“Glass cockpits” deliver many safety benefits to GA pilots and have fueled industry growth, but pilot training must still evolve to address the safety challenges posed by Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), according to a soon-to-be-released study by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. “TAA are neither as good as proponents say nor as bad as detractors […]
DONALD DOUGLAS WEIGHS IN ON THE GREATEST PLANE
I sure enjoyed the latest issue of General Aviation News, especially the article “The Greatest Aircraft Ever” (June 8 issue). On a historical note, a few years before aircraft designer Donald Douglas died, I had located his address and wrote him a letter. In my letter, one of the questions I asked him, in addition to […]
WHAT ABOUT THE C-130 AND B-52?
I was surprised that your list of greatest airplanes didn’t include the longest lived military planes in the U.S. inventory. I refer to the C-130 and B-52. I guess the reason is your readers are general aviation folks and they have not had much exposure to these two incredible airplanes. The C-130 has indeed seen […]
A DIFFERENT KIND OF USER FEE
Saturday morning, June 2nd, dawned crisp and clear in Calaveras County, Calif. My Christen Eagle II was polished and ready for the short flight to Merced. It was the 50th anniversary of their annual antique fly-in and, even though N70CE is only 10 years old, she’s always been a welcome addition to any display area. […]
FSS WOES
What is happening with flight service? My first complaint is with the phone service. I am so tired of trying to talk to an automated phone system. “Say briefer.” What am I — a 2 year old? I said it 10 times and the stupid automated piece of junk doesn’t work and yet I still […]
IS FSS BAD SERVICE JUST A BUSINESS PLOY?
Concerning the “new” Lockheed Martin Flight Service System, I am sick and tired of hearing alternative sources being suggested for obtaining a weather briefing. Lockheed, the FAA and AOPA overwhelmingly advocated this privatization as the best thing since sliced white bread. I suggest calling them even more and forcing them to deliver the services they […]
the buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“These massive tax increases are not only a serious threat to the future of general aviation in this country, but to the businesses and commerce generated by non-commercial aviation that is the lifeblood of the economy of smaller cities such as ours.” — Andy Spinks, airport director, City of New Braunfels, Texas “Instructors have more […]
Columbia back at full force
Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corp. officials say the company is back in full force, producing three new aircraft a week. “We made a lot of dramatic moves earlier this year with the objective of increasing our efficiency and strengthening Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corp.,” said President Wan Majid. “Over the past eight to 12 weeks, we’ve made […]
Comp Air 12 becomes joint project with Downing Aviation
Comp Air Aviation of Merritt Island, Florida, and Downing Aviation Associates of Phoenix, joined forces last month to secure funding, engineering and operational resources for Comp Air’s new, 310-knot, single engine Model 12 turboprop aircraft. The Model 12, the latest Comp Air design, had its first flight in March. It is currently in flight testing […]