ATC under fire

November 30, 2009, 5:54 pm

A breakdown of the FAA computers Nov. 19 brought severe criticism from members of Congress, FAA unions, and others. For the second time in just more than a year, the air traffic computer system went down and brought about massive delays for...

The Belite: Single-place fun

November 30, 2009, 5:44 pm

Flying is about having fun — and what could be more fun than the Belite, a single-place ultralight that’s engineered like a cross-country-capable Light Sport Aircraft? “It’s a single place ‘go out and have fun’...

A story we need to share

November 30, 2009, 5:23 pm

At the conclusion of October’s Copperstate Fly-In, held at Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ) in Arizona, I attended the annual awards banquet. As luck would have it, I sat at a great table. Seated with me was Chris Christiansen (and his...

NextGen could spur jobs

November 30, 2009, 3:14 pm

As President Barack Obama and Congress continue to look for ways to accelerate job growth in a tough economic climate, civil aviation and travel associations are touting funding for the Next Generation Air Traffic System (NextGen) as an answer. In a...

Wichita Aero Club slates online summit

November 30, 2009, 3:08 pm

A top management panel featuring the senior executives of Wichita’s airframe manufacturers will close out the Wichita Aero Club’s year on Tuesday, Dec. 15. The luncheon, which will be held at the Wichita Airport Hilton, will feature the first...

LoPresti grand opening Dec. 5

November 30, 2009, 12:15 pm

LoPresti Aviation has slated its grand opening at its new location at Sebastian Municipal Airport (X26) in Florida for the first Saturday of December. The Dec. 5 celebrations will feature J.W. “Corkey” Fornof speaking about his life in...

Acuwings expands to export

November 30, 2009, 9:54 am

AcuWings, a family-owned business in Renton, Wash., is reaching the world — and business success — by exporting general aviation aircraft to other countries. The company, which started with a single aircraft five years ago, is now expanding its...

SimCom unveils MU-2 maintenance training

November 30, 2009, 9:04 am

SimCom Training Centers now has available MU-2 Maintenance Training for aircraft owners, operators, mechanics and technicians. The week-long course will familiarize mechanics and technicians new to the MU-2 about type-specific inspection...

HRL FBO joins Phillips 66 network

November 30, 2009, 9:00 am

Gulf Aviation at Rio Grande Valley International Airport (HRL) in Harlingen, Texas, is joining the Phillips 66 Aviation network. Serving the Rio Grande Valley, the aviation company provides aviation support, complete aircraft maintenance and...

Unauthorized aerobatics kill three

November 30, 2009, 8:00 am

This November 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Piper Cherokee. Location: Ranger, Texas....

Collings Foundation seeks FAA exemption to add to its historical fleet

November 29, 2009, 5:16 pm

Years ago, B-17s, B-25s, B-24s and P-51 Mustangs (pictured) existed in abundance. Today just a handful of these warbirds remain airworthy — and very few offer rides to the public. The Collings Foundation, a private group out of Stow, Mass., is one...

Preparing for the end of 100LL

November 29, 2009, 5:12 pm

Here’s the bottom line: 100LL is going away. “Don’t fool yourself,” warned Alan Klapmeier, co-founder of Cirrus Aircraft. “The industry hoped 100LL would survive, but it is going away.” What does that mean for...

Slidell Airport gets $675,000 upgrade

November 29, 2009, 2:23 pm

The Slidell Municipal Airport (ASD) in Louisiana recently completed several projects totaling $675,000. ... read the rest of Slidell Airport gets $675,000 upgrade (491 words)

Cessna chief: Realistic environmental solutions needed or GA may be stifled

November 29, 2009, 1:44 pm

Jack Pelton The natural growth of the world’s general aviation industry may be stifled if industry and government fail to collaborate on environmental innovation, or arrive at  solutions that ignore the global interoperability of the...

Solar Impulse ready to soar

November 29, 2009, 1:37 pm

Reader Cody Jordan sent us an e-mail about the Solar Impulse project — a solar-powered jet that its designers hope will circumnavigate the globe in 2012. The story at Engadget.com, notes the Solar Impulse is captained by Bertrand Piccard — a...

Iowa seeks public input for aviation planning

November 29, 2009, 10:14 am

The Iowa Department Of Transportation’s Office of Aviation will host a public input meeting for an update of the Iowa Aviation System Plan from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, at the Ankeny Regional Airport. Previous input meetings were held...

Do you really want another sweater?

November 29, 2009, 10:00 am

Pilots can take charge of their own Christmas experience by directing friends and family to Sporty’s Gift Guide. Sporty’s has made it easy for non-pilot loved ones to select a gift for the pilot in their life with its list of gifts appropriate...

‘Flight of the Red Tail’ released to DVD

November 29, 2009, 9:56 am

Filmmaker Adam White is releasing “Flight of the Red Tail,” a companion piece that follows three years after release of “Red Tail Reborn.” The 12-minute film chronicles the events of the Red Tail Project, including the fatal crash of pilot...

EVS STC’d on Cessna 206

November 29, 2009, 9:38 am

Max-Viz has received FAA STC approval for the installation of the EVS-1500 Enhanced Vision System on Cessna 206 aircraft associated with the One Sky Aviation STC# SR02332AK. ... read the rest of EVS STC’d on Cessna 206 (148 words)

Wicks now offers CamGuard

November 29, 2009, 9:28 am

Wicks Aircraft Supply has added CamGuard lubricant to its growing list of products. CamGuard is an additive liquid formulated to address the problems of corrosion, wear, deposits and seal degradation in piston engines. It can be used with all oils,...

November 20 issue now available

November 24, 2009, 7:12 pm

The digital edition of the November 20 issue is now available online.

Happy Thanksgiving

November 24, 2009, 6:19 pm

The offices of General Aviation News will be closed this weekend in observance of Thanksgiving. The Pulse will return Monday to your e-mail boxes. Enjoy the holiday!

Another FAA temporary extension needed

November 24, 2009, 5:52 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — It looks like the FAA will need another temporary extension. After more than two years, the Senate continues to drag its feet in reauthorizing the FAA. Even many members of the Senate are fed up with the way that body is...

Edward Bellande: Pioneering pilot

November 24, 2009, 4:15 pm

Bellande in 1916 “Air speed record to Los Angeles broken” was a headline in the Oakland (California) Tribune on Jan. 28, 1932. The story reported that a new coastal speed record for tri-motored planes was made on the Oakland-Los Angeles...

Airparks target of TTF crackdown

November 24, 2009, 3:11 pm

FAA officials are clarifying a recent guidance letter on Through The Fence operations, according to a post at the Airport Business blog, which notes that the primary focus of the crackdown is resident developments. The blog quotes Randall Fiertz,...

Corsair VIP at Florida museum for holidays

November 24, 2009, 1:08 pm

Kissimmee Air Museum, located at the Florida’s Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) will have a visiting VIP (Very Important Plane) during the holiday season: The Collings Foundation’s rare F4U-5NL Corsair. ... read the rest of Corsair VIP at...

