News
Sun ‘n Fun Day 1 Gallery
Plane & Pilot Magazine Sun ‘n Fun is off to a great start, and while a Tuesday kickoff usually guarantees a gradual start to the show–with bands of severe … Read More "Sun ‘n Fun Day 1 Gallery" The post Sun ‘n Fun Day 1 Gallery appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Going Direct: A Sad Farewell from Isabel Goyer
Plane & Pilot Magazine It looks as though my time at Plane & Pilot is coming to an end, and that’s not for any reason other than business decisions … Read More "Going Direct: A Sad Farewell from Isabel Goyer" The post Going Direct: A Sad Farewell from Isabel Goyer appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Flight Trial: New Bose A30 Noise Canceling Headset
AVweb Bose first introduced its top selling A30 noise canceling headset in 2010 and it’s time for an upgraded follow-on. In this video prepared for Sun ‘n Fun 2023, AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli flight trialed the new headset and talked to Bose’s Matt Ruwe about improvements made in the new model. The post Flight Trial: New Bose A30 Noise Canceling Headset appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
Bose Debuts New A30 Noise Canceling Headset
AVweb Bose’s A20 has proved to be one of the most popular noise canceling headsets on the market but the company figured it’s due for an upgrade. And that will be the A30, being introduced at Sun ‘n Fun 2023. Bose said although the A30 is a follow-on product, the company considers it an entirely new product offering improved comfort and fit and a platform already noted for good noise canceling performance. At first glance, the two products appear similar but in this AVweb video, Bose’s ... read more
Carbon Cub Gets A Rotax
AVweb CubCrafters took a surprise turn in 2009 when it developed its own engine, the four-cylinder CC340, for the hot-rod Carbon Cub. At Sun ‘n Fun 2023, they’re repeating the trick by offering Rotax’s new 160-HP 916 iS in a slimmed-down version of the Carbon Cub. It followed in 2017 with an even beefier CC363i at 186 hp. The new Rotax model will be called the Carbon Cub UL—presumably for unleaded—and is intended to expand CubCrafter’s piece of the international market pie. The airplane ... read more
Sun ‘n Fun 2023 Day 1 Gallery
AVweb 1 of 10 Warbirds display Legend Aircraft workers move their aircraft to their booth for display. Airshow pilot Nate Hammond with Ghostwriter Airshows taxis out in his Super Chipmunk. Stinson ... read more
Turning Heads: Carbon Cub UL Unveiled With Rotax Power
Plane & Pilot Magazine Sun ’n Fun attendees did a a double-take this morning in front of the CubCrafters display, at least the ones very familiar with the company’s … Read More "Turning Heads: Carbon Cub UL Unveiled With Rotax Power" The post Turning Heads: Carbon Cub UL Unveiled With Rotax Power appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Blue Line Aviation orders 115 Piper Archers, Seminoles
AOPA General Aviation News Piper Aircraft and Blue Line Aviation signed a long-term agreement March 28 at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo to replace the flight school’s entire fleet over the next four years with 115 single-engine Archer TXs and twin-engine Seminoles. Read More read more
Piper M600, Daher TBM 960 to feature Garmin’s new PlaneSync technology
AOPA General Aviation News Garmin’s new PlaneSync technology will be available later this spring in the Piper M600 and Daher TBM 960 turboprops, enabling pilots and owners to remotely manage many functions of the aircraft as well as preflight and postflight duties. Read More read more
New Carbon Cub UL debuts with new 160-hp Rotax 916 iS
AOPA General Aviation News CubCrafters and Rotax have teamed up to design a new aircraft/engine combination—the Carbon Cub UL light sport aircraft featuring a turbo boosted 160-horsepower Rotax 916 iS engine. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Warm winter sunset
General Aviation News Carlo Wise submitted this photo and note: "A view of a warm winter sunset from a Velocity XLRG." Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Reflections on a roller coaster
AOPA General Aviation News Consider that a roller coaster gets its energy from being lifted to the top using mechanical energy. When it gets there, its speed is near zero, but it has maximum potential energy. Read More read more
A long, bumpy ride to a big green dot
AOPA General Aviation News A horsepower boost notwithstanding, your AOPA Sweepstakes Cessna 170B’s journey south from Maryland to Florida took a bit longer than it otherwise might, and nothing says “general aviation” like a weather diversion. Read More read more
How did I get here?
General Aviation News When I was 15 years old I had a plan for where my life would take me. It was a very specific plan, one that I followed for many years with great diligence. Then, I took a turn in an unexpected direction. That new road led me here. To where I am now. To a whole new place where I feel comfortable and content. Read More read more
Bose Launches A30 Aviation Headset
Plane & Pilot Magazine Bose has introduced its latest aviation headset, the A30. It will take the place of the current headset, the A20, in Bose’s legendary one-model lineup … Read More "Bose Launches A30 Aviation Headset" The post Bose Launches A30 Aviation Headset appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Kodiak 900 Makes Lakeland Debut
Plane & Pilot Magazine Daher’s Kodiak 900 made its first Sun ’n Fun appearance this year, showcasing the larger, faster evolution of the Kodiak 100 aircraft. The Kodiak 900 … Read More "Kodiak 900 Makes Lakeland Debut" The post Kodiak 900 Makes Lakeland Debut appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Warm weather, warm welcome
AOPA General Aviation News Early arrivals staked out prime camping and viewing spots for the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. Read More read more
Carbon Cub UL debuts at SUN ‘n FUN
General Aviation News Developed for international markets, the Carbon Cub UL is the launch airplane for the new Rotax 160-hp turbocharged engine. Read More read more
New report validates BasicMed
General Aviation News “The FAA’s report to Congress confirms what we have known for years: BasicMed works and BasicMed pilots remain safe pilots,” said AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. “We have just gone through the safest three to four years in general aviation history. Read More read more
Boses introduces new headset at SUN ‘n FUN
General Aviation News The A30 features reduced clamping force for comfort, improved clarity, and a new digital active noise reduction system that enables three modes of user selectable noise cancellation for use in different flight environments, from piston aircraft to commercial airliners, company officials said. Read More read more
Looks same, acts different
AOPA General Aviation News The first surprise about the new Bose A30 headset is that it looks almost identical to its predecessor, the Bose A20, and weighs about as much, too. Read More read more
‘What’s happening?’
General Aviation News Approximately halfway through the takeoff roll the student suddenly put in hard left rudder. Instructor commanded student to stop, but the student continued hard left rudder while saying "what's happening?" Read More read more
Fire Damages Historic Wright Company Factory
AVweb The historic Wright Company airplane factory in Dayton, Ohio, was significantly damaged in a fire that began early Sunday morning. The factory, which is currently managed by the National Aviation Heritage Area, was built in 1910-1911 and had “significant original building features from the time of the Wright Brothers, including the wood roof and support structure.” The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage is not yet known. “We are deeply saddened by the fire that ... read more
Junkers retro reboot makes US debut
AOPA General Aviation News The Junkers A50 Junior, a new special light sport aircraft from Germany, is set to be a big draw at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. Read More read more
Aircraft insurance goes digital
AOPA General Aviation News SkyWatch Insurance Services, provider of usage-based insurance for drones, cars, and motorcycles, announced its fully digital, customizable light aircraft owner’s insurance platform. Read More read more
CAU doubles Aviation Career Day attendance
AOPA General Aviation News California Aeronautical University (CAU) hosted their fifth annual Aviation Career Day in February and attracted over nine hundred attendees. The annual event continues to open new possibilities for those interested in pursuing a career in aviation. Read More read more
Luxury living with a country club, runway
AOPA General Aviation News Pecan Plantation is a stunning community with an unmatched lifestyle located 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. Surrounded by 17 miles of the Brazos River, and offering an abundance of country club amenities. Residents enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, a village center with shops, private runways, and the charm of the historic town of Granbury. Read More read more
Sun ‘N Fun Expands Career Fair
AVweb The annual career fair held at the Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo is officially expanding from three to five days for the 2023 show. Hosted in partnership with aviation job website JSfirm.com, this year’s career fair will take place daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time beginning Tuesday, March 28, and ending Saturday, April 1. At least 20 companies have signed up to participate including Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, Cirrus Aircraft, the FAA, flyExclusive, LIFT, ... read more
Inhofe Receives 2022 Hoover Trophy
AVweb Former U.S. Senator James Inhofe, R-Okla., has been awarded the 2022 R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Inhofe, who retired from the Senate in January, has supported and introduced legislation to allow FAA certificate holders to appeal immediate revocations of their certificates to the National Transportation Safety Board, reform the medical certification process for recreational pilots, raise the mandatory retirement age of commercial ... read more
Pratt & Whitney To Invest $255M In Oklahoma City Sustainment Center
AVweb Pratt & Whitney has announced plans to invest $255 million in a new sustainment center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. According to the company, the 845,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for depot operations for all of its military engines. Pratt & Whitney noted the center will also increase the site’s maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities. “Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City site plays a critical role in our global sustainment network,” said Pratt & ... read more
General Aviation Accident Bulletin, March 27, 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. December 15, 2022, Kaupo, ... read more
Say Approach Request
AVweb In less than 25 years, the “miracle” of GPS transformed how even the smallest and least expensive aircraft navigates. Thanks to the wide area augmentation system (WAAS) in the U.S. and similar technologies deployed in other countries, GPS is more accurate, more reliable and more repeatable than what came before. If you need proof, look no further than comparing the faithful instrument landing system (ILS) to its WAAS GPS-based equivalent, the LPV (localizer performance with vertical ... read more
Aircraft insurance goes digital
AOPA General Aviation News SkyWatch Insurance Services, provider of usage-based insurance for drones, cars, and motorcycles, announced its fully digital, customizable light aircraft owner’s insurance platform. Read More read more
Hamilton Metalplane’s pedigree
General Aviation News There's a reason the Hamilton Metalplane reminds you of a Ford Trimotor. The original Ford 3-AT Trimotor, as well as the Hamilton aircraft, were worked on by a young aircraft designer named James McDonnell — yes, that James McDonnell. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Backcountry flying down under
General Aviation News Pat Barry submitted this photo and note: "A remote airport in a ski area in Australia." Read More read more
Junkers retro reboot makes US debut
AOPA General Aviation News The Junkers A50 Junior, a new special light sport aircraft from Germany, is set to be a big draw at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. Read More read more
New video series focuses on IFR flying
General Aviation News The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released two videos in its Beyond Proficient: IFR Series. "Whether you’re instrument-rated or recently enrolled in instrument training, the videos offer tips and tricks to master complex instrument flying aspects," officials said. Read More read more
Dynon partners with Airmate
General Aviation News A new partnership between Dynon Avionics and Airmate enables SkyView pilots in the United State to access Airmate's aviation data for $49.90 a year. Read More read more
ICAS Foundation Sweepstakes takes off
General Aviation News The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation has launched a fundraising sweepstakes, which includes a chance to win a 2023 customized Shelby Icon electric golf cart in the colors of the Blue Angels. Read More read more
CAU doubles Aviation Career Day attendance
AOPA General Aviation News California Aeronautical University (CAU) hosted their fifth annual Aviation Career Day in February and attracted over nine hundred attendees. The annual event continues to open new possibilities for those interested in pursuing a career in aviation. Read More read more
Luxury living with a country club, runway
AOPA General Aviation News Pecan Plantation is a stunning community with an unmatched lifestyle located 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. Surrounded by 17 miles of the Brazos River, and offering an abundance of country club amenities. Residents enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, a village center with shops, private runways, and the charm of the historic town of Granbury. Read More read more
Fatigue crack results in total loss of engine power
General Aviation News A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to a fatigue crack in the No. 3 cylinder connecting rod shaft resulting from either preignition or detonation, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain. Read More read more
Trim Issue Sent Challenger 300 Into 4.2 G Upset, Killing Passenger
AVweb A fatal mishap that was originally reported as turbulence-related turned out to be a suspected issue with the stabilizer trim on the Challenger 300, according to the NTSB preliminary report. The privately operated flight left Keene, New Hampshire, on a flight to Leesburg, Virginia, in the late afternoon of March 3. A passenger aboard the aircraft was killed during an in-flight upset, and at the time the FAA confirmed other reports that turbulence was involved but that was an error. ... read more
Military Stops Buying Ospreys
AVweb The three branches of the military that fly the V-22 Osprey have confirmed they will not buy any more of the tiltrotor aircraft after current contracts are fulfilled. Military.com is reporting that the Navy, Marines and Air Force say they don’t need any more Ospreys, but they also confirm the distinctive aircraft will serve for decades. They estimate the complex platforms will be in the air through the 2050s. “We aren’t buying more CV-22s because we are at our program of record (54 ... read more
Blow Your Own Doors Off
AVweb This appeared in an Aeronca web discussion; I’m paraphrasing, but it’s a perennial issue of minimal importance, requiring in-depth review: Can the 7AC Champ be flown with its door removed? Answer: Yeah, pull the pin(s), extract door, go fly. Follow-up: Is there an STC permitting door removal? Yes, and I’m guessing a few Champ owners were unaware or don’t care and fly without the door anyhow. It’s fun, so let’s consider door-on vs. door-off logic and/or consequences. Forty-one years ... read more
Poll: Should the Airline Pilot Retirement Age Be Raised to 67 From 65?
AVweb Poll: Should the Airline Pilot Retirement Age Be Raised to 67 From 65? Poll: Should the Airline Pilot Retirement Age Be Raised to 67 From 65? Sure, why not? No, not a good idea. Maybe a case by case thing. Not enough info to know. Other Δ The post Poll: Should the Airline Pilot Retirement Age Be Raised to 67 From 65? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
KITPLANES Looks At An Angle of Attack Indicator
AVweb KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye takes you on a flight in his wife’s Van’s RV-6 to show what it’s like to fly primarily with reference to angle of attack information from the Garmin G3X Touch EFIS in the airplane. The post KITPLANES Looks At An Angle of Attack Indicator appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Taxiway parade
General Aviation News Penny R. Hamilton submitted this photo and note: "Colorado pilots taxiing for departure after attending the annual fly-in pancake breakfast on a perfect July Saturday morning at Emily Warner Field (KGNB)." Read More read more
Behind the scenes at an air show
General Aviation News While you may attend air shows regularly, you may be surprised at what goes on behind the scenes before and during the show to ensure everyone involved — from spectators to performers to the neighboring community — are safe. Read More read more
Nordic Countries Combine Fighter Forces Against Russian Threat
AVweb Europe’s Nordic countries have combined their air defense forces into a single unit totalling about 250 modern fighters to blunt any territorial expansion plans by Russia. Norway, Denmark and Finland will contribute their F-35s while Sweden will add its Gripens to the force. “Our combined fleet can be compared to [that of] a large European country, Maj. Gen. Jan Dam, commander of the Danish air force, told Reuters. The formidable force was created in response to Russia’s invasion of ... read more
Washington Withdraws From FAA Nomination
AVweb Phil Washington has withdrawn from the nomination to become the FAA Administrator blaming an “onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks” concerning his qualifications, his military connections and his link to a corruption investigation in Los Angeles where he led the city’s transit system. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg confirmed the move, first reported by Reuters, late Saturday. “The FAA needs a confirmed Administrator, and Phil Washington’s transportation & military ... read more
SUN ‘n FUN Career Fair expands
General Aviation News Organized by aviation job website, JSfirm.com, the career fair has grown from one day in 2014 to five days in 2023, according to Abbey Hutter, executive director for JSfirm.com. Read More read more
Race fans cause server crash on opening day of Reno ticket sales
General Aviation News When air race fans learned 2023 is the final year for the Reno Air Races in Reno, many began making plans to attend the event — so many, in fact, that opening day of online ticket sales overloaded the National Championship Air Race servers. Read More read more
Top Letters And Comments, March 24, 2023
AVweb Canadian Investigators Call For Improved Medical Screening For Pilots In response to your March 16 article (“Canadian Investigators Call For Improved Medical Screening For Pilots”), our takeaway is: swing and a miss. The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (equivalent of the U.S. NTSB) wended its way to a costly and cumbersome recommendation for a problem that doesn’t exist, and actually exacerbates the issue for pilots flying from, and to, both sides of the border. The CTSB is ... read more
FAA report validates BasicMed safety
AOPA General Aviation News An FAA report submitted to Congress (as required) on March 10 reviewed three years of general aviation data and concluded that the BasicMed program is safe. Read More read more
Simulation Technology, Not Just for Airlines
FLYING Magazine “Aviation in itself is not dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity, or neglect.” —Alfred Gilmer Lamplugh While many pilots wouldn’t know who came up with Lamplugh’s famous quote, most pilots would agree with it. There is risk in just about every facet of life, but in aviation the inability to manage that risk—because of overconfidence, a lack of preparation, or rusty skills—can be deadly. One way to ... read more
Applications open for Future Takes Flight Scholarship
General Aviation News The second annual scholarship will again provide $30,000 in educational funds, awarding six $5,000 scholarships to aviators across three categories: Two for learning to fly or advanced pilot ratings; two for aviation technicians; and two for continuing education. Read More read more
Petition Aims To Let Girl Scouts Fly
FLYING Magazine One of the messages that Girl Scouts of America tries to impart is that gender does not have to be a barrier. Girl Scouts, just like Boy Scouts, have the opportunity to learn wilderness skills, perform community service and learn about science and technology. There is, however, one thing Boy Scouts are allowed to do that Girl Scouts are not: fly in small aircraft as part of an aviation badge. In scouting, merit badges are created and approved by local councils, and earned ... read more
Emirates Expands Training Fleet With Diamond DA42-VI
FLYING Magazine Emirates Flight Training Academy is expanding its training fleet with the purchase of three Diamond Aircraft DA42-VIs, the airline has announced. The acquisition will make the twin-engine 4-seater the flagship for multiengine piston (MEP) training for the Emirates’ National Cadet Pilot Programme at Al Maktoum International-Dubai World Central Airport, Emirates Airlines said in a statement. The DA42-VI is the newest version of Diamond’s light piston twin. The all-composite ... read more
FAA report validates BasicMed safety
AOPA General Aviation News An FAA report submitted to Congress (as required) on March 10 reviewed three years of general aviation data and concluded that the BasicMed program is safe. Read More read more
Flight review ends in serious injuries
General Aviation News The pilots’ failure to maintain adequate airspeed during a simulated power-off approach in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, an aerodynamic stall, and loss of control. Read More read more
Senate Commerce Committee Approves NOTAM Improvement Act
AVweb The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has approved legislation that would establish a task force to tackle making improvements to the notices to air missions (NOTAMs) system. The bill, called the NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023 (S.66), was introduced in January 2023 in the wake of a NOTAM system outage that caused a nationwide ground stop earlier that month. S.66 was co-sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., and Sen. Shelley ... read more
Off-Duty Pilot Assists After Southwest Captain Suffers Medical Emergency
AVweb A pilot from another airline was called to the flight deck to assist the crew on Southwest Flight 6013 on Wednesday after the captain suffered a medical emergency. A nurse reportedly provided medical assistance to the captain onboard after he was removed from the cockpit. Further details regarding the captain’s current condition and the nature of the medical emergency have not been made public. “A credentialed pilot from another airline, who was on board, entered the flight deck and ... read more
Misheard Mistakes
AVweb Beyond separating and sequencing aircraft, air traffic controllers are responsible for managing expectations. When I’m working traffic, I must ensure that what each pilot expects to be doing matches with what I expect him to be doing. Otherwise, it’s like trying to act out a play when all the actors are reading from different scripts. That’s where the readback/hear back loop enters. By actively listening to pilot’s responses to clearances and catching incorrect readbacks, controllers ... read more
Honeywell, WPI Partner On Hydrogen Fuel Cells For Aircraft
AVweb Honeywell Aerospace has partnered with Massachusetts-based Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to research “how hydrogen fuel cells can help power the next generation of aircraft.” According to Honeywell, the collaboration will focus particularly on developing hydrogen storage and power generation technology. Around 25 Honeywell team members are expected to participate alongside experts and students from WPI. “For the past several years we’ve ramped up our exploration of hydrogen ... read more
Aviation heroes honored at Hoover Trophy reception
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA honored general aviation advocates, safety experts, and industry leaders during the R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy reception March 22 at Signature Flight Support’s Hangar 7 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Read More read more
Don’t miss these Sun ‘n Fun deals
AOPA General Aviation News Whether you are in the market for new pilot products, apparel, or aircraft parts, you can find great deals from exhibitors at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, March 28 through April 2. Read More read more
Sling Pilot Academy Holds 200 Free Flights Event
AVweb Over 700 people attended a “200 Free Flights” event held by California-based flight school Sling Pilot Academy earlier this month. The event brought high school and college students to Torrance Municipal Airport (KTOA) for free introductory flights and other aviation-related activities including simulator sessions, a tour of Sling’s aircraft manufacturing facility and a one-hour presentation by SkyWest Airlines on the state of the airline industry and the pathway to becoming a pilot. ... read more
Archer, United Plan eVTOL Air Taxi Route in Chicago
FLYING Magazine Could passengers actually travel the distance between O’Hare International Airport (KORD) and Vertiport Chicago—a trip that can take an hour or more with traffic—in just 10 minutes? United Airlines (NYSE: UAL) and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR) are banking on it, announcing the route as the latest addition to its list of airport-to-city center air taxi routes proposed to use the Midnight aircraft in ... read more
Don’t miss these Sun ‘n Fun deals
AOPA General Aviation News Whether you are in the market for new pilot products, apparel, or aircraft parts, you can find great deals from exhibitors at the Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, March 28 through April 2. Read More read more
We Proudly Announce the Winners of the 2023 Your Flying World Photo Contest!
