FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker, who is responsible for helping to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System, recently took his private pilot checkride — and told officials with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association that he “felt the pressure,” noting it “wouldn’t be acceptable” not to pass. In a blog […]
Archives for 2014
ICG host Virginia governor
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe recently chose the Newport News, Va., headquarters of International Communications Group (ICG) to announced the designation of five new Virginia Enterprise Zones (VEZs) and the renewal of five others. The company, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, manufactures satellite-based voice and data telecommunications. It is involved in the design, development and manufacture of […]
WingX Pro7 introduces CFI Free and SV Free
Hilton Software has unveiled two new initiatives: CFI Free And SV Free CFI Free provides every CFI with a free solution to integrate WingX Pro7 and WingX Rewind into their flight training. Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs) get the following for free: A WingX Pro7 subscription including WingX Rewind An Advanced IFR subscription with Approach Chart Geo-Referencing […]
Cirrus escapes during hand-propping
Aircraft: Cirrus SR22. Injuries: None. Location: Eden Prairie, Minn. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: When the pilot attempted to start the engine, the starter motor turned, but the starter did not engage. He turned off the battery master switch, exited the airplane, and walked around to the front of the airplane. He reached through […]
Picture of the day: A bird’s eye view
Karen Sholten sent us this photo from a flight over Lake Michigan and Ottawa State Park depicting the channel leading into Lake Macatawa, Holland, Michigan. Karen was the passenger with flight instructor Barbara Fleming at the controls.
Take it to the bank
A few decades ago, I became very interested in electronics. The home computer was just beginning to look like a viable product and it occurred to me that devices that used to be purely mechanical were rapidly transitioning to become computerized. Once gas pumps and grocery store checkout counters stopped clacking and banging in favor of […]
Phantom’s one man aircraft factory
By BILL WILSON The phone rings at Phantom Aeronautics in Three Rivers, Michigan. A customer is calling the kit aircraft company with a request. There is a very good chance he or she is also asking about the new 4-cycle engine Phantom is in the midst of testing. The milling machines, lathes, inventory control and […]
Sporty’s highlights trends for 2014
Every year, the folks at Sporty’s take a look back at the year and identify trends they’ve seen developing in general aviation. So, what’s on their list this year? ADS-B Out reaches a tipping point? It’s a much-maligned rule, but thousands of pilots are finally starting to understand what ADS-B is all about. Many are flying […]
FAA kicks off RPA public awareness campaign
Santa Claus may travel on a reindeer-powered sleigh, but he’s expected to deliver a ton of high-flying remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) this week to teenagers and other amateur aviators, which is making for an anxious yuletide season at the FAA, according to a report in The Washington Post. On Monday, the FAA and the RPA industry kicked […]