Florida Air Museum gets grant for restoration/preservation activities

November 24, 2009, 12:34 pm

The Florida Air Museum on the Sun ‘n Fun campus on Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL) has received a $30,000 grant that will be used to build facilities to support its aircraft restoration and preservation activities. ... read the rest of...

Have a story about flying in Canada’s North? Add it to Ice Pilots website

November 24, 2009, 12:04 pm

Reality television’s latest stars are the people and planes of Buffalo Airways, featured in the new History Television series, Ice Pilots NWT. Bringing a new dimension to reality television, the Ice Pilots NWT website, introduces an interactive...

Alternative Aviation completes G-600 integration

November 24, 2009, 9:51 am

Alternative Aviation Services, Inc. (AAS) in Waterford, Mich., recently completed the full integration of the Century IV Autopilot and Flight Director with the Garmin G-600 on a Piper Aerostar 601P. The AAS solution provides Complete Flight Director...

Arkansas icon joins Phillips 66 network

November 24, 2009, 9:40 am

Central Flying Service, a 70-year-old aviation icon in Little Rock, Ark., is joining Phillips 66 Aviation as a branded dealer. Central Flying Service is the county’s largest FBO facility and the oldest aviation business in Arkansas, according to...

Is your airport on the endangered list?

November 23, 2009, 5:07 pm

For the past 10 years I have been hearing from readers concerned about their airports. Usually it begins with a phone call from someone who is upset because “they” are trying to close the airport. Sometimes “they” have names. Other times...

Mogas – going, going, gone in the Pacific Northwest

November 23, 2009, 4:45 pm

Another nail has been driven into the coffin of ethanol free fuel in the Pacific Northwest. Practically all of the gasoline in western Washington and western Oregon comes from four major refineries on the Puget sound north of Seattle.  Since Oregon...

Zenith responds to airworthiness freeze

November 23, 2009, 3:39 pm

The fatal crash of a homebuilt Zodiac CH-601XL last month has prompted the FAA to freeze the issuance of new airworthiness certificates for the design. The accident was the sixth attributed to an in-flight break up. The timing of the crash is...

Triple Play for FK

November 23, 2009, 1:44 pm

SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON LSA are nothing if not diverse. We have all manner of aircraft on our list of 104 approved models. Germany’s FK Lightplanes illustrates diversity through its trio of models: The high-wing Fk9 series (pictured above);...

Aircraft Spruce offers holiday shopping

November 23, 2009, 11:06 am

Aircraft Spruce has a selection of portable GPS, pilot supplies, headsets, avionics, instruments, wheels, tires, oil, filters, books, DVDs, and aviation software — more than 60,000 product relating to aviation for those on your holiday gift...

Ironshore enters aviation insurance market

November 23, 2009, 10:28 am

Ironshore Specialty Co. is entering the aviation insurance market, according to a report at BusinessInsurance.com. The story notes that Ironshore will offer coverage to general aviation, airlines, aviation manufacturers, airports, aviation...

Customizable tire gauge set debuts

November 23, 2009, 9:13 am

Tool Testing Lab has introduced a customizable wide-range tire pressure gauge set. In all applications, tire pressure is important for optimum performance and tread life. This is especially true in aviation, where tires are often critically stressed...

Shine on with Peek Metal Polish

November 23, 2009, 9:09 am

Peek Metal Polish, which can be used for cleaning and polishing stainless steel, aluminum leading edges and nose cones, is now available at Aircraft Spruce. The polish also restores tired-looking paint surfaces and removes scratches from Perspex...

Instrument Ground School gets HD makeover

November 23, 2009, 9:08 am

ASA’s Instrument Pilot Virtual Test Prep has been updated. The course includes more than 10 hours of all-new HD video footage on standard definition DVD and high definition Blu-ray Discs.... read the rest of Instrument Ground School gets HD...

Photo flight goes horribly wrong

November 23, 2009, 8:31 am

This November 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Cessna 172. Location: Gladwin, Mich....

Today’s Waco: A winning combination

November 22, 2009, 5:41 pm

An open cockpit airplane is fun, whether it was built last week or 50 years ago. But when you take a classic design and make it from modern materials, you have a winner all around. That’s the formula pursued by the Waco Classic Aircraft Co. in...

LSA in the spotlight at AOPA

November 22, 2009, 1:49 pm

SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON In its first year as the AOPA Aviation Summit (versus Expo), the 70-year-old, 415,000-member organization made lots of changes, large and small. Among the most notable under capable new president Craig Fuller was much greater...

Air traffic glitch should have been minor

November 22, 2009, 1:18 pm

The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO (PASS), the union that represents FAA technicians, has expressed “extreme concern” about the resolution process in reaction to Thursday’s outage of the Federal...

FAA breaks ground on NextGen Research Park

November 22, 2009, 1:17 pm

The FAA recently broke ground on a new research park dedicated to NextGen technologies. The agency is leasing 55 acres of land to the South Jersey Economic Development District to build an Aviation Research and Technology Park, which will sit...

Top 10 things FSS wants pilots to know

November 22, 2009, 1:10 pm

The folks who work for Lockheed Martin Flight Services recently issued a list of the Top 10 things they wish pilots knew. And with the recent announcement that the company is closing its Flight Service Stations in Columbia, Mo., Honolulu, Kankakee,...

Diamond unveils deals

November 22, 2009, 9:48 am

As part of its new end of year promotion, Diamond Aircraft is combining several incentives to spur sales. Between now and Dec. 31, Diamond will match your down payment (up to 10% of the purchase price) and help you find the financing that is right...

Aspen Evolution training program debuts

November 22, 2009, 9:19 am

Launched just three years ago, Aspen Evolution Primary Flight Displays and Multifunction Flight Displays make retrofit glass cockpits possible and now have been purchased by more than 2,000 aircraft owners worldwide. Although pilots have found the...

Parade of Planes to return next year

November 22, 2009, 9:06 am

Aviation marketing firm AMPT Associates, Inc. plans to continue its series of regional aircraft sales expos in 2010. As Parade of Planes enters its third season, the scope continues to expand to meet the needs of those looking to upgrade their...

GFK FBO now part of Phillips 66 network

November 22, 2009, 9:04 am

GFK Flight Support, an FBO at Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) in Grand Forks, N.D., has signed with The Hiller Group to supply Phillips 66 aviation fuel and equipment. Customers who use any of the Phillips 66 Aviation Cards with their...

Sora launched

November 22, 2009, 9:00 am

International Communications Group (ICG) is partnering with Cobham Antenna Systems to offer an aircraft system for global voice and Swift Broadband (SBB) data. Dubbed Sora (Japanese for “sky”), the package provides voice and data communications...

Flying the MS-1

November 19, 2009, 3:39 pm

SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON Lucky me. On a warm, sunny day I drove less than a mile to Spruce Creek Airport’s Downwind Cafe where I met the developers of MySky (the company) and the MS-1 (a new LSA model). After a tasty lunch we strolled over to the...