Plane & Pilot Magazine Our latest Plane & Pilot Your Flying World Photo Contest has wrapped up, and we have chosen the winners. Coming out on top was Philip … Read More "We Proudly Announce the Winners of the 2023 Your Flying World Photo Contest!" The post We Proudly Announce the Winners of the 2023 Your Flying World Photo Contest! appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Business Jet Activity on the Decline, Report Shows
FLYING Magazine Business jet activity is not only down, but the decline is widening. That’s according to a new report from data research company WingX, which compared 2023 activity to that reported during the same weeks last year. According to the report released Thursday, global business jet activity decreased by 8 percent in the last four weeks compared to the same time period a year ago. Additionally, there have been double-digit declines in charter activity each week since ... read more
Off-Duty Pilot Steps Up When Pilot Falls Ill Mid-Flight
FLYING Magazine An off-duty pilot stepped into the cockpit to assist a Southwest Airlines crew when one of the pilots had a medical emergency mid-flight. The incident happened aboard Southwest Airlines flight 6013 Wednesday morning around 8 a.m. According to the FAA, flight 6013 was enroute from Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS) in Las Vegas, Nevada to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (KCMH) in Columbus, Ohio when one of the pilots became ill. READ MORE: Incident Proves ... read more
Find a Career During Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo
FLYING Magazine Sun ‘n Fun and JSfirm.com, the popular aviation job website, are celebrating 10 years of partnership with the 10th annual Sun ‘n Fun Career Fair. This year the event in central Florida is expanding to five days. It will be held during the Sun ‘n Fun fly-in at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) from Tuesday, March 28 to Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $45 per day, and may be purchased here. “Expanding the Career Fair that takes place during ... read more
Picture of the Day: A pilot readies his steed
General Aviation News Molly McCarthy submitted this photo and note: "Liga International — The Flying Doctors of Mercy volunteer pilot Charlie Brown of Phoenix, Arizona, makes calculations for weight and balance prior to transporting volunteer medical staff to El Fuerte, Mexico. The volunteer medical team will convene at the Liga International, El Fuerte Eye Clinic to provide life-changing eye surgery at no cost to residents of El Fuerte and surrounding areas." Read More read more
NTSB Finds Cause of Mooney Structural Failure Crash
Plane & Pilot Magazine The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report on the August 7, 2021, crash of a Mooney M20 in Victoria, Minnesota, that … Read More "NTSB Finds Cause of Mooney Structural Failure Crash" The post NTSB Finds Cause of Mooney Structural Failure Crash appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
The Women of Vintage Air
FLYING Magazine Ever taken a look at the names of aircraft owners in the FAA’s registry? You can’t help but notice that men outnumber women significantly. This is particularly true when you look at the ownership of vintage aircraft—a term used to describe any aircraft certified before 1955. While there are women who own and fly these pieces of aviation history, they are few and far between. In honor of Women’s History month, FLYING caught up with a few of these women to find out what ... read more
FLYING, US Aircraft Expo Announce Partnership
FLYING Magazine FLYING Magazine is set to be the official presenting sponsor of the US Aircraft Expo, the two organizations announced Thursday. The partners will host the next US Aircraft Expo set for April 14-15 at the Raleigh Executive Jetport (KTTA) in North Carolina. The event will feature a stout lineup of static displays of new aircraft—a hallmark of the events that will include 10 locations around the U.S. throughout 2023. “We are excited to increase our support of the US Aircraft ... read more
Flying Proficiency in 57 Seconds
General Aviation News The FAA has posted a new video to its YouTube channel focusing on flying proficiency for GA pilots. Read More read more
Questioning my sanity at the Buckeye Air Fair
General Aviation News When the alarm went off at 4:20 a.m., I questioned my sanity — at least until the first drop of coffee reminded me of the adventure that awaited. It was a crisp 70°F when I started the 10-hour drive to the city of Buckeye, Arizona, for the annual Air Fair, which was held Feb. 17-19, 2023. Read More read more
Aviation heroes honored at Hoover Trophy reception
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA honored general aviation advocates, safety experts, and industry leaders during the R. A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy reception March 22 at Signature Flight Support’s Hangar 7 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Read More read more
ATI Pilots Seek Federal Mediation on Stalled Contract
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on FreightWaves.com Pilots at cargo airline Air Transport International, a large transport provider for Amazon Air, and parent company Air Transport Services Group last week asked the National Mediation Board to help broker stalled contract talks. The request comes nearly a month after union leadership representing FedEx pilots empowered itself to request a strike authorization vote from members. Richer pilot contracts could ... read more
Kentucky museum hosts its first Girls in Aerospace program
General Aviation News The success of the first program "has paved the way for future programs to be planned," said museum officials, who added they hope "that more young girls will be inspired to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace." Read More read more
Jetka Agrees to Build 10 Electric Seaplanes for Gayo Aviation
FLYING Magazine Jekta, the Swiss company manufacturing the PHA-ZE 100 flying boat, said it entered an agreement under which Gayo Aviation intends to acquire 10 of the electrically powered amphibious aircraft. Gayo, which has offices in Sweden and Dubai, is an international aviation services provider. The company said it plans to optimize the aircraft to suit a number of market segments, both established and emerging. The aircraft are to be delivered in a 19-passenger configuration, and ... read more
CFI and pilot wrestle plane onto runway
General Aviation News The Controller told us to follow the regional jet passing off to our left. I had concerns about wake turbulence so I advised my student to climb to get above the regional jet's path before turning a right base for Runway 6. Read More read more
Skyway Center opens at KSQL
General Aviation News The 50,000-square-foot complex includes nine hangars, ranging in size from 2,000 square feet to nearly 10,000 square feet; office space; and an aviation members only private lounge. Read More read more
Senators Propose Raising Pilot Retirement Age To 67
AVweb A bipartisan group of Senators is calling for the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots to be raised to 67 from 65. A similar bill was proposed by Sen. Lindsay Graham and other Republicans last year. This time Democrats Joe Manchin and Mark Kelly have joined the effort. The current proposal would require “rigorous medical screening” every six months according to Reuters. Graham said about 5,000 pilots will have to retire in the next two years further compounding what many in ... read more
Congress Gets Report On Sending Fighters To Ukraine
AVweb While the official government position is that there is no position on sending fighter aircraft to the Ukrainian military, Congress now has a comprehensive report on things it might consider on the topic. The U.S. Naval Institute has released a copy of a report by the Congressional Research Service that goes over the pros and cons of supplying Ukraine with fighters and the myriad logistical, financial and political considerations of doing so. The report was apparently delivered to ... read more
FAA Issues Safety Alert Following Summit
AVweb The FAA has made official its call for safety vigilance across all sectors of the industry with a safety alert for operators (SAFO) based on the results of its Safety Summit in mid-March. The SAFO makes recommendations and clarifies existing regs and standards but does not mandate anything. The SAFO’s main theme is to adapt time-tested safety rules and programs to evolving and occasionally rapidly changing circumstances in aviation operations and it boils down to ensuring all ... read more
Washington Nomination Delayed Further
AVweb Despite a call from the White House to quickly confirm its nominee Phil Washington as FAA Administrator, the Senate Commerce Committee delayed further debate on the topic on Wednesday. Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington didn’t offer much explanation for the delay. “We are moving that to a future date, pending information that members have been seeking,” she said. She did not detail that information nor did she set a time for future consideration of his ... read more
Picture Of The Week, March 22, 2023
AVweb 1 of 5 Me [Dan] landing my Diamond DA42 at sunset at KINF, Inverness, FL. Sony Camera, 600 mm lens, f 6.3, 1/800 sec., ISO 400. Copyrighted photo by Ashley Emrick. Submitted by Dan Montgomery. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Diamond DA42 Two great warbirds meet at the Aviodrome museum at Lelystad Airport (EHLE). Camera: Canon EOS6D MarkII. Lens: Canon 100-400mm. Photo ... read more
Delta Air Lines Announces Flight Academy
FLYING Magazine On March 21, Delta Air Lines announced the launch of a new career pathway option via Propel Fight Academy, aimed at training and hiring more pilots as the airline industry works to rebound from the pandemic. The initiative is in partnership with Skyborne Airline Academy, a pilot training provider. This is the fourth pathway launched under Propel. The academy will offer a comprehensive pilot training program, including classroom instruction and hands-on experience in ... read more
Chuck Yeager Postage Stamp Campaign Underway
FLYING Magazine How would you like to send a letter with the help of aviation notable Chuck Yeager? It may be possible in the near future, thanks to a movement underfoot to place the likeness of the brigadier general and test pilot on a postage stamp. The campaign is being led by Allen Holder, Yeager Airport board member from Lincoln County, West Virginia, the birthplace of the famous aviator and his second wife, Victoria. “Letters should be addressed to the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory ... read more
Zipline Drone Delivery Just Got a Massive Upgrade
FLYING Magazine Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on FreightWaves.com. After completing its 500,000th delivery in January, one of drone delivery’s titans is still not satisfied. South San Francisco, California-based Zipline recently unveiled a brand new autonomous drone delivery system built around Platform 2 (P2), the firm’s next-generation hardware and software technology. With P2, Zipline’s drones, or Zips, will travel more swiftly and silently, capable of completing a ... read more
Senate Delays FAA Administrator Confirmation Vote
FLYING Magazine On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce Committee delayed its confirmation vote for Phil Washington—President Biden’s pick to head the FAA. A controversial nominee, Washington’s vote has been in limbo for months as he faces strong resistance from several lawmakers concerned about his lack of aviation experience. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has been at the center of the criticism. “I am glad to hear that the committee is delaying consideration of ... read more
A Precision Approach
FLYING Magazine When viewed from any angle, an airplane looks beautiful, and once in the air, it may seem like a personal magic carpet. We must acknowledge, though, that there is no magic happening here. It was people, like senior aerodynamic engineer Neal Willford, who did the hard work that makes our flying possible, allowing humans to do what birds can do inherently. Willford retired in May 2022 after a 32-year career at the Cessna Aircraft Company where he worked in a number of high ... read more
Picture of the Day: Mirror sunrise
General Aviation News Raul Mairata submitted this photo and note: "Beautiful sunrise at Las Cruces International Airport (KLRU) in New Mexico." Read More read more
Can You Select a DPE for Your Check Ride?
FLYING Magazine Question: I am about to be signed off for my private pilot check ride, and I am looking for a designated pilot examiner (DPE). I understand that the check ride endorsement is only good for 60 days. The owner of the flight school says they only use a particular DPE, but he’s so busy I’ll have to wait two months for a check ride. A friend suggested I go out of state to find a DPE, but the CFI I have been working with says the endorsement is only good in the state where I ... read more
Remote tower at Leesburg Executive set to close
AOPA General Aviation News New FAA requirements for remote air traffic control towers led digital tower vendor Saab to withdraw plans to continue to operate at Leesburg Executive Airport in Virginia. AOPA and pilots on the field are concerned about the potential for a reduction in safety should the airport begin to operate without ATC for the first time in several years. Read More read more
The Gravity of Trust
FLYING Magazine I showed up to my second flying lesson with a sketchbook, the traffic pattern penciled in and labeled across one page, with spaces left for airspeeds. My instructor and I usually have a preflight meeting, during which we cover topics relevant to that day’s flight and he gives me an opportunity to ask questions. I had been stewing about my nerves during the first lesson and doing my best to identify a tangible cause I could take steps to resolve. I knew much of my unease ... read more
Air show returns to Edwards after 13 years
General Aviation News What's so special about this air show? For starters, it is the only air show in the United States where supersonic speed is permitted. On the Saturday I attended, there were no less than four sonic booms during the day’s flying! Read More read more
Remote tower at Leesburg Executive set to close
AOPA General Aviation News New FAA requirements for remote air traffic control towers led digital tower vendor Saab to withdraw plans to continue to operate at Leesburg Executive Airport in Virginia. AOPA and pilots on the field are concerned about the potential for a reduction in safety should the airport begin to operate without ATC for the first time in several years. Read More read more
GA Awards reveals 2023 national winners
General Aviation News The awards for flight instructor, aviation technician, and FAASTeam representative of the year will be presented by the FAA at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023. Read More read more
6,500 Power Flow tuned exhaust systems and counting…
General Aviation News Power Flow Systems hit a milestone in early 2023: Delivering 6,500 systems since the first tuned exhaust system was shipped in 1999. Read More read more
SkyWatch launches online aircraft owner insurance platform
General Aviation News The new platform allows general aviation aircraft owners to get a customized insurance policy online in a matter of minutes, with no need for a middleman. Read More read more
Contaminated fuel brings down C150
General Aviation News The pilot’s inadequate prefight inspection, during which he failed to detect water contamination in the fuel system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Read More read more
Purdue University Airport Will Host ‘Lab To Life’ Private 5G Test Platform
AVweb Purdue University Airport (KLAF) announced on Monday (March 20) it is teaming with Saab and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) provider Ericsson on a private 5G network. According to Purdue, airport sensors and systems typically need hardwired network connections sometimes requiring digging trenches for copper lines or fiber-optic cables. Alternatives include radio-frequency links, which can be unreliable, or public cellular connections, which come with subscription fees ... read more
Delta Launches Fourth Element Of Its Propel Pilot Career Path Initiative
AVweb The Delta Air Lines-sponsored Delta Propel Flight Academy, a partnership with Skyborne Airline Academy in Vero Beach, Florida, is now accepting applications for its first round of pilot candidates. Classes begin in June. Delta launched its Propel Pilot Career Path Program in 2018 and the Skyborne link-up is its fourth pilot pathway. As for the first three, according to the airline, “Nearly 100 participants have completed Propel’s existing Company, College and Community pathway ... read more
EAA Made Its Presence Known At Aviation Safety Summit
AVweb The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) represented its segment of general aviation at last week’s Aviation Safety Summit. Vice president of advocacy Sean Elliott participated in the opening plenary session and provided input to other general aviation facets of the confab. Elliott and Richard McSpadden, senior vice president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute, both reflected on the last 10 years’ results attributable to the General Aviation ... read more
Colorado Airport T-Hangars Stave Off The Wrecking Ball: For Now
AVweb According to a report in the online news source Coloradoan.com, hangar tenants at Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL) have at least a month’s grace before their aging city-owned T-hangars are to be decommissioned and then torn down. After a presentation by hangar tenant Rick Turley, the airport commissioners voted last week to pause lease terminations on the A-, B- and C-building hangars until more thorough structural analysis can be completed. The four buildings (the ... read more
Short Final: Worth Asking
AVweb We had just received our handoff from SoCal Departure to LA Center after departing Palm Springs International in our Praetor 500. We hadn’t even had a chance to check in when we heard this exchange: N1AB: “… requesting direct destination.” LA Center: “Who… who was that?” N1AB: “N1AB requesting direct to our final destination.” LA Center: “No. (pause) There is no way to clear you direct from your present position to an airport in Canada!” N1AB: “Oh well, it was worth ... read more
Mother Sues American Airlines Over Son’s Death From Cardiac Arrest
AVweb A woman is suing American Airlines in a New York district court for “organizational carelessness” and negligence in the death of her son, who died after going into cardiac arrest on a flight from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to Miami last June. According to the lawsuit cited today (March 21) in multiple news reports, the crew aboard Flight AA614 tried to resuscitate teenager Kevin Greenidge, but the batteries of the onboard automatic external defibrillator (AED) were not charged. The ... read more
National STOL Series Opens With SwampSTOL 2023
FLYING Magazine After a nearly rained-out practice, SwampSTOL lived up to its name, turning the normally beautiful grass field in Jennings, Louisiana into a wet, mud-filled landscape. The locals were undeterred, arriving in their muck boots. The runway was high ground and competition continued as scheduled. Braking was challenging. The SwampSTOL event opened with a new look, logo, rules, and a completely new format of classes created by statistics from the previous year. For the first ... read more
NTSB Launches Investigation into Arizona Midair Collision
FLYING Magazine The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating what led to a midair collision between two single-engine airplanes over Falcon Field (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona, on Friday, March 17. No one was killed in the accident involving a 1987 Yakovlev Yak-52 and a 1950 Ryan Navion. There was one person aboard the Navion and two onboard the Yak, according to the FAA. What Happened? Both the Yak-52 and Ryan Navion were participating in an aerial demonstration involving ... read more
Changes coming to two FAA knowledge exam tests
AOPA General Aviation News In the February Airman Testing Community Advisory, the FAA announced two planned changes to the private pilot—airplane and commercial pilot—airplane knowledge tests will be implemented April 24. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Where the ‘vicinity’ ends
AOPA General Aviation News FAR 91.103(a)—the first flight rule—mentions that as part of your preflight planning for any flight not in the vicinity of an airport, you must obtain weather reports and forecasts, calculate fuel requirements, determine alternates, and be alert to traffic delays. Read More read more
Skyryse Expands to New Location, Adds Jobs
FLYING Magazine Skyryse, a California-based developer of flight automation technology, has opened the doors to a new 27,000 sq. ft. headquarters in El Segundo as it continues to expand and hire engineers to revolutionize general aviation. The move follows a significant investment of $205 million in Series B funding from various investors in October 2021, amounting to the largest Series B fundraising receipt in aerospace history, according to the company. To date, the company has raised ... read more
FAA Proposes Extending Cockpit Voice Recording to 25 Hours
FLYING Magazine FAA is launching a rulemaking process to extend cockpit voice recorders (CVR) to capture 25 hours of information, the agency has announced. “We are initiating rulemaking that will require cockpit voice recorders to capture 25 hours of information,” FAA said in a March 16 statement. “We will also establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to explore how to make greater use of data gathered by the airplane and its systems, including expanded flight-data monitoring. We ... read more
A Beech Crash-Lands on the Beach
Plane & Pilot Magazine In what was certainly a terrible St. Patrick’s Day event, a Beechcraft V-35 Bonanza crash-landed on a beach in northeastern Long Island. The two onboard … Read More "A Beech Crash-Lands on the Beach" The post A Beech Crash-Lands on the Beach appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Gear down, flaps down
General Aviation News Robert Remedi submitted this photo and note: "A 1983 Cessna 152 Young Eagles flight at Lewis University Airport in Romeoville, Illinois. Photo by my son, Robert A Remedi." Read More read more
Another Navion Survival Story: Arizona Midair Leaves Aviation World Stunned
Plane & Pilot Magazine In Arizona on Friday, two planes collided in midair during a practice formation flight, with one of them, a Ryan Navion, landing safely despite being … Read More "Another Navion Survival Story: Arizona Midair Leaves Aviation World Stunned" The post Another Navion Survival Story: Arizona Midair Leaves Aviation World Stunned appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Changes coming to two FAA knowledge exam tests
AOPA General Aviation News In the February Airman Testing Community Advisory, the FAA announced two planned changes to the private pilot—airplane and commercial pilot—airplane knowledge tests will be implemented April 24. Read More read more
Towered Airport vs. Non-Towered Operations
FLYING Magazine “I don’t want to fly there because there’s no tower.” “I don’t want to fly there because they have a tower.” Flight instructors hear these phrases often. If the learner is doing their training out of a towered airport, heading over to a facility that is “pilot controlled”— or non-towered—can lead to apprehension. Conversely, learners who train at non-towered facilities can become overwhelmed in a towered environment. Towered to Non-Towered It is up to the CFI to make ... read more
How NASA’s Unconventional Bell X-14 Almost Landed in the Scrapyard
FLYING Magazine Mention the term “X-plane,” and most envision shadowy experimental military aircraft with mind-numbing performance. From the X-1, which was the first to break the sound barrier, to the X-15, which could cross the Karman line and enter space, X-planes have historically been defined by immense power, blinding speed, and sleek lines reminiscent of fictional spaceships. Conversely, when discussing X-planes, most tend not to envision design features like an open cockpit, fixed ... read more
Paper airplane sets world record
General Aviation News A pair of Boeing engineers have shattered the world record by flying their paper airplane nearly the length of a football field. Read More read more
At SUN ‘n FUN or SnF adjacent
General Aviation News Aero-nuts across the land are looking to central Florida for their first big outing of the year. It’s all about SUN 'n FUN for the next couple weeks. Getting there, reveling in the wonder of it all, and getting home again. It’s a process — one that requires a bit of planning and patience and perhaps a touch of persistence. Read More read more
New flight school opens at O38
General Aviation News A new flight school, TruFlight Academy, which specializes in helicopter flight training, has opened at Gundy's Airport (O38) in Owasso, Oklahoma. Read More read more
Volunteers paint CAF Airbase Georgia Corsair
General Aviation News Recently featured in the movie “Devotion,” the FG-1D Corsair was carefully stripped to bare metal and repainted to return it to like-new condition, according to CAF officials. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Where the ‘vicinity’ ends
AOPA General Aviation News FAR 91.103(a)—the first flight rule—mentions that as part of your preflight planning for any flight not in the vicinity of an airport, you must obtain weather reports and forecasts, calculate fuel requirements, determine alternates, and be alert to traffic delays. Read More read more
Pilot ‘negated all proper safety protocols’
General Aviation News This resulted in both aircraft facing head-on on the departure end of 30. We had to take an evasive maneuver action to avoid the aircraft on final. Read More read more
Boeing Awarded $1.9 Billion Contract For 184 Apaches
AVweb Boeing has been awarded a $1.9 billion contract to produce 184 AH-64E Apache multirole combat helicopters for the U.S. Army and international customers. The contract covers 115 remanufactured Apaches with options for 15 additional aircraft for the Army and 54 aircraft for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Boeing noted that the order will include the first Apaches to go to Australia. “We are enhancing the U.S. Army’s attack fleet, while supporting additional partner nations ... read more
Embraer Opens Air Mobility Engineering Research Center
AVweb Embraer has officially opened a new engineering research center dedicated to studying “air mobility for the future.” According to Embraer, the center’s work will focus on low-carbon aviation, autonomous systems and advanced design and manufacturing. It was also funded by Brazil’s Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (Technological Institute of Aeronautics/ITA) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo Research Foundation/FAPESP). “It is an immense ... read more
Elixir Aircraft prepares for U.S. arrival.
