsequent runway excursion resulting as a result of the inadvertent rudder input by the passenger. Read More read more
Brown Confirmed As Chair Of Joint Chiefs Of Staff
AVweb U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Q. Brown was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Wednesday. He succeeds Army General Mark Milley, who has held the position since October 2019. An F-16 pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours, Brown has logged 130 combat hours and flown 20 additional aircraft types. “I want to congratulate General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., on his confirmation as our nation’s next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” ... read more
KLM Flight Academy Orders Diamond Fleet
AVweb KLM Flight Academy has ordered 14 Diamond aircraft with the goal of replacing its aging training fleet. The firm order includes 12 single-engine DA40 NGs and two twin-engine DA42-VI aircraft, with deliveries slated to begin during the first quarter of 2024. The school is currently using Socata TB-10s and TB-20s for single-engine training. “With the replacement of the aging fleet with twelve DA40 NG and an additional two DA42-VI aircraft, KLM Flight Academy is ready for the flight ... read more
Zenith Hosts 32nd Annual Homecoming Fly-In
AVweb Zenith Aircraft Company hosted its 32nd annual Homecoming fly-in last week, welcoming an estimated 500 visitors during the two-day event. The fly-in took place Sept. 15-16 at the kit aircraft manufacturer’s factory on Mexico Memorial Airport (KMYJ) in Mexico, Missouri. Zenith Homecoming organizers reported that around 50 aircraft flew in for the event with a record 280 guests attending the Friday evening banquet. “The grass roots event provided both educational and fun activities for ... read more
FAA Proposes Rule To Limit Commercial Space Vehicles Debris
AVweb The FAA has proposed a rule designed to limit new orbital debris from commercial space vehicles, citing the need to “reduce the potential for collisions with spacecraft and satellites to promote a sustainable space environment.” According to the agency, current estimates put the number of orbital objects measuring 10 cm or greater at over 23,000 with projections for objects between 1 and 10 cm coming in at one-half million. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) focuses on how ... read more
PMA450C Audio Panel: Inflation Fighter
AVweb Aircraft audio system pioneer PS Engineering is doing what a good avionics manufacturer should do to survive in the current chip-shortage supply chain, and that’s tweak an already good product to save component supply. The way we see it, the PMA450C—priced $300 less than the flagship PMA450B—is a win for dealers and customers. In an avionics world plagued with backorders, the PMA450C is available now—giving dealers a good option to offer their customers ready to buy now. For owners ... read more
Joby Lands in Ohio
FLYING Magazine Hello, and welcome to the Future of FLYING newsletter, our weekly look at the biggest stories in emerging aviation technology. From low-altitude drones to high-flying rockets at the edge of the atmosphere, we’ll take you on a tour of the modern flying world to help you make sense of it all. Now for this week’s top story: Joby Picks Ohio Over California for First Manufacturing Plant (Courtesy: Joby) What happened? The city council of Marina, California, will be sorely ... read more
Joby Lands in Ohio
FLYING Magazine Hello, and welcome to the Future of FLYING newsletter, our weekly look at the biggest stories in emerging aviation technology. From low-altitude drones to high-flying rockets at the edge of the atmosphere, we’ll take you on a tour of the modern flying world to help you make sense of it all. Now for this week’s top story: Joby Picks Ohio Over California for First Manufacturing Plant (Courtesy: Joby) What happened? The city council of Marina, California, will be sorely ... read more
Wheels Up to Continue Operations After Closing Transaction with Delta, Other Investors
FLYING Magazine Wheels Up Experience (NYSE: UP) said it has closed the previously announced investment by Delta Air Lines, Certares Management LLC, Knighthead Capital Management LLC, and Cox Enterprises. The investment agreement, which includes a $500 million credit facility to Wheels Up, combines the experience of Delta, the travel and tourism expertise of Certares, and the turnaround and restructuring knowledge of Knighthead. The announcement follows the selection last week of George ... read more
Call for comments to save Custer State Park Airport
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA is seeking support from South Dakota pilots as the state considers closing a small airport nestled within the Black Hills. Read More read more
‘That’s all folks’
AOPA General Aviation News Thousands of race fans flocked to the Reno/Stead Airport in Reno, Nevada, September 13 through 17 to witness history as the Reno Air Racing Association closed out its 59-year-long run in “the Biggest Little City in the World.” Read More read more
New oil gasket AD affects thousands of Continental engines
AOPA General Aviation News An airworthiness directive (AD) published September 21 finalized revisions to prior directives issued in recent years, adjusting the scope and instructions for replacement of oil filter gaskets on a range of Continental Aerospace Technologies Inc. engines, and now affecting an estimated 6,300 aircraft registered in the United States. Read More read more
SC Town Votes To Restrict Aircraft At City-Owned Airport
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com. Last week, the Holly Hill (South Carolina) Town Council voted to ban any aircraft weighing less than 600 pounds at city-owned Holly Hill Airport (5J5), which has a 3,900-foot turf runway. According to the council, the decision was made “to protect the health and welfare of people at the airport” in light of two accidents that occurred in the past 18 months. One of those accidents, in February 2022, involved a ... read more
Picture of the Day: Sunrise preflight
General Aviation News Dan Chapman submitted this photo and note: "Preflight done, coffee in hand, ready for a great morning of flying from Redlands Municipal Airport (KREI) in California." Read More read more
Call for comments to save Custer State Park Airport
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA is seeking support from South Dakota pilots as the state considers closing a small airport nestled within the Black Hills. Read More read more
5 Things You Can Do to Help Prevent Foreign Object Debris
FLYING Magazine In the world of aviation maintenance, FOD—or foreign object damage, or foreign object debris—is often a smile ender. Some refer to FOD as foreign object damage, but the FAA addresses the problem within its Foreign Object Debris Program. According to the FAA, FOD is “defined in Advisory Circular 150/5210-24 as any object, live or not, located in an inappropriate location in the airport environment that can injure airport or air carrier personnel and damage aircraft.” That ... read more
I flew with Rusty
General Aviation News After 20 years of giving Young Eagles flights, Minnesota pilot Rusty Eichorn designed a T-shirt to give to his young passengers. Read More read more
FAA disapproves certain adhesives
AOPA General Aviation News The FAA on September 13 issued a rare unapproved parts notification pertaining to 12 specific aircraft adhesive products used to secure fabric aircraft covering material and made by a California company between 2011 and 2022, following an investigation. The agency cited no safety concern. Read More read more
‘Largest gathering of Wacos ever’
AOPA General Aviation News The sound of radial engines filled the air at Waco Field in Troy, Ohio, just north of Dayton. Read More read more
McCauley Celebrates Certification for King Air Props
FLYING Magazine In the midst of marking its 85th year serving the aviation industry, McCauley Propeller Systems celebrates an important milestone. The division of Textron Aviation announced the first delivery and entry into service of the C780 propeller on the Beechcraft King Air B300 series—bringing the twin turboprop’s means of propulsion “into the family.” The option joins McCauley props available on the B200, as well as B300 choices from Hartzell, MT Propeller, and others. The ... read more
Videos from the last Reno Air Races
General Aviation News In the days before the tragic accident that ended racing at Reno, General Aviation News' Fred Johnsen captured some exciting video of the action.› Read More read more
‘Largest gathering of Wacos ever’
AOPA General Aviation News The sound of radial engines filled the air at Waco Field in Troy, Ohio, just north of Dayton. Read More read more
Tecnam, Apex Aviation Collaborate to Supply Maritime Patrol Aircraft
FLYING Magazine Tecnam has announced it is expanding the mission capabilities of its P2012 twin as part of a collaboration with Apex Aviation, based in Taitung, Taiwan, to supply special-mission aircraft for the Taiwanese government. Under a memorandum of understanding, the companies will develop a special mission version of the P2012 Sentinel SMP using equipment from IMSAR for surveillance and maritime patrol. The companies made the announcement during the opening of TADTE 2023, the ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 2008 Cessna 510 Citation Mustang
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 2008 Cessna 510 Citation Mustang. The development and market debut of the Cessna Citation Mustang caused a sensation in the early 2000s as very light jet (VLJ) concepts began to proliferate, often touting ambitious ... read more
Replacement door springs for Cessna aircraft approved by FAA
General Aviation News McFarlane Aviation has received FAA-PMA approval for replacement door springs for a majority of Cessna 182, 206, 210, and 337 aircraft. Read More read more
New foundation supports volunteer pilot organizations
General Aviation News The foundation raises money from aviation and non-aviation companies and individuals to provide funding for volunteer pilot organizations towards hiring the staff to facilitate expansion and volunteer pilot recruitment, as well as purchase the software and administrative systems required to optimize community coordination and mission management, according to Jay Taffet, founder of the Charitable Aviation Foundation. Read More read more
NetJets To Buy Up To 1,500 Citations
AVweb On Wednesday, Textron Aviation and NetJets announced the terms of a record-breaking deal between the long-standing partner companies for the purchase of up to 1,500 Citation jets. NetJets will also serve as the launch partner for the Citation Ascend, which was announced at the National Business Aviation Association’s European Business Aviation Convention and Expo in May. The fleet agreement extends over the next 15 years, with deliveries of the Ascend to begin after type ... read more
WheelsUp Rescue Deal Closes
AVweb The $500 million bailout of WheelsUp Experience by Delta Air Lines and three other companies closed on Sept. 20. Delta ends up with 95 percent of the company and contributions from Certares, a tourism and travel company; Knighthead, which specializes in restructuring and turnarounds; and Cox Enterprises. The deal was announced a couple of weeks ago with WheelsUp on the brink of bankruptcy. It closed a couple of days after the announcement of George Mattson as the new CEO. “This ... read more
Rogue Russian Pilot Tried To Shoot Down British Rivet Joint: Report
AVweb The BBC is reporting that a reckless Russian fighter pilot did his best to shoot down a British Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft in 2022, but bad luck and bad equipment prevented a major international incident. The Rivet Joint, which gathers and analyzes electromagnetic signals intelligence, was patrolling the Black Sea last October when two Su-27s intercepted it. BBC says its sources said one of the Russian pilots thought he’d been given the order to destroy the high-value ... read more
Pilot’s mistake ‘could have had a tragic ending’
General Aviation News For this reason, I will carry this lesson with me through the rest of my flying career and be hyper vigilant about entering the correct altimeter setting. Read More read more
AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE RELEASES EARLY ANALYSIS: RENO T-6 MIDAIR VIDEO
AOPA General Aviation News The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) released a new video from its Early Analysis series providing an initial examination of a tragic accident that took place this past weekend. Read More read more
Clarity for California airport leases
AOPA General Aviation News An AOPA-supported measure signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 5 removes ambiguity over the interpretation between FAA and state guidance concerning the length of airport lease agreements. Read More read more
McCauley introduces new propeller for King Air B300
AOPA General Aviation News McCauley Propeller Systems announced the first delivery and installation of its new high-performance C780 propeller for the Beechcraft King Air B300 series aircraft. Read More read more
NetJets plans for fleet expansion
AOPA General Aviation News Textron Aviation, manufacturer of the Cessna Citation family of business jets, and private jet fractional ownership company NetJets announced a fleet agreement giving NetJets the option to purchase up to 1,500 new Cessna Citations over the next 15 years. Read More read more
Picture Of The Week, September 20, 2023
AVweb 1 of 6 This photograph was taken at the Thunder over Michigan Airshow at Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti, MI, on August 12, 2023, using a Canon R5 mirrorless camera and a Canon 100-400 mm lens. Copyrighted photo by Thomas Voss. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: P-51D/F-22 Legacy Flight Tracking northbound toward FFU, not far from REEKA. My student was doing a good job ... read more
A320 May Fly Out Of Field
AVweb The Aviation Herald is reporting that Ural Airlines appears to be getting ready to fly an A320 out of a Russian field where it landed a week ago. The publication, citing local observers, said the aircraft has been jacked out of the ruts it dug in the soft ground, the engines serviced and covered and all the emergency slides stowed. The story included a photo of the buttoned-up airplane, saying it was taken on Sept. 17. The Herald said the airline announced Sept. 17 that the aircraft ... read more
Lilium Begins Fuselage Assembly for Type Certification of eVTOL
FLYING Magazine German electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Lilium continues to gear up for a global commercial launch by 2026. The company on Tuesday announced it began assembling the first of seven fuselages to be installed on eVTOL prototypes the company will use to seek European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification for its seven-seater Lilium Jet. The fuselage is expected to be delivered to Lilium’s facility in Wessling, Germany, during ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1954 de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1954 de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver Mk I The de Havilland Beaver is a truly iconic aircraft, known for a blend of power, load-carrying capability, short-field performance, and ruggedness that has made it the go-to ... read more
AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE RELEASES EARLY ANALYSIS: RENO T-6 MIDAIR VIDEO
AOPA General Aviation News The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) released a new video from its Early Analysis series providing an initial examination of a tragic accident that took place this past weekend. Read More read more
McCauley introduces new propeller for King Air B300
AOPA General Aviation News McCauley Propeller Systems announced the first delivery and installation of its new high-performance C780 propeller for the Beechcraft King Air B300 series aircraft. Read More read more
NetJets plans for fleet expansion
AOPA General Aviation News Textron Aviation, manufacturer of the Cessna Citation family of business jets, and private jet fractional ownership company NetJets announced a fleet agreement giving NetJets the option to purchase up to 1,500 new Cessna Citations over the next 15 years. Read More read more
Embraer, FlightSafety Announce New Praetor Simulators in Florida, Europe
FLYING Magazine Embraer and FlightSafety International have announced the opening of a new full-flight simulator in Orlando, Florida, to train pilots of the Brazilian company’s Praetor jets. The companies said the FAA has qualified the simulator, and initial training for customers is available this month. Recurrent training is scheduled to begin in October. Embraer and FlightSafety also said another Praetor simulator, the fourth to be fielded, will be based in Europe at a location to be ... read more
Picture of the Day: Scattered puffs
General Aviation News Farai Kamwaza submitted this photo and note: "A breezy afternoon at New Tempe Airfield in Bloemfontein, South Africa." Read More read more
Clarity for California airport leases
AOPA General Aviation News An AOPA-supported measure signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on September 5 removes ambiguity over the interpretation between FAA and state guidance concerning the length of airport lease agreements. Read More read more
Early Analysis of Fatal Reno Accident Offers Lessons
FLYING Magazine One of the first lessons a fledgling pilot learns is to keep your head on a swivel in places where aircraft congregate—such as the airport traffic pattern. The aviation world experienced a painful reminder of this Sunday with a midair collision of two North American Aviation T-6 Texans at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada. The pilots, both from California, were identified as Chris Rushing of Thousand Oaks, flying Baron’s Revenge, and Nick Macy of ... read more
Boeing: China Will Need 8,560 New Aircraft in Next 20 Years
FLYING Magazine China will need to double the size of its commercial airliner fleet over the next two decades in order to keep pace with the expected explosion in demand for domestic air travel and economic growth, Boeing [NYSE: BA] said Wednesday. According to the aircraft manufacturer, market research indicates that China will need 8,560 new commercial airplanes through 2042. During that time, the deliveries will equate to 20 percent of the world’s airplane demand, Boeing said in its ... read more
Keep the antiques flying!
General Aviation News Welcome to Antique Airfield in Blakesburg, Iowa, home of the Antique Aircraft Association (AAA). The organization, whose motto is “Keep the Antiques Flying,” hosted its 70th national fly-in Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2023, and I was here to take it all in. Read More read more
A Young Eagle pays it forward
General Aviation News Five years ago, Rosie Rivera had her first flight in a general aviation plane as a Young Eagle. On Sept. 16, 2023, she was in the pilot’s seat when Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 held a Young Eagles rally at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE). Read More read more
I Lost My Logbook. What Now?