Glitch snarls air traffic

November 19, 2009, 2:41 pm

A nationwide air traffic control computer system outage this morning snarled air traffic. ... read the rest of Glitch snarls air traffic (177 words)

Search for new EAA president restarts

November 19, 2009, 2:29 pm

OSHKOSH — The Experimental Aircraft Association has only known two leaders during its more than 50-year history. The search for the third — and the first not named Poberezny — has lasted nine months and is back to square one, according to a...

Lockheed Martin to close more FSS

November 19, 2009, 1:38 pm

Lockheed Martin will close seven Flight Service Stations, starting in February, according to a report at AOPA.org. Locations on the chopping block are: Columbia, Mo.; Honolulu; Kankakee, Ill.; Lansing, Mich.; Nashville; Seattle; and St. Petersburg,...

Progress continues on electric aircraft, prototype expected to be unveiled in April

November 19, 2009, 1:23 pm

At this summer’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Germany’s Calin Gologan introduced his new E-Plane line of electric powered aircrafts: the Elektra One (one-seater), Elektra Two (two-seater) and Elektra Four (four-seater). Just recently Gologan...

Candy Bomber at First in Flight Festival

November 19, 2009, 12:04 pm

Elizabeth City , N.C. — Last December, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Gail Halvorsen had children jumping for joy when he sailed chocolates aloft on tiny parachutes from the “Spirit of Freedom,” a restored 1945 Douglas C-54 aircraft. The “Candy...

SeaMax celebrates 10th anniversary

November 19, 2009, 11:39 am

SeaMax USA is celebrating a milestone this year: The 10th anniversary of AirMax, the parent company that manufactures the SeaMax M22 amphibious Light Sport Aircraft. This year, the 98th SeaMax rolled off the assembly line, according to company...

BOTH hangs aviation shingle

November 19, 2009, 11:37 am

Looking to offer back of the office (BOTH) support to the myriad one-person businesses in aviation (instructors and mechanics particularly) BOTH introduced itself to the aviation world at AOPA’s Aviation Summit earlier this month. Most flight...

AeroRouter introduced

November 19, 2009, 9:42 am

International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) has developed a new data router for airborne applications. The AeroRouter 800, a line replaceable unit (LRU) that uses non-proprietary architecture, is designed to be compatible with any communications...

Global adds Grand Renaissance capability

November 19, 2009, 9:19 am

Global Aviation Services, Inc. at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (KIAH) in Houston, Texas, a factory authorized Twin Commander Service Center, has added Grand Renaissance completions to its list of capabilities. The Grand Renaissance is a...

Light at the end of the tunnel

November 18, 2009, 4:26 pm

SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON Saying 2009 was a breathtaking year is no overstatement. The last air show of the season is now history and reflections on 2009 reveal a year of hardship for aviation. Cessna laid off more than half its workers and the Wichita...

Optimism grows as airpark market recovers

November 18, 2009, 4:26 pm

Renowned airpark expert Dave Sclair recently posted on LivingWithYourPlane.com a brief rundown of some of the discussions he had with pilots at the AOPA Aviation Summit about airparks. The good news? The airpark market seems to have hit bottom and...

Stinson Airport called ‘economic engine’

November 18, 2009, 3:23 pm

Vintage Stinson Municipal Airport (SSF) in San Antonio, Texas, is being credited with contributing to the area’s economic rebirth. In a story at MySanAntonio.com, the airport is named as one of the “economic engines” that will...

ExperCraft celebrates fifth anniversary

November 18, 2009, 3:21 pm

ExperCraft’s Simple Log has been providing aircraft builders and restorers a resource for tracking and sharing projects since its initial release in November 2004. This free website has had an average of one new user sign up every day,...

Emergency AD issued for TCM engines

November 18, 2009, 3:08 pm

The FAA has issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD), effective immediately, for all Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) 240, 360, 470, and 520 series reciprocating engines. The emergency AD results from TCM reporting three occurrences of...

New facility to test engines, search for alternative fuels

November 18, 2009, 2:56 pm

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University will operate a new federally funded facility to test aircraft engines and develop alternative fuels. The National Test Facility for Fuels and Propulsion is funded with a $1.35 million grant from the U.S....

More on the Land of Perfect

November 18, 2009, 2:41 pm

LETTER TO THE EDITOR As an “old guy,” who has been an active pilot for 56 years, I applaud Deb McFarland’s March 20 column, “The Land of Perfect.” Having been fortunate to learn to fly in J-3s/Cessna 120s/140s, I judge your article to...

Making sure GA is not ignored

November 18, 2009, 2:36 pm

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs Eric Byer testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation this week to discuss emergency measures that Congress can take to assist the...

ICG introduces universally compatible CTU

November 18, 2009, 9:38 am

International Communications Group (ICG) has unveiled a new Cabin Telephony Unit (CTU), the AeroCom 1700. Designed to bridge the gap between analog and digital communication technologies, the small, lightweight AeroCom 1700 will operate with all...

AvFab receives STC for Learjet divans

November 18, 2009, 9:23 am

Aviation Fabricators (AvFab) recently received STC approval for its Learjet 55 Divan. The two-place side-facing Divan Kit includes seat belts and shoulder harnesses. It is delivered in “green” condition, without upholstery, and has the...

West Virginia governor boosts GA

November 17, 2009, 5:42 pm

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin is bullish on GA. That’s probably why he was invited to speak at the General Aviation Serves America Rally at the AOPA Aviation Summit earlier this month. AT THE RALLY: Jim Coyne, NATA president, shakes West...

Amelia Earhart: Out of this world

November 17, 2009, 3:46 pm

Photo courtesy NASA Items that belonged to Amelia Earhart are out of this world — literally. One of Earhart’s scarves was carried into space by astronaut Randy Bresnik aboard the shuttle Atlantis, which took off Nov. 16. Bresnik is the...

A proper burn out procedure

November 17, 2009, 2:38 pm

LETTER TO THE EDITOR I would like to comment on the spark plug “burn out” procedure discussed in Paul McBride’s Sept. 4 column, “Tips to reduce spark plug fouling.” Operating lean really troubles me. My mechanic son...

Husky donated to Kenya Wildlife Service

November 17, 2009, 1:45 pm

At the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Aviation Summit earlier this month, the Lindbergh Foundation revealed its efforts to facilitate the donation of a new 180-hp A1C Husky to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). ... read the rest of...

Carter inks first licensing deal

November 17, 2009, 1:17 pm

Carter Aviation Technologies LLC of Wichita Falls, Texas, has completed negotiations with AAI Corp., an operating unit of Textron Systems, on an exclusive licensing agreement for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) using Carter’s Slowed...

NOTAMs enter digital age

November 17, 2009, 1:03 pm

Digital information management is key to meeting NextGen’s safety and efficiency objectives, according to FAA officials, who report the agency is transitioning to digital flight operations information and the modernization of Notices to...