AOPA General Aviation News Since its creation in 2015, Elixir Aircraft has pursued a simple objective: To design and manufacture a safer, greener, more economical Part 23 certified aircraft, by providing relevant, modern, and innovative answers to the recurring problems encountered by general aviation. Read More read more
Pioneering Skydiver and Pilot Looks Back on 50 Years Aloft
FLYING Magazine For skydiving ace Cheryl Stearns, jumping out of an airplane began as a dream when she was eight, growing up in Scottsdale, Arizona. In the dream, she was stepping out of a window and feeling the sensation of falling—or was she? “The dream felt so real, but I wondered if falling really felt the same way,” she said recently, more than 22,000 jumps later. As it turned out, Stearns had to wait until she was 17 to find out if reality matched the dream. That was when she joined ... read more
New Association To Lobby on Behalf of Flight Academies
FLYING Magazine Flight training academies have a new Washington, D.C.-based aviation trade association focusing on providing a unified voice in the aviation industry. The National Flight Training Association (NFTA) was created to address national discussions on matters that impact flight academies in the United States. What Is NFTA? NFTA is a consortium of U.S.-based flight training providers and professionals working for the benefit and advancement of the national aviation industry, and ... read more
WAT Announces Landing Light Rebate Program
AVweb Eager to get pilots and aircraft owners to try the new Parmetheus G3 landing light, WAT (who you may know better as Whelen) has introduced a trade-in and trade-up program that offers a rebate of as much as $70 toward the new G3. The program includes both PAR-36 and PAR-46 lights in 14-volt or 28-volt versions from a few popular manufacturers. Qualifying models from AeroLEDS, Aero-Lites and Aveo Engineering can earn $30-$70 in rebates. For those with earlier versions of ... read more
Quieting The Cabin: SoundEx A Good Choice
AVweb Engines, exhaust systems, propellers, cabin vents and aging door and window seals are just a handful of sources that can make the typical aircraft cabin a miserable place to spend hours on end. It’s also a path to irreversible hearing damage. How do you know if your cabin is too noisy? Fly in a comparably designed newer one, or one with cabin upgrades like that Piper Saratoga cabin in the image to the left. Part of the problem is that noise is one of those things that gradually ... read more
General Aviation Accident Bulletin, March 20, 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. December 5, 2022, Yukon, ... read more
This Map Will Make the World Revolve Around Your Airport
FLYING Magazine One of the most heartbreaking events in aviation is when the fixed-wing pilot applicant discovered that a flight they used to meet the cross-county requirements of a particular certificate or rating does meet the legal definition of FAR 61.1(b)(1), which states “time must include a landing at least a straight line distance of more than 50 nm from the original point of departure.” This distance is measured using a plotter on a visual flight rule (VFR) sectional—sometimes ... read more
Elixir Aircraft prepares for U.S. arrival.
AOPA General Aviation News Since its creation in 2015, Elixir Aircraft has pursued a simple objective: To design and manufacture a safer, greener, more economical Part 23 certified aircraft, by providing relevant, modern, and innovative answers to the recurring problems encountered by general aviation. Read More read more
FAA Loosens Restrictions on ADS-B for Balloons
FLYING Magazine Following a yearslong discussion with industry leaders, the FAA has agreed to allow balloon operators to fly in Class C airspace without automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) equipment if they obtain a letter of agreement (LOA). According to the FAA, “Each operator, whether a commercial business or individual pilot, will sign a LOA with the FAA to confirm they know the proper procedures in the Class C airspace that surrounds the areas.” FAA’s decision brings ... read more
Picture of the Day: Thunderbirds in Training
General Aviation News Robert Kolinsky submitted this photo and note: "USAF Lt. Col. Justin 'Astro' Elliott, commander of the Thunderbirds, leads the team down Taxiway Bravo at Edwards AFB, California during their 2023 winter training." Read More read more
GA advocates successfully fight Washington bill that would have banned 100LL
General Aviation News The original bill, WA HB1554, introduced in January 2023, called for the phased-in restriction on the “selling, distributing, or otherwise making available to consumers” leaded avgas in Washington state starting Jan. 1, 2024. Read More read more
Flying to SUN ‘n FUN? Be aware of changes to arrival procedures
General Aviation News If you are flying to the 2023 SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, be aware that there are significant changes to the arrival procedure. Read More read more
BAG Focuses on Airport Growth, Airpark Access
FLYING Magazine “Development has to be right for the airport,” cautioned Iver Retrum, partner and managing broker of Business Aviation Group. “A lot of people think that you can go in, develop it, and that they will come,” Retrum said. “But that doesn’t necessarily work at every airport. You have to understand what the market is first. That seems simple, but a lot of times it’s not.” Through more than two decades of industry experience, Retrum has seen the success of dozens of hangar ... read more
FSANA Hosts 2023 International Flight School Operators Conference in Orlando
FLYING Magazine Each year the business providers of flight training services in the U.S. come together at the International Flight School Operators Conference hosted by the Flight School Association of North America (FSANA). This year’s 14th annual conference at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Florida, took place March 1–3 with more than 40 vendors, more than 300 attendees, and representatives from federal agencies in attendance to share information, concerns, and best practices. On the ... read more
Bill Shea honored with Distinguished Statesman Award
General Aviation News William “Bill” Shea, founding director of the University of Nebraska Omaha Aviation Institute, was recently presented the 2022 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesman of Aviation Award. Read More read more
Canopy rips off Sonex during flight
General Aviation News The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper glidepath during landing. Contributing to the accident was his failure to ensure the canopy locks were properly configured prior to flight. Read More read more
Wright at Home
General Aviation News After a three-year absence, Wright at Home returns, with visitors once again invited to an open house at Hawthorn Hill in Dayton, Ohio, Orville Wright's family mansion. Read More read more
Balloonists Get Break On ADS-B
AVweb The FAA and the lighter-than-air industry have reached a longer lasting agreement on ADS-B equipage and controlled airspace operations. Going forward, balloon operators who want to operate in Class C airspace can sign a letter of agreement with the FAA that sets out ground rules. The deal was reached over a year of discussions between balloon industry leaders and the agency. “It’s great having an understanding of the expectation, the rules, and also all the new relationships that ... read more
Russia Gives Awards To Pilots Who Downed Drone, Vows To Continue
AVweb Aljazeera is reporting that the Russian pilots involved in the downing of a U.S. Reaper surveillance drone have been given awards and suggests that means it’s open season on the aircraft operating near Ukraine. “The drone flew with its transponders off, violating the boundaries of the area of the temporary airspace usage regime established for the special military operation [and] communicated to all users of international airspace,” Russia’s defence ministry said in a statement ... read more
Drone Deliveries Saving Lives in Rwanda
AVweb We’ve spilled lots of pixels on the coming age of drone deliveries, but in the U.S., it’s hardly a well-developed concept. Airspace and regulatory burdens still stymy progress. But not in Rwanda. A company called Zipline has been remarkably successful in Rwanda delivering blood and medicine by drone to hospitals throughout the country. In this video by Mark Rober, Zipline’s operation and developmental plans are detailed and explained. Rwanda is about the size of Maryland and the ... read more
Poll: Would Long-Duration Cockpit Voice Recorders Improve Safety?
AVweb Poll: Would Long-Duration Cockpit Voice Recorders Improve Safety? Poll: Would Long-Duration Cockpit Voice Recorders Improve Safety? Definitely. Should've been done years ago. Maybe. No. Waste of time and money. Should have cameras, too. Other Δ The post Poll: Would Long-Duration Cockpit Voice Recorders Improve Safety? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Waiting for better weather
General Aviation News Mark McMillan II submitted this photo and note: "This is my 1954 Cessna 170B airplane. So far I have 240 hours in her, and am planning to complete some long distance trips soon. From the classy paint, to the originally style panel, and Mohair interior this plane transports you back in time." Read More read more
Air show raises millions for local charities
General Aviation News First held in 1981, the California International Airshow Salinas has raised more than $8 million for local charities, and had an economic impact of about $4.4 million for Salinas Municipal Airport. Read More read more
Boeing Claims MAX Victims Didn’t Suffer Any Pain
AVweb Boeing lawyers say the company shouldn’t have to pay for the pain suffered by victims of two 737 MAX crashes because they couldn’t possibly have felt any pain. The Wall Street Journal is reporting Boeing’s legal team says the law in Illinois, where this case is being heard, doesn’t allow their families to be paid for pain and suffering to be compensated because there essentially was none. Boeing consulted experts who determined there wasn’t enough time in the 700-mph impact for the ... read more
FAA Looking At Extending Voice Recording Duration To 25 Hours
AVweb The first concrete result of a high-profile “safety summit” held by the FAA last week may be extending the recording time of cockpit voice recorders to 25 hours. CVRs now operate on a mandated two-hour loop and many of the flight deck exchanges between crews involved in the half dozen airliner incidents in the past few months that prompted the summit were overwritten. The agency is now working on rulemaking that will require the 25-hour loop. It may be part of the agency’s pledge ... read more
Video: IFR tips from an air traffic controller
General Aviation News Sporty's recently posted a video chock full of tips from a veteran air traffic controller for pilots flying IFR. Read More read more
The National Aviation Hall of Fame reveals Class of 2023
General Aviation News Latest class includes two iconic history-making pilots, two groundbreakers in aviation policy, and two astronauts. Read More read more
Top Letters And Comments, March 17, 2023
AVweb Short Final: I’ll Call You Back Reminds me of a flight out of Anchorage to Palmer VFR. Palmer is on the other side of the USAF base and not far in a fast airplane. I had arrived IFR and this was my first time into ANC. It was a sunny summer day and there was a lot of traffic. As soon as I was passed to departure I checked in and was given a routing which was a blur of landmarks of which I had no idea of the location. I fessed up as unfamiliar and looking for help. The reply: “Don’t ... read more
My Cousin Louie
AVweb For most of us, history is kind of a remote thing corralled into books or shallow films. Interesting, maybe, but too distant to rise to the definition of firsthand relevance. So I’m lucky to have, by sheer happenstance, clapped eyes on this photo recently. It was posted on FaceBook by one of my distant cousins. The arc of my uneventful life intersects with one of the men in this photo. Without intending it, he ignited my interest in aviation. His own arc intersects directly with what ... read more
Does the Pilot Watch Still Have a Role in the Cockpit?
FLYING Magazine A friend recently asked if pilot watches are still “a thing,” given the many devices, both portable and panel-mounted, that are available for telling time in flight. I told him they certainly are, but for different reasons today than when Charles Lindbergh and Wiley Post were crossing oceans. In fact, I have spent the last several weeks flying with a new pilot watch, the AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Atlas Dual Time Chronograph, which has taken the place of a sports watch that had ... read more
The Family That Flies Together
FLYING Magazine The aviation community can sometimes feel like one big extended family. For Nicole Stoddard Robbins, an IFR-rated private pilot and mother of three boys in Utah, that’s more true than it is for many. Robbins is a third-generation pilot whose grandfather served in the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the U.S. Air Force) during World War II, and in Korea and Vietnam. Her dad, Kris Stoddard—who flew for United when Robbins was a kid—is her flight instructor. Her dad wanted to follow ... read more
Commuting to the Line
FLYING Magazine Unlike many other professions, commuters to an airline or fractional pilot job make their trip by air, which allows for a degree of complexity along with the flexibility in where you can live. Sam Weigel walks you through the commutes of his career along with thoughts on how to choose if this is right for you. Airline captain Sam Weigel takes you through the ins and outs of commuting. The post Commuting to the Line appeared first on FLYING Magazine. Read More read more
Invitation to a Cockpit Party
FLYING Magazine You don’t have to put the entire airplane into a museum to make it fun for visitors. Sometimes, just the cockpit will do—especially when it is open for the public to sit in. The Tillamook Air Museum in Tillamook, Oregon has six cockpits for visitation—the latest one to join the fleet is a B-52G Stratofortress. The welcome ceremony will be held on April 1, 2023. The B-52 front section “before,” needing some TLC. [Courtesy of Tillamook Air Museum] History of the B-52G The ... read more
Carb icing brings down Cub
General Aviation News The total loss of engine power due to carburetor icing. Read More read more
General Aviation News archives digitized back to 1990
General Aviation News "There is a treasure trove of articles, photos, and advertising," remarked Ben Sclair, Publisher of General Aviation News. "Additional decades will be added as time allows for this in-house project.” Read More read more
Stolen Helicopter Crashed At Sacramento Executive
AVweb Several helicopters were broken into and a Bell 429 was stolen and crashed at California’s Sacramento Executive Airport (KSAC) early Wednesday morning. It has been reported that an unidentified individual attempted to start three other helicopters before getting the 429 in the air. The aircraft appears to have gone down almost immediately after takeoff. According to authorities, there is no indication that anyone was injured in the crash. The helicopters were owned by ... read more
The Engine-Out Glide
AVweb Each month, we chronicle recent accidents we hope are of interest to readers. A glance at a random month’s entries likely would reveal that a substantial portion of them involve total or partial failure of a piston single’s engine. Yes, there’s selection bias involved—we typically try to highlight the most educational accidents and incidents, and many in-flight engine failures don’t result in an event reportable to the NTSB. But the evidence also points out that pilots frequently ... read more
U.S. MQ-9 Downed After Collision With Russian Su-27
AVweb A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone went down in the Black Sea on Tuesday following an encounter with two Russian Su-27 aircraft. U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) released a declassified video showing the intercept, stating that the MQ-9’s propeller was damaged after a collision with one of the Su-27s which resulted in the Air Force having to bring the drone down in international waters. The aircraft were also seen dumping fuel in front of the MQ-9 and flying in close proximity to it ... read more
NASA Awards $50 Million For Aviation Composite Tech Development
AVweb NASA has awarded a total of $50 million to 14 organizations for the development of manufacturing processes and advanced composite materials for aircraft structures. Part of the agency’s Hi-Rate Composite Aircraft Manufacturing (HiCAM) project, funded work will look to “reduce the cost and increase the production rate of composite structures made in the U.S.” It will cover experiments in material processing, assembly techniques, inspection and structural performance over HiCAM’s three ... read more
Piper corrects service bulletin error
AOPA General Aviation News An updated Piper Aircraft Inc. service bulletin issued in February corrects a previous version that specified the wrong fasteners in the landing gear assembly, and any aircraft that complied with the previous version are no longer airworthy. Read More read more
Helicopter pilots provide lifeline to trapped residents
AOPA General Aviation News In an “unprecedented effort” by local helicopter pilots in California, according to pilot and Lake Arrowhead resident Susan Newman Harrison, relief came to the snow-trapped villages of the San Bernardino Mountains via general aviation. Read More read more
Hangar tenants given eviction notices
AOPA General Aviation News The city of Yakima, Washington, has served eviction notices to hangar tenants, the latest manifestation of a troubling trend that affects the general aviation community nationwide: demolition of hangars suitable for light aircraft with no replacements available. Read More read more
Beta to certify and produce electric fixed-wing aircraft
AOPA General Aviation News Vermont-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developer Beta Technologies announced plans to certify and bring to market the fixed-wing version of the company’s fully electric eVTOL Alia-250 aircraft, the eCTOL CX300. Read More read more
Accident Case Study: Risk Stacking
AOPA General Aviation News The AOPA Air Safety Institute examines the circumstances that led to a tragic outcome during a GPS approach at Burley Municipal Airport on April 13, 2022. We look at several risk factors—including weather conditions and a factory's steam stacks located below the flight path, close to the runway threshold—that turned out lethal during the final descent. Read More read more
En route IFR charts to have limited foreign information
AOPA General Aviation News The FAA announced March 9 a change in the amount of foreign information provided on en route low altitude charts. Read More read more
AOPA fights back on Washington state bill banning 100LL sales
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA testimony combined with input from Washington state aviation community stakeholders successfully removed language banning the sale of 100LL fuel at the state’s airports as well as burdensome environmental requirements for pilots and airports. Read More read more
Flying Through Snowy Southern California, Virtually
FLYING Magazine Earlier this month, record snowfalls and cold hit Southern California. I grew up in the Los Angeles valley and have always loved flying in the area on any flight sim. One of my favorite places to visit is Big Bear City Airport (L35), perched at over 6,000 feet msl on top of a ridge near lakes and ski resorts. I decided I’d put real weather to the test to see how good it is, compared to the most recent actual METAR. On this particular day the winds were 250 at 8 gusting 17 ... read more
Aircraft Maintenance and Weathering a Pandemic
FLYING Magazine In January 2020, I was at the Anaheim Convention Center in California, attending the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo. There was a spring in my step as I bounded down the jetway, my gleaming silver Lucas roller bag leading the way. It was the first business trip of the year, which is always exciting. The industry was awakening from its holiday slumber. Management rolled out new quotas and strategic plans, and everyone was hitting the road hopeful for fame and ... read more
Diamond Names Launch Customer For Electric eDA40
AVweb Diamond Aircraft has announced that Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) will be the launch customer for its all-electric eDA40 trainer. The letter of intent (LOI) covering the planned purchase also includes provisions for the two companies to collaborate on testing the model “in a real training environment” at LAT’s location in Grenchen, Switzerland. According to Diamond, results will be used to inform further development of the aircraft for flight training and “to explore options for ... read more
Congress Urged To Boost Funding of Aerospace Education
FLYING Magazine The high cost of aviation training and the lack of diversity among the aviation workforce are some of the most pressing issues affecting the aerospace workforce, stakeholders told a U.S. Senate panel Thursday. The Senate Commerce Committee March 16 hearing focused on strengthening the aviation workforce comes as Congress readies for FAA Reauthorization. Thursday’s hearing highlighted challenges facing the aviation workforce and presented solutions for improving the ... read more
Accident Case Study: Risk Stacking
AOPA General Aviation News The AOPA Air Safety Institute examines the circumstances that led to a tragic outcome during a GPS approach at Burley Municipal Airport on April 13, 2022. We look at several risk factors—including weather conditions and a factory's steam stacks located below the flight path, close to the runway threshold—that turned out lethal during the final descent. Read More read more
En route IFR charts to have limited foreign information
AOPA General Aviation News The FAA announced March 9 a change in the amount of foreign information provided on en route low altitude charts. Read More read more
AOPA fights back on Washington state bill banning 100LL sales
AOPA General Aviation News AOPA testimony combined with input from Washington state aviation community stakeholders successfully removed language banning the sale of 100LL fuel at the state’s airports as well as burdensome environmental requirements for pilots and airports. Read More read more
F-35 Deliveries Resume Following Checks for Readiness
FLYING Magazine The Defense Contract Management Agency and F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) have resumed acceptance of F-35s from Lockheed Martin and are working to deliver the fighters to their units with U.S. military services and other customers. Earlier this year, the Department of Defense halted delivery of F-35s and their F135 engines amid a Navy investigation of an incident in which a pilot ejected from an F-35B following a hard landing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort ... read more
Picture of the Day: Flying is freedom
General Aviation News Mary Wich submitted this photo and note: "When I saw this wheelchair at the tie-down, and the airplane gone, it was an almost indescribable feeling we can all relate to. Photographed on Jan. 27, 2023, at Lincoln Regional Airport (KLHM) in California." Read More read more
Helicopter pilots provide lifeline to trapped residents
AOPA General Aviation News In an “unprecedented effort” by local helicopter pilots in California, according to pilot and Lake Arrowhead resident Susan Newman Harrison, relief came to the snow-trapped villages of the San Bernardino Mountains via general aviation. Read More read more
Hangar tenants given eviction notices
AOPA General Aviation News The city of Yakima, Washington, has served eviction notices to hangar tenants, the latest manifestation of a troubling trend that affects the general aviation community nationwide: demolition of hangars suitable for light aircraft with no replacements available. Read More read more
Beta to certify and produce electric fixed-wing aircraft
AOPA General Aviation News Vermont-based electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft developer Beta Technologies announced plans to certify and bring to market the fixed-wing version of the company’s fully electric eVTOL Alia-250 aircraft, the eCTOL CX300. Read More read more
Thief Topples Helicopter In Airport Break-In, FBI Investigating
FLYING Magazine Early on the morning of March 15, someone broke into several helicopters at Sacramento Executive Airport (KSAC) and crashed one of them on the ramp. Four helicopters were damaged, including a Bell 429 helicopter that the thieves got off the ground and subsequently crashed. The break-in occurred at about 5 a.m. Wednesday morning, the Sacramento Bee reported. Sacramento police are investigating the incident, along with the FBI. Brian Uretsky, a Caravan owner and pilot ... read more
Video provides early analysis of Winter Haven mid-air collision
General Aviation News On March 7, 2023, a Piper Warrior and a Piper J-3 Cub on floats collided over Lake Hartridge, just east of Winter Haven Regional Airport (KGIF) in Winter Haven, Florida. Sadly, all four people on board the airplanes perished in the accident. Read More read more
Top 10 best-selling rotorcraft in 2022
General Aviation News According to the latest figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, piston helicopter deliveries increased 7.2% in 2022, with 194 delivered, while civil-commercial turbine helicopter deliveries increased 7.6% to 682. Read More read more
FAA Issues AD on Vision Jet for CAPS Autopilot Function
FLYING Magazine On March 6, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) final ruling, AD 2023-04-20, regarding the autopilot system on the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet. The AD encapsulated a previous service bulletin issued by Cirrus Aircraft Company on January 20, SB5X-90-14R1, following an inflight event in which the autopilot system improperly engaged as a part of an automated process that precedes a deployment of the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). The CAPS was not improperly ... read more
Russian Fighter Downs USAF MQ-9 Reaper Over Black Sea
FLYING Magazine A Russian Sukhoi Su-27 fighter intercepted and downed a U.S. Air Force-operated General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper over the Black Sea Tuesday. The Reaper was conducting an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) mission in international airspace over the Black Sea—a common mission Pentagon officials say predates the current war in Ukraine. The clash between piloted and unmanned aircraft highlights the increasing use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the ongoing war ... read more
Beta Technologies Reveals Electric Aircraft In Development
FLYING Magazine Beta Technologies, the South Burlington, Vermont company known for its ALIA-250 eVTOL test aircraft, revealed that it also is developing a second electric-powered aircraft called the CX300. The company calls the CX300 an “eCTOL,” or electric conventional takeoff and landing aircraft. It resembles an ALIA-250 without rotors for vertical flight. Beta said that for years it has been testing two versions of its prototype aircraft, one for hovering flight and the other for wing ... read more
What Impact Does Time Change Have on Aviation?
