A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says the latest Congressional proposal to privatize air traffic control would add to America’s budget deficit by nearly $100 billion. “$100 billion. Really?” asks Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Mark Baker. “So here’s how it shapes up: The legislation would hand over the air traffic […]
475,000 hours of flight training
When Mike Jones, Chief Flight Instructor, and his student Kristine Beard taxied onto the runway Aug. 16, 2017, at the Central Flying Service Flight School, they made Arkansas aviation history. That flying lesson marked 475,000 hours of flight training at Arkansas’ oldest and one of the nation’s longest continually operated flight schools. When Claud Holbert, 29, […]
Rotorcraft deliveries take off
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports that the rotorcraft industry delivered 465 aircraft in the first six months of 2017, up 16.8% compared to last year. The value of the deliveries was $1.9 billion compared to $1.5 billion in 2016. “The second quarter shipment and billing numbers provide a positive marker for the rotorcraft […]
Belite Chipper posts performance gains
The performance numbers for Chipper, the experimental two-place airplane kit from Belite Aircraft, have been updated, providing gains in airspeed, climb rate, and range over previously released figures. Chipper is also benefiting from a gross weight increase, according to company officials. “We worked hard to make aerodynamic improvements in Chipper, and they have paid off […]
STC approved for Twin Commander with MT-Propeller
MT-Propeller has received an FAA STC for the Quiet Fan Jet 5-blade scimitar composite propeller on the Twin Commander 690/695 Series with the Honeywell engines. According to MT-Propeller President Gerd Muehlbauer, the installation features: Reduced takeoff distance by approximately 10%; Enhanced cruise performance by 3 to 4 kts; (MTOW, ISA); Cooler ITTs during engine start […]
As seen at AirVenture
One of our favorite contributors to Picture of the Day, Star Novak, sent us these shots she captured at AirVenture 2017.
NBAA to Appeals Court: Santa Monica agreement must be vacated
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) joined with five other groups and businesses to file a brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, challenging the legality of a “settlement agreement” between the FAA and the city of Santa Monica to close the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO). The highly […]
MiraCheck CoPilot app released
Just released by Miralou Aero is MiraCheck CoPilot, a mobile voice assistant checklist, which uses voice prompts to combat complacency that can occur when pilots read or check the same items over and over. It was designed to navigate content in the most efficient way possible, according to its developers. Emergency procedures, for example, can […]
FlexAlert Multi-Function Annunciator debuts
Approach Aviation has received FAA approval and is now shipping its FlexAlert Multifunction Annunciator. The FlexAlert Multifunction Annunciator is an all-in-one multifunction display that places critical warning and condition annunciations directly in front of the pilot to increase safety, save money and simplify panel layouts, according to company officials. The sunlight-readable, dimmable LED display includes […]