Harrison Ford honored

November 17, 2009, 12:44 pm

DENVER – Harrison Ford piloted the skies of Denver this past weekend. However this time, it was not for a movie role, according to a story at 9News.com, which notes Ford received the “Spreading Wings” award from the Wings Over the...

Airport safety course redesigned

November 17, 2009, 10:32 am

Any driver who has ever tried to navigate in an unfamiliar city knows exactly how a pilot feels when landing at an airport for the first time. There can be plenty of challenges as you try to get from Point A to Point B. Not meeting the challenges...

Mooney Echelon STC available only at Lycoming authorized service centers

November 17, 2009, 9:43 am

Lycoming Authorized Service Centers have been appointed the sole installers for Lycoming’s newest Echelon Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), which covers the Mooney M20E, M20F and M20J. Mooney owners will be able to able to choose from among...

ICG Open-Link debuts

November 17, 2009, 9:33 am

International Communications Group (ICG) has introduced an Open-Link building block approach that will provide “nose-to-tail” airborne communications regardless of the system on board the aircraft. Open-Link is based on three small line...

Barnstorming: The movie

November 16, 2009, 5:58 pm

About 10 years ago, Andrew King and Frank Pavliga were flying their antique airplanes over eastern Indiana. They decided to land on an alfalfa field on a dairy farm to take some pictures, never realizing how that would change not only their lives,...

Doolittle Raiders reunion set

November 16, 2009, 3:56 pm

The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders are in the final stages of planning their 68th reunion at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The reunion, slated for April 16-18, will include a free public autograph session, educational event and memorial...

Lawsuits filed against Eclipse execs

November 16, 2009, 2:50 pm

Former deposit-holders for Eclipse 500 jets recently filed four lawsuits in New Mexico district courts alleging various wrongdoings by Eclipse Aviation executives before the company filed for bankruptcy a year ago, according to a report at...

A license to forget

November 16, 2009, 2:38 pm

LETTER TO THE EDITOR As a mere private pilot, I was horrified to learn the bill recently passed by Congress requires airline pilots to receive training in actual stall recovery. Every pilot knows this is one of the most basic skills which must be...

WWII general flies again

November 16, 2009, 2:28 pm

Gen. Roland Wright (Ret.) is a P-51 fighter pilot from World War II. He was recently given a ride in “The Mormon Mustang” at a Rexburg, Idaho airshow. Watch the video from KIDK Channel 3.

A GA Pilot’s Guide to Airframe Icing

November 16, 2009, 2:14 pm

With the winter flying season already enveloping many parts of the northern United States, pilots need to know how to identify and avoid flying in icing conditions. That’s why the November/December issue of FAA Aviation News focuses on...

FAA finalizes Hudson River changes

November 16, 2009, 1:55 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has finalized a federal rule, effective Nov. 19, designed to enhance safety by separating low-altitude, local aircraft flights over the Hudson River from flights flying through the river airspace. “These changes...

AOPA, MTSU partner to grow aviation

November 16, 2009, 11:36 am

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) have reached an accord to help students in that school’s burgeoning aviation program. AOPA will fund an annual scholarship worth $7,500, and will...

21 win PennDOT’s Aviation Art Contest

November 16, 2009, 11:02 am

Twenty-one students have been selected as division winners in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s “The History of Flight” aviation art contest. “We received more than 1,000 entries and were very pleased with the...

Able Flight scholarship winners to train at Purdue

November 16, 2009, 10:54 am

Able Flight, which provides scholarships to handicapped people to help them learn to fly, and Purdue University’s Department of Aviation Technology have partnered for a joint flight training project next summer. Beginning in late May or early...

A great excuse to call in sick

November 15, 2009, 3:35 pm

SHORT FINAL By DEB McFARLAND It’s 5:30 a.m. and I have supper cooked. Soup beans, corn on the cob and cornbread. Directly, I will wake my young sleeping beauty, who has a vacation day from school. She will be shocked that there are towels waiting...

Veteran’s Day celebration at Flabob draws thousands

November 15, 2009, 2:17 pm

More than 3,000 people turned up for the free activities at Flabob Airport that honored America’s veterans. ... read the rest of Veteran’s Day celebration at Flabob draws thousands (220 words)

Helping the media get it right

November 15, 2009, 1:54 pm

When aviation-related events and issues arise, Boston’s WBZ-TV 4, owned and operated by CBS, often turns to Nashua Flight Simulator in Nashua, N.H., for expert advice and commentary. So far this year company officials have commented on everything...

FAA grounds Zodiacs

November 15, 2009, 1:42 pm

For the first time in history, the FAA has suspended issuance of any new airworthiness certificates for an entire fleet of special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA) — the Zodiac CH601XL and CH650 — and the FAA will not issue airworthiness...

A seat at the table

November 15, 2009, 12:48 pm

General aviation was represented when the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) joined others from across the aviation spectrum at a Nov. 12 forum convened by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, at which he announced the creation of a...

What’s new? AOPA Aviation Summit spotlights latest products

November 15, 2009, 11:38 am

While more low-key than in previous years, the AOPA Aviation Summit, held earlier this month in Tampa, Fla., served as the stage for several product debuts. Close to 7,300 people attended the Summit — formerly known as the AOPA Expo — while...

Seminars set for PilotMall.com Open House

November 15, 2009, 9:50 am

PilotMall.com Inc.’s fourth annual Open House & Fly-In, slated for Saturday, Dec. 5, at the company’s new retail location at Florida’s Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), will feature several  high-profile speakers,...

ACR Electronics debuts Next Gen PLBs

November 15, 2009, 9:42 am

ACR Electronics has introduced its newest generation of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) — the SARLink 406 MHz GPS PLB. The one-button activated, emergency signalling device is lighter and comes with a strobe light and multi-use GPS acquisition...

Show off your pilot certificate

November 15, 2009, 9:39 am

Sporty’s offers a wide selection of personalized pilot plaques, starting at $49.95. Each one faithfully replicates an individual’s FAA pilot certificate, some complete with signature. “Earning a certificate is often a lifelong...

Partnership offers customized SR22s

November 15, 2009, 9:21 am

Next Dimension Aircraft (ND) has unveiled a pre-owned aircraft program, dubbed WORPE9, which provides customized Cirrus SR22 aircraft with a high-performance Tornado Alley Turbo (TAT) powerplant and Avidyne Entegra Release 9 avionics suite. ... read...

Grand Forks Herald: Cirrus lays of 32 in Grand Forks

November 12, 2009, 7:44 pm

A story posted at the Grand Forks (N.D.) Herald reports that Cirrus is laying off 32 employee from its Grand Forks plant, and another 26 at its Duluth headquarters. From the story: “We had been staffed to a level higher than current demand and...