FLYING Magazine Question: It’s been decades since I last flew as PIC, and [after] moving several times since I was last current, I’ve lost my pilot’s logbook. I’m trying to get active again since retiring. What’s the best way to document my approximate hours and endorsements? I do have a new copy of my FAA-issued certificate. READ MORE: Are Student Pilots Allowed to Fly Solo at Night? Answer: The FAA’s General Aviation Operations Inspector’s Handbook (FAA Order 8700.1) provides guidance ... read more
Improvements planned at 5Y7
General Aviation News The Recreational Aviation Foundation will help pay for a restroom, shower, kitchenette, and space to accommodate storage, and charging of electric bicycles so visitors can tour the town and access the National Park Service Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior. Read More read more
Textron Aviation expands interior manufacturing facility
General Aviation News Textron Aviation is adding 16,000 square feet to its Interior Manufacturing Facility in Wichita "to support growing demand for unique and custom Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft interiors," according to company officials. Read More read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1967 Beechcraft V35 Bonanza
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1967 Beechcraft V35 Bonanza When Beechcraft’s original V-tail Bonanza debuted in 1947, it must have looked like a spacecraft compared with the fabric-covered, strut-braced machines that made up much of the fleet. ... read more
Pilot’s assumptions about fuel prove wrong
General Aviation News A total loss of engine power as a result of fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly manage the fuel on board the airplane and his failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection. Read More read more
NetJets Signs Record-Setting Deal with Textron Aviation for Citation Jets
FLYING Magazine On Wednesday, Textron Aviation and NetJets announced the terms of a record-breaking deal between the longstanding partner companies for the purchase of up to 1,500 Citation jets. NetJets will also serve as the launch partner for the Citation Ascend, announced at the National Business Aviation Association’s European Business Aviation Convention and Expo in May. The fleet agreement extends over the next 15 years, with deliveries of the Ascend to begin after type ... read more
USMC F-35B’s Debris Field Located At Least 40 Miles From Ejection Site
AVweb The U.S. Marine Corps announced late Monday night (Sept. 18) that the debris field of its missing F-35B Lightning II has been located in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. A Marine Corps spokesperson confirmed the debris was from the jet. The southern tip of the county is about 40 miles north of Charleston where the pilot ejected from the aircraft safely for as-yet-unknown reasons while on a training mission on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 17) near Joint Base Charleston. The jet ... read more
Short Final: Left Turn
AVweb I recently heard this at Detroit Metropolitan Airport: Tower: “Airliner 123, left turn to heading 185. Cleared for takeoff 21R.” Pilot: “Right turn 185, cleared for takeoff 21R.” Tower: “That’s a left turn, 185.” Pilot: “Left turn 185 … that would’ve been a really long right turn.” Tower (completely deadpan): “It’s been done.” Chris IriarteDetroit, MI The post Short Final: Left Turn appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
SC Town Council Votes To Restrict Aircraft Weight At City-Owned Airport
AVweb Last week, the Holly Hill (South Carolina) Town Council voted to ban any aircraft weighing less than 600 pounds at city-owned Holly Hill Airport (5J5), which has a 3,900-foot turf runway. According to the council, the decision was made “to protect the health and welfare of people at the airport” in light of two accidents that occurred in the past 18 months. One of those accidents, in February 2022, involved a Flightstar II light sport aircraft. According to the Experimental Aircraft ... read more
Delta Air Lines Steps Up To Help A Broadway Hopeful Meet Her Dream
AVweb When young Broadway actress Mikayla Renfrow’s Delta Air Lines flight to New York from Europe was delayed, the casting director of Aladdin texted her not to worry. They’d find someone else to fill her spot in the ensemble for that night. But four hours into the flight, she got another text. Renfrow is also the understudy for actress Sonja Bolsara in the lead role of Jasmine, and Bolsara had taken ill. Could Renfrow get to the theater on time for the 7 p.m. curtain? The flight’s ETA at ... read more
Original World War I Nieuport Severely Damaged In Landing Accident
AVweb This past Sunday (Sept. 17) the Collings Foundation’s Nieuport 28 World War I-vintage fighter crashed on landing at the foundation’s home airport in Stow, Massachusetts. The aircraft reportedly suffered a landing gear failure, perhaps after a loss of engine power. It flipped onto its back and was seriously damaged, but the pilot suffered only minor injuries. The accident occurred shortly before 11:10 a.m. local time during the museum’s World War I Aviation Weekend at the American ... read more
Taiwan Operator Signs For A Surveillance Version Of Tecnam’s P2012
AVweb Tecnam announced today (Sept. 19) that Apex Aviation in Taiwan has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a special-mission P2012 Sentinel SMP. The piston twin will serve in the role of surveillance and maritime patrol equipped with IMSAR electronic sensor equipment, including two EO/IR cameras, a power box to feed all systems, radar, infrared sensor, AIS sensor, and a data downlink installation. The announcement of the signing came from Apex CEO Wilson Chien Yu Kao at the ... read more
McCauley Props Add Performance And Comfort For King Air 300-Series
AVweb Textron Aviation’s McCauley Propeller Systems announced today (September 19) the first of its new C780 propellers have entered service on a Beechcraft King Air B300-series turboprop twin. The 105-inch, swept-blade propellers, which received FAA type certification in July, were installed on a King Air B350 at Textron’s Tampa (Florida) Service Center. The aircraft is operated by ExecuJet Charter Service in Florida. Robert Jones, director of maintenance at ExecuJet, said, “I have always ... read more
Joby sets sights on Ohio
AOPA General Aviation News California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation will build its first manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, home of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. Read More read more
Zipline Drone Delivery Secures Latest BVLOS Approval in Wave of FAA Exemptions
FLYING Magazine Drone delivery’s top dog just added a bark to its bite. Zipline—whose 750,000 deliveries and 50 million autonomous miles flown to date arguably make it the industry’s undisputed titan—on Tuesday received FAA authorization to remove visual observers (VOs) from its beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The firm, which has already taken a massive bite out of the global drone delivery market share, now adds a key operational approval that could make its service more ... read more
Early Analysis: Reno Air Race T-6 Midair
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Fallen Reno race pilots lived their aviation passion
AOPA General Aviation News Both pilots killed when their race airplanes collided after completing their final heat at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, had extensive experience on the racecourse, and aviation résumés that extended beyond their passion for speed. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Autumn preflight
AOPA General Aviation News Cool mornings. Shorter days. Falling leaves. Autumn's arrival does not (generally) prompt the use of a seasonal checklist but changing weather conditions do require a shift in your preflight emphasis. Read More read more
Joby sets sights on Ohio
AOPA General Aviation News California-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation will build its first manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, home of aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright. Read More read more
Aeroauto Agrees to Distribute Land Rotor eVTOL in Deal Worth Up to $700M
FLYING Magazine Orlando, Florida, is an amusement park goer’s dream. But nestled between two of the city’s top destinations is a ride like no other. Sandwiched by Universal Studios and SeaWorld, the newly launched Drone Ride is operated by Orlando-based flying sports car manufacturer Land Rotor. The attraction features a prototype of the company’s advanced air mobility (AAM) Sportster—unveiled in full last week—tethered to the ground inside a building. But the vehicle won’t be boxed in ... read more
Fallen Reno race pilots lived their aviation passion
AOPA General Aviation News Both pilots killed when their race airplanes collided after completing their final heat at the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, had extensive experience on the racecourse, and aviation résumés that extended beyond their passion for speed. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Open doors and storms
General Aviation News Alexis Altmann submitted this photo and note: "I was supposed to land at Eugene F. Correia International Airport (SYEC) in Ogle, Guyana, in what would have been the last stop on the South American continent before hopping from island to island to my final destination in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. But a very fast front forced us to alternate to Cheddi Jagan International Airport (SYCJ). Once we cleared customs and immigration, I saw my beautiful SR22, open doors, with ... read more
Training and Safety Tip: Autumn preflight
AOPA General Aviation News Cool mornings. Shorter days. Falling leaves. Autumn's arrival does not (generally) prompt the use of a seasonal checklist but changing weather conditions do require a shift in your preflight emphasis. Read More read more
Marine Corps Locates Debris Field of Missing F-35
FLYING Magazine The missing Marine Corps F-35B—what’s left of it—that was reported missing after its pilot ejected during a mishap Sunday afternoon has been located in rural South Carolina, according to officials. The pilot of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort-based fighter jet ejected safely over North Charleston on Sunday afternoon while flying with another F-35. The pilot was quickly located and taken to an area hospital for treatment, however, it took military officials a day to ... read more
Who is in charge here?
General Aviation News Many managers of non-towered airports take a hands-off approach for fear of making a misstep that embarrasses them or opens them up to criticism. They allow the safety of operations to degrade rather than take bold steps to fend off an impending disaster. If you fly, you’ve seen this firsthand, as have I — as has every pilot who ventures into their airspace and lands on their field. Read More read more
Coalition Calls for Senate Action on FAA Reauthorization, Leadership
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com. A coalition of aviation organizations sent a letter last week calling for the U.S. Senate to move forward as soon as possible on an FAA Reauthorization bill and confirming the next FAA Administrator. FAA reauthorization legislation was introduced in both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives last June. A bill was passed by the House the following month, but companion legislation has not yet made it ... read more
The Fizzled-Out Promise of the Lockheed ‘Flatbed’
FLYING Magazine In 1980, a small team of engineers from Lockheed explored a bizarre concept, the likes of which had never been studied before. The group recognized that the transport aircraft category traditionally comprised three separate subcategories—passenger, cargo, and outsized cargo. It then created a concept that would combine all three. Aptly called the “Flatbed,” the concept aircraft would utilize an open platform and various modules to carry a wide variety of loads ranging from ... read more
Prime Appearance expands with acquisitions
General Aviation News The acquisitions add operations for Prime Appearance at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (KCLT) in North Carolina, New Castle Airport (KILG) in Delaware, New York Stewart International Airport (KSWF), Morristown Municipal Airport (KMMU) and Trenton Mercer Airport (KTTN) in New Jersey, while adding mobile support at Francis S Gabreski Airport (KFOK) in Westhampton Beach, New York. Read More read more
Who couldn’t use a new engine or $20,000?
General Aviation News A highlight of the Swift Museum Foundation's annual event is a raffle, with the grand prize of a $30,000 credit with Ly-Con Aircraft Engines for a new or re-built engine. The winner can choose $20,000 in cash instead of the engine credit. Read More read more
NAFI Summit in October Features FLYING Contributors
FLYING Magazine The first NAFI Summit in Lakeland, Florida, will take place October 24 through 26 and feature FLYING contributor Les Abend and other aviation luminaries. The teaching event for instructors is the first for the National Association of Flight Instructors. The events kick off with an opening reception on October 24 in the evening and then fill two days with sessions produced by well-known CFIs, designated pilot examiners, and industry leaders. On October 25, the day starts ... read more
Always Be Prepared to Divert to Another Airport
FLYING Magazine Most of us learn from our mistakes. That includes CFIs who, as freshly soloed learners, had an experience that taught them to make sure their learners would be better prepared if they encountered a similar challenge. For me it was the importance of providing training so the learners could fly to airports within 25 miles of their home field. This training is done before their first solo. After the first solo, I endorse them for solo flight to these auxiliary fields. This is ... read more
PA-18 dual shock tailwheel suspension earns STC
General Aviation News After four years of testing and improvements and nearly 1,600 T3 Tailwheel Suspensions sold, the T3 Dual shock has received STC approval. Read More read more
FAA Grants Zipline Authorization For BVLOS Drone Deliveries
AVweb The FAA has authorized drone delivery and logistics company Zipline to make commercial deliveries using drones flying beyond the operator’s line of sight. According to the agency, Zipline will use its Sparrow drone, which releases payloads via parachute and is capable of traveling up to 120 miles, for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. Zipline received FAA Part 135 approval for long-range drone delivery in the U.S. in 2022. “For more than a decade, even the most advanced ... read more
General Aviation Accident Bulletin, September 18, 2023
AVweb AVweb’s General Aviation Accident Bulletin is taken from the pages of our sister publication, Aviation Safety magazine. All the reports listed here are preliminary and include only initial factual findings about crashes. You can learn more about the final probable cause on the NTSB’s website at www.ntsb.gov. Final reports appear about a year after the accident, although some take longer. Find out more about Aviation Safety at www.aviationsafetymagazine.com. June 4, 2023, Montebello, ... read more
Who’s Who In The Tower
AVweb Pilots have a general sense of who is on the other end of the radio, but controllers have a different internal name for the position they are working. While hearing but one or occasionally two voices on frequency, who else is standing there and watching what’s going on? There is more than one voice behind the voice. Since I work a Class D Tower, we’ll mainly stay focused on that. Tower Positions Depending on the airport, there can be as few as one position in the tower (with every ... read more
Spirit Adds Tenth Pilot Pathway Partner
AVweb Virginia-based Liberty University has announced a new partnership with Spirit Airlines, becoming the tenth institution to join the ultra-low-cost carrier’s Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program. Aimed at growing Spirit’s professional pilot pipeline, the program accepts applications from faculty-recommended students pursuing an aviation degree. Applicants who pass Spirit’s interview process receive a conditional offer of employment as a Spirit first officer along with mentorship through ... read more
Early Analysis: Reno Air Race T-6 Midair
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CFI learns lessons from forced landing between two houses
General Aviation News Even the smallest routine should not be taken slightly and, with this being said, I hope that others can learn from my mistake and avoid making the same mistake that could have potentially cost us our lives. Create your own checklist before getting into the plane with your student, analyze all aspects of the situation, and do not get complacent. Read More read more
Coalition Calls For Senate Action On FAA Reauthorization, Leadership
AVweb A coalition of aviation organizations sent a letter last week calling for the U.S. Senate to move forward as soon as possible on an FAA Reauthorization bill and confirming the next FAA Administrator. FAA reauthorization legislation was introduced in both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives last June. A bill was passed by House the following month, but companion legislation has not yet made it through the Senate. The FAA’s current authorization set to expire on Sept. ... read more
Flying Over the Pacific in a Japanese ‘Zero’
FLYING Magazine For this session in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, I’m flying the Mitsubishi A6M2, Japan’s main fighter of World War II, famously known as the “Zero.” Introduced in 1940, the A6M was dubbed the Navy Type 0 carrier fighter or Reisen (零戦, “Zero Fighter”) for short, in reference to the Imperial Year 2600. To set the scene here, I’ll be taking off from the Japanese aircraft carrier Akagi and flying over Midway Island, recreating the first wave attack in the Battle of Midway ... read more
Search Continues for Missing Marine Corps F-35B
FLYING Magazine The search for a missing Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II continued Monday afternoon, one day after a pilot ejected from the aircraft during a mishap near Charleston, South Carolina. The pilot of the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort-based fighter jet ejected safely over North Charleston on Sunday afternoon while flying with another F-35. The pilot was taken to a local hospital, and the second F-35 landed at Joint Base Charleston, The Island News reported. “How in the hell ... read more
Honeywell, DOE Developing Hydrogen Fuel Storage for Long-Range Drones
FLYING Magazine The Flash doesn’t get his superspeed from hydrogen fuel, but the U.S. Department of Energy’s FLASH project promises to explore new avenues for the emerging fuel source. FLASH—which stands for Fuel Additives for Solid Hydrogen Carriers in Electric Aviation—is the DOE’s latest hydrogen-related initiative. The project will see the department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and aerospace and defense titan Honeywell collaborate on a prototype hydrogen fuel storage ... read more
Picture of the Day: Dreaming of adventures to come
General Aviation News Joseph Santaniello submitted this photo and note: "On the homebound leg of a nice lunchtime circumnavigation of Miami Beach, dreaming of Out Island Bahamas adventures to come." Read More read more
Dueling Flight Sims
Plane & Pilot Magazine Forty years ago, we would have never thought about the day when a desktop computer flight simulator would be used in a serious manner to … Read More "Dueling Flight Sims" The post Dueling Flight Sims appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Skydivers Wary of Potential New Regs In FAA Reauthorization
FLYING Magazine There is sometimes a fine line between increasing government oversight to make a business safer and making it economically infeasible to stay in business. The United States Parachute Association (USPA) is keenly aware of this, and as such it spent months crafting a safety management system (SMS) that can be applied to its industry. The goal, according to Michael Knight, USPA director of government relations, is “to promote professionalism within the industry.” READ MORE: ... read more
The search for Outstanding Aviators
General Aviation News Pilots to the Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing animal rescue flights using general aviation pilots and airplanes, has launched a new initiative called Outstanding Aviators "dedicated to bridging the diversity gap within the aviation industry." Applicants in several categories will get the chance to win a prize package. Read More read more
A Cessna Cub
General Aviation News While he's not a pilot and will never fly his newest airplane, Greg Hansen is proud of the "Cessna Cub" he created. Read More read more
Runway2RV Seeks to Put More Recreation in Aviation
FLYING Magazine A problem confronted by a Nashville, Tennessee, aircraft maintenance shop has led to a new business venture that connects aviators with Class A recreational vehicles. Mike Harris and Matt Wilkins launched Runway2RV earlier this year and say this new business venture not only provides aviators a way to easily travel to and stay overnight at airshows but also helps fellow pilots get more enjoyment out of their aircraft. “Matt and I are working for Forge Flightworks, an ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1963 Cessna 172C Skyhawk
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1963 Cessna 172C Skyhawk Cessna’s long-running 172 model line introduced new features and capabilities when it was new and continued to develop for decades, regularly upgrading its airframe, interior, controls, ... read more
Girls in Aviation Day set to take off
General Aviation News According to officials with Women in Aviation, more than 150 events are planned at airports, FBOs, museums, and hangars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia, on Sept. 23, 2023. Read More read more
Date, location set for 2024 FlightSimExpo
General Aviation News The fifth annual FlightSimExpo will be held June 21-23, 2024, in Las Vegas. Read More read more
Marine F-35 Missing After Pilot Ejects
AVweb The Marine Corps has taken to social media looking for help to find one of its F-35s after the pilot ejected over South Carolina on a training flight Sunday. The pilot landed in a residential area in North Charleston and is recovering in a local hospital. He was reported in stable condition, and an F-35 that was also on the mission landed safely at Joint Base Charleston. The airplane remains AWOL, however, and may be in a nearby lake. The Marines said the trajectory of the aircraft ... read more
Joby Picks Ohio For First Scaled eVTOL Manufacturing Plant
AVweb Dayton, Ohio—where the Wright brothers lived, worked, and opened the nation’s first airplane factory in 1910—on Monday was announced as the site of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation’s first full-scale manufacturing plant. Joby passed over potential locations in Michigan, North Carolina, and Marina, California, which had hoped to lure back the company for more after it opened its pilot production line there a few years prior. Joby has ... read more
Reno Air Races Canceled Following Fatal Collision
FLYING Magazine The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) on Sunday canceled the final edition of its annual National Championship Air Races after two aircraft collided at about 2:15 p.m. PDT during the recovery period following the T-6 Gold Race. RARA earlier said racing at the Nevada event was on hold following the accident but indicated it might resume. The organization also identified the two pilots who died in the accident. They are Nick Macy, who piloted Six-Cat and Chris Rushing, ... read more
Wake turbulence proves fatal for pilot
General Aviation News The pilot’s decision to depart shortly after a landing helicopter, which resulted in an encounter with the helicopter’s wake turbulence and a loss of airplane control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s impairment by his recent use of ethanol. Read More read more
Joby Snubs California, Picks Ohio for 1st Scaled eVTOL Manufacturing Plant
FLYING Magazine The birthplace of the earliest airplanes will soon be home to some of the most futuristic aircraft under development. Dayton, Ohio—where the Wright brothers lived, worked, and opened the nation’s first airplane factory in 1910—on Monday was announced as the site of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation’s first full-scale manufacturing plant. The company passed over potential locations in Michigan, North Carolina, and Marina, ... read more
Cirrus Unmasks The New SR10 (But Not For The U.S.)
AVweb Clean-sheet airplanes don’t come along very often, but Cirrus revealed one this week, a three-seat trainer to be called the SR10. But … there’s a catch. The airplane was developed jointly in the U.S. and China under contract with Cirrus and will be aimed squarely at the Chinese and probably foreign markets. In this interview with AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli, Ivy McIver, Cirrus’ director of the SR line, gives us the details on the Rotax-powered SR10. We also discuss the Cirrus TRAC ... read more
Two T-6 Pilots Die In Reno Crash
AVweb Two pilots are dead after two T-6s crashed while landing after the T-6 Gold Race at the National Championship Air Races in Reno on Sunday. A statement from the Reno Air Racing Association said the accident happened about 2:15 p.m. local time and that there were no other injuries. The remaining races were canceled. Officials are notifying next of kin before releasing the pilots’ names. No further information was officially released but Tom Wilson, a contributor for our sister ... read more
Beware Of Low-Pressure Open Door Policies
AVweb Two controversial physics notions: 1) It’s alleged that a rolling stone gathers no moss, but Keith Richards blunts that theory, and B) in aviation an open hangar door creates a low-pressure zone into which anything loose on the airfield flows with shameless disregard for adult principles. I know; I was sucked into my hangar 40 years ago and can’t escape. In a dystopian past, I encountered an airport manager who insisted that hangars existed solely to store aircraft; anything else ... read more
Poll: Do You Consider Your Aircraft Insurance Still Affordable?
