Mark Anderson submitted the following photo and note: “Preparing for my checkride Sunday morning at Batten International Airport (KRAC) in Racine, Wisconsin. Only another pilot knows the serenity of flying. It’s a beautiful thing!”
Pole to Pole circumnavigation: Aircraft and logistics preparation
At 52, Robert DeLaurentis has already circumnavigated the earth in a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage (N997MA). He documented his 2015 journey in Zen Pilot: Flight of Passion and the Journey Within.
What is an adventurous soul to do after such an accomplishment but plan the next one?
With about 1,900 hours’ flying time, DeLaurentis will begin a 90-day pole-to-pole journey on Dec. 15, 2018 in a plane he named The Citizen of the World.
Starting in San Diego, California, he will fly a super tricked out 1983 Gulfstream Turbo Commander 900 (N29GA) to the southernmost tip of Chile. This is when the trip pegs the adventure meter: He’s going to fly twice to Antarctica. [Read more…]
Video: Flying a 172 in the Alaska backcountry
Have you ever wondered if you can fly your Cessna or general aviation airplane into off-airport locations? In this video, the man behind Crave Life takes us along as he lands in some of the most beautiful locations Alaska has to offer. [Read more…]
FAA ADS-B rebates being quickly claimed
FAA rebates are quickly being claimed by general aviation owners equipping their aircraft with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast avionics.
A month after the FAA relaunched its $500 rebate program, 1,438 rebates have been taken from a total of 9,792 available through Oct. 11, 2019, as long as supplies last. According to FAA officials, 30 to 40 rebates are claimed on an average day. [Read more…]
Deadline for nominations for General Aviation Awards fast approaching
If you know a special flight instructor, maintenance technician, or FAASTeam representative, this is your chance to reward that aviation professional with the recognition he or she deserves. And if you are such an exceptional aviation professional, this is your chance to be recognized for the great work you do.
But you need to act fast. The deadline for submitting nominations and applications for the 2019 General Aviation Awards is Nov. 30, 2018. [Read more…]
Sporty’s Wright Brothers propeller collection gets a facelift
Sporty’s Wright Brothers Collection has updated its propeller collection line just in time for holiday giving. [Read more…]
Buzzards hit Beech A36
The co-pilot reported “a flock of buzzards” passed in front of the Beech A36 while en-route, and “the PIC [pilot in command] took evasive action.”
A buzzard collided with the airplane at the top of the windscreen and there was a “loud bomb-like bang/thump” followed by a loud rush of air. [Read more…]
Picture of the Day: Slipping the surly bonds
Mary Ann Lebold submitted the following photo and note: “A Stearman slips the surly bonds of earth at Lenhardts Airhaven (7S9) in Hubbard, Oregon, in the late afternoon of Nov. 2, 2018.
The advantages of updated technology for general aviation
In my past two columns I put forward the idea that for the future of general aviation, we need to update technology to meet the demands of a changing world. I would like to further that discussion and answer a few of the comments from readers.
The first step is to forget the 100 unleaded avgas program and go to a two fuel system. The two fuels would be very similar, with one being the present 100LL and the other being the same fuel only without the lead. It would have an octane of around 94 lean rating (call it 94UL) and would meet all of the other properties of 100LL.
Now I know there is the problem of FBOs needing two fuel systems. But many of them presently have two systems or sell mogas.
The advantages of the two fuels are very significant. [Read more…]
Deliveries up, billings down so far this year for GA aircraft
The 2018 third quarter aircraft shipments and billings report from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) shows that deliveries increased in the first nine months of the year compared to last year.
However, total billings decreased. [Read more…]