Movie review: “Amelia”

November 12, 2009, 5:53 pm

With all the hype surrounding the new movie “Amelia,” I was prepared to encounter another aviation biopic that slaughtered the main character and violated the Laws of Physics when it came to aviation and what airplanes can actually do...

Is GA a threat?

November 12, 2009, 3:18 pm

Has the Transportation Security Administration received any direct threats involving GA? No, said Brian Delauter, the new general manager of general aviation for the TSA, at a forum on security at the AOPA Aviation Summit earlier this...

Heavy topic for Light Sport Aviation: Safety

November 12, 2009, 3:10 pm

SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON While I prefer to blog about new aircraft, LSA safety is a worthy topic. Here’s the quick summary: While every loss is tragic to family and friends, LSA fatalities are not bad. Now some detail: According to FAA records in...

Entegra Release 9 now available for Pipers

November 12, 2009, 2:51 pm

Piper Aircraft Inc. will offer the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 integrated flight deck system as an optional avionics suite on the Piper PA-46 Meridian, Mirage, and Matrix (pictured) aircraft. ... read the rest of Entegra Release 9 now available for...

Cessna nears 300th Mustang delivery

November 12, 2009, 2:42 pm

Cessna Aircraft Company is nearing delivery of its 300th Citation Mustang. “The Citation Mustang order book has remained fairly resilient during the past year,” said Roger Whyte, senior vice president, sales and marketing. “It has found...

50th anniversary Baron model unveiled

November 12, 2009, 2:38 pm

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is marking the 50th anniversary of its high performance piston twin, the Beechcraft Baron by offering a limited edition model. ... read the rest of 50th anniversary Baron model unveiled (322 words)

WASP playing cards debut

November 12, 2009, 2:32 pm

The International Women’s Air & Space Museum (IWASM) has produced a collectible deck of playing cards honoring Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II. The cards are available at the museum gift shop and online store. ... read...

Power Flow unveils system for Bonanza

November 12, 2009, 2:27 pm

Power Flow Systems, which has tuned exhaust systems on more than 3,500 aircraft, has designed a tuned exhaust system for the Beech Bonanza. The company plans on obtaining STCs for the IO-470, IO-520 and IO-550 configurations. Initial flight tests...

Appeals court rules against CAF

November 12, 2009, 1:56 pm

In a judgment filed Nov. 2, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of the National Museum of the United States Air Force (USAFM) in the ownership dispute of a P-82 Twin Mustang. While the ruling supports the original...

A call to action: We can fight TSA

November 11, 2009, 5:15 pm

Think you can’t make a difference? You can — just ask the Transportation Security Administration. When the TSA introduced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would have required airline-like security on all GA aircraft weighing over 12,500...

What is the procedure for a hot engine start?

November 11, 2009, 4:26 pm

Q: I have a Grumman Yankee Model AA-1 with a Lycoming O-235L 108-hp engine. What is the procedure for a “hot engine” start? When I shut down the engine, I run it lean at 1,800 rpm for about 10 seconds before I pull the mixture. Then, when the...

‘The worst is behind us’

November 11, 2009, 4:20 pm

The last year has been traumatic for GA: Orders have dropped precipitously, customers have cancelled orders, manufacturers and other companies have had layoffs, and the industry has been battered by attacks against business aviation and federal...

101-year-old pilot to give first-hand account of the beginnings of U.S.-Saudi relationship

November 11, 2009, 3:30 pm

Photo from Arab News Capt. Joseph Grant, a U.S. World War II pilot, will be in the Washington, D.C. area this week for the national book launch of “King Abdulaziz…His Plane and His Pilot,” by Michael Saba. Grant will provide a rare...

Video briefings highlight hot topics

November 11, 2009, 12:37 pm

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) recently unveiled the first video in an ongoing series featuring NATA President Jim Coyne called “Coyne’s Video Briefings.” A new video will be released every few weeks focusing on...

Senators push to pass FAA funding this year

November 11, 2009, 12:25 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of the Senate have joined together to voice the importance of passing a long-term FAA funding bill (S.1451) before the end of the year. ... read the rest of Senators push to pass FAA funding this year (218 words)

Safety Symposium and Job Fair set

November 11, 2009, 9:32 am

FltOps.com will team with the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF), to present the next in its series of pilot safety symposiums and job fairs, on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the New York-LaGuardia Airport Marriott. ... read the rest of Safety Symposium and Job...

Forward Vision EVS on Bonanzas and Barons

November 11, 2009, 9:06 am

Hawker Beechcraft Inc. (HBC) has selected Forward Vision Systems, Inc.’s EVS-100 and -600 Enhanced Vision Systems (EVS) for installation on its Bonanza and Baron models. In addition to HBC making EVS technology an option on factory-new...

Samson joins Olympic fundraising efforts

November 11, 2009, 9:04 am

Samson Motors, developer of the Switchblade flying motorcycle, has recently become an Affiliate Partner with the U.S. Olympic Team Rings Wristbands Program. A link to the U.S. Olympic Team Rings Wristband ordering website is now on the Samson Motors...

Belite sets price, opens online store

November 11, 2009, 9:02 am

Belite Aircraft is now offering several kit configurations of its single-seat Part 103 compliant airplane at prices starting below $8,100. These kits may also be built as a homebuilt, experimental aircraft. Subassemblies and components, many of...

Alphabet groups work together to defend GA

November 10, 2009, 5:08 pm

The opening session of the AOPA Aviation Summit earlier this month featured something that GA has not seen before: The leaders of all GA’s alphabet groups on the same stage. Previous rivalries were put aside as the leaders of those groups —...

Farnborough’s Kestrel in-flight video

November 10, 2009, 4:49 pm

Farnborough Aircraft has posted a nearly six minute video of the Kestrel single-engine turboprop in flight. The plane will look familiar as it shares design lineage with Epic Aircraft’s LT. The legal battle with Epic ended in 2006. Under new...

Celebrating Amelia

November 10, 2009, 4:20 pm

To tie-in to the release of the new feature film about Amelia Earhart, museums around the country are showcasing exhibits celebrating the life of the famous aviatrix. ... read the rest of Celebrating Amelia (219 words)

A star is born

November 10, 2009, 2:44 pm

Republic Airport (FRG) on Long Island in New York recently became a bustling scene of faux police cars, extras as state troopers, an army of movie technicians, a battery of lights, cameras and action for a filming of a scene from the popular ABC...

FAA issues SAIB on Zodiacs

November 10, 2009, 2:34 pm

Owners and pilots of Zodiac aircraft may want to keep them on the ground for awhile. On Nov. 7 the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) on variants of Zodiac CH601XL and CH650 airplanes because of several in-flight...

On our side

November 10, 2009, 2:29 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House Aviation Subcommittee has a new vice chairman who is knowledgeable about aviation and from a state with a history of recognizing the importance of general aviation airports: Rep. John Boccieri (D-Ohio). From 1994 to...

Oral History Center gives history a future

November 10, 2009, 11:14 am

Kissimmee Air Museum, located at Florida’s Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM), is initiating an Oral History program to record the Greatest Generation’s history. “During World War II we had between 13 million to 16 million men and women in...