AVweb Poll: Do You Consider Your Aircraft Insurance Still Affordable? Poll: Do You Consider Your Aircraft Insurance Still Affordable? Yes, so far. Yes, but it’s gone up quite a bit. Yes, but not much longer. No, I’m self-insuring. No, it drove me out of the flying game. Other Δ The post Poll: Do You Consider Your Aircraft Insurance Still Affordable? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
Reno Races on Hold Following T-6 Mid-Air
Plane & Pilot Magazine This article was originally published on KITPLANES.com. The final National Air Races at Reno, Nevada are on hold following a two-airplane accident. Reno Air Racing Association … Read More "Reno Races on Hold Following T-6 Mid-Air" The post Reno Races on Hold Following T-6 Mid-Air appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Reno Races on Hold Following Mid-Air
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article first appeared on KITPLANES.com. The final National Air Races at Reno, Nevada are on hold following a two-airplane accident. Reno Air Racing Association released a statement (see below) saying the pilots of the two aircraft involved are both deceased. Unofficial but trusted sources report the aircraft of T-6 racing great Nick Macy and Chris Rushing came together while landing. The aircraft met such that the tail of one aircraft was severed ... read more
Air Race Pilots Say Altitude Rules at Reno Have Not Improved Safety
FLYING Magazine Excitement surrounding the last National Championship Air Race event held at Reno/Stead Airport (KRTS) continues to build as the Unlimited Class finals approach. Controversy also rose after officials penalized certain racers for flying too high. During the last race on Saturday officials said John Maloney, pilot of the Yak-3U Miss Trinidad flew above the maximum allowed altitude on part of the course during the Unlimited Class Heat 3A. The resulting penalty is expected to ... read more
Picture of the Day: Compass Rose
General Aviation News Ken Ericksen submitted this photo and note: "Fresh paint at KDEQ and a lovely day to fly! The J Lynn Helms Sevier County Airport in De Queen, Arkansas, is beautiful and will be a super good stop to see the eclipse next year." Read More read more
Senior Charged With Taildragger Theft
AVweb A 64-year-old man is facing numerous charges after he allegedly tried to steal a Cessna 140 from Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa, Ontario. Police have not identified the man or said whether he had any flight experience when he allegedly tried to take the taildragger off, possibly from the ramp, of the GA airport just east of the downtown area of Canada’s capital city. According to the Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa Police said the aircraft “gained minimal air and then crashed, striking two ... read more
Here they come
General Aviation News Using sensors and cameras and code, drone technology pioneers should be required detect and avoid … everything. That puts the onus on the drone industry to integrate into the well-established National Airspace System. Read More read more
‘Dreadnought’ Sidelined for the Remainder of Reno
Plane & Pilot Magazine After dramatic footage spread like wildfire earlier this week of Dreadnought’s engine failure at the final National Championship Air Races at Reno, fans were fairly … Read More "‘Dreadnought’ Sidelined for the Remainder of Reno" The post ‘Dreadnought’ Sidelined for the Remainder of Reno appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
World War II pilot surprised with visit from P-51
General Aviation News Officials with the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia flew its P-51 Mustang fighter to Florida recently to help surprise a World War II veteran and former P-51 pilot who was celebrating his 100th birthday. Read More read more
FAA extends Remote ID enforcement date for drone pilots
General Aviation News Drone pilots who are unable to comply with the FAA's broadcast requirement of the Remote ID Rule now have until March 16, 2024, to equip their aircraft. The original deadline was Sept. 16, 2023. Read More read more
No Injuries In A320 Off-Airport Landing
AVweb There were no injuries among 167 people onboard an Airbus A320 that landed in an open field about 100 miles west of Novosibirsk on Tuesday. The aircraft was originally headed for Omsk, about 200 miles further to the west, from Sochi but on approach to Omsk the crew reported failure of a hydraulic system. They decided to divert to Novosibirsk, reportedly because of the longer runways (11,800 ft. vs. 8200 ft.) but didn’t make. So far there’s been no explanation as to why the crew put ... read more
Cirrus Has Option to Sell New Rotax-Powered Trainer
AVweb With the training market still booming, Cirrus has in the wings a new trainer model, the SR10. Slightly smaller than the entry-level SR20, the airplane has three seats and is powered by the Rotax 915 iS, according to the type certificate approved by the FAA in April of this year. But it may not be pushing the sales button anytime soon. The SR10 appears to be an adaptation of the AG100, a trainer developed in China by the Zhejiang China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Institute, a ... read more
Top Letters And Comments, September 15, 2023
AVweb The Two-Pilot Problem My experience validates the saying that “The only thing more dangerous than a single pilot, is two pilots flying together who haven’t been trained to do so.” I’ve got 8,000 single pilot, GA hours. I don’t know how to fly with a second pilot. On the rare occasions I have one aboard I tell them I only know how to fly single pilot and while they are welcome to comment on the flight and my flying, I’m not going to assign them any duties (and please don’t touch ... read more
FAA’s MOSAIC Comment Window Is Soon Closing
Plane & Pilot Magazine Editor’s note: This article originally appeared on ByDanJohnson.com. Recreational flying fans… I don’t know about you but I’m getting pretty tired of studying MOSAIC [FAA’s … Read More "FAA’s MOSAIC Comment Window Is Soon Closing" The post FAA’s MOSAIC Comment Window Is Soon Closing appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Beta Technologies Will Deliver Electric Aircraft, Chargers to Air Force Base
FLYING Magazine Another week, another first for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry. The milestone comes from electric aircraft developer Beta Technologies, which on Thursday said it will be the first to install an electric aircraft charging station on an air force base. The site in question is Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where Beta will deliver two charging stations—and a prototype of its newly revealed electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) design. The purchase and ... read more
Will Tattoos Prevent a Pilot from Being Hired at a Major Airline?
FLYING Magazine Professional pilot and FLYING contributor Sam Weigel updates the progress on his hangar home project and details some of the possibilities that come with international nonrevenue travel. Weigel also answers a burning question from a member of the FLYING V1 Rotate audience: Will my tattoos keep me from getting a job with one of the majors? READ MORE: 6 Things to Know Before Launching Professional Flight Training READ MORE: How to See the World for Free and Occasionally ... read more
Reno Races Ramp Up as Unlimited Heats Begin with ‘Miss Trinidad’ Faring Well
Plane & Pilot Magazine This article originally appeared on FLYINGmag.com. Ongoing coverage from FLYING Media Group sites during the Reno Air Races will continue this weekend. The beginning of heat … Read More "Reno Races Ramp Up as Unlimited Heats Begin with ‘Miss Trinidad’ Faring Well" The post Reno Races Ramp Up as Unlimited Heats Begin with ‘Miss Trinidad’ Faring Well appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
FAA’s MOSAIC Comment Window Is Soon Closing
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This column originally appeared on ByDanJohnson.com. Recreational flying fans: I don’t know about you, but I’m getting pretty tired of studying MOSAIC [FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification proposed regulation]. It’s been on my mind every day since the FAA issued it on July 24 just before EAA AirVenture Oshkosh started. I’ve studied this pretty closely—thanks so much to Roy Beisswenger, founder and proprietor of Easy Flight, for his ... read more
FAA Accepts Universal Hydrogen’s STC Bid for ATR 72 Conversion
FLYING Magazine The move toward alternative fuel sources for airliners has taken a step forward as the FAA accepted Universal Hydrogen’s application for a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the conversion of ATR 72 regional airliners to electric motors powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The FAA on Thursday issued the G-1 Issue Paper that establishes certification criteria, including airworthiness and environmental standards required by the FAA to ultimately certify the Universal ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 2014 Cessna 208 Caravan
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 2014 Cessna 208 Caravan Piston pilots have a variety of reasons for transitioning to turboprops, from making trips faster and carrying more stuff to reaching out-of-the-way places, especially at high elevations. ... read more
Heats Level Up as Unlimiteds Begin at ‘Last Reno’ Air Races
Plane & Pilot Magazine This article was first published on FLYINGmag.com. When someone asks for a basic rundown of what the annual National Championship Air Races are, I start … Read More "Heats Level Up as Unlimiteds Begin at ‘Last Reno’ Air Races" The post Heats Level Up as Unlimiteds Begin at ‘Last Reno’ Air Races appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Reno Races Ramp Up, ‘Miss Trinidad’ Faring Well
FLYING Magazine The beginning of heat races for the Unlimited Class on Thursday at the National Championship Air Races marked an increase in excitement for spectators, higher intensity among competitors, and more drama in the pits and on the grid. For the final running of the races at their longtime home at Reno/Stead Airport (KRTS), FLYING is focusing on the Unlimiteds by following the Yak-3U named Miss Trinidad. The aircraft, designed in Russia during World War II, began life as an ... read more
Registration opens for Wings of Women conference
General Aviation News The conference is open to young women in middle school and high school who want to explore potential STEM careers, engage in hands-on activities, and learn from mentors in small group settings, according to museum officials. Read More read more
NASA Report: No Aliens, But More UAP Investigations Needed
AVweb In a long-awaited report this week, NASA said its investigation of unidentified anomalous phenomena or UAPs revealed no evidence that numerous sightings are of extra-terrestrial origin. But the agency also said it will take the lead in further investigations and will share what data it finds with more transparency. The 36-page report summarized numerous sightings by credible observers including military pilots and although the agency didn’t conclude extra-terrestrial life exists, it ... read more
Pilot mistakenly extends flaps instead of landing gear
General Aviation News The pilot and flight instructor’s failure to ensure that the landing gear were extended prior to landing. Read More read more
California city council overreach prompts pushback from aviation groups
AOPA General Aviation News A staunch legal warning was submitted to the city of Torrance, California, after the city council voted to prohibit many forms of aeronautical activity around Zamperini Field on the sole basis of noise control. Read More read more
Storm wrecks aircraft at Arizona airport
AOPA General Aviation News A powerful storm tore through Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, September 12, leaving a swath of destruction including wrecked aircraft and damaged hangars. Read More read more
FAA delays drone ID enforcement
AOPA General Aviation News Days before the remote identification (RID) rule for drones (FAR Part 89) takes effect September 16, the FAA announced September 13 that enforcement of the requirements will be delayed six months to allow drone operators more time to equip their digital license plate. Read More read more
Flight Design Ramps Up Production Of F2, CT Series Aircraft
AVweb Flight Design, the European manufacturer of the F2 and CT series of aircraft, is increasing production at its new Sumperk factory in the Czech Republic. The LSA manufacturer noted that the first two production F2-LSA models are now heading to U.S. importer Airtime Aviation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to Flight Design, the order list currently stands at more than 100 aircraft, and production is increasing to support four F2 aircraft per month by the end of 2023. The company said ... read more
Wheels Up Names New CEO
AVweb Private charter provider Wheels Up announced on Thursday that George Mattson is taking over as the company’s new CEO. Mattson succeeds company founder Kenny Dichter, who stepped down from the role last May following reports that Wheels Up posted losses of $555 million in 2022. As previously reported by AVweb, Delta Air Lines agreed to provide $500 million in funding and assumed 95 percent ownership of Wheels Up last month. “In 10 years, Wheels Up has grown from a startup into a ... read more
Boeing, Red 6 Flight Test Augmented Reality System
AVweb Boeing and Red 6 have completed their first flight tests of an augmented reality (AR) system integrated into a TA-4J military trainer. The project, which was announced in September 2022, is aiming to develop AR technology for aerial dogfighting and training in advanced tactical aircraft. Following testing with the TA-4J, the AR system will be integrated and tested in the new T-7 Red Hawk advanced trainer. “The successful series of ground tests and four flight sorties illustrate our ... read more
Ray Aviation Scholarship Logs 400-Pilot Milestone
AVweb 400 young people have now completed flight training with the help of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Ray Aviation Scholarship. The program, which provides scholarships of up to $11,000 toward flight training expenses, is open to EAA chapter-nominated student pilots ages 15 to 19. According to EAA, the pilot certificate completion rate for Ray scholarship recipients is 81-percent. “Many aspiring pilots fall short of their goal due to the cost of flight training, so EAA ... read more
Sea The World!
AVweb So what can you do with a multi-engine seaplane rating? You can fly firefighting aircraft that scoop water from lakes and dump it on big fires. You can fly an air taxi at a couple of small operations in Florida or Washington. You can fly PBYs with the Commemorative Air Force. Or, perhaps best of all, you can build or buy an AirCam and put it on floats. The difficulty is getting the necessary rating, because almost no one rents seaplanes—much less multi-engine seaplanes. There are ... read more
First EC-37B Compass Call Tactical Jammer Delivered to Air Force
FLYING Magazine The U.S. Air Force has received the first of 10 EC-37B Compass Call tactical jammer aircraft. The aircraft, slated to replace the C-130 Hercules-based EC-130H Compass Call tactical weapon system that’s been in service since the early 1980s, is based on a Gulfstream G550 business jet airframe. It was delivered by BAE Systems and L3Harris Technologies— the companies overseeing the production and installation of electromagnetic warfare equipment—for formal combined ... read more
Volocopter Enters the U.S. eVTOL Fray
FLYING Magazine Hello, and welcome to the Future of FLYING newsletter, our weekly look at the biggest stories in emerging aviation technology. From low-altitude drones to high-flying rockets at the edge of the atmosphere, we’ll take you on a tour of the modern flying world to help you make sense of it all. Now for this week’s top story: Volocopter Enters the U.S. eVTOL Fray (Courtesy: Volocopter) What happened? U.S. manufacturers of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, ... read more
NASA Releases UFO Study, Appoints Director of UAP Research
FLYING Magazine Only you can detect UFOs—well, you and state-of-the-art U.S. government technology. NASA on Thursday shared the findings of a yearlong, external independent study on unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs, the government’s preferred term for the mysterious objects. A panel of 16 experts suggested the agency should be more involved in UAP surveillance, data collection, and cooperation with the Department of Defense and other agencies. In addition to recommending NASA deploy ... read more
Storm wrecks aircraft at Arizona airport
AOPA General Aviation News A powerful storm tore through Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, September 12, leaving a swath of destruction including wrecked aircraft and damaged hangars. Read More read more
Wheels Up Selects George Mattson as New CEO
FLYING Magazine Private on-demand jet charter company Wheels Up announced that George Mattson has been named as the company’s new CEO. The news is the latest leadership change for the company that last month received $500 million in an emergency bailout from Delta Air Lines and other investors that saved it from bankruptcy. The company’s founder, Kenny Dichter, stepped down as CEO in May. READ MORE: Delta, Others Invest $500M in Wheels Up Bailout Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE: UP) was ... read more
Around the World on Solar Lift
FLYING Magazine Around the world in 20 days—or 30—by solar- and hydrogen-powered airship? It’s a fantastic project—and not a fantastical one—that lies ahead of the Euro Airship team as it pursues the development and launch of the Solar Airship One. The French company intends to build and launch the innovative design in its quest toward a zero-emissions future. The path to get there? By creating a rigid airship—that’s one in which a “double” envelope holds a cushion of air all around to ... read more
Drama High as Unlimited Heats at Final Reno Air Races Gain Intensity
FLYING Magazine When someone asks for a basic rundown of what the annual National Championship Air Races are, I start with the facts. It is a weeklong event in Reno, Sunday to Sunday, during which pilots race specialized aircraft around courses in the Nevada desert marked with pylons. While essentially accurate, this description fails in my opinion because it makes the event sound regimented, predictable, and perhaps even a bit boring, which it is not. An analogy that works better, ... read more
A new tradition: PeepsKosh
General Aviation News When Christian “Peeps” Roy had to miss EAA AirVenture Oshkosh a few years ago, he was devastated. That when his neighbors at Stearman Field in Kansas stepped up and created what has now become an annual tradition: PeepsKosh. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Old Reliable
General Aviation News Kristi Capone submitted this photo and note: "A 1947 Grumman Widgeon graces the ramp at Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG) in St. Petersburg, Florida." Read More read more
Flight Design Ramps Up Production of F2, CT Series Planes
Plane & Pilot Magazine This article was previously published on FLYINGmag.com. Flight Design general aviation, the European manufacturer of the F2 and CT series of aircraft, is increasing production … Read More "Flight Design Ramps Up Production of F2, CT Series Planes" The post Flight Design Ramps Up Production of F2, CT Series Planes appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
NTSB Launches Probe After Lawmaker’s Husband Killed in Alaska Crash
FLYING Magazine The National Transportation Safety Board has launched an investigation after an aircraft crashed “under unknown circumstances” in Alaska, killing the husband of a U.S. congresswoman. The NTSB has also named the FAA, Piper Aircraft, and Lycoming engines as parties to the investigation, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a briefing Wednesday. The Piper PA-18 150 Super Cub piloted by Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr., 57 and husband of Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola, went down shortly ... read more
Video: Bristol Bulldog
General Aviation News Fred Johnsen, the force behind the Airailimages YouTube channel and General Aviation News Of Wings & Things columnist, recently posted this video from the 2023 Hood River Fly-In at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM). About 350 aircraft came to the fly-in, ranging from antiques to classic general aviation aircraft, a few warbirds, and homebuilts, Fred reports. Read More read more
California city council overreach prompts pushback from aviation groups
AOPA General Aviation News A staunch legal warning was submitted to the city of Torrance, California, after the city council voted to prohibit many forms of aeronautical activity around Zamperini Field on the sole basis of noise control. Read More read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1986 Waco YMF-5
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1986 Waco YMF-5 Everyone at the airport pauses and looks up from whatever they are doing when a vintage biplane arrives. I recently was treated to a close-up view of a Waco F- series similar to this one when it ... read more
USAF Pilot-Training Numbers Come Up Short Of Aspirations
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: this article first appeared on AVweb.com. The U.S. Air Force confirmed last week it will not meet its goal of adding 1,500 new pilots this year. The Air Force Times reports the service will come up about 120 pilots short of its annual target. Maintenance issues, staffing shortages and “other unexpected setbacks” are blamed for the shortfall. READ MORE: Why Are There So Few African American Air Force Pilots? USAF spokesman Benjamin Faske said, “The Air Force ... read more
Missouri university opens Skyhaven Aviation Center
General Aviation News The new Skyhaven Aviation Center at KRCM was designed to serve the needs of private pilots while also preparing University of Central Missouri students to become professional pilots. Read More read more
FAA Extends Drone ID Deadline Six Months
AVweb The FAA has given drone operators an extra six months to install mandatory electronic identification gear on their aircraft. Operators now have until March 16, 2024, to add the tiny modules or buy factory-equipped aircraft so they can broadcast the identification and location data the FAA mandated a couple of years ago. The agency said in a statement that supply chain issues have hampered drone operators’ attempts to comply with the rule. “In making this decision, the FAA recognizes ... read more