FLYING Magazine Question: My workplace is struggling with the switch to daylight saving time and I’m wondering, what impact does losing an hour in the spring and gaining an hour in the fall have on aviation? I heard there are some states in the U.S. that don’t observe daylight saving time—doesn’t that mess things up for air travel? Answer: The aviation world uses Zulu time, which is derived from the Prime Meridian running through Greenwich, England. Instead of having to convert to local ... read more
Getting Testy About Exams
FLYING Magazine It seems every pilot and CFI out there has a different philosophy about when to take the FAA knowledge exam during training. Many sources recommend completing ground school and taking the test before getting into an airplane, to have the background knowledge in hand and the milestone checked off the list before you start the practical side of training. I made a conscious decision to begin training concurrently with studying for my exam, and to delay taking the knowledge ... read more
Looking Beyond a Pre-Purchase Checklist
FLYING Magazine In the eyes of prospective airplane owners, the departure of winter can be a dangerous and exciting time. Here in the northern states, the warm weather summons existing owners out of their hangars and into the sky, local fly-ins start to resume, and the drone of Continentals and Lycomings wafts through newly-opened windows, tantalizing owners-to-be. Having spent months scouring the classified sites while cooped up inside, these prospective owners take note and become ... read more
FAA Launches Investigation of Runway Event at Washington National Airport
FLYING Magazine The FAA is investigating a runway incursion at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (KDCA) on the morning of March 7. The event marks the seventh runway near miss at a U.S. airport this year. “Republic Airways Flight 4736 crossed Runway 1 without clearance, putting the aircraft in the path of United Airlines Flight 2003, which had just been cleared for takeoff, the agency told FLYING in a statement. The Republic flight was conducted on an Embraer E175. The United ... read more
Mentoring Programs Aim To Boost Ranks of Women in Aviation
FLYING Magazine Aviation is a challenging endeavor, from finding a flight instructor and mastering the controls of a small training aircraft to making one’s way up the ladder to a professional career. The help of a mentor can be critical to success, especially for women, who are underrepresented in the industry in general, and on the flight deck in particular. Women’s aviation clubs and organizations have a special interest in mentoring aspiring professionals to strengthen their networks ... read more
Rise in Aviation Mishaps Focus of FAA Safety Summit
FLYING Magazine The day before Wednesday’s much-anticipated FAA Safety Summit to address a series of close calls and identify risks to the aviation industry, yet another alarming incident came to light. A runway event occurred at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C. on March 7. According to reports, a Republic Airways Embraer E175 made a wrong turn and crossed a runway as a United Airlines Airbus A319 was preparing to take off. The incident marks the seventh ... read more
GAMA, Daher International Internship Aims to Build Aerospace Workforce
FLYING Magazine A joint internship between GAMA and Daher continues an ongoing international effort by both the OEM and the association to develop aviation career-minded young people. Since 2007, Daher has sponsored interns at its facility in Tarbes, France, with the concept of exposing those involved to areas of specialty across the enterprise—as well as to the advantages of working for an international company in its global footprint. The experience typically culminates in a trip with ... read more
Piper corrects service bulletin error
AOPA General Aviation News An updated Piper Aircraft Inc. service bulletin issued in February corrects a previous version that specified the wrong fasteners in the landing gear assembly, and any aircraft that complied with the previous version are no longer airworthy. Read More read more
Drone Safety Day returns in April
General Aviation News Slated for April 29, 2023, Drone Safety Day is designed to educate drone pilots about the importance of flying safely. Read More read more
Family of pioneering pilot donates artifacts to the Museum of Women Pilots
General Aviation News The family of Marvel Crosson, one of the earliest female pilots, donated several of her aviation artifacts to The Ninety-Nines Museum of Women Pilots in Oklahoma March 10, 2023. Read More read more
Narrow grass airstrip and distracted pilot a bad combination
General Aviation News Our left main tire dropped into a ditch on the left side of the (narrow) runway, which dropped the left wingtip low enough that it caught on a fence post, pulling the plane around into the fence. The propeller struck the fence, coming to a stop after becoming entangled in the barbed wire fence. Read More read more
Safety Summit Calls For ‘Vigilance’ In Light Of Close Calls
AVweb Aviation leaders representing a broad spectrum of industry activity were told to go back to their worlds and try to identify what they can do to make the system even safer after an FAA-sponsored “safety summit” in Virginia on Wednesday. Speaker after speaker mentioned the current period of remarkable safety for commercial aviation against the backdrop of some potentially catastrophic runway incursions at airports all over the U.S. in the last few months. They followed a period in ... read more
Repair Parts Running Out For GNS 430/530
AVweb Garmin says those who still rely on its early generation navigation products should start planning a panel upgrade. The company says “multiple component availability limitations” mean the parts needed to fix the devices that heralded a revolution in aviation navigation and in-flight information are fading away. “First introduced in 1998, Garmin has offered repair service for the GNS 430/530 series for 25 years,” the company said in a brief service advisory issued March 14. “Garmin ... read more
Canadian Investigators Call For Mandatory Heart Screening For Half Of Pilots
AVweb Canada’s Transportation Safety Board is calling for mandatory cardiac risk assessments for all pilots older than 40 following a 2021 crash that may have been related to the pilot suffering a heart attack. Such a move would affect about half of the 33,000 licenced pilots in Canada. The TSB says Transport Canada medical examiners are not required to conduct blood lipid screening tests that might have found risk factors in the pilot of the 2021 crash. The ATP rated pilot died after the ... read more
Airpark Preferences Survey Open
AVweb A new survey is gathering information about the requirements and preferences of pilots seeking to live in a residential airpark of any type. Responses gathered from this survey can be used by those in the aviation community to understand the airpark market, including fellow pilots, developers, and airport officials. The anonymous survey does not request any personal data, and is not commercially affiliated. The survey results will be available to members of the aviation ... read more
Picture Of The Week, March 15, 2023
AVweb 1 of 5 I took this photo at Chandler Executive Airport in Fresno, CA. It was 2017/2018 and the Flabob DC-3 was at the airport for a weekend event when one of the engines failed on arrival. It sat out in front of the terminal building and I snapped this picture with my iPhone6 using the Noir setting. Photo by Skip M. DuRand. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Step Back in ... read more
Continental Counterweight AD Expanded
AVweb The FAA has expanded its AD for certain Continental engines regarding potential manufacturing errors with the engines’ crankshaft counterweights. The original AD has been superseded and several new models added. “Since the FAA issued AD 2023-04-08, the FAA determined that IO-470-A, -C, -F, and -LO; and TSIO-360-F and -FB model engines are also affected by the unsafe condition and should be added to the applicability,” a notice says. “Additionally, the FAA determined that the ... read more
This Mega-popular Garmin Product Is Reaching End of Its Service Life
Plane & Pilot Magazine Garmin has sent a letter to its aviation customers reminding them that its mega-popular GNS 430 was introduced in 1998, which is 25 years ago, … Read More "This Mega-popular Garmin Product Is Reaching End of Its Service Life" The post This Mega-popular Garmin Product Is Reaching End of Its Service Life appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Got to love them flying machines
General Aviation News Sam Presley submitted this photo and note: "Formation flight to the Airways Cafe at Dexter Municipal Airport (KDXE) in Missouri, where the food is wonderful and the people are also. Dan Turner is piloting his Hawk XP. Photograph taken by Alan Ainley, chase plane piloted by Sam Presley. Everyone in the formation is loving every minute of it." Read More read more
‘A lot of attention to detail’
AOPA General Aviation News Corporate donors including Delta Air Lines recently lent a helping hand to Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia to restore the group’s Goodyear FG-1D Corsair’s paint job to “like-new” condition. Read More read more
Top 10 best-selling business jets in 2022
General Aviation News Just two more business jets were sold in 2022 than in 2021, with Gulfstream and Cirrus claiming the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in both years. Read More read more
‘A lot of attention to detail’
AOPA General Aviation News Corporate donors including Delta Air Lines recently lent a helping hand to Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia to restore the group’s Goodyear FG-1D Corsair’s paint job to “like-new” condition. Read More read more
Carbon Cub lands on iconic hotel
General Aviation News Red Bull Air Race pilot and Carbon Cub owner Luke Czepiela recently landed a specially modified Carbon Cub on a 78-foot helipad on the top of the 56-story Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. Read More read more
Where there’s a will there’s a way…for wings
AOPA General Aviation News Growing up around air force bases in India, Ashwini "Ash" Ahuja once dreamed of following in his father's footsteps and becoming a fighter pilot or a test pilot, but after becoming paralyzed at the age of 11, that dream changed. A sport pilot since 2013, Ahuja recently completed his first coast-to-coast flight—and hopes to inspire other aspiring pilots who use wheelchairs to take to the skies. Read More read more
Pilots’ help sought to spot Alaska aviation infrastructure gaps
AOPA General Aviation News A study is underway to identify gaps in Alaska’s aviation infrastructure, creating an opportunity for pilots to help close them. Read More read more
Spring into scholarship opportunities
AOPA General Aviation News Scholarships with March and April deadlines await students who want to explore the aviation sector. Read More read more
South Carolina Aviation Association navigates the future
General Aviation News The South Carolina Aviation Association held its annual conference in Spartanburg Feb. 15-17, 2023, bringing together airport directors and managers, commissioners, government officials, consultants, airport partners, aviation enthusiasts, and industry leaders. Read More read more
Where there’s a will there’s a way…for wings
AOPA General Aviation News Growing up around air force bases in India, Ashwini "Ash" Ahuja once dreamed of following in his father's footsteps and becoming a fighter pilot or a test pilot, but after becoming paralyzed at the age of 11, that dream changed. A sport pilot since 2013, Ahuja recently completed his first coast-to-coast flight—and hopes to inspire other aspiring pilots who use wheelchairs to take to the skies. Read More read more
Pilots’ help sought to spot Alaska aviation infrastructure gaps
AOPA General Aviation News A study is underway to identify gaps in Alaska’s aviation infrastructure, creating an opportunity for pilots to help close them. Read More read more
Spring into scholarship opportunities
AOPA General Aviation News Scholarships with March and April deadlines await students who want to explore the aviation sector. Read More read more
Sheltair FBO at KLZU to open in April
General Aviation News Sheltair Aviation will open its new FBO at Gwinnett County Airport-Briscoe Field (KLZU) in Lawrenceville, Georgia, just north of Atlanta, in April 2023. Read More read more
Crop dusters collide in midair
General Aviation News The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane. Read More read more
Air Force Budget Requests Target Retention And Recruitment Efforts
AVweb The U.S. Air Force has asked for additional 2024 budget funding specifically for retention and recruitment bonuses. The global pilot shortage coupled with the difficulties of bringing in new airmen are driving the service to expand its financial incentives for current and future personnel. The Air Force budget for 2024 is pegged at $185 billion, of which $648 million is earmarked for bonuses and retention incentives targeting 65 “specialty positions,” according to the information ... read more
Volocopter Partners With SITA On Urban Air Mobility Infrastructure
AVweb Urban air mobility (UAM) developer Volocopter and SITA, self-described as an information technology (IT) provider to the air transport industry, announced today they have formed a partnership to develop operational infrastructure. Volocopter’s developmental VoloCity electric air taxi is designed to operate in high-density cities, where passengers could hail a flight from one of multiple “vertiports.” According to a joint press release by the partnership, “SITA will deploy its ... read more
Acting FAA Administrator Addresses Airline Safety In TV Interview
AVweb Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen took to the airwaves this evening (March 14) with the challenging mission of reassuring airline passengers that it remains safe to fly, even as U.S. aviation officials have begun “to see things that we don’t expect to see,” a clear reference to a string of close calls involving airliners. In an NBC News interview ahead of the coming Air Safety Summit, Nolen cited the airline safety record and told reporter Lester Holt, “We expect every flight to ... read more
Short Final: I’ll Call You Back
AVweb Several years ago while training for my instrument rating, I was flying with my instructor in dark-night rainy weather. My instructor was a big fan of realistic training and I was receiving a double dose of it on this evening. Our destination was KPIM (Pine Mountain, GA). We were planning to have dinner with my mom and aunt. As I entered Atlanta’s airspace, my first contact with the busy controller went reasonably well. It was just a simple check in. As we continued to our ... read more
Red Bull/XDubai Pull Off Super-Short Landing On Hotel-Top Helipad
AVweb Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) bushplane videos are fun to watch, and it’s always entertaining to see the talent of the pilots and admire the performance of their increasingly specialized aircraft. Red Bull and extreme sports promotor XDubai upped the ante today (March 14) by landing a highly-modified CubCrafters Carbon Cub on a 78-foot-diameter helipad atop the 56-story Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. After the cheering and high-fives died down, Polish pilot ... read more
Beta Technologies Plans Non-eVTOL Version Of Its Electric Alia-250
AVweb Beta Technologies has announced it plans to develop, certify and produce the CX300, a dedicated electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) version of its electric-powered Alia-250 vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company has been flying two test aircraft; one with vertical takeoff capability and one without a working rotor system required for the urban-air mobility mission. The latter recently completed demonstration flights from New York’s Westchester County ... read more
Proudly Announcing our 2023 Your Flying World Photo Contest Finalists!
Plane & Pilot Magazine Our latest Plane & Pilot Your Flying World Photo Contest has wrapped up, and we have chosen the finalists and the winners! That said, you’ll … Read More "Proudly Announcing our 2023 Your Flying World Photo Contest Finalists!" The post Proudly Announcing our 2023 Your Flying World Photo Contest Finalists! appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Video: Carbon Cub Plays Helicopter in Dubai
Plane & Pilot Magazine Red Bull is well known for its eye-popping aviation events, and its recent joint effort with CubCrafters to land a Carbon Cub on a downtown … Read More "Video: Carbon Cub Plays Helicopter in Dubai" The post Video: Carbon Cub Plays Helicopter in Dubai appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Making the best of the worst
AOPA General Aviation News Somewhere in our flight training there is a lesson planned that many student pilots find intimidating: emergency procedures—specifically, an engine failure in flight. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Making the best of the worst
AOPA General Aviation News Somewhere in our flight training there is a lesson planned that many student pilots find intimidating: emergency procedures—specifically, an engine failure in flight. Read More read more
In the Aviation World, The King is King
AOPA General Aviation News There’s a new meaning to work-life balance. It’s called the Beechcraft King Air 360, your 7 day-a-week turboprop. Consider this your invitation to work and play among the clouds. 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
Picture of the Day: Evening flight home
General Aviation News John Memmer submitted this photo and note: "Sunset from 8,500 feet just southwest of Piedmont Triad International Airport (KGSO) in Greensboro, N.C., on the way home to Greenville Downtown Airport (KGMU) in South Carolina in my 1963 A55 Baron." Read More read more
In the Aviation World, The King is King
AOPA General Aviation News There’s a new meaning to work-life balance. It’s called the Beechcraft King Air 360, your 7 day-a-week turboprop. Consider this your invitation to work and play among the clouds. 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
Risk mitigation 101
General Aviation News How did a fatal mid-air collision happen? The answer to that question is not casual query. In a very real sense, our lives depend on finding the likely answer and including that knowledge in our future flying. Read More read more
Aviation job market red hot
General Aviation News Officials with the aviation job website JSfirm.com report that the company has seen a 105.76% increase in the number of people applying for jobs and a 143% increase in the number of companies advertising on the site. Read More read more
What do honeybees have in common with pilots?
General Aviation News They both fly, of course, but a new study finds that honeybees navigate the same way the earliest pilots navigated: By following landmarks on the landscape below — sometimes referred to IFR: I follow roads. Read More read more
Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight returns to Oshkosh
General Aviation News One of the most emotional and poignant moments of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh returns in 2023 as 100 Vietnam War vets will take a Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on July 28 as part of AirVenture’s annual salute to veterans. Read More read more
Detached propeller control cable changes focus of instrument proficiency check flight
General Aviation News Knowing that the propeller governor had been overhauled during the annual inspection the previous month, I suspected a failure of the governor. Read More read more
Piper Reopens For Factory Tours
AVweb After more than two years, Piper Aircraft has officially resumed tours of the manufacturing facilities at its headquarters in Vero Beach, Florida. The company postponed public tours in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Piper has been building aircraft at Vero Beach since the late 1950s and currently produces nine models at the location including the M600/SLS, M500, M350, Seminole, Archer family and Pilot 100i. “It’s rare for a production facility like ours to open their doors to the ... read more
General Aviation Accident Bulletin, March 13, 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. December 2, 2022, ... read more
Murphy Radical
AVweb You remember the bicycles hanging under the wing, right? You may not remember that the yellow-and-red high wing carrying those bikes was the Murphy Radical prototype, even though it was on our cover way back in the October 2017 issue of KITPLANES. But everyone seems to remember the bikes. Well, no bikes this time, but we’re taking another look at the Radical because much has happened at Murphy Aircraft in the last six years—and even since we last checked in with the company. (See ... read more
Sikorsky To Produce Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator
AVweb Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky has announced plans to produce a fully autonomous hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) prototype. According to the company, its Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator (HEX) will be used to evaluate “large aircraft design, novel propulsion systems and control architectures for sustained hover, and ranges greater than 500 nautical miles.” The prototype is expected to have a maximum gross weight of over 7,000 pounds. “Sikorsky’s HEX aircraft ... read more
NASA Selects University Teams For Aeronautics Research Initiative
AVweb NASA has chosen teams led by four universities to participate in the agency’s University Leadership Initiative, researching “key challenges facing the future of air travel.” This year’s participants include teams headed by New Mexico State University, Boston University, the University of Notre Dame and Tennessee Technological University. The group is the sixth to participate in the initiative, which was launched in 2017. “The University Leadership Initiative is an integral part of ... read more
Picture of the Day: Lone Kitfox
General Aviation News Glenn Brasch, the man behind AirportCourtesyCars.com, submitted this photo and note: "A lone Kitfox sits among the wildflowers in summer 2022 at the Recreational Aviation Foundation's Ryan Field (2MT1) in Montana." Read More read more
Top 10 best-selling turboprops in 2022
General Aviation News The list of top 10 best-selling turboprop airplanes in 2022 is similar to the top 10 list in 2021, with the Pilatus PC-12 once again taking the top spot, while Air Tractor claims four spots on the list. Read More read more
Early Analysis Winter Haven Midair
AOPA General Aviation News Post Content Read More read more
Task-based experimental flight test guidelines published
General Aviation News The task-based Phase I flight testing program is an alternative to the standard 25 or 40-hour flight testing requirement for amateur-built aircraft, replacing the hours-based test period with a list of tasks to complete, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association. Read More read more
Early Analysis Winter Haven Midair
AOPA General Aviation News Post Content Read More read more
F. Atlee Dodge takes over Wipaire’s ski line
General Aviation News Wipaire recently sold Federal Fluidyne Skis to F. Atlee Dodge in Anchorage, Alaska. Read More read more
Applications open for flyGIRL scholarship
General Aviation News Deadline for student pilots to apply for the $5,000 scholarship is April 1, 2023. Read More read more
Hand propping procedure goes awry
General Aviation News The pilot’s inadequate engine hand propping procedure which resulted in the airplane’s unexpected movement and subsequent impact with a fueling station. Read More read more
Alleged Knowledge Test Issues Prompt Flight Training Protest
AVweb Flight training organizations along with EAA and AOPA are urging the FAA to take a hard look at the availability and effectiveness of aviation knowledge tests. In 2018, the agency awarded an exclusive contract to PSI to administer the gamut of written tests. On Jan. 1, 2023, the company cut the fee it paid to third-party test facilitators and the group contends that some third-party testers have since quit, resulting in reduced access to the service. “Diminished access to testing ... read more
Air Force One Keeps Iconic Look
AVweb The new aircraft that will serve as Air Force One won’t be finished for another four to five years but they’re already on their second paint scheme. During his term, former President Donald Trump ordered the livery of the updated aircraft be changed to a red, white and blue scheme. President Joe Biden has decided against that palette, opting for an updated take on the light blue and white scheme picked by President John F. Kennedy for the Boeing 707s that filled the role in the ... read more
Sun ‘n Fun: Big Grounds Changes
AVweb Sun ‘n Fun 2023 get underway in a couple of weeks and organizers have made major changes to the fly-in experience. In this video, Sun ‘n Fun’s Gene Conrad explains that the show has shuffled some things around, including new parking and camping areas and combining homebuilt parking and camping in one area. GA parking has been moved further east and a new area called The Island co-locates services campers and pilots will want, including stores and food outlets. Also, campers can ... read more
Poll: Should The Reno Air Races Continue Somewhere Else?