NextGen ADS-B technology now available for pilots in Gulf of Mexico

November 10, 2009, 9:36 am

NavWorx, Inc. now has available its ADS600-series receivers, which provide display of TIS-B traffic and FIS-B weather information. The ADS600 line of Universal Access Transceivers (UAT) are designed to capture and display broadcast information from...

New features for FlightDeck Freedom

November 10, 2009, 9:31 am

Satcom Direct has added new features to its FlightDeck Freedom (FDF) service, which includes compatibility with most datalink avionics, integration with Satcom Direct’s new flight tracking solutions, and compatibility with even more flight...

Wicks expands aircraft plywood supply

November 10, 2009, 9:03 am

Wicks Aircraft Supply has expanded its supply of aircraft grade plywood to meet the needs of homebuilders and restorers, now featuring thicknesses from 1/16-inch to ½-inch and .8mm to 2mm. The plywood is available in sheets up to 4 foot X 8 foot...

Continental sends mixed messages on unleaded fuels

November 9, 2009, 5:23 pm

Teledyne Continental Motors has done a number of tests with unleaded gasoline that is supposed to be made to the ASTM spec for 94 UL avgas. There have been several PR releases about these tests, including a report at EAA.org Apparently the tests are...

Is there a better name than general aviation?

November 9, 2009, 4:26 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but will flying by any name be as accepted and successful? At a recent House Aviation Subcommittee hearing on the progress of the NextGen air traffic management system, members of...

AOPA lobbying efforts top $770,000

November 9, 2009, 3:09 pm

According to the Associated Press, AOPA spent $770,000 in the third quarter lobbying on behalf of general aviation. The news service said an amended form filed last month with the House clerk’s office reported the pilot group lobbied not only...

VJT pilots thwart ban on experimentals

November 9, 2009, 2:21 pm

Pilots in North Las Vegas prove you can fight City Hall, taking pro-active steps to stop a federal ban on experimental aircraft at North Las Vegas Airport (VJT) and participating on a committee that has come up with recommendations that will benefit...

GA shipments fall 46% so far this year

November 9, 2009, 12:42 pm

In the first three quarters of 2009, total general aviation (GA) airplane shipments fell 46.8%, from 2,982 units in 2008 to 1,587 units so far this year. Total industry billings are down 23.5%, to $13.8 billion, according to figures just released by...

Harriet Alexander Field recognized for contribution to GA

November 9, 2009, 11:51 am

Harriet Alexander Field (ANK) in Salida, Colo., was recently recognized by the Colorado Pilots Association for its contribution to general aviation, according to a story in the Mountain Mail. Carl Hasselbrink, airport manager, and his staff...

LSA Expo shapes up

November 9, 2009, 11:08 am

Things are shaping up for the US Sport Aviation Expo, slated for Jan. 21-24, 2010, at Sebring Regional Airport in Sebring, Florida. The number of exhibitors continues to grow, according to organizers, who note new vendors, such as Van’s Aircraft,...

Group formed to fight FAA’s opposition to hangar homes

November 9, 2009, 11:01 am

A new organization, ThoughTheFence.org (TTF), made its debut last week at the AOPA Aviation Summit. The organization has been formed by pilots to fight the FAA’s prohibition of hangar homes at publicly-funded airports. ... read the rest of Group...

Demystify turbocharging

November 9, 2009, 9:24 am

The Cessna Pilots Association (CPA) will hold a one-day seminar on turbocharging at its headquarters in Santa Maria, California, Saturday, January 23, 2010. ... read the rest of Demystify turbocharging (250 words)

Aviation law firm grows

November 9, 2009, 9:18 am

David Shannon has joined the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, law firm of Stewart H. Lapayowker, P.A., which focuses on private and corporate aviation transactions worldwide. Shannon will work alongside attorney Stewart Lapayowker and will counsel clients...

November 6 digital edition online now

November 8, 2009, 9:39 pm

The November 6 digital edition of General Aviation News is available now.

Cessna extends ‘deal of the decade’

November 8, 2009, 3:02 pm

Officials at Cessna Aircraft Co. report an increase in piston aircraft sales over the past two months, thanks in part to sales programs and tax incentives set to expire at the end of the year. “Retail sales across our piston aircraft product line...

Groups asks for new tower for Teterboro

November 8, 2009, 2:37 pm

The Teterboro Airport Industry Working Group has asked FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt to increase the priority for construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower at Teterboro Airport (TEB) in New Jersey. The current control tower at TEB was built...

LSA AOPA 2010 sweepstakes plane

November 8, 2009, 2:19 pm

Opening day of AOPA Aviation Summit in Tampa, Fla., kicked off with the  unveiling of the association’s 2010 sweepstakes aircraft: A new Remos GX Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). AOPA President Craig Fuller (pictured left), Remos Managing Director...

FAA denies curfew at Bob Hope Airport

November 8, 2009, 1:32 pm

The FAA has denied a request to institute a night-time curfew at Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, Calif. The airport is owned by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, which proposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. The FAA denied the...

Piper president resigns, CEO assumes duties

November 8, 2009, 12:43 pm

Piper Aircraft Chief Executive Kevin Gould will assume the company’s presidency effective Dec. 1. Gould will add the president’s title and responsibilities to his current position as CEO upon Piper President John D. Becker’s resignation, also...

Viking in final phase of certification effort

November 8, 2009, 11:38 am

Viking Series 400 Twin Otter certification work has entered the final phase towards the goal of achieving Transport Canada and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification, expected in the next few months. ... read the rest of Viking in...

PS Engineering debuts PMA6000B

November 8, 2009, 9:38 am

PS Engineering has introduced the retooled PMA6000B, an updated version of the PMA6000, an entry-level audio panel in production since 1995. The PMA6000B is smaller and lighter than its predecessor, using a single 44-pin connector for all aircraft...

ATP opens FBO at DAB

November 8, 2009, 9:21 am

ATP has entered the FBO business, opening ATP Jet Center at Daytona Beach International (DAB) in Florida. In addition to all the standard FBO amenities, ATP Jet Center provides an Internet pricing guarantee at ATPJetCenter.com for full- and...

Aggressive Insurance offers discount for airbags

November 8, 2009, 9:19 am

Aggressive Insurance now offers a premium discount to the owners and pilots of general aviation aircraft with seatbelt airbags on board. A new participant in the aviation insurance business, Aggressive offers a 5% credit to the total premium of each...

1,000+ planes, 10,000 people expected at AOPA Aviation Summit

November 5, 2009, 2:39 pm

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association expects more than 1,000 aircraft and 10,000 people to attend the AOPA Aviation Summit, which kicks off today and runs through Saturday in Tampa, Florida, according to a story in the Tampa Tribune. The story...