Storm Wrecks Aircraft, Buildings At Mesa Airport
AVweb By Myron Nelson About 20 aircraft and numerous buildings were damaged or destroyed when a windstorm hit Falcon Field (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona, on Tuesday evening. Local officials said the storm was a microburst. Aircraft went airborne when the wind hit and many collided with others. The buildings damaged included historic hangars built in 1941 to house aircraft used to train British pilots for the war effort. The field also houses one of the largest an initio flight schools in the ... read more
Veil Lifted On B-21
AVweb The head of the Air Force released the most detailed photos yet of the B-21 Raider, the pricey pilot-optional strategic bomber that will replace the B-2. Gen. Charles Q. Brown, who is likely the next Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, showed off two new images of the super-secret aircraft while attending the Air and Space Forces Association conference near Washington, D.C., as reported by the Drive. Even though the Air Force formally rolled out the prototype last December, the ... read more
FAA delays drone ID enforcement
AOPA General Aviation News Days before the remote identification (RID) rule for drones (FAR Part 89) takes effect September 16, the FAA announced September 13 that enforcement of the requirements will be delayed six months to allow drone operators more time to equip their digital license plate. Read More read more
SR22 runs off taxiway while testing brakes after annual
General Aviation News I should have stopped with the first indication the brakes weren't as I expected. I am super glad there was no equipment damage and that I didn't just fly off somewhere. Read More read more
Applications open for $1 million in scholarships
General Aviation News There are more than 105 scholarships valued at more than $1 million offered by Women in Aviation for flight training, engineering, maintenance, dispatch, drones, and professional development for individuals in all stages of life. This 2024 scholarship cycle includes nearly 10 new scholarships to further members’ learning in flight training, space engineering, and aircraft maintenance. Read More read more
BotFactory Secures $1.25 Million SBIR Phase II Contract
AVweb NEW YORK, NY – BotFactory announces it has been selected by AFWERX for an SBIR Phase II in the amount of 1.25 million USD focused on Ultra-Fast Additive Manufacturing of Electronics with Correction and Validation to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the ... read more
Jamco’s “Quest Seat for Elegance” Business Class Seat Concept Combines Efficiency and Elegance
AVweb Tokyo, Japan – Jamco Corporation, one of the most experienced aircraft interior products supplier and turnkey integrator in the aerospace industry, highlights the “Quest for Elegance” seat, a business class seat concept that meets the demand for an inventive, spacious seat for high density business class interior cabins without compromising comfort. Featuring a new patented angled tilt monitor and an industrial design focused on providing an elegant premium hotel in the sky while ... read more
Picture Of The Week, September 13, 2023
AVweb 1 of 5 1955 Grumman HU-16 Albatross pictured departing AirVenture, KOSH, July 2023. Taken with a Nikon D7200, 70-300mm Nikkor lens. Copyrighted photo by Charles Thompson. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Soaring Like an Albatross A beautiful alpine lake in northeastern Washington. Photo by Mike Scalera. Leaving Bead ... read more
William Shatner Highlights International Air & Space Hall of Fame Class
FLYING Magazine William Shatner, actor, writer, director, and philanthropist, will lead a 2023 class of five to be inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame on October 21 in San Diego. Tickets are on sale for the annual gala at the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s Edwin D. McKellar Pavilion of Flight. Since 1963 the Hall of Fame has been recognizing the most significant contributors to the world of aerospace. William Shatner [Courtesy: Legends of Flight Hall of ... read more
Flight Design Ramps Up Production of F2, CT Series Aircraft
FLYING Magazine Flight Design general aviation, the European manufacturer of the F2 and CT series of aircraft, is increasing production at its new Sumperk factory in the Czech Republic. The LSA manufacturer noted that the first two production F2-LSA models are now heading to U.S. importer Airtime Aviation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. According to Flight Design, the order list currently stands at more than 100 aircraft, and production is increasing to support four F2 aircraft per month by the end ... read more
Going greener with liquid hydrogen
AOPA General Aviation News Looking to extend the range of emission-free flights, California-based electric aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation and its European subsidiary H2Fly successfully completed the world’s first piloted flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft. Read More read more
NTSB: Snapchat post caused fatal distraction
AOPA General Aviation News The NTSB found that pilot distraction created by posting to social media in flight during a low-altitude pipeline patrol was the probable cause of a 2021 crash involving a Cessna 182 that struck a radio tower guy wire in St. Louis, Michigan. The accident killed the 23-year-old pilot and sole occupant, Slade Martin. Read More read more
Vendors, members smiling at AOPA Aviator Showcase
AOPA General Aviation News On Friday and Saturday, September 8 and 9, AOPA hosted the Aviator Showcase at its rampside National Aviation Community Center (NACC), adjoining hangars, and space on the grounds of Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, Maryland. Read More read more
‘A critical and transformative time’
AOPA General Aviation News In a September 13 letter to Senate leadership, AOPA and 27 other organizations asked for movement on two major initiatives currently awaiting congressional approval: FAA reauthorization and confirmation on the nomination of an FAA administrator. Read More read more
Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical
AOPA General Aviation News It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance. Read More read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1994 Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga SP
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1994 Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga SP I was recently chatting with a pilot friend at the airport. He does not own an airplane right now but always speaks fondly of the Piper Saratoga he owned when his sons, now in their ... read more
FAA Extends Drone Remote ID Compliance Deadline by 6 Months
FLYING Magazine The FAA has extended the deadline for the Remote ID requirement for drone pilots by six months, pushing it from September 16 to March 16, 2024. What Is Remote ID? According to the FAA, Remote ID “acts like a digital license plate and will help the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies find the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.” Remote ID allows the drone in flight to provide identification ... read more
‘A critical and transformative time’
AOPA General Aviation News In a September 13 letter to Senate leadership, AOPA and 27 other organizations asked for movement on two major initiatives currently awaiting congressional approval: FAA reauthorization and confirmation on the nomination of an FAA administrator. Read More read more
Going greener with liquid hydrogen
AOPA General Aviation News Looking to extend the range of emission-free flights, California-based electric aircraft manufacturer Joby Aviation and its European subsidiary H2Fly successfully completed the world’s first piloted flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft. Read More read more
NTSB: Snapchat post caused fatal distraction
AOPA General Aviation News The NTSB found that pilot distraction created by posting to social media in flight during a low-altitude pipeline patrol was the probable cause of a 2021 crash involving a Cessna 182 that struck a radio tower guy wire in St. Louis, Michigan. The accident killed the 23-year-old pilot and sole occupant, Slade Martin. Read More read more
Vendors, members smiling at AOPA Aviator Showcase
AOPA General Aviation News On Friday and Saturday, September 8 and 9, AOPA hosted the Aviator Showcase at its rampside National Aviation Community Center (NACC), adjoining hangars, and space on the grounds of Frederick Municipal Airport in Frederick, Maryland. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Back in the Montana nest
General Aviation News Michael Schwartz submitted this photo and note: "Returning my 1964 Cessna 182 to the Stevensville, Montana, airport, after attending a summer morning EAA breakfast event in Missoula, Montana. There were thunderstorms in the nearby mountains, which is common for this time of year, so it was time to safely retreat to the nest and enjoy coffee and friendship with local aviators." Read More read more
Jimmy Stewart’s Mustang is the best of old and new
General Aviation News It's a wonderful life for Jimmy Stewart's newly restored Mustang, now ensconced in the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, North Dakota. Read More read more
Training tips from award-winning flight instructors
General Aviation News The September/October 2023 issue of FAA Safety Briefing magazine includes an interesting article that offers training tips from several CFIs who have won the National General Aviation Flight Instructor of the Year Award, including Gary Reeves, Amy Hoover, and Bob Raskey. Read More read more
Pass the Vision Portion of Your Medical
AOPA General Aviation News It’s unbelievable how one simple change can dramatically improve your performance. Read More read more
KAPF director named 2023 Florida professional of the year
General Aviation News Chris Rozansky has served as the airport's executive director for seven years, overseeing the airport, which generated a $781 million economic impact for the community in 2022. Read More read more
Sherwin Williams introduces new conductive coating for general aviation airplanes
General Aviation News Sherwin-Williams Aerospace Coatings has launched a new new aerospace conductive coating that gives general aviation aircraft owners a high-conductivity solution for dissipating static on aluminum and composite aircraft. Read More read more
USAF Pilot-Training Numbers Come Up Short Of Aspirations
AVweb The U.S. Air Force confirmed last week it will not meet its goal of adding 1,500 new pilots this year. The Air Force Times reports the service will come up about 120 pilots short of its annual target. Maintenance issues, staffing shortages and “other unexpected setbacks” are blamed for the shortfall. USAF spokesman Benjamin Faske said, “The Air Force set a new target of around 1,500 new aviators a year in fiscal 2020 but has so far failed to meet its own bar. It will aim for that ... read more
Pilot seriously injured when wrong fuel put into his plane
General Aviation News The fueler's addition of the incorrect fuel to the fuel tanks which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Read More read more
Are Student Pilots Allowed to Fly Solo at Night?
FLYING Magazine Question: My instructor soloed me last week and said I would need another endorsement to fly solo at night. Another CFI told me that student pilots aren’t allowed to fly solo at night. Which is correct? Answer: Your instructor is correct. FAR 61.87 section (o) reads: “Limitations on student pilots operating an aircraft in solo flight at night: A student pilot may not operate an aircraft in solo flight at night unless that student pilot has received flight training at night ... read more
Golden-Hued Memories of a Late Summer Fly-In
FLYING Magazine Living in Wisconsin has pros and cons. My dad, a resident of sunny San Diego, enjoys reminding me of the con that is long, harsh winters. Without fail, I can expect to receive a video clip from him in the frigid depths of January or February showing him splashing barefoot through the warm surf and mocking me for the sub-zero maelstrom of snow and ice with which I’m inevitably contending. I’ve since learned that a quick screen capture of midwestern real estate listings can ... read more
Short Final: Mind Reading
AVweb On a recent trip from the West Coast to the Midwest, I’d just checked in with Center after a couple sectors in NorCal. A few minutes later, the controller gave us a climb to our final altitude, FL230. Then, after another few minutes: Center: “Uh, 40N, did I give you FL230? I know I thought about it, but I don’t remember if I actually gave it to you.” Me: “Well, as it turns out, you thought about it so hard, I heard you. 40N is already climbing FL230.” Sal CruzWatsonville, ... read more
Ph.D. Meteorologist Documents Impact Of Global Warming On Turbulence
AVweb At a meeting of the American Meteorological Society earlier this year, a U.K. professor warned that 2023’s historically strong El Niño could powerfully affect aviation with increased clear air turbulence (CAT). Paul Williams is an Oxford-educated Ph.D.-level meteorologist who currently heads up a group of 30 atmospheric scientists at the University of Reading in the U.K. According to his bio, Williams’s work focuses on “atmospheric turbulence, jet streams, fluid dynamics, numerical ... read more
New Guidance Eases Burden Of ADHD-Related Aeromedical Qualifications
AVweb The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) reported last week that the FAA has made it less onerous for pilots with past histories of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to qualify for medical certification. The director of AOPA’s pilot information center for medical certification, Gary Crump, wrote that, previously, applicants for medical certificates who had any previous diagnoses of ADHD “required an extensive, expensive, and time-consuming review process ... read more
Business Aviation Lays Out Red Carpet For Career Seekers At NBAA-BACE
AVweb The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) at its annual Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas next month is devoting resources to introducing aviation-related university and technical school students to career opportunities available in business aviation. On October 19th, the third day of the week-long trade show, NBAA will highlight nine career categories: airport business, business management, broker/sales, cabin attendant, innovation and ... read more
Vietnam Airlines Signs Up For 50 Boeing 737 Max Airliners
AVweb According to a Reuters report, on Monday (September 11), the White House announced a deal involving 50 Boeing 737 Max 8 airliners going to Vietnam Airlines. President Biden is currently visiting the Vietnamese capital of Hanois as part of his administration’s effort to strengthen U.S. presence in the South Pacific. The Boeing deal is said to be worth $7.8 billion. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), after it removed travel restrictions related to the ... read more
Training and Safety Tip: Emergency memory to the rescue
AOPA General Aviation News It’s no secret that I hold acronyms and similar memory tricks in low regard, and there are two reasons for this. Read More read more
Business Aviation Pilot Salaries Up 12 Percent: Survey
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.com. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) says business aviation pilots saw average pay raises of about 12 percent in the last year. The association’s annual compensation survey also found that the average salary increase across all positions was 7.22 percent. Dr. Christopher Broyhill, who helped conduct the survey, said the survey confirms industry scuttlebutt. “We’re hearing a lot of anecdotal stuff about ... read more
Hydraulic Issue Forces Airbus Emergency Landing in Siberia
FLYING Magazine No one was injured when an Airbus A320 made an emergency landing in a field in Siberia on Tuesday. According to Reuters, there were 167 people, including six crewmembers, aboard the airplane belonging to Russia’s Ural Airlines. During a press conference, airline officials stated the emergency landing was due to a hydraulic issue. Ural Airlines is a domestic carrier based in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The flight was en route from the Black Sea town of Sochi to Omsk, ... read more
NASA Astronaut Sets U.S. Spaceflight Record with Yearlong Mission
FLYING Magazine For a NASA astronaut stranded on the International Space Station for months, there are some silver linings: namely, a pair of U.S. spaceflight records. Frank Rubio, who departed for the space station on his first astronaut mission in September 2022, now holds the record for the most consecutive days spent aboard the orbital hub, besting the previous mark of 355 days, 3 hours, and 45 minutes set by retired astronaut Mark Vande Hei in 2022, NASA said in a statement on social ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1978 Rockwell Commander 700
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Rockwell Commander 700 The 1970s were a vibrant time for general aviation, with sales growing and new designs regularly arriving on the market. One of the more interesting developments was Rockwell’s Commander ... read more
Picture of the Day: Turnagain Arm
General Aviation News Al Echeverria submitted this photo and note: "Crossing the Turnagain Arm just south of Anchorage, Alaska, in March 2022 on my 150 nautical mile student solo cross country." Read More read more
Get into Career Day
General Aviation News Most high school teachers and guidance counselors don’t actually know a pilot, or an A&P, or an air traffic controller, or an aeronautical engineer. That leaves teenagers in the unenviable position of not being able to aspire to careers they don’t have any insight into. In fact, it may not have occurred to them that these jobs exist at all. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Emergency memory to the rescue
AOPA General Aviation News It’s no secret that I hold acronyms and similar memory tricks in low regard, and there are two reasons for this. Read More read more
Traffic continues to grow at KCPS
General Aviation News This marks the second consecutive year of growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport, airport officials added. Read More read more
Video: Managing Weather Deviations
General Aviation News “Managing Weather Deviations offers tips on safely navigating around adverse weather,” said Air Safety Institute Senior Director Paul Deres. Read More read more
New name for Piper owners association
General Aviation News The Malibu M-Class Owners and Pilots Association (MMOPA) has changed its name to the Piper M-Class Owners and Pilots Association (PMOPA). Read More read more
Mooney pilot experiences spatial disorientation
General Aviation News I turned my head left to look out the side window hoping to make sense of what I was seeing but the pitch blackness with only a couple lights was of no help. I immediately looked at my attitude indicator and what I saw made my head spin! Read More read more
Direct Fly’s Alto NG a Beautiful Bargain
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article appeared on Plane & Pilot. At Midwest LSA Expo day two, I gave my first talk about the FAA’s Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification regulation rulemaking (MOSAIC) to a SRO room. The video turned out well, so following some editing on the Q&A session that followed, I pledge to get this up next week. My presentation was a distillation of 318 original pages into a 45-minute presentation. Some described it as “drinking out of a ... read more
The Art of the Touch and Go
FLYING Magazine Of all the maneuvers you will learn during your primary flight training, the touch and go will be the one you practice most often. The touch and go is a variation on a normal landing. Instead of bringing the aircraft to a complete stop, after the aircraft touches down, you add full power to takeoff. It is sort of a modified go-around. There is a lot happening quickly in the touch and go, so much so that it is easy to get behind the airplane. So many tasks happen almost ... read more
General Aviation Accident Bulletin, September 11, 2023
AVweb AVweb’s General Aviation Accident Bulletin is taken from the pages of our sister publication, Aviation Safety magazine. All the reports listed here are preliminary and include only initial factual findings about crashes. You can learn more about the final probable cause on the NTSB’s website at www.ntsb.gov. Final reports appear about a year after the accident, although some take longer. Find out more about Aviation Safety at www.aviationsafetymagazine.com. June 1, 2023, Pellston, ... read more
The Two-Pilot Problem
AVweb One of general aviation’s most time-honored practices involves two or more pilots being aboard the same airplane at the same time. The purposes vary—from training and proficiency, to boring holes in the sky, to chasing down a $100 hamburger, and everything in between—but it’s not at all rare to find more than one pilot seated where they have flight controls in front of them. Most of the time, that’s a good thing: There are two sets of eyes, hands and feet, and if the pilot flying ... read more
Bristow, Volocopter Partner On eVTOL Services
AVweb Vertical flight solutions company Bristow Group has entered into a partnership with Germany-based urban air mobility (UAM) startup Volocopter to develop commercial passenger and cargo services using electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the U.S. and U.K. According to the companies, the partnership will include cooperating on building a UAM ecosystem with the development agreement covering “the exploration of commercial, operational, and eVTOL aircraft maintenance ... read more
Recollections of a tragic day
AOPA General Aviation News Twenty-two years later, the memories of chaos and loss still resonate. Explore our coverage through the years to learn (or be reminded) how AOPA helped preserve freedom to fly against the odds after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Read More read more
Midwest LSA Day Two Report
Plane & Pilot Magazine At Midwest LSA Expo day two, I gave my first MOSAIC talk to a SRO room. The video turned out well, so following some editing on … Read More "Midwest LSA Day Two Report" The post Midwest LSA Day Two Report appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
9/11: The Day That Forever Changed Flight Training
