This year’s honorees represent the best of Kentucky’s aviation heritage, from pioneering military service to groundbreaking achievements in air racing and aerospace manufacturing, according to officials.
Pilot crashes while distracted by sick passenger
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain airplane control during the landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
Picture of the Day: Here comes the sun
Jeromie Golab submitted this photo and note: “Never underestimate the beauty of a sunrise from 3,500 feet on a beautiful fall morning. This photo was captured from our Olds Forge Flyers Flying Club Cessna 172P on a morning flight for breakfast from Lansing Capital Airport (KLAN) in Michigan to Taildraggers Restaurant located at Jackson County Reynolds Field (KJXN) in Jackson, Michigan.”
KVDF wraps up years of airfield improvements
Tampa Executive Airport (KVDF) in Florida is finishing up airfield projects that have “thoroughly modernized the Tampa Bay region’s busiest general aviation facility,” according to airport officials.
FAA approves uAvionix tower surveillance system
FlightLine APRT, designed specifically for the 91 contract airport traffic control towers that are not equipped with any form of surveillance, provides real-time aircraft position information based on ADS-B data, presented on a web-based display for controllers to use in the tower, company officials explain.
Largest all-electric fuel truck unveiled
Skymark Refuelers, in partnership with World Fuel Services and Clay Lacy Aviation, have unveiled the country’s largest all-electric aircraft fuel truck: A 7,000-gallon EV Refueler designed for sustainable fueling operations at airports nationwide.
Student hits fuel truck
Probable Cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a fuel truck while taxiing. Also contributing was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring of the student pilot.
Picture of the Day: Fun fall flying
Andy Heins submitted this photo and note: “A 1941 Monocoupe 90AL owned and flown by Andy Heins of Dayton, Ohio. Photo by Brittany Elise of Blackbriar Photography.”
Mechanic shortage expected to continue at least through 2035
Demand from commercial air transport alone is expected to drive a 10% shortage in certificated mechanics in 2025. By 2035, that’s expected to narrow to 7%, but that doesn’t account for the demand for mechanics in general aviation.