AD issued for American Champion Aircraft

November 5, 2009, 1:48 pm

The FAA has issued an Airworthiness Directive for American Champion Aircraft Corp.’s Champion, Citabria and Scouts manufactured before 1989 and equipped with folding rear seat backs. The AD requires inspection of the rear seat back hinge areas...

FAA rejects curfew at BUR

November 5, 2009, 12:45 pm

The FAA has rejected a proposed curfew at Bob Hope Airport (BUR) in Burbank, California, with officials asserting it would harm the national air transportation system, according to a story in the Los Angeles Times. The story notes: “In a...

Remos GX is 2010 AOPA sweeps aircraft

November 5, 2009, 11:37 am

AOPA at the Aviation Summit announced the 2010 sweepstakes airplane will be a 2009 Remos GX. The planes winner will be announced at the 2010 Aviation Summit in Long Beach, November 11-13.

Diamond to match down payments

November 5, 2009, 11:35 am

For a limited time, Diamond Aircraft will match customer down payments with up to 10% of the actual purchase price and offer no charge Garmin Synthetic Vision Technology on selected models of new DA20, DA40 and DA42 aircraft (pictured). “Buyers...

Children’s book wins acclaim

November 5, 2009, 10:20 am

When USA Book News announced the results of its national “Best Books” awards for 2009, Sue Hughes was flying high. The author’s first publication was among the finalists in the national contest’s Children’s Picture Book – Softcover...

Flying Heritage Collection slates Veterans Day event

November 5, 2009, 9:53 am

Photo by John Dibbs The Flying Heritage Collection at Washington state’s Paine Field is hosting a special Veterans Day event Wednesday, Nov. 11. at 11 a.m., featuring remarks from Gov. Christine Gregoire, Congressman Rick Larsen and a panel of...

Dynon debuts SkyView

November 5, 2009, 9:53 am

Dynon Avionics has unveiled SkyView, a new generation glass cockpit for experimental and Light Sport Aircraft. ... read the rest of Dynon debuts SkyView (149 words)

Certification testing to start on GE’s turboprop derivative

November 5, 2009, 9:51 am

Certification testing will begin by year-end on demonstrator engines for GE Aviation’s new H80 turboprop engine. Derived from the Walter M601 engine series, the H80 engine will produce up to 800 shaft horsepower (shp) to power utility, agriculture...

Jeppesen receives FAA nod for RNP procedures

November 5, 2009, 9:24 am

Jeppesen has been granted a certification by the FAA to design, flight validate and maintain public Required Navigation Performance (RNP) Special Aircrew and Aircraft Authorization Required (SAAAR) procedures in the United States. Jeppesen first...

The Grimes Flying Lab

November 4, 2009, 4:40 pm

Chris McConnell and Chris Palmer brought the Grimes Flying Lab to Oshkosh for the first time this summer. There are certain businesses that are synonymous with particular towns: Cessna in Wichita; Lockheed in Sunnyvale; and Grimes Manufacturing Co....

One down, 999+ to go…

November 4, 2009, 4:03 pm

SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON It begins! The long-awaited arrival of Cessna into the ranks of Special Light Sport Aircraft has begun, with the first Shenyang-produced SkyCatcher arriving in Wichita. The company reports taking more than 1,000 orders. At...

MKC nears completion of $70 million improvement project

November 4, 2009, 2:11 pm

In August 1927, just months after his heroic solo crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, Charles Lindbergh landed on a dusty strip of land along a bend in the Missouri River, dedicating one of the nation’s great inner city airports and officially...

PrayerFlight slates next effort

November 4, 2009, 1:33 pm

The next national PrayerFlight will be held over Thanksgiving weekend. PrayerFlight coordinates GA pilots and aircraft owners with volunteers who pray over cities and states. The organization’s board hopes to complete two national PrayerFlight...

Continental kicks off sale

November 4, 2009, 1:19 pm

Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) has kicked off a limited time special offer on engines purchased during the week of the 2009 AOPA Aviation Summit in Tampa, Florida. The summit begins Nov. 5 and closes Nov. 7. While the order period is brief,...

GAMA 2010 leader revealed

November 4, 2009, 1:15 pm

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The board of directors of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has elected Robert Wilson, president of Honeywell Business and General Aviation, as GAMA’s chairman for 2010. Wilson previously served as GAMA’s...

Kodiak receives additional certifications

November 4, 2009, 1:03 pm

Quest Aircraft Co. recently received Canadian type certification for the Quest Kodiak. This follows the receipt of type certification from Papua New Guinea and type acceptance certification from Indonesia in June. ... read the rest of Kodiak...

Oregon Aero taps 17-year employee as COO

November 4, 2009, 12:56 pm

Tony Erickson, 17-year employee of Oregon Aero, Inc., has been named the company’s Chief Operating Officer. As COO, he will manage Oregon Aero’s daily operations. “Tony brings to the COO position a deep and thorough understanding...

Author’s focus on female flyers garners Combs Gates Award

November 4, 2009, 12:06 pm

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has awarded its Seventh Annual Combs Gates Award to author and historian Sarah Bryn Rickman and her trilogy based on the Women Pilots of the Ferry Command. ... read the rest of Author’s focus on female...

‘Mama Bird’ turns 100 today

November 4, 2009, 10:25 am

Evelyn Bryan Johnson, known affectionately as “Mama Bird” by her many flight students, turns 100 today. According to a report at AOPA.org, Johnson will be recognized today by Willard Scott on NBC’s Today Show. Johnson has logged...

A mixed bag of gloom and hope

November 3, 2009, 4:25 pm

By J. DOUGLAS HINTON, For General Aviation News The 2009 National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention held last month in Orlando, Florida, might best be characterized as a mixed bag of gloom and hope. First day registrations were down...

Cessna recruiting for Special Olympics airlift

November 3, 2009, 3:39 pm

Cessna Aircraft Co. is recruiting Citation owners to help transport more than 2,000 athletes and coaches from across the nation to the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games in Lincoln, Neb. Corporations and individual Citation owners and...

A runway success

November 3, 2009, 3:38 pm

Oregon’s Troutdale Airport recently got some positive press in the local newspaper, The Gresham Outlook. The story details the airport’s successes, noting there’s “considerably more to the facility near the mouth of the Sandy...

Ethanol & Aircraft – a perspective from 1935

November 3, 2009, 3:16 pm

The pros and cons of using ethanol blends in light aircraft may seem like a new issue, but this article that appeared in the June 1935 issue of “Popular Aviation” expresses many of the same concerns shared by your bloggers. While we are...

The Aviators preview released

November 3, 2009, 3:14 pm

The producers of The Aviators, a new television series, have released the first preview of the show at TheAviators.TV. The preview features footage obtained at EAA’s AirVenture, including the A380 and a segment on Icon Aircraft’s A5.......

Pilot shortage on the horizon?

November 3, 2009, 2:53 pm

Pilot surplus…pilot shortage. It’s a delicate balancing act between the aviation industry and flight training academies throughout the United States — a balancing act that was the center of discussion at Delta Connection Academy’s recent...