FLYING Magazine “Did you give him a TSA endorsement?” The CFI, a recently retired airline pilot who earned his instructor certificate in the 1980s and never let it lapse, stared at me confused. It was 2016, and the concept of vetting learners before instruction began was new to him—no one ever asked for proof of his citizenship, he explained. That all changed after September 11, 2001. If you were around on that day, you probably remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1951 Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1951 Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub Get ready to fine-tune your wheel-landing technique and gracefully zigzag on the taxiway for better visibility. There are many versions of the Piper Cub available to pilots seeking a ... read more
Acquiring the Right Airplane Does Not Preclude Dreaming
FLYING Magazine I am not one to covet my neighbor’s aircraft, even the really cool ones. After all, I am in a happy relationship with Annie, our Commander 114B, and I expect it to last a long time. Lately, though, I have admitted to having a thing for Daher’s series of TBM turboprop singles. I trace this interest to a fly-in about 10 years ago that included a display of new aircraft, the highlight of which was a TBM. The airplane’s doors were open, but the interior was roped off. That did ... read more
Electric Airplane Manufacturer Heart Aerospace Taps Honeywell for Flight Control System
FLYING Magazine One of the world’s most prominent aerospace manufacturers is adding its flight control systems to more electric airplanes. Heart Aerospace, a Swedish manufacturer of regional electric aircraft, on Monday announced it has tapped aerospace titan Honeywell to install its compact fly-by-wire flight control system on the company’s 30-passenger ES-30. The system is already in an advanced stage of development on multiple aircraft, including Vertical Aerospace’s electric vertical ... read more
Startup Jump Aero Reveals Air Force-Backed Emergency eVTOL Design
FLYING Magazine Days before the 22nd anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, a California startup unveiled a design it hopes represents the next generation of emergency response vehicles—one that could arrive on the scene faster than an ambulance. Petaluma, California-based Jump Aero last week revealed its model for an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) first response aircraft the startup has been developing since 2019. Jump says its JA1 “Pulse” will be able to fly emergency ... read more
Picture of the Day: Flying over the Zenith Homecoming
General Aviation News Sebastien Heintz submitted this photo and note: "Jon Humberd flies his Zenith Super 701 light sport utility Sky Jeep at the annual Zenith Homecoming fly-in at the kit aircraft factory in Mexico, Missouri. The 2023 Homecoming fly-in is set for Sept. 15-16." Read More read more
Thunder and lightning over Boise for Gowen Thunder air show
General Aviation News It's been seven years since the Idaho National Guard unleashed its Gowen Thunder air show spectacular in Boise — and Idaho's aviation-thirsty segment of the population was ready for it Read More read more
High demand, LSA update fuels expansion at Zenith Aircraft
General Aviation News “Like everyone else, we're excited about the potential of MOSAIC and expanding light sport aircraft,” said Sebastien Heintz, Zenith Aircraft's president. “This expansion will give us space for new projects.” Read More read more
Pennsylvania community college offers online professional pilot degree
General Aviation News Future pilots who enroll at Community College of Beaver County can complete all the program’s academic courses virtually while doing their flight training at one of nine flight schools across the state. Read More read more
Recollections of a tragic day
AOPA General Aviation News Twenty-two years later, the memories of chaos and loss still resonate. Explore our coverage through the years to learn (or be reminded) how AOPA helped preserve freedom to fly against the odds after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Read More read more
Pilot runs out of fuel bringing new plane home
General Aviation News The pilot’s inadequate preflight planning and fuel system inspection, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Read More read more
Signature Aviation updates FBO at KBED
General Aviation News Signature Aviation has opened its renovated FBO at L.G. Hanscom Field (KBED) in Massachusetts. Read More read more
Pipistrel Flies Liquid Hydrogen Demonstrator
AVweb Textron subsidiary Pipistrel Aircraft flew the first piloted liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft last Friday. The HEAVEN project HY4 demonstrator took off from Maribor, Slovenia, with two pilots onboard and “demonstrated safe and efficient operation throughout multiple flight tests,” the company said. The hydrogen is used by a fuel cell that creates electricity for the electric motor. Pipistrel claims the use of liquid hydrogen instead of compressed hydrogen gas doubles the ... read more
Pilot Flies 10,000 Young Eagles
AVweb Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) volunteer Fred Stadler has become the first pilot to log 10,000 flights for the organization’s Young Eagles program. Stadler joined the program, which offers free introductory flights for young people ages 8 to 17, in 2000. According to EAA, many of his Young Eagles flights took place at the EAA Aviation Museum’s Pioneer Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “Fred’s remarkable accomplishment is indicative of the dedication of our Young Eagles ... read more
Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 Earns FAA Certification
AVweb Gulfstream Aerospace announced on Friday that Rolls-Royce’s Pearl 700 engines have earned their FAA certification. Developed at the Rolls Royce Centre of Excellence for Business Aviation engines in Dahlewitz, Germany, the engine model received its EASA certification in 2022. The Pearl 700 was custom-designed to power Gulfstream’s new G700 and G800 business jets. “We are excited about this latest advancement towards G700 and G800 certification,” said Gulfstream president Mark Burns. ... read more
Colorado Listing Offers View Into Reality of Airport Ownership
FLYING Magazine All things considered, airports are sold relatively infrequently. When they are listed for sale, the news moves quickly throughout aviation circles. Those that have had the “For Sale” sign staked into the ground each have their own unique histories. Not to mention they all have the prospect of a new—potentially better—future. Platte Valley Airpark (18V) in Fort Lupton, Colorado, is one of these airports; a nearly six-decade-old aerodrome with a rich history, which is ... read more
Best Of The Web: Falling Out Of The SR-71 At 78,000 Feet
AVweb Although retired for a quarter century, Lockheed’s SR-71 remains the stuff of legend. It flew higher and faster than any other air-breathing aircraft of its era, and its performance has yet to be matched by any publicly acknowledged aircraft. It also suffered test and operational losses commensurate with its edge-of-technology design. Of the 32 SR-71s built, 12 airframes were lost in accidents, but none to enemy action. One of the most spectacular hull losses occurred early in the ... read more
FAA Orders 63 Fixes For SpaceX’s Starship
AVweb The FAA has ordered SpaceX to fix 63 deficiencies in its Starship megarocket system before it can attempt another launch. Earlier this week the company said it was ready to take a second crack at getting the Starship into orbit after a spectacular failure in April. The agency said Friday that its joint investigation into the launch, which began with substantial destruction of the Boca Chica, Texas, launch site and ended four minutes later with the explosion of the rocket over the ... read more
Air Force Chief Warns Against Chinese Recruitment
AVweb The head of the Air Force has urged all personnel to report contact with foreign companies who try to recruit them for potentially lucrative employment overseas. Gen. Charles Q. Brown, who is also the White House’s pick for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, wrote a memo distributed to everyone in the Air Force warning that those with “specialized knowledge” are being recruited for jobs that lead to training of members of the Chinese military. Pilots are acknowledged to be the top of that ... read more
Bizav Pilot Salaries Up 12 Percent
AVweb NBAA says business aviation pilots saw average pay raises of about 12 percent in the last year. The association’s annual compensation survey also found that the average salary increase across all positions was 7.22 percent. Dr. Christopher Broyhill, who helped conduct the survey, said the survey confirms industry scuttlebutt. “We’re hearing a lot of anecdotal stuff about pay raises out there and people getting more money for these positions, but that pretty much anchors it, shows ... read more
Picture of the Day: Landing in the West Virginia mountains
General Aviation News Diana Layton submitted this photo and note: "A gorgeous dusk landing at Grant County Airport (W99) in Petersburg, West Virginia." Read More read more
From dream to reality, almost
General Aviation News A neglected airport in Washington is coming back to life with the goal of providing a template for the 14,000 other privately owned, public use airports around the country. Read More read more
Video: Warbirds and Wheels
General Aviation News Smitty Smith of FunPlacesToFly.com just uploaded a video to YouTube shot at the Commemorative Air Force Warbirds and Wheels aviation event in Lancaster, Texas. The video, which features warbirds, experimentals, and other general aviation airplanes, does not include music, so you can hear all the wonderful engine sounds as the planes takeoff, land, and taxi. Read More read more
Survey: ADS-B Usage
AVweb Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University researchers are asking certificated general aviation pilots to complete a short anonymous survey. The purpose of the questionnaire is to gather information on how general aviation pilots make use of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance‐Broadcast (ADS‐B) system for identification and avoidance of merging traffic. Share your experience by scanning the QR code below or visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/PR3GPJS. The post Survey: ADS-B Usage appeared ... read more
Top Letters And Comments, September 8, 2023
AVweb Accident Probe: Exceeding Capabilities […]I flew the Classic Whale for 16 years plus 16 years in the C-141. They both are hot wings, of course, and icing wasn’t a real problem because we passed through those icing levels quickly. My flight experience in the T-29 and C-118 (CV 240 and DC-6) was a different case. All was out of Mather in Sacramento, CA, and icing was a continuous issue all winter especially because we flew the -29 mainly at the freezing level. We had hot wings and ... read more
Community college’s Mobile Aviation Lab prepares for takeoff
General Aviation News The classroom on wheels includes virtual reality flight simulators, an air traffic control simulation, drones, STEM-related activities, and much more. Read More read more
Engine Certification Brings Gulfstream G700, G800 Closer to Market Debut
FLYING Magazine Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. today announced that the all-new Gulfstream G700 and Gulfstream G800 Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines have received certification from the FAA. Certification of the engine is a big step toward type certification, official entry into the market and customer deliveries of the G700 and G800. READ MORE: New Gulfstream G700 Beats Projections During Testing “We are excited about this latest advancement towards G700 and G800 certification,” said Mark ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1943 Douglas DC-3
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1943 Douglas DC-3 Yes, this aircraft’s maximum gross takeoff weight is 29,000 pounds, not the 2,900 or so that might make more sense to pilots of light piston singles. This is a big airplane, and its ability to lift ... read more
Pilots, Aircraft Manufacturers Connect as Midwest LSA Expo Opens
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This article appeared on Plane & Pilot. One sure way to know if a show works is to observe vendor participation over a number of years. As this is my 14th year attending the Midwest LSA Expo, I can tell you that 2023 represents a strong turnout. Companies come back year after year because it works to connect them with interested customers. Both sides end up smiling. Here is a glimpse of what you can see if you can attend on Friday and Saturday. For those ... read more
Bristow to Bring Volocopter Air Taxis to U.S. Via New Partnership
FLYING Magazine The first commercial electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi flights will probably not be made by Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, or Boeing’s Wisk Aero. In fact, they’re most likely to come from a firm with zero presence in the U.S. market—at least, not yet. Volocopter, the German manufacturer that’s been a mainstay near the top of SMG Consulting’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Reality Index, on Thursday announced a partnership with Houston-based Bristow Group ... read more
Joby-Backed Firm Completes Piloted Flights of Liquid Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft
FLYING Magazine In 2021, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi developer Joby Aviation secretly acquired a company producing hydrogen aircraft fuel cell systems. This week, that company did something no other firm has done. Joby subsidiary H2Fly on Thursday revealed it completed piloted flights of its four-seater HY4 demonstrator powered by liquid hydrogen, a milestone it says is the world’s first. The company made four takeoffs from an airfield in Maribor, Slovenia, ... read more
How Can dBZ Values Be Negative?
FLYING Magazine Question: On some NEXRAD images, I sometimes see a negative value for dBZ (decibel related to Z) for the reflectivity. How can these values be negative? Answer: Of all of the weather guidance available to pilots prior to a flight, the images produced by the NWS WSR-88D NEXRAD Doppler radars are likely the most widely used in the U.S. These images have an extremely high glance value and are packed with important life-saving guidance assuming that a pilot knows how to ... read more
Opening Day at the Midwest LSA Expo
Plane & Pilot Magazine One sure way to know if a show works is to observe vendor participation over a number of years. As this is my 14th year … Read More "Opening Day at the Midwest LSA Expo" The post Opening Day at the Midwest LSA Expo appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
New Gulfstream G700 Beats Projections During Testing
FLYING Magazine Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. said its new G700 jet will perform better while providing more cabin comfort than previously expected. During certification flight testing the airplane achieved increased range and speed while improving cabin altitude compared with figures announced earlier. The company said its G700’s range has increased to 7,750 nm or 14,353 kilometers at Mach 0.85 or 6,650 nm or 12,316 km at Mach 0.90. This marks a gain of 250 nm or 463 km at both speeds ... read more
Pipistrel expands US distribution network
General Aviation News Based in Heber City, Utah, Elemental Aviation will be responsible for sales, service support and training for Pipistrel’s ultralight, light sport and type certified aircraft in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Read More read more
Less Regulation, More Personal Responsibility
AVweb In this blog space, it’s rarely ill-advised to oppose any new regulation and as an evergreen topic, grinding on existing ones from time to time is always good sport, too. So I’ll take a breather here from slamming in detail the Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Improvement Act of 2023 found in the Senate’s version of the FAA Reauthorization Bill. I doubt if it would enhance safety in these operations much at the expense of shuffling more paper and checking more training boxes, ... read more
Poll: How Would You Rate the Quality of ATC Services?
AVweb Poll: How Would You Rate the Quality of ATC Services? Poll: How Would You Rate the Quality of ATC Services? Always excellent. Generally good. Tending toward mediocre. More bad than good. Other Δ The post Poll: How Would You Rate the Quality of ATC Services? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
Las Vegas Spaceport To Host Air Racing Event in October 2024
FLYING Magazine Air racing could be coming to Las Vegas very soon if the team behind that city’s planned spaceport has its way. The group has scheduled the Las Vegas Air Races for October 25 to 27, 2024, at the spaceport. The timeline promises to be challenging, in part because the Las Vegas Spaceport has not been built yet. A parcel of land between Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nevada, is earmarked for the facility, though, and the event’s organizers say they will bring the necessary elements ... read more
Plane crashes after in-flight malfunction of throttle control pivot arm
General Aviation News The in-flight malfunction of the throttle control pivot arm, which resulted in a total loss of engine power and the subsequent collision with terrain during the forced landing. Read More read more
White House nominates Michael Whitaker as FAA administrator
AOPA General Aviation News Michael Whitaker, who has spent more than three decades in aviation leadership positions, has been nominated by the White House as the next administrator of the FAA. Read More read more
Accident Case Study: High Aspirations
AOPA General Aviation News Part Five in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Beyond Proficient: IFR series, Managing Weather Deviations, offers tips on safely navigating unforecast weather during an IFR flight. Learn how to use available tools and how to work within the ATC system to ensure your flight’s safety. Read More read more
Emergency Response Plan
AOPA General Aviation News Congratulations! You either currently own a business aircraft or have decided to add one to your business weapons inventory. Read More read more
Whitaker Nominated For FAA Administrator
AVweb The White House confirmed on Thursday that President Joe Biden is nominating Michael Whitaker to serve as the next FAA Administrator. Whitaker was deputy administrator at the FAA from 2013 to 2016 and spent 15 years at United Airlines, where he held positions including director, vice president and senior vice president. A private pilot, he currently works as chief operating officer at advanced air mobility (AAM) company Supernal and serves on the board of the Flight Safety ... read more
Survey: Avionics Satisfaction
AVweb The editors of AVweb sister publications KITPLANES and Aviation Consumer are conducting an avionics satisfaction survey for an upcoming market report. We want to know about your recent (within the past two years) experience with specific brands, the support behind them, the installation and anything else you’d like other consumers to know. Tell us all about your experiences at www.surveymonkey.com/r/avionics-survey-avweb The post Survey: Avionics Satisfaction appeared first on ... read more
Gulfstream Announces G700 Performance Increases
AVweb Gulfstream Aerospace has announced range and speed increases, along with improvements in cabin altitude, for its new G700 business jet. The model will now offer a range of 7,750 NM, a 250-NM improvement over original estimates, and a maximum operating speed of Mach 0.935, up from Mach 0.925. Cabin altitude has been reduced to 2,840 feet at 41,000 feet. Gulfstream noted that the speed increase will make the G700 the fastest in the company’s fleet. “We are undertaking one of the most ... read more
Flight Plan Follies
AVweb While pilots and air traffic controllers work with each other daily, perhaps we don’t often think about the nitty-gritty details and problem-solving taking place on the other side. When everything appears to be running smoothly, there’s nothing to worry about, right? If I’m your controller for the moment and tell you, “Proceed direct [FIX],” it’s unnecessary for me to know every keystroke you’re inputting in your navigation system to make that happen. Even if you accidentally mistype ... read more
Farnborough International Airshow Celebrates 75 Years
AVweb The U.K.’s Farnborough International Airshow is celebrating its 75th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 7. The event was established by the Society of British Aircraft Constructors in 1948, with the first edition featuring 66 British aircraft. Organizers noted that the show has seen aerospace industry milestones including the launch of the world’s first jet airliner, the de Havilland DH.106 Comet 1, in 1949, the Black Arrows’ world-record 22-aircraft formation loop in 1958 and the ... read more
Maintaining Out of Production Aircraft
FLYING Magazine Someday, you may need a plan for the day you learn that your airplane manufacturer closes the doors for good. While it is doubtful the Textron Aviations of the world will shutter, other platforms are not so lucky. The trouble is you still have to maintain “in accordance with.” The truth is that some older aircraft are super cool, and it seems an absolute shame to grind them up for scrap when they operate perfectly fine. If you love your airplane, you should be able to ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 2008 Daher-SOCATA TBM 850
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 2008 Daher-SOCATA TBM 850 The six-seat TBM series of turboprop singles garnered acclaim as one of the fastest turboprop-driven personal aircraft available and as an aspirational goal for pilots looking to advance in ... read more
Could Europe Beat Out the U.S. Air Taxi Industry?
FLYING Magazine Hello, and welcome to the Future of FLYING newsletter, our weekly look at the biggest stories in emerging aviation technology. From low-altitude drones to high-flying rockets at the edge of the atmosphere, we’ll take you on a tour of the modern flying world to help you make sense of it all. Now for this week’s top story: European Regulators Plot Out Drone, Air Taxi Operations (Courtesy: Volocopter) What happened? The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) sent a ... read more
Accident Case Study: High Aspirations
AOPA General Aviation News Post Content Read More read more
SpaceX Starship Is ‘Ready to Launch’ Again—Or Is It?