AVweb Poll: Should The Reno Air Races Continue Somewhere Else? Poll: Should the Reno Air Races Continue Somewhere Else? Absolutely! I still want to go. If they can find someplace. No. Too noisy and dangerous. Not sure. Other Δ The post Poll: Should The Reno Air Races Continue Somewhere Else? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Sunset Vipers
General Aviation News Ralph Lacomba submitted this photo and note: "F-16s in Columbia, S.C., depart on a sunset sortie. They are based at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, S.C., but temporarily in Columbia." Read More read more
10 best-selling piston airplanes in 2022
General Aviation News What were the top selling piston airplanes in 2022? Cirrus leads the pack, taking the first, second, and fifth spots on the top 10 list. Read More read more
Phil’s Terrible, Horrible, Really No Good Week
AVweb If you’re running low on outrage and haven’t enjoyed any angertainment say, since about two hours ago, click on this link. It’s an excruciating seven minutes of FAA admin nominee Phil Washington being grilled by the Senate Commerce Committee as part of his confirmation process. It’s also partisan sniping at its typical worst. The senator doing the questioning is North Carolina freshman Ted Budd. Washington goes 0 for 7 on the questions, but the questions themselves have zip to do ... read more
The end of an era: Reno Air Races must find new home
General Aviation News In an "Open Letter to Our Loyal Fans," the Reno Air Racing Association Board of Directors reported that after nearly 60 years of air racing in northern Nevada, 2023 will be the last National Championship Air Races at the Reno-Stead Airport. Read More read more
Airpark amenities survey online
General Aviation News What features are a must-have versus nice-to-have when considering a home on an airpark? Read More read more
Top Letters And Comments, March 10, 2023
AVweb New Study Looks At Why Pilots Withhold Health Information I’ve been a physician for 36 years, a pilot 25 years, and an AME 22 years so I have something to bring to the conversation. I took the survey and I do not think it will bring valuable information, but perhaps a follow up will. I think more pilots have died or suffered medical catastrophes due to reluctance to jeopardize their medicals than have been ‘helped’ by an adversarial government bureaucratic system of ... read more
GA Awards Winners Announced
AVweb The General Aviation Awards (GAA) has announced its honorees for 2023: Bob Raskey, CFI of the Year; Bill Ross, Aviation Technician of the Year and Dennis Miller, FAA Safety Team of the Year. “These important, historic awards highlight the critical role played by accomplished individuals in building a culture solidly based on aviation safety and education,” said Board Chair Sandya Narayanswami. The awards will be formally presented at Airventure 2023 in Oshkosh. Raskey, of Ponce ... read more
Biden Budget Proposes $1.3 Billion Increase For FAA
AVweb President Joe Biden’s budget proposal contains a $1.3 billion increase for the FAA to $16.5 billion that is aimed to fund hiring more controllers and includes 500 million “to safely accommodate the growth in traditional commercial aviation traffic alongside new entrants from the commercial space, unmanned aircraft, and advanced air mobility industries.” There have been numerous calls to boost the agency’s budget in light of a spate of runway incursions involving airliners over the ... read more
Embraer Reports Growth in Net Income, Revenue
FLYING Magazine Embraer said its aircraft deliveries rose and its order backlog grew during 2022, driven in part by demand for the Brazilian company’s executive jets including its popular Phenom 300 series. Net income for the fourth quarter totaled $22.9 million, or 12 cents per share, compared with $2.1 million, or one cent per share, during the fourth quarter of 2021. Revenue rose 53 percent during the quarter to $2 billion from $1.3 billion. For the year, Embraer posted a net loss of ... read more
Van’s Aircraft, 50 Years in the Making
FLYING Magazine The pallets stack high inside the inventory hangar. Crates ready to be filled with kits line the ramp outside. It feels callous to say the pandemic resulted in any good consequences, but one was undoubtedly felt by Van’s Aircraft: Pilots stayed home—and built airplanes. The experimental/amateur-built (E/AB) category of aircraft saw intense growth as homegrown projects—and the ability to isolate in a hangar while doing them—took on a new shine. Instead of making jam and ... read more
The Fear of Flight
FLYING Magazine As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I think about the women who made a dramatic impact on my aviation experiences. The first woman pilot to ever take me flying was one of my best friends, and there is nothing more encouraging than flying with a good friend. I knew that if she could do it, I could definitely do it. My friend was a captain for a small airline but also flew her stepdad’s Grumman Tiger. One Saturday morning, she offered to take me up. We flew over a golf ... read more
Boeing Engineers Set New Distance Record With Paper Airplane
FLYING Magazine Many aerospace engineers can trace their interest in designing and building airplanes back to paper airplanes they created as children, often for flying for distance contests. Sometimes, that passion never goes away. Two Boeing engineers—Dillon Ruble and Garrett Jensen—who are second- and third-generation Boeing employees, now hold the Guinness World Record for flying a handmade paper airplane. The pair, who are based in St. Louis, set the new record in Crown Point, ... read more
Three-point primer introduced for Lycoming 180-hp engine upgrades
General Aviation News Air Plains Services has introduced a new three-point engine primer kit for its 180-hp engine upgrade STC, providing enhanced cold engine starts compared with the standard single-point primer, according to officials with the Wellington, Kansas-based company. Read More read more
Not being familiar with fuel selector proves fatal for pilot
General Aviation News A total loss of engine power due to the flight crew incorrectly placing the fuel selector between fuel tank detents, which resulted in fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of a placard on the fuel selector, the lack of obvious fuel tank detents in the fuel selector, and the flight crew’s lack of understanding of proper fuel selector operation. Read More read more
National Aeronautic Association President To Retire
AVweb The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has announced that its 32nd president and CEO, Greg Principato, is planning to retire on Sept. 15, 2023. Principato, who has been with NAA since 2016, is credited with being “a person who expanded the reach of the organization and drew in all of the varied elements of aerospace.” A nonprofit membership organization, NAA is the official record-keeper for aviation in the U.S. and administers aerospace awards such as the Collier Trophy and the ... read more
Boeing, Leonardo To Begin MH-139A Production
AVweb Boeing and Leonardo are beginning low-rate initial production of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter following the recent award of a $285 million contract from the U.S. Air Force. The contract, which is part of a $2.4 billion deal for up to 84 helicopters, training systems and support equipment awarded to the Boeing-Leonardo team in September 2018, covers 13 aircraft along with sustainment and support services. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2024. “This decision is a major step ... read more
Senate Committee Interviews Nolen On FAA Safety, Certification Reform
AVweb The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing on Wednesday to look into the FAA’s progress on implementing reforms mandated by the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act of 2020 (ACSAA). Stemming from the fatal crashes of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610, both Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, ACSAA called for changes including revisions to the agency’s organization delegation authorization (ODA) system, implementation of ... read more
Carburetors: Surprisingly Reliable
AVweb Let’s see—we’ve got avgas in the tanks and air containing oxygen all around us. Somehow that air and avgas have to combine in a roughly 15 to 1 ratio—by weight—in the engine’s cylinders. Then they can do their suck, squeeze, bang and blow thing to make the prop go whirling around. Enter the humble carburetor, the device that for over 100 years has been combining a gas and a liquid to create the explosive mixture in aero engines that lets us do that cool pilot stuff we do. Other than ... read more
AOPA to honor Inhofe with Hoover Trophy during awards gala
AOPA General Aviation News Retired Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), a pilot with more than 11,000 flight hours, has been a tireless general aviation advocate for decades. AOPA will honor Inhofe with the 2022 R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy March 22 for his many aviation achievements, including championing “important policies and legislation that have benefited every pilot and aircraft owner flying today.” Read More read more
AOPA asks FAA for improved testing oversight
AOPA General Aviation News PSI, the testing contractor that is responsible for administering FAA knowledge exams, introduced a new reimbursement structure in January that reduced reimbursement rates—a move that has disproportionally affected third-party providers. Read More read more
Aspen parent goes public, eyeing eVTOL future
AOPA General Aviation News The parent company of Aspen Avionics is preparing to go public, seeking to position AIRO Group to enable electric aviation at scale. Read More read more
Brunch on a frozen Minnesota lake
AOPA General Aviation News Photography and story by Leonardo Correa Luna On a frozen lake in Minnesota, plows scraped a runway that drew a crowd seeking fun and food, and it turned into a ritual 10 years old and counting. Read More read more
Final year of racing at Reno/Stead
AOPA General Aviation News The Reno Air Racing Association announced that the Stihl National Championship Air Races will no longer be held at the Reno/Stead Airport in Nevada following the 2023 event in September. Read More read more
Baker testifies before congressional panel
AOPA General Aviation News On March 9, the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met to address "Securing the Future of General Aviation," as the committee works on the next FAA reauthorization bill. Read More read more
Final year of racing at Reno/Stead
AOPA General Aviation News The Reno Air Racing Association announced that the Stihl National Championship Air Races will no longer be held at the Reno/Stead Airport in Nevada following the 2023 event in September. Read More read more
Baker testifies before congressional panel
AOPA General Aviation News On March 9, the Aviation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met to address "Securing the Future of General Aviation," as the committee works on the next FAA reauthorization bill. Read More read more
Lilium Phoenix 2 Demonstrator Reaches Top Speed During Flight Test
FLYING Magazine Lilium, the German eVTOL developer, said its Phoenix 2 demonstrator aircraft reached its intended maximum cruise speed of 136 knots at sea level during a recent test flight. The company said the demonstrator’s performance is significant because it helps developers evaluate the aircraft’s stability and controllability, and the operation of its flight control software during high-speed phases of flight. The recent test flight helps bring the aircraft one step closer to ... read more
NTSB Releases Details of Florida Midair Collision
FLYING Magazine The midair collision between a Piper Cherokee and a J-3 Cub on floats that killed four people in Winter Haven, Florida, Tuesday may have occurred when both aircraft were attempting to land, according to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary investigation. According to NTSB, the pilot of the Cherokee, which was operated by Sunrise Aviation on behalf of Polk State College, was attempting to land on Runway 29 at the Winter Haven Regional Airport (KGIF). ... read more
Transition Away From Leaded AvGas on Track, GA Stakeholders Tell Congress
FLYING Magazine As Congress continues to work toward a comprehensive FAA Reauthorization Bill, the House Aviation Subcommittee held its second meeting focused on general aviation priorities and the challenges it faces. This year marks the first time GA has a seat at the table as the committee has announced its intention to include a general aviation section in the bill. Leaders from several GA organizations including the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft ... read more
RARA Announces Air Races To Leave Reno
AVweb The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) announced today that the 2023 National Championship Air Races (NCAR) will be the last time the air races will be hosted in Reno. RARA explained, “While we knew this day might eventually come, we had hoped it wouldn’t come so soon. Citing the region’s significant growth amongst other concerns, the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority has made the decision to sunset the event.” RARA goes on to say, “However, we are committed to finding a new location so ... read more
AOPA to honor Inhofe with Hoover Trophy during awards gala
AOPA General Aviation News Retired Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), a pilot with more than 11,000 flight hours, has been a tireless general aviation advocate for decades. AOPA will honor Inhofe with the 2022 R.A. “Bob” Hoover Trophy March 22 for his many aviation achievements, including championing “important policies and legislation that have benefited every pilot and aircraft owner flying today.” Read More read more
AOPA asks FAA for improved testing oversight
AOPA General Aviation News PSI, the testing contractor that is responsible for administering FAA knowledge exams, introduced a new reimbursement structure in January that reduced reimbursement rates—a move that has disproportionally affected third-party providers. Read More read more
Aspen parent goes public, eyeing eVTOL future
AOPA General Aviation News The parent company of Aspen Avionics is preparing to go public, seeking to position AIRO Group to enable electric aviation at scale. Read More read more
Brunch on a frozen Minnesota lake
AOPA General Aviation News Photography and story by Leonardo Correa Luna On a frozen lake in Minnesota, plows scraped a runway that drew a crowd seeking fun and food, and it turned into a ritual 10 years old and counting. Read More read more
Crafting a Cub
FLYING Magazine It’s a factory in the sense that parts are manufactured here, with many of those assembled all the way into flying aircraft. But the CubCrafters’ facilities on the Yakima airport still read like a renovation center, and a locus of innovation in a clearly defined lane: to craft the best Cub possible, whatever that means. That definition has evolved over the 35-plus years that the company has developed mods for the Piper Super Cub, and created the Top Cub and current ... read more
Regional Growth Forces Reno Air Races To Look for New Home
FLYING Magazine If attending the Reno Air Races is on your bucket list, make your plans now. According to the Reno Air Race Association (RARA), this is the last year the National Championship Air Races will be held at the Reno-Stead Airport (KRTS). A location for next year has not been announced. The airport was built in 1942. The races have been held at Reno-Stead since 1964, when it was known as Stead Air Force Base. Today, the airport is shared by the military and civilians as a ... read more
Pictures of the Day: Princess Vantage
General Aviation News Bill Crawford submitted this photo and note: "The 1948 Ryan Navion L-17B known as the 'Princess Vantage' shows off her shiny underside somewhere over southwestern Ohio on a gorgeous day." Read More read more
Blockbuster Reno News: 2023 Will Be the Last Races There
Plane & Pilot Magazine For generations, the name “Reno” has been synonymous with the National Championship Air Races, but this coming year will be the last time they are … Read More "Blockbuster Reno News: 2023 Will Be the Last Races There" The post Blockbuster Reno News: 2023 Will Be the Last Races There appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Aircraft Maintenance: Managing airworthiness directives
AOPA General Aviation News Chances are, you’ve heard about the recent airworthiness directive (AD) affecting approximately 2,000 Continental Aerospace Technologies engines and crankshafts. Read More read more
Dassault Aviation Reports Record Aircraft Orders, Increased Net Income for 2022
FLYING Magazine Dassault Aviation said it finished 2022 with increased earnings and a record volume of orders despite a range of challenges including the war in Ukraine and related sanctions, supply chain difficulties, and a tight labor market. The French company reported net income of about $757.8 million, or $9.12 per share, compared with $640.5 million, or $7.70 per share, during the previous year. Sales decreased to $7.35 billion from $7.67 billion during 2021. READ MORE: A Hot and ... read more
American Airlines Offers To Match Delta Pilot Pay Raise
FLYING Magazine In a bid to stay competitive, American Airlines (NASDAQ: AAL) says it is willing to step up pay incentives for pilots that keeps pace with those offered by Delta Air Lines, offering what it says would be $7 billion in incremental increases over a new four-year contract. The airline is prepared to offer its pilots a compensation package that translates into a 21 percent pay increase in the first year, ramping up to a 40 percent increase by year four, American Airlines CEO ... read more
Finding them a new home
General Aviation News Art is subjective. Finding a new home for some of my parents' pieces is important to me. Read More read more
Aircraft Maintenance: Managing airworthiness directives
AOPA General Aviation News Chances are, you’ve heard about the recent airworthiness directive (AD) affecting approximately 2,000 Continental Aerospace Technologies engines and crankshafts. Read More read more
Another first for general aviation in prepping for disaster
General Aviation News On Feb. 15, 2023, another first was accomplished for general aviation, when volunteer pilots flew 210,000 surgical masks out of Skagit Regional Airport (KBVS) in Washington to Canada. Read More read more
New partnership promotes general aviation’s fellowship and service
General Aviation News The Air Care Alliance and the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians have created a presentation available to Rotary Clubs, as well as other organizations, that not only publicizes the availability of free air transportation for non-emergency medical and other compelling needs, but also highlights the opportunities for general aviation pilots to get involved as volunteer pilots. Read More read more
Special waiver makes Alaska the first frontier in drone research
General Aviation News "We were just handed a tool to help aircraft manufacturers get their drones certified for use,” Alaska Center for UAS Integration Director Cathy Cahill said. “The FAA is allowing the test site to test and evaluate larger drones under real-world conditions.” Read More read more
‘Is it just you guys at Winter Haven?’
AOPA General Aviation News A student and instructor doing pattern work at Winter Haven Regional Airport in Florida were killed March 7 when their Piper Cherokee collided with a Piper J–3 Cub on floats while turning to left base for Runway 29. Two occupants of the Cub, owned by Jack Brown's Seaplane Base, also died. Read More read more
Beyond Proficient: Elements and Variations of IFR Approach Clearances
AOPA General Aviation News Instrument flying expands our world and adds depth to our primary piloting skills. This second episode in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Beyond Proficient: IFR series emphasizes honing one's aptitude concerning IFR approach clearances. Read More read more
Cessna pilot not making calls almost causes midair collision
General Aviation News As we were seconds away from turning final, we turned to clear extended final approach when a Cessna 172 came across our flight path, narrowly missing us. Read More read more
Picture Of The Week, March 8, 2023
AVweb 1 of 5 Chris Rounds' T-6 having a look at itself in Douglas, GA. Shot with a Sony NEX-7. Copyrighted photo by Tom Glass. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: T-6 Selfie Crossing South Stanley County, SD, with and an icy Missouri River in sight from our Piper Comanche N6803P on February 3, 2023. GoPro Hero 10 Black photo. Copyrighted photo by Karen M. ... read more
Cruz Pushes Nolen For FAA Administrator
AVweb Sen. Ted Cruz says Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen would be a slam dunk to take the permanent appointment if the Biden administration nominated him. Cruz, chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, which is reviewing the nomination of Phil Washington to the post, has stridently opposed the appointment, citing Washington’s relative lack of aviation experience. He’s currently CEO of Denver International Airport but most of his experience since he retired from the Army 20 years ago ... read more
GE, Pratt & Whitney Battle Over F-35 Engine Upgrade
AVweb GE is challenging Pratt & Whitney’s exclusive engine deal for the F-35 with a proposal to scrap the current Pratt engine in favor of a clean sheet design from GE. The existing engines have been troublesome for operators and Pratt says it can upgrade all the existing engines for $2.5 billion. GE has launched a massive lobbying effort to try to convince lawmakers that investing more in the current engine would be throwing good money after bad. Instead, GE is proposing Congress give ... read more
Israeli Pilots Refuse To Fly In Anti-Government Protest
AVweb Israeli pilots are at the forefront of an intensifying crisis over the government’s intention to overhaul the country’s legal system. Most of the reservist pilots in the Air Force’s elite 69th Squadron have refused to report to a training exercise next week and national airline El Al had to scramble to find a crew willing to fly President Benjamin Netanyahu to Italy for a state visit. Ten former Air Force chiefs have released an open letter calling on Netanyahu to work out a solution ... read more
FAA Safety, Aircraft Certification Focus of Senate Hearing
FLYING Magazine On March 8, the Senate Commerce Committee held its second meeting ahead of FAA reauthorization, this time focusing on aircraft certification and FAA reform efforts in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 MAX crashes. On October 28, 2018, a Boeing 737 MAX operating as Lion Air Flight 610 crashed 11 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 on board. Months later, on March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Air Flight 302 crashed six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, ... read more
Midair Collision Claims Four In Central Florida
AVweb Four people are dead after a midair collision yesterday (March 7) between a Piper J3 Cub on floats and a Piper PA28-161 Cherokee in Winter Haven, Florida. The Cub was operated by the Jack Brown Seaplane Base, and the Cherokee by Sunrise Aviation for Polk State College. The victims in the Cherokee were Sunrise Aviation flight instructor Faith Baker, 24, and Polk State College student Zachary Mace, 19. One victim in the Cub was identified by the Polk County Sheriff’s office as ... read more
Boeing To Begin Producing MH-139A Grey Wolf Helicopters
FLYING Magazine Boeing (NYSE: BA) said it will begin building the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters under a $285 million contract with the U.S. Air Force for aircraft and support services. The choppers are slated to take over nuclear security roles currently performed by aging UH-1N Iroquois models. “Advancing the program from testing and evaluation to production is a major step toward entering the MH-139 into service and providing the U.S. Air Force with additional missile security ... read more
How Do New Flight Students Obtain Credentials?
