Flights Above The Pacific Northwest (FATPNW) got its start in 2012 on Facebook as a way to share pictures, videos and stories about flying around the Pacific Northwest. Five years and 6,000 members later, FATPNW founder Brice Van Baren has introduced a premium-level FATPNW membership. For $99 per year, premium members will enjoy benefits at […]
FATPNW expands beyond the Pacific Northwest
Flights Above The Pacific Northwest (FATPNW) debuted in 2012 on Facebook as a way to share pictures, videos and stories about flying around the Pacific Northwest. Five years and 6,000 members later, FATPNW founder Brice Van Baren, with much prodding from those outside the Pacific Northwest, is expanding the group. Sort of. “I don’t believe […]
Perfect or Better?
Which should we strive for? Perfection or Better Performance? The question was the result of reading Matt Zuccaro’s recent column, “Zero Accidents: Yes, We Can.” Matt is the president of the Helicopter Association International. He’s also not afraid to say what’s on his mind. Don’t believe me? Take a look at Matt’s opening paragraph: “Call […]
Bills seek to ban sale of 100LL in Oregon
Oregon Senate Bill 115 and House Bill 2109 exist to “Prohibit selling, dispensing or using aviation fuel that contains lead or lead compounds after Jan. 1, 2022.” Both bills were introduced on Jan. 9, 2017. HB2109 was referred to the Transportation Policy committee and a public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2017. SB115 was referred to the […]
Don’t cry for Santa Monica
As I was reading coverage of the announcement that Santa Monica’s airport is to be closed on Dec. 31, 2028, I couldn’t help but shake my head. Yes, I’m sad. But reading the FAA Administrator’s comments provides a blueprint for opportunity. When commenting on the agreement, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said, “This is a fair […]
A wide world of aviators
In many ways, the Earth is a large place. Yet in other ways, not so much. When it comes to aviation, the world shrinks. You either look skyward longingly, or you don’t. Those of us who do share a bond and joy the vast majority of our fellow earthbound neighbors don’t, and won’t. That’s sad. […]
NORDO Ops: I had no idea I was an ‘idiot’
I have to admit, I’ve had a sneaking suspicion I was an idiot for some time now. Maybe I should join IA (Idiots Anonymous). “Hi. My name is Ben and I’m an idiot.” What would make me admit such a thing? The comment section of this very website, of course. The NTSB Accident Reports we republish […]
What’s your story?
Stories are all around us. All we have to do is look. Sometimes it is as simple as opening an envelope. You remember what an envelope is, don’t you? I open all the mail General Aviation News receives. Makes sense, since I’m the only one who picks up the mail. On the back of a […]
Smells like desperation
“Let us be the solution to your New Year’s Resolution” was printed on the backside of a postcard I received in the mail. Huh? What resolution? After reading the other side of the postcard, apparently my 2017 resolution is to be an underpaid professional pilot. For kicks I clicked through to FlyCommutAir.com to see what […]