FLYING Magazine A challenge to a cage fight could soon be in the FAA’s future if the agency doesn’t wrap up its investigation into SpaceX Starship, a prototype of which exploded minutes after its initial test launch in May. That’s been one of CEO Elon Musk’s retorts to those who stand in the way of his goal of commercial space dominance. And at the moment, the regulator may pose the greatest threat. There appears to be a misunderstanding between the two surrounding Starship’s second test ... read more
Picture of the Day: Mountain Mama
General Aviation News Diana Layton submitted this photo and note: "A gorgeous view of Pendleton County mountains from above. John Denver knew what he was talking about with his song 'Take Me Home Country Roads' about West Virginia." Read More read more
FAA Approves R66 Empennage Configuration
FLYING Magazine Robinson Helicopter Company has received FAA certification for a new empennage configuration for its R66 turbine model. Robinson Helicopters, based in Torrance, California, has been building helicopters for the civilian market since 1973. According to the company, the new empennage configuration “replaces the existing 2,000-hour TBO horizontal stabilizer with a 4,000-hour TBO symmetrical horizontal stabilizer mounted on the tail cone and positioned forward of the ... read more
Biden Nominates Michael Whitaker as FAA Administrator
FLYING Magazine Michael Whitaker knows aviation. That was the reaction of many throughout the aviation community Thursday when President Joe Biden officially nominated the former FAA deputy administrator with more than 30 years of aviation management experience as the agency’s top official. The FAA has been without an administrator since March 2022, when Steve Dickson resigned. FAA Administrator Steve Dickson Resigns, Cites Family Pressures After weeks of rumor, the Biden Administration ... read more
Young aviators soar at Triple Tree
General Aviation News I often tell people, “If you want to feel positive about life, just turn off the news and go hang out with a group of young people who are passionate about aviation.” There’s no better opportunity to practice this than the Triple Tree Aerodrome Young Aviators’ Fly-In in Woodruff, South Carolina. Read More read more
Music City STOL Takes Off in Tennessee
Plane & Pilot Magazine Gallatin, Tennessee, on September 1-2 hosted the inaugural Music City STOL Competition at Music City Executive Airport (KXNX). Known as the “Gateway to Middle Tennessee,” for its active … Read More "Music City STOL Takes Off in Tennessee" The post Music City STOL Takes Off in Tennessee appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
White House nominates Michael Whitaker as FAA administrator
AOPA General Aviation News Michael Whitaker, who has spent more than three decades in aviation leadership positions, has been nominated by the White House as the next administrator of the FAA. Read More read more
Engine Failure Turns Puppy Ferrying Flight Into Glider
FLYING Magazine As a pilot and airplane owner, I try to share my passion for flying by donating my time and airplane—a recently purchased single-engine Cessna 172N—for worthy causes like Pilots ‘n Paws. Recently, Roland Vegiard and I embarked on a charitable trip in support of Pilots ‘n Paws relocating some sheltered animals for the Bradford County Humane Society from Towanda, Pennsylvania, to Asheville, North Carolina. We volunteered to take two dogs, brothers Denver and Dakota, down ... read more
Oshkosh pilot first to fly 10,000 Young Eagles
General Aviation News Stadler, who began flying young people as part of the program in 2000, reached the milestone on Aug. 26, 2023, with a flight at the EAA Aviation Museum’s Pioneer Airport. Read More read more
Petition To Rename Key West Airport
Plane & Pilot Magazine Calling all Parrot Heads: There is a petition floating around to rename Key West International Airport (KEYW) in honor of Jimmy Buffett. Buffett, a well-known … Read More "Petition To Rename Key West Airport" The post Petition To Rename Key West Airport appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
The MOSAIC Comment Window Is Half Gone
Plane & Pilot Magazine MOSAIC was a subject of intense conversations at EAA AirVenture 2023 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Surprising many of us, the FAA released the notice of proposed … Read More "The MOSAIC Comment Window Is Half Gone" The post The MOSAIC Comment Window Is Half Gone appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Emergency Response Plan
AOPA General Aviation News Congratulations! You either currently own a business aircraft or have decided to add one to your business weapons inventory. Read More read more
Whitaker Nomination Expected Thursday: Report
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on AVweb.com. As has been rumored for months, Politico is reporting President Joe Biden will nominate FAA and industry veteran Mike Whitaker as the agency’s next administrator on Thursday (Sept. 7). READ MORE: Reports: New FAA Administrator Nomination Expected Soon Whitaker’s name first came up in May, a couple of months after the former nominee Phil Washington withdrew following a rough ride in the Senate confirmation ... read more
Petition Seeks to Rename Key West International After Jimmy Buffet
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on Plane & Pilot. Calling all Parrot Heads: There is a petition floating around to rename Key West International Airport (KEYW) in honor of Jimmy Buffett. Buffett, a well-known musician, aviator, author, and activist, died on the evening of September 1, 2023, surrounded by family, friends, music, and dogs. He was 76. READ MORE: Musician, Pilot Jimmy Buffett Remembered Buffett began his music career in Nashville but ... read more
Jet Aviation opens new hangar at KBZN
General Aviation News Jet Aviation has completed construction of a new 40,000-square-foot hangar at its FBO at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (KBZN) in Montana, bringing the FBO's total hangar capacity to 300,000-plus square feet. Read More read more
Upset prevention and recovery training summit features general aviation track
General Aviation News “This summit is for passionate aviators, professional pilots, flight instructors, and safety advocates around the world,” said APS Executive Vice President Randy Brooks. “We hope the event will reshape the way we approach operational risk management in aviation.” Read More read more
MOSAIC Amphib Coming From New Zealand
AVweb A New Zealand company has flown a new amphibious aircraft that will likely benefit from the new MOSAIC rules when they come into force. The Vickers WAVE uses the Rotax 916 engine with a constant speed prop to power what looks like a bulked-up ICON A5 and has numbers to match. The company says the WAVE will cruise at 120 knots, climb at 1100 feet per minute and has 750 pounds of useful load in an all-up weight of 1850 pounds. Range is projected at 1,100 nm. It also features powered ... read more
Whitaker Nomination Expected Thursday
AVweb As has been rumored for months, Politico is reporting President Joe Biden will nominate FAA and industry veteran Mike Whitaker as the agency’s next administrator on Thursday (Sept. 7). Whitaker’s name first came up in May, a couple of months after the former nominee Phil Washington withdrew following a rough ride in the Senate confirmation process. Washington, the CEO of Denver International Airport, was criticized on both sides of the aisle for his lack of direct aviation ... read more
Student causes near miss on first solo
General Aviation News A CFI reports his flight school gives his student the green light for his first solo — on the CFI's day off. Things did not go well. Read More read more
FAA eases burden for many pilots with ADHD history
AOPA General Aviation News A recent change to the FAA policy regarding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will ease the medical certification burden for many pilots with a history that includes this diagnosis. Read More read more
Fuel your aviation journey
AOPA General Aviation News The 2024 AOPA Foundation scholarship program opened September 5 with more than $1 million in scholarships for flight training, aviation maintenance, airport management, and more. Read More read more
Picture Of The Week, September 6, 2023
AVweb 1 of 5 This photo of Walt Bowe's Waco 9 was taken during the Pietenpol/Hatz fly-in at Brodhead, WI in July 2023. The aircraft was flown by Andrew King. Copyrighted photo by Richard Klarich. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Walt Bowe's Waco 9 Scott Urschel doing aerobatics in the BO-105 at EAA Airventure on 7/24/23. Taken with a Nikon D850, ISO 400 f5.6 410 mm 1/5000s. ... read more
Company Defends Training Chinese Pilots
AVweb A South African flight school has confirmed that three former Canadian fighter pilots are training pilot in China but denies they’re doing anything wrong. In response to questions from the Globe newspaper, Edward Lee, spokesman for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA) said Paul Umrysh, David Monk and Craig Sharp are not passing along any NATO secrets to their Chinese students and use only open source materials or curriculum supplied by the customer. “The training TFASA ... read more
Air Canada Passengers Asked To Sit On Vomit-Soaked Seats
AVweb The Public Health Agency of Canada is now investigating Air Canada after crew members were set to force two passengers to sit on vomit-soaked seats for a five-hour flight from Las Vegas to Montreal last week. The pair never got that chance, however, because the captain kicked them off the plane for “rude behavior.” The airline has already apologized to the passengers and the crew will likely be spending some time with HR.”They clearly did not receive the standard of care to which ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 2001 Cessna T206H
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 2001 Cessna T206H Cessna’s 206 is one of those airplanes that everyone seems to want because it performs most tasks very well. It has six seats, making it ideal for families, and can carry lots of cargo, which you ... read more
Inaugural Music City STOL Competition Takes Off in Tennessee
FLYING Magazine Gallatin, Tennessee, on September 1-2 hosted the inaugural Music City STOL Competition at Music City Executive Airport (KXNX). Known as the “Gateway to Middle Tennessee,” for its active aviation community and situated just minutes outside of Nashville at an elevation of 583 feet, Gallatin proved to be the perfect setting for a National STOL Series event. The event, which drew an estimated crowd of 1,000, featured performances by seasoned pilots and enthusiastic newcomers, ... read more
FAA Approves Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations for 3 UAS Firms
FLYING Magazine A trio of firms just received FAA authorization to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) where their operators can’t see them. The agency on Wednesday approved drone parcel delivery operator and UPS subsidiary Flight Forward and avionics provider uAvionix for UAS operations beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of a remote pilot, opening the door to longer flights, new markets, and fewer restrictions on ground personnel. The authorizations follow the FAA’s granting of ... read more
Choose the Next FLYING Cover
FLYING Magazine We’ve kicked off fall at FLYING—even if the temperatures haven’t cooled down just yet. We’re finishing up October 2023/Issue 942, which mails out in late September for subscribers before hitting newsstands and FBOs at your local airport. On the cover we feature the Beechcraft King Air 200—which creates the latest platform for Garmin’s Autoland supplemental type certificate. The STC marks the first for the avionics pioneer, and we test fly it for our readers in the upcoming ... read more
Gevo Receives USDA Grant to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production
FLYING Magazine Gevo Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) said it has entered an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture aimed at boosting production of sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF. Under the agreement, Gevo will receive a grant from the USDA of up to $30 million for the company’s Climate-Smart Farm-to-Flight Program. The program is designed to track and quantify the impact of “climate-smart practices” on carbon intensity (CI). It also seeks to create market incentives for growing low ... read more
Musician, Pilot Jimmy Buffett Remembered
Plane & Pilot Magazine Most of the world who sang along with him at concerts knew Jimmy Buffett as a sailor. But those who fly knew him as a … Read More "Musician, Pilot Jimmy Buffett Remembered" The post Musician, Pilot Jimmy Buffett Remembered appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
FAA eases burden for many pilots with ADHD history
AOPA General Aviation News A recent change to the FAA policy regarding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will ease the medical certification burden for many pilots with a history that includes this diagnosis. Read More read more
Fuel your aviation journey
AOPA General Aviation News The 2024 AOPA Foundation scholarship program opened September 5 with more than $1 million in scholarships for flight training, aviation maintenance, airport management, and more. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Morning light
General Aviation News Rajeev Pandey submitted this photo and note: "Preflighting for an early morning flight at Albany Municipal Airport (S12) in Oregon. But a balloon has already taken to the skies — the sound of the burner drew me out of the hangar and the glow of the burner caught my eye and that of the camera." Read More read more
Seven accidents in seven days
General Aviation News Did you hear the story of the pilot who crashed seven times in seven days? How does something like this even happen — and what lessons can we learn from this experience? Read More read more
FAA Advances on Controller-Pilot Datalink Availability
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on AVweb.com The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has announced that the FAA recently made permanent its plan to enable business aircraft operators to participate in enroute controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC). The announcement came just a month after NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) petitioned the FAA to act on the issue for the benefit of all appropriately equipped ... read more
Are Pilots Required to Call Flight Service for a Briefing Before Departure?
FLYING Magazine Question: Am I required to call flight service to get a briefing before I depart? Answer: The short answer is no. The regulations do not specifically state that you must call Lockheed Martin Flight Service (LMFS) (e.g., 800-WX-BRIEF) to get a briefing. FAR 91.103 (a) simply states, in part: 91.103 Preflight action. Each pilot in command shall, before beginning a flight, become familiar with all available information concerning that flight. This information must ... read more
New A&P school to open in November at KADS
General Aviation News The new maintenance school will offer an FAA-approved 12-month program to take students from “no experience to a certified A&P ready to work,” according to company officials. Read More read more
Safety advocate Paul Burger retires
General Aviation News After an aircraft accident that claimed the lives of friends, Paul Burger made a commitment to help others avoid the same tragedy. Since then he's donated almost $1 million and countless hours to general aviation safety. Read More read more
Aircraft Maintenance: Never jump-start a dead battery
AOPA General Aviation News The pilot arrived at the airport ready to fly home after having been away for the weekend seeing a child off to college. While performing the preflight, he noticed that the stall warning wasn’t sounding. The source of the problem was obvious as soon as he looked at the instrument panel: The master switch had been left on…for two full days. Read More read more
Aircraft refueling mat introduced
General Aviation News The new refueling mat protects general aviation aircraft from scratches and leaks while refueling. Read More read more
Kitfox pilot crashes during STOL practice
General Aviation News The pilot’s inability to maintain altitude after the airplane encountered a downdraft while he intentionally flew at a low altitude during a practice for a short takeoff and landing flight competition. Read More read more
Short Final: Job Hunting
AVweb I work at a TRACON with a busy satellite airport nearby. Over the years it’s gotten rather tedious to get asked for higher so often. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to remain low after departing that airport due to the surrounding flow of traffic. A specific King Air I got to recognize would check in: “Departure, King Air XXX, 3000 for 5000, looking for higher.” One day she checked in again “looking for higher” so I tried a different tactic other than trying to explain why I ... read more
Sustainable Aviation Fuel’s Success Could Depend On New Tax Codes
AVweb The fiscal future of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could depend on how the tax codes associated with crop-based biofuels are written. That was the message delivered at a recent SAF conference in Minneapolis by Todd Becker, CEO of ethanol-fuel manufacturer Green Plains Inc. According to a Bloomberg report, makers of crop-based biofuels are advocating for full tax credits under the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. Controversy over this move stems from ... read more
Seaplane Operator Increases Manhattan-Boston Service Offerings
AVweb Seaplane service between Manhattan and Boston Harbor has seen increased demand, leading Tailwind Air to expand its schedule. Beginning Sept. 12, Tailwind announced today, it will launch three flights in each direction per day on weekdays and institute daily service on Saturdays and Sundays. Tailwind uses Cessna Grand Caravans on amphibious floats. New York passengers board at the SkyPort terminal located at 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Manhattan. After takeoff from the East River, ... read more
Signature Unveils Updated Passenger Terminal At Boston-Area Hanscom Field
AVweb Signature Flight Support announced today, Sept. 5, it has officially opened its renovated facility at L.G. Hanscom Field Airport (KBED) in Bedford, Massachusetts. The upgraded facility includes a new 6,500-square-foot passenger terminal, an increase of 2,500 square feet compared with the previous building. Signature said it has also created a one-way airside loop at the upgraded FBO “to make aircraft boarding safer and more intuitive and simplified the landside arrival experience ... read more
FAA Advances On Controller-Pilot Datalink Availability
AVweb The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has announced that the FAA recently made permanent its plan to enable business aircraft operators to participate in enroute controller-pilot datalink communications (CPDLC). The announcement came just a month after NBAA and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) petitioned the FAA to act on the issue for the benefit of all appropriately equipped general aviation aircraft. CPDLC enables aircraft to communicate and ... read more
Airlines Push Back On ‘Skiplagging’ Ticket-Buying Strategy
AVweb Airlines are pushing back on the clever, but questionable, ticket-buying strategy known as “skiplagging.” Here’s how it works. If all flights from the departure airport to their particular destination are sold out—or just have a high price tag—passengers have been purchasing tickets for multi-leg flights that pass through their desired destination. They then “skip” the final leg of the ticketed flight and the seat goes empty. While not illegal, the practice can violate specific terms ... read more
Pilot, Parrot Head flock leader Jimmy Buffett mourned
AOPA General Aviation News Jimmy Buffett, the singer/songwriter who was well known in the aviation community for his love of seaplanes, died September 1, at his home in Sag Harbor on New York’s Long Island. He was 76. Read More read more
Aircraft Maintenance: Never jump-start a dead battery
AOPA General Aviation News The pilot arrived at the airport ready to fly home after having been away for the weekend seeing a child off to college. While performing the preflight, he noticed that the stall warning wasn’t sounding. The source of the problem was obvious as soon as he looked at the instrument panel: The master switch had been left on…for two full days. Read More read more
Commemorative Air Force Faces Lawsuit in Fatal Midair Collision
FLYING Magazine The family of Len Root, one of six people killed in the midair collision of a B-17G and a P-63F during the Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow last year, is suing the Commemorative Air Force, the organizers of the event, for negligence that allegedly caused the death of Root and five other men. The lawsuit was filed last week in Dallas County, Texas, on behalf of Angela Root, the wife of Len Root, and his daughters, Larisa Lichte, Kendra Hockaday, and Rebekah Lowery. Angela ... read more
Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems Acquires Fluid Power Inc.
FLYING Magazine O2 Aero Acquisitions, the parent company of Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems, said it has acquired Fluid Power Inc., a longtime manufacturer of aviation oxygen systems and related components for military use. Aerox said the addition broadens its line of aviation oxygen systems while expanding its global customer base. READ MORE: Aerox Offers Oxygen Solutions for Turboprops, Light Jets “Our acquisition of Fluid Power will create a balanced military and civil aviation product ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1947 Aeronca 11BC Chief
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1947 Aeronca 11BC Chief Flying an antique aircraft can be an enlightening, rewarding experience. A nicely restored example like this 1947 Aeronca Chief will attract attention and start conversations wherever you ... read more
Training and Safety Tip: Checkride check-up
AOPA General Aviation News One of the most exciting lines in a science fiction space shoot’em-up is spoken by one of the starship’s captains. Read More read more
Pilot, Parrot Head flock leader Jimmy Buffett mourned
AOPA General Aviation News Jimmy Buffett, the singer/songwriter who was well known in the aviation community for his love of seaplanes, died September 1, at his home in Sag Harbor on New York’s Long Island. He was 76. Read More read more
Temporary Equipment Outage Triggers United Ground Stop
FLYING Magazine United Airlines flights across the nation were delayed on Tuesday morning when the legacy carrier requested the FAA to pause departures nationwide because of a temporary equipment outage. The FAA confirmed the ground stop request in an email to FLYING. According to a media representative from United, the departure delays did not last very long as it “identified a fix for the technology issue” and were able to resume flights a short time later. “We’re working with impacted ... read more
Training and Safety Tip: Checkride check-up
AOPA General Aviation News One of the most exciting lines in a science fiction space shoot’em-up is spoken by one of the starship’s captains. Read More read more
Bristow Group Secures Early Deliveries of 5 Elroy Air Chaparral Cargo Drones
FLYING Magazine Houston-based Bristow Group, which got its start as an international operator of helicopters but now bills itself as a vertical flight solutions provider, is looking to speed up the introduction of new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft to its fleet. Bristow on Tuesday announced it placed deposits for early deliveries of five Elroy Air Chaparral VTOL cargo drones, part of the company’s letter of intent to preorder 100 Chaparral systems in July 2022. The move ... read more
A checkered past does not preclude a bright future
General Aviation News There was a period in my career when I spent time restoring warbirds. I learned a valuable lesson during that phase of life: Anything can be repaired if you’ve got enough money and time. Anything. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: The importance of aviation to firefighting
General Aviation News Penny Hamilton submitted this photo and note: "This Chinook helicopter, along with several others, deployed to Granby-Grand County Airport/Emily Warner Field (KGNB) in Colorado, to fight the Indian Peaks Wilderness Wildfire in a heavily-wooded, rugged area seven miles northeast of the popular summer tourist area in Fraser, Colorado. This heavy-lift helicopter is based in Yellowstone, Montana. The crew is headed to refuel before lifting off again." Read More read more
There’s Risk in Failing to Brief Your Passengers Before Flight
FLYING Magazine One of the first definitions a fledgling aviator learns is that of pilot in command (PIC). The PIC is the person who: has final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight; has been designated as pilot in command before or during the flight; and holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight. Authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight means you’re the one ... read more
Two Maine backcountry airfields reopen
General Aviation News Officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) have completed a lease agreement that re-opens two airfields in Maine for public use: Ragmuff Airport (ME26) in Piscataquis County and Estcourt Airport in Aroostook County. Read More read more
The Unconventional, Bizarre Bell Airacuda
FLYING Magazine Larry Bell, founder of the Bell Aircraft Corp., now known as Bell Helicopter, entered the aircraft manufacturing industry with a unique bang. After dropping out of high school in 1912, Bell worked for various aircraft companies, including Martin and Consolidated, before starting his own company in 1935. Rather than beginning with a conservative, basic aircraft type, he opted to respond to a military contract by proposing one that was so unconventional it bordered on ... read more
6,000 Dream Flights and counting…
General Aviation News Dream Flights, a non-profit organization that travels the country offering free rides to veterans in Stearmans, recently celebrated its 6,000th flight. The milestone Dream Flight was given to Don Muncy, a 100-year-old Navy veteran airman who served in World War II and Korea, in late July 2023. Read More read more
Pilot Killed In Gender Reveal Stunt
FLYING Magazine Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on AVweb.com. The pilot of a Piper Pawnee was killed Saturday, Sept. 2, when the aircraft broke up during a sharp pull up for a gender reveal stunt in Sinaloa, Mexico. Video of the crash shows the aircraft approaching the expectant couple spraying pink powder or fluid, signifying the birth of a girl. When the aircraft pulls out of a shallow dive overhead, the left wing folds into the fuselage and the airplane rolls into a ... read more
Congressional leaders to be honored by National Aviation Hall of Fame
General Aviation News The new Congressional Leadership Award "pays homage to exceptional American leaders whose dedicated public service has bolstered the nation's strength and significantly propelled advancements in aviation and aerospace," according to NAHF officials. Read More read more
Lake engine catches on fire
General Aviation News Lake pilot recommends AD after engine stops in flight. Read More read more
EASA Proposes New Rules For VTOL Aircraft
AVweb The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has released an official opinion proposing new rules for the operation of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The proposal includes regulations governing operations, flight crew licensing, rules of the air and air traffic management for crewed, VTOL-capable air taxis. It also looks to establish criteria and processes for the certification and maintenance of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/drones). “I am happy to release this ... read more
SpaceX Crew-6 Mission Returns To Earth
AVweb The NASA-SpaceX Crew-6 mission made a safe return to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday, splashing down off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg, United Arab Emirates astronaut Sultan Alneyadi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev spent 186 days in space for Crew-6. The mission was the sixth ISS crew rotation for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “After spending six months aboard the International Space Station, ... read more
Textron Aviation Distribution Center Construction On Track
AVweb Textron Aviation has announced that its 180,000-square-foot parts distribution center expansion is on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. Located at the company’s site in Wichita, Kansas, the facility houses more than 120,000 parts for Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft. The expansion will include additional parts storage, warehouse space, offices and room for customer support analysts. “Progress continues on schedule for Textron Aviation’s parts and distribution ... read more
Aithre AVI Built-in 02: Blanket Approval
AVweb A deterrent for using supplemental oxygen—especially in tight cabins—is having to deal with the hardware, including the bottle and oxygen lines strung every which way. Aithre, which has been cranking out decent portable solutions, has developed a hard-mounted system called the AVI C. I took a look at the system at AirVenture 2022 where it was installed in Aithre founder Jim Ruttler’s Van’s RV-10. Approval, Integration That’s the key to the AVI C—streamlining the installation of the ... read more
Accident Probe: Exceeding Capabilities
AVweb One of the truisms in aviation is that there’s weather no airplane should tackle. The addendum is that if you want to go shoot approaches in your Cessna 150 through relatively benign IMC, there’s probably not that much that can go wrong. But even a 747 likely won’t tolerate extreme icing. And we all (should) know that a strong microburst at the wrong time and place can bring down anything. The moral here is that there always will be conditions we should avoid or wait out for ... read more
Picture of the Day: Hot and dry
General Aviation News Chris Souchon submitted this photo and note: "The Macha Mission airstrip in Zambia with our Navajo surrounded by curious school children." Read More read more
New Fly-In Rentals Offer Open Door to Canada’s Napa Valley
FLYING Magazine A new fly-in accommodation in southern British Columbia, Canada, promises to use the local airport as a gateway to some of the region’s many local attractions. Teresa Simpson, a representative for Freedom 17 Investments Ltd.’s Airway Flats, said the development’s two short-term rentals are a draw for aviators who want a convenient reason to explore ‘Canada’s Napa Valley.’ “As a pilot, you’ve likely explored the skies and seen some incredible destinations from above. But ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 1979 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1979 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota This handsome, roomy, low-wing four-seater arguably is the ultimate evolution of Piper’s PA-28 series that went on sale in 1961. Its 235 hp six-cylinder engine is a major upgrade from the ... read more
Japanese seaplanes and the second bombing of Pearl Harbor
General Aviation News Underwing carriage of torpedoes, bombs, or depth charges made the Kawanishi H8K1 and H8K2 lethal sub and shipping hunters. But their debut as land bombers the night of March 4, 1942, proved inauspicious when cloud cover obscured the prized target of Honolulu. The largely unheralded second attack by the Japanese on Oahu was a bust. Read More read more
Is there a better way to get medical documents to the FAA?