FLYING Magazine Question: I have just started flight training. I was told that I need to get a TSA endorsement and then a student pilot certificate. That seems like an awful lot of work before I have even touched an airplane—how am I supposed to do this? Answer: Provided you are a U.S. citizen, the TSA endorsement will be issued by your flight instructor after he or she verifies your citizenship using either an unexpired passport or a combination of your driver’s license or state ID card ... read more
Norfolk (KORF) ILS RWY 5
FLYING Magazine A trip into Norfolk, Virginia (KORF), might just find you flying the ILS or LOC Runway 5 on a drippy, low visibility, overcast day like I needed to do a couple of years ago when dropping off friends for a series of meetings. Norfolk’s primary airport sits nestled in some pretty active airspace with a variety of airports nearby, so expect a busy approach radio environment. A. RADAR REQUIRED Many approaches have a method to establish onto the approach without the use of ATC ... read more
Picture of the Day: Flying over ATL
General Aviation News Steven Powell submitted this photo and note: "Flying over Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on my way to Sarasota, Florida. Crazy!" Read More read more
Beyond Proficient: Elements and Variations of IFR Approach Clearances
AOPA General Aviation News Instrument flying expands our world and adds depth to our primary piloting skills. This second episode in the AOPA Air Safety Institute's Beyond Proficient: IFR series emphasizes honing one's aptitude concerning IFR approach clearances. Read More read more
4 Dead in Florida Mid-Air Collision
FLYING Magazine Authorities are investigating the mid-air collision in central Florida Tuesday that took the lives of four people. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s office, the accident happened over Lake Hartridge in Winter Haven, Florida, around 2 p.m. There were several eyewitnesses to the collision between the Cherokee Piper 161 operated by Sunrise Aviation on behalf of Polk State College, and the Piper J-3 Cub on floats operated by Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base. The aircraft went ... read more
Don’t miss, or diss, the small shows
General Aviation News While the big shows, like EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and SUN 'n FUN, are on many pilot's bucket list, the smaller regional and local air shows and fly-ins offer some great experiences. Read More read more
‘Is it just you guys at Winter Haven?’
AOPA General Aviation News A student and instructor doing pattern work at Winter Haven Regional Airport in Florida were killed March 7 when their Piper Cherokee collided with a Piper J–3 Cub on floats while turning to left base for Runway 29. Two occupants of the Cub, owned by Jack Brown's Seaplane Base, also died. Read More read more
Robinson Reports in Shipment Increase, Plans Leadership on Alternative Fuels
FLYING Magazine Last year marked another step up in shipments for Robinson Helicopter Company, with the light helicopter OEM marking a total of 258 units delivered. In a press conference at the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo in Atlanta on Tuesday, company president and CEO Kurt Robinson reported on the strong sales as well as other current issues—including the lack of availability of unleaded aviation fuels for testing in its aircraft. Robinson nearly doubled production ... read more
Flying Between Giants
General Aviation News A new documentary features two paragliders, Tom de Dorlodot and Horacio Llorens, as they fly across Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range with an aim to be the first paragliders to fly to K2, the second highest mountain in the world, and break the paragliding altitude world record. Read More read more
AOPA high school initiative wins FAA grant
General Aviation News The AOPA Foundation’s $498,000 grant came from the FAA’s Aircraft Pilots Aviation Workforce Development Grants program, designed to “prepare students to become aircraft pilots, aerospace engineers, or unmanned aircraft systems operators, and support the related professional development of teachers.” Read More read more
Call for entries for Aerospace Teacher of the Year
General Aviation News The deadline to apply or nominate a K-12 teacher for the annual A. Scott Crossfield Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year Award is June 10, 2023. Read More read more
Bell 429 Notches Another Corporate VIP Sale From World Aviation
FLYING Magazine Bell Helicopters has notched another key sale for its Bell 429 model, with the signing of a contract with its independent representative, World Aviation, based in Málaga, Spain. The deal puts the aircraft into the hands of a private owner who will operate the helicopter in the Costa del Sol region of the country. Now totaling 90 units delivered in Europe, the Bell 429 has hit the mark with corporate VIP customers, including operations in the French Riviera and the French ... read more
Crawfish chimneys get the best of Texas pilot
General Aviation News The pilot’s decision to takeoff with known obstacles on the runway and his subsequent failure to avoid the windsock on takeoff. Read More read more
Genesys, Airbus To Partner on IFR AStar
FLYING Magazine The popular Airbus H125 will move into IFR operations following a joint project between the OEM and avionics manufacturer Genesys Aerosystems. The pair announced the plans at the Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo in Atlanta on Wednesday. The single-engine turbine H125 follows on from the Eurocopter AS350 B3 model. The earlier AS350 B2 model is featured on the cover of the March 2023 edition of FLYING. The Genesys Helicopter Suite comprises dual IDU-680 EFIS ... read more
You’re a PUNC – Part 3 of 4 – Named Insured
AOPA General Aviation News Remember this acronym and nail down 85% of insurance coverage questions. Read More read more
Details Still Sketchy On Southwest 737 Max Emergency Landing
AVweb Details remain scarce Tuesday night, but Southwest Airlines is reporting that one of its Boeing 737 Max airliners suffered serious bird-strike damage Sunday (March 4) after takeoff from Havana, Cuba, on a flight destined for Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The crew made a successful emergency landing back at Havana with no serious injuries, according to Southwest. Southwest said in a statement that the Boeing “experienced bird strikes to an engine and the aircraft’s nose shortly after ... read more
Bell Announces Multiple International Sales At HeliExpo Trade Show
AVweb With the Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) HeliExpo show in full swing at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Bell Textron is reporting recent sales. The first announcement cites two single-engine Bell 407GXi models to a pair of U.K. corporate customers and one to Ireland’s Zeuss Essential Holding, described as a “global packaging solutions company.” Patrick Moulay, Bell senior vice president for international commercial sales, said, “The Bell 407GXi continues to ... read more
New Study Looks At Why Pilots Withhold Health Information
AVweb According to a recent study by the University of North Dakota (UND), 56 percent of U.S. pilots said that they had avoided some form of health care for fear of losing their flying privileges. Now, the university and the National Business Aviation Association are asking pilots to participate in a new study designed to assess pilots’ “knowledge of healthcare services and procedures and how that could impact aviation safety.” The new study is designed to determine if a lack of ... read more
NBAA’s Owner Pilot Association Coalition Lays Out Its 2023 Agenda
AVweb The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently marked the one-year anniversary of its Owner Pilot Association Coalition (NBAA-OPAC), a dedicated initiative to serve owner-operators who use their aircraft for business flying. The anniversary was a working celebration, with the 10 member groups participating in “a productive 2023 planning meeting focused on a number of new ways the expanding group can strategically coordinate to address top concerns for the owner-aviator ... read more
House Aviation Subcommittee Will Address GA In FAA Reauthorization Bill
AVweb The House of Representatives aviation subcommittee is set to specifically address general aviation for the first time in its planning for the next FAA reauthorization bill. The chair of the full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., a general aviation pilot and regular visitor to EAA AirVenture, said he plans to incorporate a GA title in the FAA funding bill to bring more attention to the sector. Scheduled to testify during deliberations on the new bill ... read more
Air Plains Introduces 3-Point Primer For Its Lycoming 180hp Engine STC
AVweb Wellington, KS (March 7, 2023) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, has developed a new three-point engine primer kit for its 180hp engine upgrade STC, providing enhanced cold engine starts compared with the standard single-point primer. “Our new three-cylinder primer is particularly effective in cold-weather locations, but it gives anyone a smoother, quicker start,” said Katie Church, Air Plains president. “If you have an Air Plains ... read more
Task-Based Flight Test Approved
AVweb A multi-year project between the FAA and EAA has resulted in important changes being inserted into the latest advisory circular pertaining to Experimental/Amateur-Built flight testing. In the latest version of AC90-89 (the C suffix), it includes a task-based Phase I flight test option to the traditional 25- or 40-hour programs. In short, when the tasks are successfully completed, the airplane is released from Phase I flight test. According to the FAA, the latest version of AC90-89 ... read more
Short Final: In The Pattern
AVweb Nashua Airport (KASH) was a madhouse. The pattern was stretched out, and filled with student airplanes. Folks were getting messages like, “You are number 5 for the field.” I was number 1 for departure and told that tower that I was ready when they could take me. The tower was apologetic. “I’ll get you out when I can.” With ADS-B, I could watch the action unfold, and saw no openings. Finally, there was a break. Tower: “Skylane 33Y, will you be staying in the pattern?” 33Y: “No ... read more
You’re a PUNC – Part 3 of 4 – Named Insured
AOPA General Aviation News Remember this acronym and nail down 85% of insurance coverage questions. Read More read more
Lunken Airport’s Grand Old Lady
FLYING Magazine I’ve been hanging around this Art Deco, WPA-era building for nearly 60 years and would recognize it with my eyes closed. The same smell permeates the place as it did the first day I walked in—an industrial strength disinfectant, which I think emanates from the bathrooms. In the “ladies,” there used to be one of those World War II-era memes of a little guy with a big nose peering over a wall with the inscription, “Kilroy was Here.” After I learned to fly and put in a stint ... read more
‘V’ is For Variety
FLYING Magazine One day back in ancient times, I went to Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) to report on a gadget that was supposed to improve the directional stability of V-tail Beechcraft Bonanzas. It consisted of a bent-up aluminum channel about 8 feet long, similar to a length of roof gutter, that screwed to the underside of the aft fuselage. Its creator explained that it trapped a stream of air and thereby kept the tail from swinging from side to side. I did not see how this could be, but I ... read more
Diamond Aircraft, Lufthansa to Develop Electric Training Aircraft
FLYING Magazine Diamond Aircraft Austria said it signed a letter of intent with Lufthansa Aviation Training to explore the possibilities of increased sustainability in flight training. The agreement includes testing Diamond’s electric-powered eDA40 at Lufthansa’s training base, with Lufthansa becoming the launch customer for the electric aircraft. The companies said Lufthansa plans to purchase an eDA40 to supplement its current fleet of DA40 NG aircraft, and the partners also plan to look ... read more
Training and Safety Tip: Avoiding the inappropriate
AOPA General Aviation News The student pilot is dutiful but driving me nuts. He makes every possible call as he plies the pattern. The crosswind turn. Then the downwind. The downwind midfield. The base. The final. The on-the-go. Crosswind again. Downwind… Read More read more
Winter on Watch
FLYING Magazine Southeast Start As convective SIGMETs morph into G-AIRMETs for airframe ice, pilots flying in the Southeastern U.S., including the southern Appalachians, should expect a marked change from summertime weather as the upper-air pattern amplifies, the fall colors wane, and the cold season approaches. October and November are what meteorologists call transition months as the jetstream migrates south out of Canada. With each passing month during the winter, the in-creasing ... read more
Picture of the Day: On my way home
General Aviation News Bernie Schneider submitted this photo and note: "On my way home, my C-170 over Merwin Lake Dam in Washington." Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Avoiding the inappropriate
AOPA General Aviation News The student pilot is dutiful but driving me nuts. He makes every possible call as he plies the pattern. The crosswind turn. Then the downwind. The downwind midfield. The base. The final. The on-the-go. Crosswind again. Downwind… Read More read more
Hurling in the Heavens
FLYING Magazine After ruining multiple pairs of khakis in the airplane—100LL stains them pink—I opted to wear BDUs (battle dress uniforms) when I fly. Ordered from a catalog, BDUs are cheaper than khakis and more useful with all those pockets that come in handy. One particular pair—the navy blue ones— became known as “the puke pants” because during my time as a full-time CFI, whenever I wore them, be it during an instructional flight or scenic, someone threw up on me. Usually, my left ... read more
Boeing Bird of Prey Shrouded in Secrecy Still
FLYING Magazine Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, McDonnell-Douglas was struggling to secure contracts for the production of tactical military jets. In 1986, after submitting multiple proposals for the USAF’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program, the company was excluded from the running. Later, it partnered with Northrop Grumman to develop the YF-23, only to lose to the F-22 in 1991. Reeling from these losses, company leaders decided they needed to make up lost ground. ... read more
HAI Launches Flight Training, Checking Program
FLYING Magazine One of the most challenging aspects of operating a flying business is keeping track of the paperwork. Business owners have to document the aircrew’s training, qualifications, and certifications, and make sure that the business complies with FAA requirements. The Helicopter Association International (HAI) is partnering with the Helicopter Institute of Fort Worth, Texas, to make these tasks easier with the new HAI Flight Training and Checking Program. Members can choose to ... read more
Six tips to becoming a good CFI
General Aviation News Anyone who is a CFI or wishes to become a CFI should take these few tips as the bare minimum commitment on their journey to becoming a truly effective, efficient, professional CFI. Read More read more
Airline Pilots Flying to Age 67?
FLYING Magazine Understandably, the flying public has become frustrated with the frequent delays and cancellations now associated with the anxiousness of airline travel. The post-pandemic pent-up travel demand is the primary catalyst. Although many factors are involved, the so-called “pilot shortage” has been showcased as a significant culprit. Responding to their constituents’ angst, Republicans Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Rep. Chip Roy of Texas introduced the “Let ... read more
New flying club at KALN
General Aviation News Flight instructors Don Hill and John Harding are forming the flying club, which will have its first meeting March 9, 2023, at St. Louis Regional Airport. Read More read more
Pilots encouraged to participate in medical study
General Aviation News According to UND faculty, a recent study found that 56% of U.S. pilots reported some form of healthcare avoidance to protect their ability to fly. Read More read more
CMC Electronics Partners with Sikorsky on FMS for Black Hawks
FLYING Magazine A new flight management system lies in store for a list of Sikorsky helicopters used in military applications. At the 2023 Helicopter Association International Heli-Expo in Atlanta on Tuesday, CMC Electronics and Sikorsky announced their contract to provide CMC’s CMA-2028MC FMS to several Sikorsky models, including the UH-60M, HH-60M, HH-60W, S-70i, and the S-70M. Both U.S. military and international operators will take delivery of the updated helicopters, including the ... read more
Ultralight landing against traffic creates problems at GA airport
General Aviation News As I touched down saw an ultralight landing on the opposite end of the runway. Aircraft was no transponder no radio and was landing against all others in traffic pattern. Read More read more
Registration now open for AERO Oklahoma
General Aviation News An annual advocacy day at the Oklahoma state capitol for the aviation and aerospace industry. Read More read more
Avidyne, IS&S Introduce Helix Integrated Flight Deck
AVweb Avidyne and Innovative Solutions & Support (IS&S) have officially unveiled their new Helix integrated flight deck for turbine helicopters. Aimed at operators looking to modernize legacy helicopters, Helix pairs IS&S’s 10.4-inch flat-panel displays with Avidyne’s Helios flight management system. It features large-format flat panel displays, 3D Synthetic Vision, electronic charts, ADS-B weather and traffic and satellite-based augmentation system/localizer performance with ... read more
AirVenture 2023 To Host Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight
AVweb The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is planning to continue its tradition of coordinating a flight to honor Vietnam War veterans at its annual AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in convention this summer. Now in its ninth year, AirVenture’s Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight flies 100 veterans to Washington, D.C., to tour war memorials for a day. The flight will be organized by Appleton, Wisconsin-based nonprofit Old Glory Honor Flight using an aircraft and flight crew provided by American ... read more
AOPA High School STEM Program Earns FAA Grant
AVweb The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) announced on Monday that it has received a grant from the FAA for its You Can Fly High School initiative. The $498,000 grant will be used to train additional educators on the program’s free high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum, which offers an aviation-oriented course of study for students in grades nine through twelve. Funding for the grant came from the FAA’s Aircraft Pilots Aviation ... read more
The Severe Storm
AVweb Strong thunderstorms are one of the places aviation and fear often intersect. And for good reason: severe storms have led to countless disasters, perhaps the most famous one being the Delta L-1011 crash at DFW Airport in 1985. That tragedy brought far-reaching consequences to flight training programs and ATC equipment, and led to advances in the field of meteorology. You can read a lot about thunderstorms online and see all sorts of storm video and tornado footage on YouTube, but in ... read more
Accident Probe: Ice Isn’t Nice
AVweb Airframe icing can be found year-round, depending on geography and altitude. In North America, it’s the season when pilots of personal airplanes, which generally don’t fly high enough to worry about ice most of the year, need to factor it into their planning and execution. Even if you’re flying something with a form of ice protection more capable than a warm pitot tube. One of the things about in-flight airframe icing is it’s relatively unpredictable: A single ice encounter that ... read more
GAMA, Daher announce international internship
AOPA General Aviation News The General Aviation Manufacturers Association and Daher’s Aircraft Division are teaming up to offer a “one-of-a-kind” opportunity for students interested in general aviation. Read More read more
FAA grant a major boost for AOPA You Can Fly program
AOPA General Aviation News The AOPA Foundation program serving more than 16,000 high school students in the current school year has landed major federal support to help boost this ongoing effort to educate and inspire even more future pilots and aviation professionals. Read More read more
Approaching a New Airport
FLYING Magazine I admit flying into unfamiliar airports has caused me anxiety and confusion in the past. If the proverb is true that “familiarity breeds contempt,” new airports still command all my respect. I guess a big part of this is not knowing what to expect. Back at my home airport in Daytona Beach, Florida (KDAB), I’d mastered all the visual navigation aids that had come to serve as cues for my flying. For example, to fly the RNAV Runway 16 approach at that airport, a local ... read more
CubCrafters Carbon Cub EX3 & FX3 Made for Backcountry
FLYING Magazine Sometimes you put mud on the tires…sometimes you put straw in the wires. Both are in a day’s work for the series of backcountry rides that sprang from the Piper Cub’s legacy. My earliest concerts with the progenitor Cub taught me well. In a Piper J-3 flown with instructor Rich Davidson out of Lee Bottom Flying Field (64I) near Jefferson, Indiana, 20 years ago, I learned the first of many Cub lessons. The sunny little taildragger loves to fly with the doors off, low and ... read more
GAMA, Daher announce international internship
AOPA General Aviation News The General Aviation Manufacturers Association and Daher’s Aircraft Division are teaming up to offer a “one-of-a-kind” opportunity for students interested in general aviation. Read More read more
FAA grant a major boost for AOPA You Can Fly program
AOPA General Aviation News The AOPA Foundation program serving more than 16,000 high school students in the current school year has landed major federal support to help boost this ongoing effort to educate and inspire even more future pilots and aviation professionals. Read More read more
Avidyne, IS&S Partner on Sikorsky S76s Integrated Flight Deck
FLYING Magazine Avidyne and Innovative Solutions & Support have announced the debut of the Helix integrated flight deck for helicopters, with an initial application in the Sikorsky S76++. The Helix uses IS&S’s 10.4-inch flat panel displays in concert with Avidyne’s Helios flight management system to modernize legacy helicopters. Other features include 3D synthetic vision, electronic charts, ADS-B weather and traffic, and SBAS/LPV capability. The new system will be on display this ... read more
NTSB Investigation Underway After Passenger Death During Severe Turbulence
FLYING Magazine Federal transportation authorities are investigating a possible trim issue aboard a business jet after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, resulting in the death of a passenger. According to the FAA, around 4 p.m. on March 3, the Bombardier Challenger CL30 with three passengers and two crew members on board, was flying from Dillant-Hopkins Airport (KEEN) in Keene, New Hampshire, to Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO) in Virginia when it encountered severe turbulence. ... read more
AI-Powered Pilot Dominates Human Rival in Aerial Dogfight
FLYING Magazine In a new report from Chinese military researchers, an artificial intelligence-powered pilot defeated its human rival during an aerial dogfight for the first time in history. The report was published in the Chinese journal Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica by a team from the Chinese army’s Aerodynamics Research and Development Center in Sichuan, China. The paper stated that the dogfight involved two small, unmanned, fixed-wing aircraft—one operated by AI, and the ... read more
Kernel Group Holdings To Merge With eVTOL Developer AIRO Group
FLYING Magazine Kernel Group Holdings (NASDAQ: KRNLU), a special purpose acquisition company or SPAC, said it entered an agreement to merge with AIRO Group Holdings, Inc., a closely held aerospace and defense company with operations including avionics, training, commercial drones and electric air mobility. The deal is meant to accelerate the development of the Jaunt Journey eVTOL air taxi, which is part of AIRO’s portfolio of businesses. READ MORE: AIRO Group Files Ahead of IPO Under the ... read more
Picture of the Day: She loves to fly
General Aviation News Jim Mauro submitted this photo and note: "Jere’s first flight in an open cockpit and a biplane." Read More read more
Human Factors: Batten down the hatches…and all the other stuff too
General Aviation News This accident is a good reminder that while loose lips sink ships, it’s loose items in the cockpit that can wreak havoc with flight controls. Read More read more
Video: Flying to a pilot’s paradise
General Aviation News The two-minute video shows Smitty flying his Cessna 172 to the resort next to Cedar Mills Airport (3T0), which he says is a "wonderful playground for any pilot." Read More read more
Crystal Lake Airport Offers Waterfront Landings
FLYING Magazine Mike Trusty and Kris Shewmake are both pilots and have been friends for nearly five decades. As business partners, the pair own Crystal Lake Airport (5M5) in Decatur, Arkansas, with Trusty also working as a telecommunications engineer and Shewmake as a plastic surgeon. The airfield boasts a 3,863-foot by 75-foot asphalt runway and is just outside Bentonville, in the state’s Northwest corner. But the two are both longtime residents of Little Rock. So how did they wind up ... read more
CloudAhoy releases flight operations quality assurance product for general aviation
General Aviation News CloudAhoy P-FOQA is pilot-centric (the P is for pilot), providing objective feedback to the pilot immediately after landing. Read More read more
Are You Looking for Your Next Career Move in Ground School Instruction?