Aviation tax reports available

November 3, 2009, 2:05 pm

Wolcott & Associates, a CPA firm with a practice dedicated to the aviation industry, has released several aviation tax reports, including “Income Taxes for Aircraft Used in Business” and “Personal Use of Company...

Mooney offers incentives at AOPA

November 3, 2009, 1:30 pm

Mooney Airplane Company is offering special incentives on inventory aircraft at the AOPA Aviation Summit, which kicks off Nov. 5. Incentives include an interest rate as low as 2.99% for the first 48 months of financing based on qualification. This...

AirGator debuts NAVPad8X and 10X

November 3, 2009, 9:08 am

NavPad 8X AirGator has introduced the latest additions to its NAVPad family of electronic flight bags (EFBs), the NAVPad 8X and 10X, which utilize the newest high performance, low power consumption Intel ATOM processor at 1.6GHz — up to three...

AEA reveals Convention & Trade Show dates

November 3, 2009, 9:06 am

Registration is now open online for the Aircraft Electronics Association 2010 Convention in Orlando from April 7-10 at the Gaylord Palms. Early bird registration discounts are available until Dec. 31. Association officials also revealed the dates...

Congressional GA Caucuses grows

November 2, 2009, 5:09 pm

The General Aviation (GA) Caucus in the Senate, co-chaired by Sens. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Mike Johanns (R-Neb.), has reached 17 members, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association. The most recent member to join is...

Jenny’s siblings

November 2, 2009, 4:15 pm

RECORD-SETTER: A single example of the R-7 was built for the New York Times. Flown by Curtiss pilot Victor Carlstrom, it attempted a non-stop flight from Chicago to New York City. The flight ended just short of the half-way point, but still set a...

Proposed AD could affect 40,000+ Pipers

November 2, 2009, 2:41 pm

The FAA is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Piper PA-28, -32 and -44 series airplanes that would require an inspection of the control wheel shaft for both the pilot and copilot sides and, if necessary, replacement of the control...

Maule family matriarch and son die same day

November 2, 2009, 2:28 pm

Services were held Nov. 1 for June Maule, the matriarch of Maule Air, Inc., who died Oct. 29, following a brief illness. She was 92 years old. “The same day we also lost her son Gary, at age 57, from leukemia,” said an e-mail sent out by...

Rules for pilots

November 2, 2009, 2:20 pm

The latest e-news from Courtesy Aircraft Sales in Rockford, Ill., contains a fun list of “Rules of the Air for Pilots we thought our readers would enjoy as well: 1. Every takeoff is optional. Every landing is mandatory. 2. If you push the...

New iPhone App: Test Prep on the Go

November 2, 2009, 1:50 pm

Newcastle, WA—Study and preparation for FAA Knowledge Exams just became much more portable and is now as close as your iPhone. ASA’s new iPhone app, Prepware Private Pilot is a comprehensive preparation, study and test tool for the Private Pilot...

Sun ‘n Fun Radio’s Terry Fowler loses battle with leukemia

November 2, 2009, 12:08 pm

Terry Fowler, the co-chair of Sun ‘n Fun Radio at the annual Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In each spring at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Florida, died Oct. 24 after a battle with leukemia. He was 50 years old. Fowler was diagnosed on opening...

Latest Master Instructors announced

November 2, 2009, 11:03 am

Eight CFIs achieved or renewed their Master Instructor accreditations in October. The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation recognized by the FAA and industry that is earned by a candidate through a process of continuing...

Flight Guide eBooks with IFR PilotPlates debut

November 2, 2009, 11:00 am

What’s better than having Flight Guide airport data in your cockpit? How about Flight Guide airport data and IFR approach plates integrated with each airport? Introducing Flight Guide eBooks now with IFR PilotPlates. Flight Guide eBooks...

New iPhone App: Test Prep on the Go

November 2, 2009, 10:50 am

Study and preparation for FAA Knowledge Exams is now as close as your iPhone. ASA’s new iPhone app, Prepware Private Pilot, is a preparation, study and test tool for the Private Pilot FAA Knowledge Exam. With more than 1,000 questions, answers and...

The Crimson Cub

November 1, 2009, 4:58 pm

What do you do when you want an airplane, but it’s outside your price range? If you are mechanically inclined, you build it yourself. That’s what Charles Aaron, from Chatsworth, Ga., did. He’s the proud owner of a PA-18 Piper...

A buyer’s market for airparks

November 1, 2009, 4:55 pm

To prepare for the forums I’m presenting at this year’s AOPA Aviation Summit in Tampa, Florida, (Nov. 5-7), I’ve done a lot of talking with people about the status of residential airparks. It probably isn’t much of a surprise to...

Jet A and diesel engines

November 1, 2009, 3:50 pm

In a previous column I talked about going to a recent ASTM meeting and the progress being made on unleaded avgas. At this same meeting, there also was a lot of discussions on the qualification of diesel cycle aircraft engines on Jet A. There were...

Jane’s celebrates centennial

November 1, 2009, 2:08 pm

Nov. 1 is the 100th anniversary of the first edition of Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft. During those 100 years, there have only been six editors who have documented the changing world of aircraft from the Bleriot to Concorde. The cover of...

End of 100LL predicted

November 1, 2009, 1:51 pm

Predictions of the phasing out of 100LL “during the Teens” has been described in this article from David Travers Adolphus of the Hemmings Motor News (scroll down to bottom). The article suggests that the likely replacement will be 94UL,...

Duncan debuts Maintenance Event Planner

November 1, 2009, 9:24 am

Duncan Aviation recently unveiled a Maintenance Event Planning web resource to help make the task of planning for a major inspection easier. “With this resource, it was our goal to provide information to help an aircraft owner, operator or...

World’s oldest hang glider pilot to make rare appearance at Roar-n-Soar in Florida

November 1, 2009, 9:13 am

Two rare appearances by Neal Goss, an 89-year-old World War II veteran pilot and hang glider pilot of 35 years, will be among the highlights of this year’s Roar n’ Soar at Fantasy of Flight in Florida. Goss is a Guinness World Record...

Air Zoo opens new exhibit

November 1, 2009, 9:04 am

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Air Zoo has added a new art exhibit to its list of exhibits and experiences included in the museum’s free general admission. “The Spirit of Flight: The History of Aviation through Art” chronicles the history of...

Flight ops software offers fuel savings

November 1, 2009, 9:03 am

FuelerLinx, a fuel management software, has teamed with CTA’s Flight Operations Systems (FOS) software. “What it means for us is that our customers will have embedded into FOS all the features of FuelerLinx,” said Fred Powell, Jr., chief...

Prices set for Dynon’s SkyView system

November 1, 2009, 9:00 am

Shipments of Dynon Avionics’ SkyView System are scheduled to start in December. SkyView is a new generation of glass panel from Dynon, a leader in experimental and LSA avionics. SkyView offers synthetic vision, fully redundant systems, design...