General Aviation News In the latest episode of the Pilot Minute, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, explains how pilots can make it easier to get documents to the FAA by bringing them with you to your AME appointment. Take a little bit more than a minute to watch the video — it might save you some time and headaches. Read More read more
New prop certified for Piper Turbo Arrows
General Aviation News The MT-Propeller STC is for Piper PA-28R(T)-201T Turbo Arrows III and IV, powered by Continental TSIO-360-F or TSIO-360-FB engines. Read More read more
Zenith set for annual Homecoming
General Aviation News The fly-in includes two full days of activities, including educational seminars and workshops, an aircraft show, contests, social activities, a BBQ banquet dinner on Friday evening, and a fried-chicken dinner with awards presentations on Saturday. Read More read more
Experimental ends up in powerlines due to fuel starvation
General Aviation News The pilot’s inadequate fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power on approach due to fuel starvation. Read More read more
Paul Dye: What It Was Like to Bring the Shuttle Home From Orbit
AVweb Former NASA Senior Flight Director Paul Dye describes the Space Shuttle as the most amazing winged aircraft ever built. Who could argue the point? In this in-depth video review, Dye explains what it was like to bring the Shuttle home from orbit after a multi-day mission. Don’t forget, the Shuttle was the largest glider ever built and one capable of flying at Mach 25. Paul Dye is also Editor at Large for our sister publication, KITPLANES, and has built a number of aircraft. The post ... read more
Picture of the Day: Midwest majesty
General Aviation News Jim Roberts submitted this photo with a note: "Sunset illuminates building cumulus clouds during the 2019 Antique Airplane Association annual fly-in at Blakesburg, Iowa." Read More read more
Burning Man Airport Closed, Number Of Stranded Aircraft Unclear
AVweb An unknown number of aircraft are stranded at Black Rock City Airport (NV88), the pop-up desert strip that serves the massive Burning Man event in Nevada. The airport, a 6,000-foot strip on the playa a few miles from the main event, was closed late Friday when a major rainfall turned it and the festival into a sea of mud. About 73,000 people have been told to shelter in place as more rain is expected. There are typically dozens of private aircraft at the facility, which boasts a ... read more
Pilot Killed In Gender Reveal Stunt
AVweb The pilot of a Piper Pawnee was killed Saturday, Sept. 2, when the aircraft broke up during a sharp pull up for a gender reveal stunt in Sinaloa, Mexico. Video of the crash shows the aircraft approaching the expectant couple spraying pink powder or fluid, signifying the birth of a girl. When the aircraft pulls out of a shallow dive overhead, the left wing folds into the fuselage and the airplane rolls into a crash beyond the couple’s party site. News outlets reported that the ... read more
Ask Paul: My engine sounds like it has an exhaust leak
General Aviation News A reader has two questions for Paul McBride, the General Aviation News engines expert, about the Lycoming O-235-C1B engine in an amateur-built Wag-Areo Cub. Read More read more
Counterfeit Engine Parts Scheme Uncovered
AVweb The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is warning manufacturers and operators of aircraft powered by the most numerous jet engine of a counterfeit parts scheme. EASA says it has determined U.K. parts distributor AOG Technics forged at least 70 Authorised Release Certificates covering about 50 parts for CFM56 engines that power the Boeing 737NG, Airbus A320 and several other types. About 30,000 of the engines are in service. The FAA has not yet issued any comment on the ... read more
GA Booster Jimmy Buffett Dies
AVweb Avid pilot and GA booster Jimmy Buffett died Friday of undisclosed causes at the age of 76. At the time of his death, Buffett owned six aircraft, none more iconic than the Grumman Albatross Hemisphere Dancer that he retired in 2003 and is now on static display at Margaritaville in Orlando. His five active aircraft included a Grumman Goose, a Stearman, Cessna Caravan, Pilatus PC-12 and a Falcon 900EX. Buffett came relatively late to aviation, despite being bit by the bug in college ... read more
Musician and Pilot Jimmy Buffett Flies West
FLYING Magazine Most of the world who sang along with him at concerts knew Jimmy Buffett as a sailor. But those who fly knew him as a fellow pilot who loved the sky almost as much as he loved his Mother Ocean. James William Buffett died on the evening of September 1, surrounded by “family, friends, music, and dogs,” according to a statement released on social media on Saturday. He left behind his wife Jane, two daughters, and one son—and a comprehensive catalog of songs, books, and ... read more
Top Letters And Comments, September 1, 2023
AVweb FAA Concerned Lightning Could Cause 777 Explosions It is quite a challenge to try and put this sort of problem in proper perspective for the “Monday Morning cockpit crowd” without sounding callous. Actually, airline maintenance personnel perform dozens of tasks on a repetitive basis, similar to tasks associated with this fastener, to “inspect and correct” conditions that otherwise would threaten safe operation. A problem does not rise to the level of an AD if it does not present a ... read more
Ignite Flight Academy Expands Their one-G Simulation AATD Fleet
AVweb Seattle, WA (9/1/23) – Ignite Flight Academy, a leading aviation training facility based in Lincoln, Nebraska, is expanding their one-G Advanced Aviation Training Device fleet with the acquisition of an additional one-G Foundation 1G-650 AATD. Ignite Flight Academy incorporates the Foundation into their current Part 141 and Part 61 Professional Pilot Program, requiring that learners utilize the devices during their entire progression through each FAA certificate and rating. The one-G ... read more
Fashion takes to the runway
General Aviation News The Museum of Flight in Seattle is partnering with Fashion District NW for Fashion in Flight, "a red carpet event showcasing the most distinctive designers from around the Northwest," according to museum officials. Read More read more
Volunteers work to improve 100-year-old grass airstrip
General Aviation News A group of 25 volunteers gathered in late July 2023 to make improvements to Waterbury Airport (N41) in Connecticut, according to officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF). Read More read more
EASA Charts Future of Drone, AAM Industry With Proposed Framework
FLYING Magazine The FAA made a big splash when it unveiled its Innovate28 plan for advanced air mobility (AAM) operations with electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at scale by 2028. But while Innovate28 is just that—a plan—the agency’s friend across the Atlantic is already proposing hard requirements for AAM certification, operations, and maintenance. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Thursday shared its final opinion on rules and regulations for eVTOL ... read more
Today’s Top Aircraft For Sale Pick: 2006 Cirrus SR22 G2
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other attractive qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 2006 Cirrus SR22 G2 The sleek, teardrop shape of this Cirrus SR22 marks it as a modern pioneer in general aviation design and technology. Its airframe is so aerodynamically efficient that there is no need to retract ... read more
NTSB Releases New Details in Fatal DHC-3 Accident that Killed 10
FLYING Magazine Nearly a year ago, a de Havilland DHC-3 Turbine Otter airplane went down in Mutiny Bay near Freeland, Washington, killing all 10 on board. Friday the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened the public docket for its ongoing investigation into the Sept. 4, 2022 accident. The aircraft was registered to Northwest Seaplanes, a Part 135 operation. The aircraft was on a flight between Friday Harbor Seaplane Base (W33) and Renton Municipal Airport (KRNT) at the time ... read more
Channel James Bond, Fly the World’s Smallest Jet
FLYING Magazine For this session in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, I’m flying the Bede BD-5J, the world’s smallest jet, famous for being flown by Roger Moore as James Bond in Octopussy. The BD-5J is very popular at airshows, so I’m flying it today out of Oshkosh (Whitman Regional Airport, KOSH) in Wisconsin. Image courtesy of Patrick Chovanec The BD-5 was designed in the late 1960s by Jim Bede, an ambitious thinker remembered (when he died in 2019) as someone who “made lots of promises, ... read more
Marine Corps Issues Service-Wide Safety Review
FLYING Magazine In the wake of two fatal air crashes in as many days this week, the top Marine Corps commander has called for “a thorough and harsh review” of processes in a service-wide safety review. On August 25, an F/A-18 Hornet pilot was killed when the fighter crashed during a training exercise near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar shortly before midnight. Three Marines were killed and 20 injured two days later when an MV-22B Osprey went down during a training exercise on a remote ... read more
A Seat To Jump For
FLYING Magazine Three months ago, I wrote a V1 Rotate primer to the wild and wonderful world of non-revenue travel, a benefit that all U.S. Part 121 passenger airlines and many freight carriers offer their employees, including pilots. This week, we’re going to talk about another form of travel benefit that is specific to pilots and is offered by every Part 121 carrier and some Part 135 operators. Jumpseat privileges are typically available mere days after receiving your employee badge, ... read more
Warm weather IFR planning with ForeFlight
General Aviation News “Warm Weather IFR Planning with ForeFlight offers insightful tips to help identify weather that could interrupt our flight by looking at various tools readily available during the planning process,” said ASI Senior Director Paul Deres. “For example, selecting the IFR flight category overlay in ForeFlight gives us a birds-eye view of current weather across the region and helps us anticipate conditions we can expect for our flight.” Read More read more
Knee replacement surgery contributes to crash
General Aviation News The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff and initial climb. Contributing was the pilot’s physical limitation which caused an inadvertent application of left rudder. Read More read more
Sometimes It Takes An Axe To Get Noticed
AVweb By now we’ve all seen the video of the airline pilot beating the snot out of a rubbery airport parking lot gate with an axe. If you haven’t seen it, you probably have a real job. But once seen, it’s difficult to unsee this medieval quest for chivalric justice unravel on the marge of the modern aero community. Although cataloging that parking lot justice remains a bit vague, one should never let a lack of insight stymie a vision quest. Let’s review one fact, which is about all I can ... read more
Vertical Aerospace Cites Propeller Fault In eVTOL Flight Test Accident
AVweb Vertical Aerospace has identified a propeller issue as the most likely cause of an Aug. 9 flight testing accident involving its VX4 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype. According to the company, “an unexpected fault occurred causing the aircraft to enter a stable descent, before being damaged on impact with the ground.” Vertical reported that the propeller in use was an early generation model that had “already been redesigned prior to the incident.” “We are ... read more
Glenn Research Center To Host NASA Aviation Day
AVweb NASA’s Glenn Research Center is holding a one-day event next month designed to showcase several of the agency’s current aviation-related projects. Part of the 2023 Energy & Mobility Conference and Expo, NASA Aviation Day will feature the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QuessT) mission, electric aircraft propulsion and “new ways to move people and cargo using advanced aircraft systems.” NASA noted that Glenn Technology Transfer Program representatives will also be on hand to ... read more
Romania To Get F-16 Training Center
AVweb Lockheed Martin and the governments of Romania and the Netherlands have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to establish an F-16 pilot training center in Romania. The center will be located at Romania’s 86th “Lieutenant Aviator Gheorghe Mociorniță” Air Base in Borcea, Călărași County. The project is expected to focus on the effectiveness and safety of Romanian F-16 pilots but could expand to include training pilots of other nations. “Not only does this project underline Romania’s ... read more
Bombardier Launches Global Biz Jet Avionics Upgrade
AVweb Bombardier introduced a new advanced avionics upgrade (AAU) for aircraft equipped with its Rockwell Collins Pro Line Fusion-based Vision flight deck on Wednesday. The AAU software update allows installation of Bombardier’s combined vision system (CVS), which integrates features from the company’s synthetic vision system (SVS) and enhanced vision system (EVS) into one view. The upgrade is available for in-service Vision-equipped Global 5000, 6000, 5500 and 6500 business jets. “The new ... read more
Getting It Wet
AVweb Congrats on your new instrument rating! You’ve spent a lot of time, money and energy accomplishing something only a very small portion of the overall population ever will. With your well-earned privilege comes great responsibility and flexibility in your flying, and possibly a rung in the ladder to some additional certificates. The thing is, though—perhaps more so than even the private certificate—the instrument rating pretty much nails the common definition of being a “license to ... read more
Some Good News from Ukraine
Plane & Pilot Magazine We are awash in bad news from Ukraine. Amazingly, it’s not all bad. While heads of state send troops into harm’s way, most of a nation’s … Read More "Some Good News from Ukraine" The post Some Good News from Ukraine appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Help make flight training better for all
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA is seeking feedback from pilots currently or recently engaged in flight training. Read More read more
Bombardier Unveils Advanced Avionics Upgrade for Global Series Jets
FLYING Magazine Bombardier introduced its Advanced Avionics Upgrade, or AAU, for the Bombardier Vision flight deck installed in Global 5000s, 5500s, 6000s, and 6500s that are currently in service. The company said the AAU is designed to enhance in-service Global models with avionics features available on newer Global 5500 and 6500 jets now in production. The new AAU software allows installation of Bombardier’s Combined Vision System, which brings together features of the synthetic vision ... read more
Our Drones Will Blot Out the Sun
FLYING Magazine Hello, and welcome to the Future of FLYING newsletter, our weekly look at the biggest stories in emerging aviation technology. From low-altitude drones to high-flying rockets at the edge of the atmosphere, we’ll take you on a tour of the modern flying world to help you make sense of it all. Now for this week’s top story: Department of Defense Wants More Drones—Lots More (Courtesy: Air Force Technical Sergeant Jack Sanders) What happened? U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense ... read more
Help make flight training better for all
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA is seeking feedback from pilots currently or recently engaged in flight training. Read More read more
Today’s Top AircraftForSale Pick: 1991 Cessna 550 Citation II
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1991 Cessna 550 Citation II When pilots are ready to take a big step up from piston powered aircraft they often turn their attention to turboprops, but there are a lot of jet options worth considering, too, like ... read more
Trig Avionics gains FAA STC
AOPA General Aviation News Trig Avionics announced the availability of an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for its TX56 and TX57 nav/com models. Read More read more
NTSB Cites Weather, Terrain as Possible Factors in Denali Accident
FLYING Magazine The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the preliminary report into a fatal accident earlier this month involving a Piper PA-18-150 (Super Cub) in steep terrain 60 miles northwest of Skwentna, Alaska. Both the pilot and passenger were killed. On August 6, the pilot and two sheep hunters departed from the Big Lake Airport (PAGQ), Big Lake, Alaska, in a Cessna 206 to scout the Dillinger River area for a possible hunting location and a suitable landing ... read more
Hypoxia demonstration an eye-opener for GA pilots at Oshkosh
General Aviation News General aviation pilots at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 volunteered to sustain oxygen deprivation, turn blue, and emulate barely-sentient zombies in the interest of flight safety — their own flight safety. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Sunset high and low wings
General Aviation News Matthew Baker submitted this photo and note: "Took this of a 172 and Piper Archer from our flight school at Bartow Flying Service at Bartow Executive Airport (KBOW) in Florida. After a pretty good rain and thunderstorm, the sky made for a beautiful scene.". Read More read more
FAA Targets Ground Crew Safety
FLYING Magazine The FAA is taking a closer look at preventing injuries to ground personnel at airports, releasing a Safety Alert for Operators aimed at making ground operations safer. According to the FAA, the safety alert was prompted by recent injuries and fatalities that occurred during aircraft towing or ground handling operations. In one event, a wing walker was run over by an aircraft’s main landing gear wheels when attempting to remove the main landing gear safety pins while the ... read more
‘Light Sport’ Fly-By-Wire Helicopter Unveiled
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on AVweb.com. A California partnership says its fly-by-wire two-seat helicopter can be flown away by anyone with $188,000, a driver’s license, medical and 30 hours of training as soon as the new MOSAIC regs come into effect. Advance Tactics and RotorX say the ATRX-700 will be easy to fly thanks to the computer on the other end of the controls, and it will carry 650 pounds 300 miles at 100 MPH. READ MORE: FAA’s MOSAIC Preview ... read more
Weather Wonders of X-Plane 12
FLYING Magazine Since writing about the world of home flight simulators for FLYING, I have largely focused on the “new” Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020). There are many reasons for this as this latest entry into the most famous flight sim of all time looks and feels incredible. The visuals are certainly the stuff imaginations are made of, especially for those of us over 40 who began our sim careers flying a Cessna 182RG where advanced scenery was a few sticks and lines to look ... read more
Vertical Aerospace Shares Details on eVTOL Crash, Gears Up for Crewed Testing
FLYING Magazine Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, awaiting the green light for entry into service, are going through the wringer of flight testing globally in the name of safety. So, on the rare occasion when one crashes, there will be some questions—and an ensuing investigation depending on where the accident occurred. Vertical Aerospace, whose VX4 preproduction prototype eVTOL air taxi crashed during uncrewed testing last month, has some answers. The U.K.-based ... read more
PlaneFest includes Young Eagles, Orville Wright birthday celebration
General Aviation News During the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire's recent PlaneFest! celebration at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (KMHT), 37 Young Eagles took flight, many for the first time. Read More read more
TRIG Avionics gains FAA STC
AOPA General Aviation News Trig Avionics announced the availability of an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for its TX56 and TX57 nav/com models. Read More read more
New video analyzes Cherokee Lance crash
General Aviation News The new video from the AOPA's Air Safety Institute, "High Aspirations," recreates the events that led a Piper PA 32 Cherokee Lance to crash only minutes after takeoff from South Valley Regional Airport (U42). Read More read more
Museum of Flight artist-in-residence creates sculptures with aircraft structures
General Aviation News Salmon’s artwork blends aircraft structures with traditional woodcraft techniques that have been used in England and the Northeast, according to museum officials. Read More read more
Jet Wash To Charge Airport Vehicles
AVweb A Texas airport says it will use the power wasted when a jet takes off to charge its fleet of electric service vehicles. Dallas Love Field is helping test turbines made by JetWind Power to capture some of the energy of the jet wash created by jet engines. “This sustainable technology will transform the transportation and energy industries, not just aviation,” said Dr. T. O. Souryal, founder of JetWind Power Corporation. “I’m excited to see what started as a simple concept on an ... read more
‘Light Sport’ Fly-By-Wire Helicopter Unveiled
AVweb A California partnership says its fly-by-wire two-seat helicopter can be flown away by anyone with $188,000, a driver’s license medical and 30 hours of training as soon as the new MOSAIC regs come into effect. Advance Tactics and RotorX say the ATRX-700 will be easy to fly thanks to the computer on the other end of the controls, and it will carry 650 pounds 300 miles at 100 MPH. The new Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification has added eVTOLs and helicopters under a new ... read more
Poll: Is the FAA Right to Investigate Pilots Also Receiving VA Disability Benefits?