FLYING Magazine From Our Partners at Skyborne Airline Academy We have opened up applications for up to five full-time ground school instructors at our Vero Beach, Florida academy to support our continued growth in delivering high-quality ground school instruction to U.S. national and international students. Are you looking for your next move? [Courtesy: Skyborne Airline Academy] As a thriving airline academy with an innovative approach to flight training, successful candidates with FAA ... read more
Applications now being accepted for GlobalAir.com scholarships
General Aviation News Deadline to apply is Aug. 15, 2023 for one of four $1,000 scholarships. Read More read more
Pilot seriously injured when plane hits cactus
General Aviation News The pilot’s failure to maintain obstacle clearance during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with a cactus and impact with terrain. Read More read more
Lithium Battery Fires On Airliners Average More Than One Per Week
AVweb Forbes is reporting that lithium battery fires on airliners are happening at a rate greater than one per week. The magazine reviewed FAA data and found that at least 62 battery incidents happened in 2022, up from 54 the previous year and seven times the nine reports in 2014. The FAA says that’s how many they know of and there could be more. So far, the results of fires in devices and the portable power packs that many people carry to recharge them have been relatively minor most of ... read more
NTSB Prelim Details Austin Overflight Incident
AVweb The NTSB’s preliminary report into the runway overflight incident in Austin last month doesn’t offer much new detail but it does punctuate just how close a FedEx Boeing 767 and Southwest 737 came on that foggy runway. A graphic accompanying the report shows the position of the two aircraft on a timeline and at one point the graphic suggests the 767 barely cleared the 737’s tail in the early morning of Feb. 4, although “the closest proximity has not yet been determined.” It also shows ... read more
Ukrainian Pilots At Tucson Guard F-16 Wing For ‘Assessment’
AVweb Multiple sources are reporting that two Ukrainian Air Force pilots are in the U.S. flying F-16 simulators as part of an “assessment” of their skills. The outlets, all quoting unnamed sources, say the two Ukrainians have been at an Air National Guard unit in Tucson, Arizona for a week and will be there for at least another week. The 162nd Fighter Wing operates 70 F-16s but the pilots will not be going flying. All the assessment is happening on the sims to evaluate their “flying and ... read more
Whadayamean Unleaded Fuel Will Trash My Valves?
AVweb Now that GAMI’s G100UL is fully approved and awaiting distribution, owners are hearing questions about how unleaded fuel might cause valve damage in aircraft engines. It was once a thing in car engines, but in this video, AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli examines the issues and finds valve seat recession an unlikely consequence of using unleaded aviation fuel. The post Whadayamean Unleaded Fuel Will Trash My Valves? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
The Most Difficult Call: Intervening to Stop the Inevitable Accident
AVweb The emotion in Sheriff Billy Garrett was clear as the 40-year veteran officer described the task of breaking the news. “It’s horrible . . . it hurts an old man’s heart to hear a young girl cry like that.” It had been a stressful couple of days for the Sherriff, culminating in the duty to make that call. First responders had to call off the search during the previous evening, due to dark and poor weather conditions. When the search resumed the following morning, they found the crash ... read more
Poll: Should an FAA Administrator Be Required to Be a Pilot?
AVweb Poll: Should an FAA Administrator Be Required to Be a Pilot? Poll: Should an FAA Administrator Be Required to Be a Pilot Absolutely. Maybe a nice to have. Rather he or she be a good leader. No. Not necessary. Other Δ The post Poll: Should an FAA Administrator Be Required to Be a Pilot? appeared first on AVweb. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Fun flying in Idaho
General Aviation News Daniel Lilja submitted this photo and note: "Ski flying in Idaho in February 2023." Read More read more
So, how do we fix you?
General Aviation News That line, "So, how do we fix you?" came from long-time General Aviation News subscriber Tom Jensen. He was alluding to a line in a recent Touch & Go column: "While I am proud to be a certificated pilot, the entire year of 2022 passed without my operating any aircraft as pilot in command." That's what he wanted to fix. Getting me airborne. Read More read more
Fatality Reported In Turbulence Incident
AVweb CBS News Analyst Robert Sumwalt is reporting that one person died on a Bombardier Challenger 300 that encountered severe turbulence and diverted to Bradley Field in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on Friday. Sumwalt, who was head of the NTSB before joining the network as its Transportation Safety Analyst, said the aircraft is registered to a Kansas company. He’s also head of the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Safety at Embry-Riddle. A major winter storm moved into the area on Friday ... read more
New video features volunteer general aviation pilot dedicated to conservation
General Aviation News Now online is "Romeo November: A LightHawk Story," which shares the story of one volunteer pilot, Chuck Schroll, and his dedication to the cause of conservation as he takes to the skies to tour three conservation projects with LightHawk partners. Read More read more
International internship program launches
General Aviation News Applications are due March 20, 2023, for the internship at Daher's headquarters in France. Read More read more
Top Letters And Comments, March 3, 2023
AVweb Preflighting Propellers I had a customer call on a Sunday morning saying his “dawn patrol” flight was canceled because his wooden prop was leaking oil! It was the crankshaft seal of course. Also, the back side of the prop is the curved side, not the flat side. At least that’s the way I learned it as an A&P two generations ago. Agreed, propellers are a much neglected preflight item, and I commend you for your safety comments. Walt Just a shout out from your friendly retired ... read more
FlyOnE Seeks To Electrify Australian Aviation
FLYING Magazine There’s no more avgas burning in Korum Ellis’ future—at least as far as he can help it. The Australian entrepreneur founded FlyOnE with the express purpose of decarbonizing general aviation in the region, and he believes the answer lies in the implementation of electric aircraft. FlyOnE is based at the Jandakot Airport (YPJT) south of Perth, in Western Australia. Jandakot serves as a busy reliever to the primary Perth International (YPPH). The start-up has collaborated ... read more
The Famous, Infamous Teterboro
FLYING Magazine Teterboro. It’s an airport in New Jersey—known as KTEB. It is only 12 miles by car or bus from Manhattan. They write songs about it. Pilots complain about it.The neighbors abhor it. Many corporate drivers loathe it. Many private pilots fear it. If you’re going to the Big Apple, you will find yourself there, sooner or later. My own Teterboro experiences go back a ways—a long ways. With a newly minted private pilot certificate, I first rented a Cessna 172 at what is now ... read more
General Aviation Is a Community Like No Other
FLYING Magazine General aviation brings us so many options when it comes to what aircraft we would choose if we could own our own. While we often talk about the airplane fitting the mission, there are multiple roles that a pilot can play in the community with the right tool. I’d like to share a few that have recently added to my sense of gratitude and admiration for our GA family. A few months ago, a neighbor from my former hometown of Rome, New York, reached out to see if I knew someone ... read more
Check Rides Grind to a Halt After IACRA System Failure
FLYING Magazine In January, the FAA’s Notice to Air Mission (NOTAM) system crashed, spurring a ground stop of commercial air traffic. Today, it’s the sporadic failures of the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system (IACRA) that are making it nearly impossible for designated pilot examiners to perform check rides. “It’s been going up and down for days,” said Doug Stewart, a DPE from the east coast. Stewart was also the first executive director of the Society of ... read more
Universal Hydrogen Completes First Test Flight of Fuel Cell-Powered Airliner
FLYING Magazine Universal Hydrogen said it successfully completed the first flight of its hydrogen fuel cell-powered Dash 8 aircraft at Moses Lake, Washington. The company said the flight is the first in a planned two-year testing program that it expects to culminate in the entry of fuel-cell aircraft into airline fleets. The Dash 8, a 40-passenger regional airliner, nicknamed ‘‘Lightning McClean,’’ took off from Grant County International Airport (KMWH) and flew for 15 minutes, reaching ... read more
We Fly: CubCrafters Carbon Cub FX-3 & EX-3
FLYING Magazine CubCrafters made its mark in the backcountry, serving up a host of kitbuilt and light sport aircraft before coming on the scene with its certified XCub and NXCub. FLYING‘s Editor-in-Chief Julie Boatman heads to CubCrafters’ headquarters in Yakima, Washington, to try out their latest designs. Follow along as we test out the FX-3—and see what the EX-3 is capable of off-airport, including an honest-to-goodness hayfield—in this snapshot from our Q4 2022 issue of FLYING. The ... read more
How To Prepare for Your First Airline Training Program
FLYING Magazine One of the major milestones of an aviation career is passing your first Part 121 training program. Whether at a regional or national airline, cargo carrier, or major, it is likely to be unlike anything you’ve done before. For those from a civilian background, Part 121 training will be much more structured and proscribed than Part 61 or even Part 141 certification courses, while also being longer and more in-depth than previous aircraft checkouts. For military aviators, ... read more
Just Fly The Airplane
General Aviation News Through his personal trials and triumphs, Piper realizes that no matter what life throws our way, we must have faith that things will work out. Read More read more
Failure to remove towbar just the first of pilot’s mistakes
General Aviation News The pilot’s failure to remove the towbar from the nose landing gear before takeoff, which resulted in a sustained adverse yaw condition, and his failure to adequately monitor the fuel system while circling the airport, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of power to the right engine. Read More read more
U.S. Army Apache Fleet Reaches 5 Million Flight Hours
AVweb The U.S. Army’s AH-64 Apache attack helicopter fleet has officially logged 5 million flight hours since the first AH-64A was delivered in 1984. According to Apache manufacturer Boeing, 1.3 million of those hours were flown during combat. The Army currently operates a fleet of more than 1,200 D- and E-model Apaches. “It is such a great privilege and an honor to be a part of the Apache program,” said U.S Army Apache Project Manager Col. John Maher. “The five million flight hours ... read more
Universal Avionics Receives TSO Approval For Aperture
AVweb Universal Avionics (UA) has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) authorization from the FAA for its Aperture visual data management solution. Combining “sensors and video cameras with advanced AI Machine-learning processing and analytics,” Aperture is designed to provide real-time content analysis and augmented reality for tasks such as visual positioning, obstacle detection, taxi guidance and traffic awareness. UA says the initial version is capable of processing eight video ... read more
Universal Hydrogen Flies Partially Hydrogen-Powered Dash 8
AVweb Universal Hydrogen’s modified twin-engine De Havilland Canada DHC8-Q300 has flown for the first time powered in part by the company’s hydrogen powertrain. The flight took place on Thursday at Washington’s Grant County International Airport (KMWH), lasting for 15 minutes and reaching an altitude of 3,500 MSL. For its first venture, just one of the Dash 8’s stock engines was replaced with a hydrogen powertrain. “During the second circuit over the airport, we were comfortable with the ... read more
Get A Grip
AVweb I love visiting central Oregon, specifically Redmond and Bend. These are youthful towns full of ski bums and creative people selling handcrafted, home-brewed goodies. There are cute boutiques where you can find prints of mountains, coffee shops with fresh pastries, outdoor adventure stores selling the latest bikes and, of course, breweries. I also love visiting friends my own age who work at the Redmond Airport, a rarity for someone who’s always palling around with gray-haired ... read more
Upgrades, expertise offered at upcoming Aviator Showcase
AOPA General Aviation News Get connected with fellow aviators, aircraft owners, and industry experts at our next Aviator Showcase, a consumer-focused event on September 8 and 9 at the home of AOPA in Frederick, Maryland. Read More read more
Reenvisioning future of aviation at California airport
AOPA General Aviation News Ongoing deliberations over the fate of Whiteman Airport in Los Angeles wrapped with strong community support to reenvision and reinvest in the airport—though a motion to close is still on the table. Read More read more
Garmin GFC 500 autopilot approved for more aircraft models
AOPA General Aviation News Garmin announced FAA supplemental type certificate approval for its GFC 500 autopilot for certain Rockwell Commander and (Textron Aviation) Cessna models, including its first STC approval for Cessna 175 models. Read More read more
Inspiration, advice, jobs found at WAI conference
AOPA General Aviation News The annual Women in Aviation International Conference returned to California, offering a mix of inspiration and career opportunity. Read More read more
Beyond Proficient: Unpredictable Upset
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Been There, Done That
FLYING Magazine “Been there, done that.” It’s an old adage that seems every pilot says at some time in their career, to the younger newbie just starting out. I used to hate that expression. Now, I use it much to my chagrin. In my early 20s, I started my first real flying jobs, first as a CFII, then a fledgling “corporate pilot” flying an advanced T-Tail Piper Arrow. To me, with its big tail, the Arrow was an airliner. It looked like a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 or Boeing 727, I thought. ... read more
FAA IACRA System Hit With Database Issues
AVweb The FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and/or Rating Application (IACRA) system experienced several database issues on Monday, Feb. 27, resulting in a system restore and the loss of some user data, according to a notice issued by the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) on Thursday. The notice stated that the problem may have affected actions completed in IACRA between Feb. 27 and prior to noon central time on Feb. 28. The agency is currently working on retrieving what data it ... read more
Beyond Proficient: Unpredictable Upset
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Pilatus Reports Improved Sales, Financial Performance for 2022
FLYING Magazine Pilatus said strong demand for its aircraft despite difficult economic conditions helped propel the company to “one of its best years ever.” Sales in 2022 totaled $1.38 billion, with operating income of about $240 million and orders totaling $1.7 billion. The company said it improved on its 2021 performance with deliveries of 40 PC-24s, 80 PC-12 NGXs, 10 PC-21s, and 3 PC-6s in 2022, as reported also in the General Aviation Manufacturers Association annual deliveries report ... read more
Current Confidence
FLYING Magazine I’ve had a great eight months of flying in SoCal since I came to Los Angeles last January. The marine layer that creeps on shore most nights makes for interesting departures. This is a place to keep yourself instrument current. I’ve gotten used to inputting the approach procedure to the opposite runway I am departing from in case things go south during the initial climb. Part 91 flying places few limitations on takeoff minimums, but regardless, I still won’t go when it’s ... read more
Upgrades, expertise offered at upcoming Aviator Showcase
AOPA General Aviation News Get connected with fellow aviators, aircraft owners, and industry experts at our next Aviator Showcase, a consumer-focused event on September 8 and 9 at the home of AOPA in Frederick, Maryland. Read More read more
Inspiration, advice, jobs found at WAI conference
AOPA General Aviation News The annual Women in Aviation International Conference returned to California, offering a mix of inspiration and career opportunity. Read More read more
Beyond Proficient Wake Turbulence Recovery Training
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Pictures of the Day: The view available only to GA pilots
General Aviation News Wojciech Kosmalewski submitted this photo and note: "In 1932 two pilots from Poland won the Challenge International de Tourisme 1932 competition. To commemorate that big achievement 90 years later, a group of 10 pilots in four aircraft from Aeroklub Warszawski followed this historical route. Truly amazing adventure flying across many European countries, different seas, mountains, and cities. Among them was Venice, Italy, with views available only for GA pilots. Flying ... read more
Rolls-Royce Begins Testing New Engines for B-52 Bomber Fleet
FLYING Magazine The venerable Boeing B-52 bomber is receiving a new lease on life that could keep it in the air beyond its 100th birthday. Rolls-Royce said it began outdoor testing of its F130 engine at the NASA Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. The U.S. Air Force chose the F130 to replace the existing powerplants across the B-52 fleet. The company said it expects to deliver more than 600 engines under the replacement program. READ MORE: B-52 Engine Replacement Could ... read more
Crankshaft Counterweights and the Potential for Catastrophic Failure
FLYING Magazine On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) 2023-04-08 superseding a recent mandatory service bulletin from Continental Aerospace Technologies, MSB23-01A. This AD affects an estimated 2,176 crankshaft assemblies. Affected Continental Aircraft Engines The AD states that this unsafe condition will likely exist on affected engines. That means you need to check it out if you have one. This is not a time to second-guess the feds. ADs are ... read more
Airports could close as search for unleaded fuel solution drags on
General Aviation News Communities could use the continued use of leaded fuel as a reason to close general aviation airports, GA advocates warn. Read More read more
Rare Culver PQ-14 Target Drone donated to Spirit of Flight
General Aviation News “We have had a Culver PQ-14 Target Drone on our wish list for years, but there aren’t many left of the over 3,000 built,” said Gordon Page, president of the Spirit of Flight Foundation. Read More read more
Reenvisioning future of aviation at California airport
AOPA General Aviation News Ongoing deliberations over the fate of Whiteman Airport in Los Angeles wrapped with strong community support to reenvision and reinvest in the airport—though a motion to close is still on the table. Read More read more
Garmin GFC 500 autopilot approved for more aircraft models
AOPA General Aviation News Garmin announced FAA supplemental type certificate approval for its GFC 500 autopilot for certain Rockwell Commander and (Textron Aviation) Cessna models, including its first STC approval for Cessna 175 models. Read More read more
Belize Takes Delivery of Cessna Grand Caravan EX
FLYING Magazine The Ministry of National Defense and Border Security in Belize has taken delivery of a multi-mission Cessna Grand Caravan EX single-engine turboprop for missions that include surveillance, casualty evacuations, and search-and-rescue operations, according to the manufacturer. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft is designed and manufactured by Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company. The Grand Caravan, the fourth in Cessna’s Caravan series, entered the market in ... read more
Third annual State of Flight Training Survey takes off
General Aviation News "The information you share will provide important insights that help guide the way forward for your peers and partners in flight training," company officials said. Read More read more
Dave Rathbun, Engineer Behind Cirrus Aircraft Designs, Killed in Crash of SR22
Plane & Pilot Magazine Dave Rathbun, a longtime Cirrus Aircraft engineer who played a critical part in the design of the company’s piston-single-engine SR-series planes and its SF-series single-engine … Read More "Dave Rathbun, Engineer Behind Cirrus Aircraft Designs, Killed in Crash of SR22" The post Dave Rathbun, Engineer Behind Cirrus Aircraft Designs, Killed in Crash of SR22 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine. Read More read more
Flight school expands to KVDF
General Aviation News Tampa Bay Aviation, a flight school in Florida that offers training in both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, has expanded, opening a new location at Tampa Executive Airport (KVDF) in Florida. Read More read more
GA pilot calls flight over Chicago unsafe due to ATC procedures
General Aviation News My flight was trapped between the top of the Class B at 10,000 feet and heavy traffic at 11,000 feet, resulting in an unsafe condition with no clear solution. Read More read more
Passenger Allegedly Tries To Conceal Explosives In Checked Bag
AVweb A Pennsylvania man is in jail after security agents found an explosive device hidden in the lining of suitcase he had checked for a flight to Florida. Mark Muffley, 40, of Lansford, Pennsylvania is facing numerous charges after his bag triggered an alarm as it was screened at Lehigh Valley International Airport on Monday. Apparently Muffley intended to accompany the bag on an Allegian Airways flight to Orlando Sanford International Airport but apparently changed his mind after he ... read more
FAA Nominee Quizzed On Aviation Knowledge
AVweb President Joe Biden’s pick for FAA Administrator Phil Washington faced a turbulent Senate confirmation hearing that included a Q and A from fellow non-pilot and staunch opponent of his confirmation Republican Sen. Ted Cruz. In what seemed to be an attempt to expose Washington’s lack of relevant experience for the job, Cruz asked Washington about the angle of attack sensors on a Boeing 737 MAX and what the correct response would be to disagreement between two sensors. Washington made ... read more
Wheels Up Layoffs Announced
AVweb Wheels Up, reportedly the country’s third largest fractional, has announced it’s laying off an unspecified number of non-operational employees to trim $30 million worth of salaries and benefits from its payroll. Despite its meteoritic growth, Wheels Up hasn’t yet been profitable even though revenues are expected to be in the $1.5 billion range this year. Privatejetcardcomparisons.com is reporting that the layoffs are part of the plan to get to profitabiity by 2024. “The plan is ... read more
Tankers, Recon Planes Grounded Over Faulty Tail Pins
AVweb More than 200 of the Air Force’s most expensive and important aircraft were briefly grounded in February after it was discovered that the pins that hold the vertical stabilizer to the fuselages of most Air Force variants of the Boeing 707 were substandard. The five-inch pins are potentially a single point of failure since one of them bears 90 percent of the stress of keeping the tail on. KC-135 tankers along with highly specialized RC-135 and WC-135 surveillance planes were affected. ... read more
Becoming a Newly Rated Commercial Single-Engine Pilot
FLYING Magazine I just passed my commercial single-engine airplane check ride on January 6. I started flying with the initial intent of just passing my private, but got hooked as I progressed. I always have enjoyed teaching as a way of hyper-learning, so I knew I was interested in going the CFI route (I have been a ski & scuba instructor in the past). My first actual logged lesson was March 31, 2021. I then received my private pilot certification on October 15, 2021, and then went on ... read more
Picture Of The Week, March 1, 2023
AVweb 1 of 4 This photo is a product of my first aerial photo shoot with some good friends in fun airplanes. It was shot on my Nikon D3500 with a 50mm lens 1.8f from the right seat of a Cessna 172 above the greater Los Angeles area. Photo by Bradley Fountaine. PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Two Pitts One Cozy A 2006 ACA SCOUT at Abraham Lake, Alberta. Taken with an Apple ... read more
Senate Grills FAA Nominee in Confirmation Hearing
FLYING Magazine Phil Washington, the White House nominee to head the FAA, faced scrutiny from several members of Congress during a divisive Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday morning. Washington’s March 1 hearing comes nearly eight months after his nomination by the Biden administration, and the FAA has been without a permanent leader for more than a year. Wednesday’s hearing highlighted several challenges the agency has faced over the last few months—including thousands of flight ... read more
Pratt & Whitney Finds Fix for F-35 Engine Issue
FLYING Magazine Pratt & Whitney said it has developed a solution for its F135 engines that have experienced problems with harmonic resonance vibrations. The engines, which power the Lockheed Martin F-35 (NYSE: LMT) Lightning II fighter, have been under scrutiny following the December 15, 2022, accident involving an F-35B at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in Texas. “The potential for the harmonic resonance issue occurring was limited to a small number of aircraft. ... read more
FAA Launches Probe Following Boston Runway Incursion
FLYING Magazine The FAA is investigating a close encounter between a Learjet and a JetBlue Embraer 190 at Boston’s Logan International Airport (KBOS) on Monday evening. The JetBlue Embraer had been cleared to land on Runway 4R, but when a Learjet pulled onto the intersection runway without a clearance and began its takeoff roll, the larger jet initiated a go-around. According to the FAA, the February 27 event occurred shortly before 7 p.m. “An air traffic controller instructed the pilot ... read more
Picture of the Day: Shining in the sunset after a bath
General Aviation News Carlo Wise submitted this photo and note: "A photo of the Velocity XLRG after being given a bath. It was such a beautiful sunset this evening." Read More read more
Daher Kodiak Joins Aerial Firefighting Group As First OEM
FLYING Magazine The Kodiak series—built for the backcountry—has supported special missions throughout its model run. In partial recognition of this, Daher announced on Wednesday that it has joined the United Aerial Firefighters Association (UAFA) as that group’s first airframe manufacturing partner. The relationship keys off of the use of the Kodiak by the Bridger Aerospace Group [NASDAQ: BAER], a longtime operator of the model and founding member of UAFA. The association is a ... read more
Why Is Area Forecast Discussion Important for Preflight Planning?