AVweb Poll: Is the FAA Right to Investigate Pilots Also Receiving VA Disability Benefits? Poll: Is the FAA Right to Investigate Pilots Also Receiving VA Disability Benefits? Yes, they could represent a safety risk. No, it’s just bureaucratic overreach. Maybe not a safety risk, but if they’re employed, where’s the disability? Other Δ The post Poll: Is the FAA Right to Investigate Pilots Also Receiving VA Disability Benefits? appeared ... read more
Close call between 182 and military fighters
General Aviation News Not long after our turn, we immediately saw two Hornet fighters blasting heads-on towards us on the left. Read More read more
Picture Of The Week, August 30, 2023
AVweb 1 of 5 Shot on 7/24 at Oshkosh '23 with a rented Sony RX-10iv at 200mm, ISO125, f/4 @1/1600. Photo by Gary Austen. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Generation Gap Copyrighted photo by Edward Ruebling. Lake Hood Sea Plane Base, Alaska Susan Dacy in her Super Stearman 'Big Red' performing at EAA Airventure, July ... read more
Parachute Group Opposes Extra Maintenance, Training Proposal
AVweb The U.S. Parachute Association says a bill included in the Senate’s version of the next FAA Reauthorization will create needless expense and red tape for the industry. USPA Executive Director Albert Berchtold told AVweb in an interview that the Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Improvement Act of 2023 sponsored by Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz will burden jump zone operators without improving safety. “It will create redundant regulation that doesn’t solve the problem,” said Berchtold. Under ... read more
FAA Concerned Lightning Could Cause 777 Explosions
AVweb The FAA has issued an update to an AD on hundreds of Boeing 777s because it’s concerned they might explode if struck by lightning. The AD was issued this week to update earlier action to address cracks in wing chords. When it reviewed the wing problems, the agency discovered that there were errors in the AD relating to the replacement of cap seals on fasteners in a section of the wing that penetrates the center fuel tank. “If these seals are not replaced properly, and the associated ... read more
A show of strength
AOPA General Aviation News The determination of local pilots kept a Wisconsin airport from closing its doors—although they were given less than a week’s notice to mobilize support before a crucial council vote. Read More read more
Aircraft deliveries ‘strong’ in first half of 2023
AOPA General Aviation News Airframers reported steady sales across all categories in the first half of 2023, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association used the occasion of the latest data release to call for Congress to reauthorize the FAA and confirm a permanent administrator. Read More read more
Today’s Top AircraftForSale Pick: 1953 Cessna 195 Businessliner
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1953 Cessna 195 Businessliner When shopping for an aircraft, pilots often look for models that have a broad appeal and “check a lot of boxes.” Perhaps you want something fairly fast that can carry your family and ... read more
Garmin Receives STC for Beechcraft King Air Autopilot
FLYING Magazine Garmin has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) for the GFC 600 digital autopilot for Beechcraft King Air F90 twin turboprops. According to Garmin, the GFC 600 can reduce pilot workload by offering new operational capabilities such as vertical navigation, automatic course deviation indicator (CDI) switching—when paired with a GTN Series navigator—plus enhanced go-around capabilities, including missed approach sequencing. The autopilot controller incorporates ... read more
‘Thunderbird’ Is the Most Famous P-51 You’ve Never Seen
FLYING Magazine It is often said you do not actually own an airplane, you are merely its caretaker for a given amount of time. This is especially true of older aircraft, the so-called vintage machines that come into your life as a pile of parts and are slowly and painstakingly restored to their former glory. The P-51C known as Thunderbird is one of these airplanes. Thunderbird made its EAA AirVenture debut this year, following a 24-year restoration. Warren Pietsch took ownership of it ... read more
Aircraft deliveries ‘strong’ in first half of 2023
AOPA General Aviation News Airframers reported steady sales across all categories in the first half of 2023, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association used the occasion of the latest data release to call for Congress to reauthorize the FAA and confirm a permanent administrator. Read More read more
Affordable Aviation News of the Week
Plane & Pilot Magazine When EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, ends, you can almost hear a national sigh as if to denote the flying season is over. EAA’s magnificent … Read More "Affordable Aviation News of the Week" The post Affordable Aviation News of the Week appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Whirly-Girls Accepting Applications for Helicopter Training Scholarship
FLYING Magazine Attention all aspiring female helicopter aviators: The 2024 Whirly Girls International scholarship season has begun. Members are invited to apply for more than $500,000 of helicopter training and educational scholarships made possible by the Whirly-Girls Scholarship Fund. The awards are funded by donations from private individuals and industry leaders, including Airbus, Bell Helicopter, Robinson Helicopter Co., CAE, FlightSafety International, and Garmin. READ MORE: ... read more
Banner Towplanes Over Miami Beach Will Soon Be Replaced by Drones
FLYING Magazine For pilots, they’re a convenient way to accrue flight time—for beachgoers, they’re a nuisance. But whatever you think of the banner-towing airplanes carrying fluttering advertisements over U.S. oceans, they’ve got competition. Miami-based aerial advertising company Sustainable Skylines recently announced it has obtained FAA permission to launch a commercial banner-towing operation. But rather than airplanes, remotely piloted drones will tow the banners. The approval, an ... read more
Picture of the Day: It’s raining
General Aviation News Amirhossein Shirazian submitted this photo and note: "After takeoff it started to rain so we came back and landed at Payam International Airport (OIIP) in Iran." Read More read more
Video: Gowen Thunder
General Aviation News Of Wings & Things columnist Frederick A. Johnsen, who is also the force behind the Airailimages YouTube channel, sent in this video he shot at Gowen Thunder, an air show held Aug. 26-27, 2023, in Boise, Idaho. Read More read more
The oldest aircraft flown in to Oshkosh 2023
General Aviation News The oldest plane to fly in to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 was this freshly restored 1926 Waco 9, which won the Golden Age (1918-1927) Champion — Bronze Lindy Award. Read More read more
A show of strength
AOPA General Aviation News The determination of local pilots kept a Wisconsin airport from closing its doors—although they were given less than a week’s notice to mobilize support before a crucial council vote. Read More read more
FAA Assigns Boulter To Permanent Safety Position
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on AVweb.com. On Monday (Aug. 28) the FAA announced it was naming David Boulter, currently serving as acting head of aviation safety, to the permanent position of associate administrator for aviation safety. Boulter, a pilot, is a longtime FAA official and “is well qualified to carry on the important work of protecting the traveling public as we continue the FAA’s mission to make the world’s safest form of travel even safer,” ... read more
Why Are Some Airport Buildings Painted in a Checkerboard Pattern?
FLYING Magazine Question: Why are some buildings at airports painted in a checkerboard pattern and others in solid colors? Answer: The short answer is that the FAA has determined that some structures need to be more visible than others during daylight hours. READ MORE: How Many Hours in What Aircraft Are Needed Before Commercial Check Ride? According to Advisory Circular (AC) 70/7460-1L, “recommendations on marking structures can vary, depending on terrain features, weather patterns, ... read more
Sizing Up Your New Aircraft
FLYING Magazine When evaluating the many concerns involved with selecting an aircraft type to purchase, most people cover all the bases. Engine time and health, hangar availability, insurance cost, training requirements, and similar issues generally play a part in the decision—and for good reason. They’re all important elements that can significantly affect the ownership experience. One aspect that few people take into consideration—early in the process, anyway—is ergonomics. This is ... read more
Aircraft sales continue upward climb
General Aviation News Aircraft deliveries across all segments increased during the first six months of 2023, according to the latest figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Even better, the overall value of aircraft shipments also increased. Read More read more
Aviator Assistant EFB now includes ASA’s 2024 FAR/AIM
General Aviation News "Our collaboration with ASA marks a significant milestone," said CEO Daniel Curtis. "By including the 2024 edition of the FAR/AIM in every subscription to our EFB, we're taking safety and education in aviation to the next level." Read More read more
Pilot loses control while trying to land in high density altitude conditions
General Aviation News The pilot’s loss of control during landing in high density altitude conditions. Read More read more
FLYING Media Group Launches Internship Opportunities
AVweb The world of aviation is vast, and FLYING Media Group (FMG) is all about diving deep into its many areas. This year, FMG introduces a new set of internship programs, offering hands-on training and exposure for individuals passionate about aviation. Every selected intern can look forward to: A rewarding nine-month internship, dedicating 20 hours each week to hone their skills. Earning a competitive wage of $15 per hour, a testament to the unparalleled learning and growth ... read more
Short Final: Destination Direct
AVweb Tooling along from Florida to Massachusetts one sunny afternoon, apparently ATC had some sort of computer hiccup. Atlanta Center: “American 123, Atlanta Center; our system is having some problems, can you confirm your route?” American 123: “ABC VOR, XYZ intersection, so-and-so arrival.” Atlanta Center: “Thanks.” Unidentified Voice: “A Delta pilot would’ve responded, ‘Destination direct.’” Multiple double clicks were heard on the radio. Charlie TillettWayland, Massachusetts The post ... read more
GAMA Announces Across-the-Board Increases In GA Deliveries, Billings
AVweb The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released its Second Quarter (Q2) 2023 Shipment and Billing Report, and the results are looking good for the industry. Over the first half of the year, deliveries increased along all segments, with an overall increase in value for shipments so far this year. And the pace seems to be accelerating. Compared with Q1 of 2023, Q2 recorded a 11.4 percent increase in piston-aircraft sales (713 units), while turboprops were up by 17.4 ... read more
FAA Assigns Boulter To Permanent Safety Position
AVweb On Monday (Aug. 28) the FAA announced it was naming David Boulter, currently serving as acting head of aviation safety, to the permanent position of associate administrator for aviation safety. Boulter, a pilot, is a longtime FAA official and “is well qualified to carry on the important work of protecting the traveling public as we continue the FAA’s mission to make the world’s safest form of travel even safer,” according to an agency statement. The appointment comes at a time when ... read more
American Airlines Hit With $4 Million In Fines Over Stranded Passengers
AVweb The U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) has hit American Airlines (AAL) with a $4 million fine for incidents involving keeping passengers waiting in its aircraft for three hours or more. The fine is the highest assessed to a domestic airline for violations of the relevant regulations. Three hours is the maximum time allowable under DoT rules for passengers to be kept waiting while onboard an aircraft before takeoff. According to a DoT investigation report, American “kept dozens ... read more
Training and Safety Tip: Heat saps power
AOPA General Aviation News It was a beautiful April morning at the Scottsdale, Arizona, airport when a young Cessna 152 renter pilot entered the office of the chief flight instructor to report a problem. Read More read more
The weather is changing
AOPA General Aviation News In 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aviation Weather Center (AWC) website—AviationWeather.gov—averaged 130 million hits per day, which makes it arguably a very popular tool. The website has gained a following among aviators and meteorologists because it allows for a virtual review of any current or forecast weather condition in the United States. It is about to get an upgrade. Read More read more
uAvionix, Choctaw Nation Complete First BVLOS C-Band Drone Flights
FLYING Magazine One of America’s oldest communities may be testing the newest mainstay in U.S. drone operations. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) and partner uAvionix, which provides avionics and services for the general aviation, defense, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industries, on Tuesday announced they had completed the nation’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights using aviation-protected C-Band radio. That’s a big deal, because the Federal Communications ... read more
The weather is changing
AOPA General Aviation News In 2018, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aviation Weather Center (AWC) website—AviationWeather.gov—averaged 130 million hits per day, which makes it arguably a very popular tool. The website has gained a following among aviators and meteorologists because it allows for a virtual review of any current or forecast weather condition in the United States. It is about to get an upgrade. Read More read more
GA Rides Tide of Steady Orders, Improving Supply Chain
FLYING Magazine The general aviation market rode through the second quarter of 2023 on a tide of consistent orders, with the clear relaxation of supply chain constraints adding to a nice bump in the numbers over Q1 and Q2 a year ago. The net gain through the first half of 2023 puts the industry on even footing for measured growth year over year. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the figures Tuesday in its Second Quarter Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report, ... read more
Math 101 for Pilots
FLYING Magazine Full disclosure: I never enjoyed math class. Especially story problems. They seemed cruel and unusual punishment. My attitude changed when I became a pilot, learned how to use a mechanical E6B and the performance charts in the pilot operating handbook (POH), and learned to fly instruments using the power-performance concept. These were practical applications of story problems. Since you can’t or shouldn’t have your head buried in a calculator when you are flying, it ... read more
‘Small, Smart, Cheap, and Many’: DOD to Build Up Thousands of Autonomous Systems
FLYING Magazine The U.S. Department of Defense wants to make one thing clear: Our drones will blot out the sun. Feeling threatened by China’s buildup of military might, DOD officials hope to gain the upper hand by producing “multiple thousands” of cheap, autonomous drones and other systems, the department said Monday. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, speaking at the National Defense Industrial Association’s Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference in Washington, D.C., ... read more
Picture of the Day: Flying in Indiana
General Aviation News Michael E. Finney submitted this photo and note: "My wife, Sherry, took this photo of my plans-built Cub. I fly from our home airport, Finney's Airpark (II77), near Albany, Indiana." Read More read more
Flights Scrapped as Florida Braces for Hurricane Idalia
FLYING Magazine Hundreds of flights in and out of Florida have been canceled as the Sunshine State prepares for Hurricane Idalia to make landfall Wednesday. On Tuesday morning, the storm was gaining strength as it moved over the state’s Gulf coast. It was expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm. “On the forecast track, the center of Idalia is forecast to move over the eastern Gulf of Mexico [Tuesday], reach the Gulf coast of Florida within the Hurricane warning area on Wednesday, ... read more
Investigation Underway after Rescue Helicopter Crash in Florida
FLYING Magazine Authorities in Broward County, Florida, are investigating what caused a fire aboard a Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue helicopter that sent it spinning out of control, resulting in the Eurocopter’s impact into an occupied apartment building. The pilot of the helicopter, BSFR Captain Terryson Jackson, 50, died in the accident, as did a woman in the apartment. As of Tuesday afternoon, her name had not yet been released. What Happened According to the Broward County Sheriff ... read more
Freedom Aviation Network partners with Homeland Security to combat human trafficking
General Aviation News Freedom Aviation Network uses volunteer general aviation pilots to provide transportation to survivors of human trafficking and their advocates. Read More read more
The basics of transitioning
General Aviation News The FAA provides us with minimum standards for our aeronautical endeavors, which we would be wise to remember are literally minimum standards. These should not be the end point of our training and currency goals. The wise pilot seeks proficiency, not merely a willingness to fly. Read More read more
Today’s Top AircraftForSale Pick: 1951 Hawker Sea Fury ‘Furias’
FLYING Magazine Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an aircraft that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily. Today’s Top Pick is a 1951 Hawker Sea Fury Mk II With the final running of the National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada, coming up September 13-17, it seems like a good time to point out a longtime Reno racer that is on the ... read more
Sikorsky Lands $2.7 Billion U.S. Navy Contract
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This story first appeared on AVweb.com. The U.S. Navy has ordered 35 additional CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopters from Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky. The contract, which is valued at approximately $2.7 billion, includes 27 aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps and eight for the Israeli Air Force. Deliveries of the newly ordered CH-53Ks are expected to begin in 2026. READ MORE: Israel Upgrading Its Heavy-Lift Helo Fleet With CH-53K Buy “This ... read more
NASA Crew-7 Astronauts Arrive at International Space Station
FLYING Magazine Fire-breathing beasts are not just mythical creatures, despite what Game of Thrones would have you believe. Some dragons aren’t animals at all. I’m talking about SpaceX’s Crew Dragon rocket, which on Sunday successfully docked with the International Space Station and introduced four astronauts to their new jobs for the next six months. The mission, which will support scientific research into human spaceflight beyond low-Earth orbit, is NASA’s seventh Commercial Crew ... read more
Defibrillators deployed at Idaho backcountry airstrips
General Aviation News In coordination with the Backcountry Aviation Defibrillator Project, Daher provided two Kodiak 100s to deploy the automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at four remote backcountry airstrips in Idaho. Read More read more
Algorithm-Based Airline Targets Short-Haul Markets With Tecnam P2012s
AVweb Capua, Italy-based Tecnam has announced a partnership with Flyvbird, a global company that describes itself as a “shared airline for…currently underserved markets.” Tecnam describes Flyvbird’s “Flyvirtual” airline brand as “focused on decentralized regional markets that have the potential to significantly impact the future of sustainable air travel, where the greatest customer value is in flying closer, faster and better in rural areas.” The plan is for the airline to use an as-yet ... read more
GOES Satellite Imagery
AVweb You’ve probably heard someone tossing around the term “GOES satellite” at one time or another. This refers to a NOAA satellite program that has been in operation for 47 years. GOES stands for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, in other words, a weather satellite that’s parked 22,236 miles (35,786 km) above the Earth’s surface, directly above the equator. At this altitude the satellite orbital speed perfectly matches the Earth’s rotation, allowing it to remain ... read more
AEA 2023: DMC’s LaceLok Tool
AVweb Avionics guru Larry Anglisano was at the Aircraft Electronics Association show last week and caught up with DMC Tools for a demo of the LaceLok. It’s a combination of zip ties and conventional lacing methods in a pre-fabricated form. A trigger tool tightens and then snips the ends of special lacing bundles that use a low-profile buckle to maintain the clamping force. Waxed lace, used for years in aviation, is easier on wire bundles than plastic zip ties, which can eventually wear ... read more
AEA 2023: Prizm Smart Cabin Lighting
AVweb Thanks to advanced software and new lighting tech, the possibilities are endless for modernizing the cabin lighting in high-end cabins. One company on the cutting edge of cabin smart-lighting solutions is Illinois-based Prizm Aircraft Lighting. It can highly customize a lighting solution for a wide variety of cabins and various price points. Aviation Consumer Editor-in-Chief Larry Anglisano spent some time at the Prizm booth at the 2023 Aircraft Electronics Association tradeshow and ... read more
Towplane Concept Tested For Electric Aircraft
AVweb California startup Magpie Aviation is proposing an in-flight tow system to increase the range of electric aircraft. Unless and until battery technology makes some major advances, electric aircraft useful load is limited by the need to load up with batteries to fly any distance. Magpie is testing a system that will allow a plane full of batteries to tow a plane full of passengers or cargo, thereby multiplying the range of the revenue flight. The passenger aircraft would have enough ... read more
Top Letters And Comments, April 28, 2023
AVweb At Least It Didn’t Blow Up On The Pad Overlooked is the fact that this rocket was built out of welded stainless steel, outdoors, in a field in Texas. Compared to the old way of building rockets, doing it this way means that the decrease in cost to orbit with Starship will be massive. The systems complexity issues are not to be underestimated, but the comically massive profit potential of Starlink means that they’ll have effectively unlimited money to