FLYING Magazine Question: I am a relatively new pilot. I recently read about something called a forecast discussion that could be useful for preflight planning. Can you tell me more about this and how I can access it online? Answer: Since I introduced the area forecast discussions (AFDs) to the general aviation community a couple of decades ago, this has become a common resource for pilots to review before making operational decisions as it relates to weather. Just to clear up any initial ... read more
GA’s image problem
General Aviation News Ask a random person on the street about the importance of general aviation to the United States and you’ll probably hear “isn’t that only for rich people and their toys?” But GA is integral to the U.S. transportation system, say general aviation advocates, a message that more people need to hear. Read More read more
Which FLYING Cover Catches Your Eye?
FLYING Magazine We’re welcoming spring at FLYING with a hot new issue in time for April—and as we speak, we’re putting the finishing touches on Issue 936, which mails out in late March for subscribers before hitting newsstands and FBOs at your local airport. On the cover we feature the speedy and smart BRM Aero Bristell B23 Turbo—captured in flight over the southwestern Florida coast. Inside the pages, we review the latest in home flight sim gaming, plus a head to head Air Compare of the ... read more
Penn Haven Mountain Estates
FLYING Magazine From our partners at Lusk & Associates Seclusion and privacy at its finest are available on this 378-acre country mountain estate equipped with everything the discerning aviation enthusiast desires. Properties with private plane access are rare, and Penn Haven Mountain Estates offers true fly-in, fly-out access along with endless opportunities to relax and reconnect with nature. Penn Haven Mountain Estates has a 3,500-foot private grass airstrip, a 3,920-square-foot ... read more
The Specter of Upgrade Fever
FLYING Magazine As the Wright Brothers and their talented mechanic Charlie Taylor would enthusiastically contend, the parallels between bicycles and airplanes are numerous. Both are engineered to strike the optimum balance between strength and weight. Both must be precisely tuned to function properly. And both provide an immensely satisfying means of translating tactile, physical technique into transportation through myriad environments and natural elements. From an owner’s point of ... read more
Clay Lacy Aviation scholarships top $500,000
General Aviation News The company has committed $281,000 to new scholarships, in addition to the $225,000 in scholarships it has granted since 2015. Read More read more
Series of Runway Safety Pilot Simulator videos go live
General Aviation News The FAA has posted a series of three animated videos exploring the anatomy of a wrong surface event — where a general aviation pilot lands (or almost lands) on the wrong runway. The first video looks at the pilot and human factors. The second focuses on environment and third on training. Read More read more
Garmin autopilot certified for Cessna 172s and 175s, Commanders
General Aviation News Specific models include Commander 112 and 112A, as well as Cessna 172A, 172B, 172C, 175A, 175B, and 175C. Read More read more
Spatial disorientation fatal for Aviat pilot
General Aviation News A loss of control and subsequent impact with terrain as a result of spatial disorientation during cruise in dark night conditions. Read More read more
Short Final: What I Mean
AVweb I was flying into David Wayne Hooks Airport, north of Houston. Hooks is a busy airport with business jets and constant flight training, both initial and advanced. Thus, the controllers there must be sharp and keep their sense of humor as they deal with both students and experienced pros in Gulfstreams. I was on approach to Runway 17R with a stiff breeze out of the southwest. I laughed out loud when I heard: Trainer 67: “Hooks Tower, Trainer 67. I’m, uh, 10 miles, uh west of the ... read more
DOT Awards $1 Billion In Aviation Infrastructure Grants
AVweb The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today (Feb. 28) close to $1 billion in grants to support aviation infrastructure nationwide. While the bulk of the spending will go to airline airports and large-airport air traffic control facilities, general aviation and smaller airports are also called out as beneficiaries of the funding. The program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides for $1 billion per year for the next five years. In total, the Bipartisan ... read more
JetBlue Flight’s ‘Evasive Action’ Avoids A Learjet At Boston Logan Airport
AVweb A JetBlue flight from Nashville was landing at Boston Logan International Airport (KBOS) when it took evasive action to avoid a Learjet 60 that was taking off from an intersecting runway. Flight data provider Flightradar24 estimated the two jets came within 530 feet of each other. The latest close call for an airliner occurred at about 7 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 27). According to an FAA preliminary review, the Learjet was told to line up and wait, but took off without clearance from ... read more
MyGoFlight’s Head-Up Display Division Sold To Partner, AeroBrigham
AVweb “Long-standing partner” AeroBrigham, located in Decatur, Texas, has acquired MyGoFlight’s SkyDisplay division, which marketed the low-cost head-up display (HUD) developed by MyGoFlight’s late founder Charlie Schneider. Now to be known as AeroDisplay, the division will continue to develop the affordable HUD, which has an installed weight of just four pounds, for general aviation Part 23 airplanes and Part 27 helicopters. Operations will remain at its current facility near ... read more
Veteran Cirrus Engineer Dies In SR22 Crash On A Personal Flight
AVweb Cirrus Aircraft is mourning the loss of longtime employee David Rathbun, who died last Friday (Feb. 24) in the crash of a privately owned 2016 Cirrus SR22 on a personal flight. The Cirrus went down in the St. Louis River around 4:00 p.m. shortly after taking off from Duluth (Minnesota) International Airport. Rathbun was the only person on board. In a statement, Cirrus expressed admiration for Rathbun’s years as a prominent member of the design team and support for his family. “His ... read more
Garmin Names More Aircraft Approved for GFC 500 Autopilot
FLYING Magazine Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) said it received supplemental type certification from the FAA for use of its GFC 500 autopilot in certain Cessna and Commander models, including the Cessna 172A, 172B, 172C,175A, 175B, and 175C, and the Commander 112 and 112A. The GFC 500 has become a favorite among pilots who own older models that may have received gradual avionics upgrades over the last decade or two. When the time comes to add or upgrade an autopilot, buyers tend to look for the most ... read more
Russia Shuts Down St. Petersburg Airport Due To Airspace-Intruding Drone
AVweb According to Russian news sources, the airport at Saint Petersburg was temporarily shut down on the afternoon of February 28 (local time) and jet fighters were scrambled to respond to an “unidentified flying object” intruding on the airspace. The object was described by the Russian minister of defense as a large drone. As reported by Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti, the defense ministry announced, “The Air Defense Forces on duty worked out the issues of detection, ... read more
Early Analysis In-flight breakup over Stagecoach, NV
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An Airplane of Our Own
FLYING Magazine The last flight I made in my 1953 Piper Pacer, N3323A, was on April 20, 2016. The airplane was in Vancouver, Washington, for its annual inspection before a planned trip to Alaska, and I took advantage of a Portland work layover to take a good friend and his two young boys on a scenic flight. It turned out that sometime during our two-hour tour, perhaps while we were circling Mount St. Helens, the engine began quietly tearing itself apart, eventually dropping a sizable ... read more
Gulfstream Aerospace Celebrates 25 G700 Speed Records
FLYING Magazine Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. held a celebration Monday at its Manhattan Sales and Design Center to mark a slew of record-setting flights logged in its new flagship, the G700. The flights were part of a recent world tour that, according to company CEO Mark Burns, was designed to showcase the aircraft’s capabilities to potential customers while also testing its day-to-day flexibility, reliability and ease of use from the pilot and customer points of view. While Burns declined ... read more
Early Analysis In-flight breakup over Stagecoach, NV
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Training and Safety Tip: Crosswind control
AOPA General Aviation News Learning to take off and land in a crosswind can be one of the more challenging skills for student pilots to master. Read More read more
Picture of the Day: Over the Chesapeake in a Cherokee
General Aviation News Thomas Bevard submitted this photo and note: "Flying my 1970 Piper Cherokee 180 over the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. Just departed Tangier Island for a local seafood lunch." Read More read more
Cirrus Aircraft Engineer Killed in Accident
FLYING Magazine Chief engineer for the Cirrus SF50 jet program, David Rathbun, died February 24 when his Cirrus SR22 went down in the St. Louis River near Grassy Point in West Duluth, Minnesota. According to reports, the accident occurred around 4 p.m., shortly after Rathbun took off from the Duluth International Airport (KDLH). Preliminary data from Flightaware.com shows the 2016 SR22 registered as N929DR reached a speed of 181 knots and an altitude of 2,975 feet. The last known contact ... read more
FAA To Invest Nearly $1 Billion in U.S. Airport Infrastructure
FLYING Magazine If you have traveled by air in the last six months, you have probably noticed the uptick in air traffic since the pandemic. The FAA has noticed it as well and is awarding nearly $1 billion for President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to 99 airports to pay for improvements to make them more efficient, as well accommodating to the traveling public. The funding is part of the Airport Terminal Program, which is one of three aviation programs created by the Bipartisan ... read more
Women in Aviation 2023 conference breaks records
General Aviation News The 2023 conference attracted people from 32 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Ghana, Norway, Nigeria, Germany, and more. Read More read more
Success is a team sport
General Aviation News It takes a team to get things done. It may take years, but big things can happen if you try, and try, and try again. Read More read more
Training and Safety Tip: Crosswind control
AOPA General Aviation News Learning to take off and land in a crosswind can be one of the more challenging skills for student pilots to master. Read More read more
The Importance of Mentors
FLYING Magazine Last weekend I attended the Northwest Aviation Conference (NWAC) in Puyallup, Washington. In addition to hunting for stories for FLYING, I had the privilege of presenting a Rusty Pilots Seminar (RPS) for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. The RPS, which runs about 3.5 hours, is a PowerPoint-driven interactive lecture that uses scenarios to refresh a pilot’s knowledge and decision-making skills. AOPA provides a scenario guide and reference materials for the ... read more
Middle school students get up-close look at a C-17
General Aviation News A recent STEM program at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky gave students a chance to get inside a C-17. Read More read more
AeroBrigham acquires heads-up display division from MyGoFlight
General Aviation News The new company, which will be known as AeroDisplay, will feature heads-up display (HUD) configurations for both general aviation airplanes and helicopters, according to company officials. Read More read more
It’s touch and go, not stop on the runway
General Aviation News Aircraft Y student pilot confronted Aircraft X pilot after landing, indicating that Aircraft X did not own the airport and was not authorized to instruct other aircraft, with Aircraft X responding that a touch and go is precisely that, not a stop. Read More read more
WAI Hosts Successful 2023 Conference
AVweb Women in Aviation International (WAI) hosted more than 4,500 people at its 34th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference last week. The conference, which took place Feb. 23-25 in Long Beach, California, featured networking and education sessions, keynote speakers, professional development seminars and workshops. Nearly 200 companies and organizations were represented in the event’s exhibit hall this year, up from 176 in 2022. “We gather to celebrate, support, and advance ... read more
Crew-6 Launch Scrubbed For Ground Systems Issue
AVweb Citing a ground systems issue, NASA and SpaceX scrubbed Monday’s planned launch of the Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). According to NASA, the decision was made in order to allow an investigation into “an issue preventing data from confirming a full load of the ignition source for the Falcon 9 first stage Merlin engines.” The agency noted that the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft are currently in a safe configuration awaiting the next launch attempt. “I’m ... read more
General Aviation Accident Bulletin, February 27, 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. November 15, 2022, Oak ... read more
Preflighting Propellers
AVweb One way to tell if a pilot is serious about his responsibility to conduct a thorough preflight is if he looks at a propeller, notes that it’s still attached and walks right by it to the other wing’s fuel drains. Even if it’s a relatively simple all-metal, one-piece, fixed-pitch affair, things can go wrong with it. If it’s a constant-speed or reversible model, it also has a lot of parts in the hub that retain and actuate its blades. And it has a tough life. It’s often first to the ... read more
A New Pilot Gets an Accelerated Course in Flying
FLYING Magazine “Can you be there on the 16th at Tim Knutson’s farm? You don’t want to miss this story—we are finally teaching Carl [Costas] to fly in Tim’s 150, and then Tim is going to race it at the Mayday STOL competition in Wayne, Nebraska!” That was Kyle Bushman on the phone. He is the most passionate general aviation advocate I know. At the young age of 28, he has achieved more aviation milestones than most people do in a lifetime. He’s a pilot, A&P, IA (technician with ... read more
Serious U.S. Airport Runway Incursions are Declining, FAA Says
FLYING Magazine Despite a series of narrowly avoided accidents at U.S. airports in recent months, FAA data shows the most serious close calls have declined over the last 20 years. According to the agency, serious close calls involve situations where a collision was “narrowly avoided” or in which there is “significant potential for a collision.” In 2022, there were 18 serious runway incursions in the U.S.—up from a low of five reported in 2010 but down from a high of 32 reported in ... read more
Air Journey Celebrates 25 Years with Islands Trip of a Lifetime
FLYING Magazine Pilots often buy or lease an airplane with the intention of using it for traveling to destinations they couldn’t easily reach by other means. But there’s a special transformation that takes place when you go beyond the utilitarian trips for business or family travel and use your airplane to explore the world. You not only get to your destination in the best way possible, but you’re granted the opportunity to grow as a pilot and human. In 1998—25 years ago—Air Journey was ... read more
Finding Your Ideal Aircraft: Make Mine Easy To Fly
FLYING Magazine About a decade ago, when I first considered the possibility of owning an aircraft, I consulted a friend—an agricultural applicator pilot in Kansas with about 30,000 hours in his logbook. He had earlier suggested that I learn to fly at a small airport, preferably in a taildragger. That advice served me well, so I looked forward to hearing his thoughts about finding the right airplane. I thought I might look for a 185 like the one he flew in his spare time. That model had ... read more
Pratt & Whitney Canada Passes One Billion Flight-Hour Milestone
AVweb Pratt & Whitney Canada announced last week that its engines have now logged one billion flying hours since the company was founded in 1928. According to Pratt & Whitney, it has produced more than 110,000 engines to date with over 66,000 currently in service. The company makes products for segments including business aviation, general aviation, regional transport, rotorcraft and auxiliary power units. “Every second, a P&WC-powered aircraft takes off or lands somewhere on ... read more
Tornado Flattens Hangars at Airport in Eastern Oklahoma
FLYING Magazine Cleanup is underway at David Jay Perry Airport in Goldsby, Oklahoma (1K4) after a tornado touched down at the airport Sunday night. The airport, located approximately 1 mile NE of Goldsby and 9 miles southwest of Norman, sustained heavy damage from the fierce storm that spawned at least nine tornados. As this story was going to press there were reports of approximately 12 injuries in the city of Goldsby, but no reports of deaths. The airport covers 342 acres and is ... read more
Blue Line Aviation Continues To Grow and Expand
FLYING Magazine Renowned for its accelerated training, the Career Pilot Program at Blue Line Aviation takes students from zero time to becoming a career pilot in as few as five and a half months. Founded in 2012, Blue Line Aviation is an accelerated flight school that offers part 141 programs that can help students obtain a commercial pilot license in a minimum of 120 hours. With its signature Career Pilot Program, students can earn seven ratings in under six months. At Blue Line, ... read more
DNA of Four Presidents, Cast of Star Trek Headed Into Space
FLYING Magazine What do former United States presidents and cast members from Star Trek, the original series, have in common? They are all heading to space together. According to Texas-based Celestis Memorial Space Flights, this spring it plans to launch what it believes to be the authenticated DNA of Presidents George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan on the upcoming Enterprise Flight, described as “humanity’s first deep space time capsule.” According ... read more
Picture of the Day: On the line at CYXY
General Aviation News Cheryl Goodwin submitted this photo and note: "Following the line crew back to our PA46 at Whitehorse/Erik Nielsen International Airport (CYXY) in Yukon, Canada, in the summer of 2022. We shared the line with our Canadian Governor General’s Challenger, as well as Yukon Air’s 737. Lofty company for our beloved plane — and hats off to the crew for first rate ground service!" Read More read more
Is there really a DPE shortage?
General Aviation News During a meeting of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPE) and FAA personnel at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022, it was estimated that one-fifth of applicants never even qualify to start their FAA flight tests due to incorrect endorsements or inadequate pilot experience. These CFI errors waste applicants’ time and money while also squandering scarce DPE appointments, SAFE officials noted. Read More read more
The return of the Central Coast Airfest
General Aviation News This show had something for everyone: Civilian performers, warbirds, modern jets, vintage jets, skydivers, and more warbirds. Read More read more
Beaver Creek Offers Access to Maine’s Lake Region
FLYING Magazine “The whole idea with our fly-in Airbnb A-frame cabin is that a general aviation pilot who wants to vacation in Maine, they want to get away from the city, this is a direct flight to relaxation. And once they are there, they are going to have all of the amenities that they need, including a courtesy vehicle. That way, they can go and access the lakes, rivers, the grocery store, or a restaurant for dinner,” advertised Mitch Groder, the proprietor of Beaver Creek (51ME) in ... read more
Limited edition Piper J-3 Cub model takes off
General Aviation News “You’d have to look far and wide to find a pilot who doesn’t like the Cub,” says Sporty’s President John Zimmerman. “This model is a fantastic memento from many pilots’ training experience.” Read More read more
Regional flight training awards revealed
General Aviation News In addition to the regional winners, 32 flight schools and 65 instructors have earned distinguished awards, according to AOPA officials. Read More read more
Snow and sunlight bad combination for Cub pilot
General Aviation News The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from terrain during a low approach over a snow-covered runway. Contributing to the accident was the loss of depth perception due to the bright sunlight and snow. Read More read more
Boeing Suspends 787 Production Over Fuselage Issue
AVweb Boeing has suspended production of 787s after it discovered an error in the manufacture of the aircraft fuselage. “In reviewing certification records, Boeing discovered an analysis error by our supplier related to the 787 forward pressure bulkhead,” Boeing said in a statement. “We notified the FAA and have paused 787 deliveries while we complete the required analysis and documentation.” The company said the issue doesn’t affect the safety of the in-service fleet and doesn’t expect ... read more
Best Of the Web: A Visit To Van Sant
AVweb It’s tempting to decry the disappearance of the classic country airport. It’s also a myth. Sure, many have been plowed up for houses or shopping centers, but there are still plenty out there. One of the most storied is Van Sant Airport in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles north of Philadelphia and hard by the Pennsylvania/New Jersey state line. It was founded in 1960 by namesake John Van Sant. It’s well known in the northeast as a place for tailwheel training off a turf ... read more
First Customer Lear Jet To Be Restored
AVweb The world’s oldest Lear Jet is on its way to its birthplace where a group of enthusiasts hopes to restore it to flying condition. The Classic Lear Jet Foundation found the first aircraft delivered by Bill Lear’s upstart company. It was found intact but in need of restoration in Bartow, Florida. Over the weekend it was disassembled and loaded on trailers for the trip to Wichita, where it will be rebuilt. A homecoming event will be held Feb. 28 at 4 p.m. at Global Aviation ... read more
Bellanca Factory Re-location Update
Bellanca Aircraft, Inc. The new Bellanca Aircraft factory and maintenance facility in Sulphur, Oklahoma is operational with some limitations on services. Aircraft owners can now schedule maintenance services, including annual inspections, repairs and preventive maintenance work. Prospective aircraft buyers can arrange for prebuy inspections as well. The facility at the Sulphur airport (F30) is divided between the aircraft maintenance hangar and the company’s warehouse, manufacturing ... read more
Re-location of Vital Inventory – Parts Availability Status
Selected inventory, critical to the maintenance of the fleet, has been relocated to the new factory in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Throughout the process of moving the entire factory from Minnesota to the new facility the company will strive to keep the supply of parts moving to our customers. Owners and repair facilities my contact the factory at 580-202-3100 to place parts orders. read more
Bellanca Aircraft Begins Factory Re-location
The relocation of over seventy years of equipment, tooling, engineering documentation, inventory and office equipment has begun. These assets are being moved to the company’s new home in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Bellanca Aircraft, Inc. company President, Mike Redpath is personally overseeing the move which will happen in phases over the next several months. read more
Bellanca Aircraft, Inc. Acquires Alexandria Aircraft, LLC
The entire assets of Alexandria Aircraft, LLC of Alexandria, Minnesota have been acquired by a small group of investors who plan to continue operations in Sulphur, Oklahoma, a location more centrally located to a large percentage of the Viking and Cruisemaster aircraft. read more