The battle against user fees is just beginning, but we’ve been fighting a battle for generations against politicians and developers who see our airports as nothing more than playgrounds for rich “fat cats” — and as potential gold mines for themselves. As housing developments replace runways, everyone involved in GA must get involved to ensure […]
Aaron Tippin to perform at Sun ‘n Fun
Country music star Aaron Tippin, who is also a pilot and longtime aviation enthusiast, will perform at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun. Tippin will perform Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m. The concert is included in Sun ‘n Fun’s daily admission price. The concert is a first for Sun ‘n Fun, according to John Burton, […]
Boeing plans flight tests for airplane powered by fuel cell
Boeing researchers plan to conduct tests this year on a single-seat airplane powered only by a fuel cell and batteries. The systems integration phase of the Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane research project, under way since 2003 at Boeing Research and Technology-Europe (BR&TE), recently was completed. Thorough systems integration testing is now underway in preparation for […]
An “X Prize” for LSA
In 2005, NASA teamed with the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency (CAFE) Foundation to host the Personal Air Vehicle Centennial Challenge (PAV CC), a $250,000 annual flight competition for small aircraft. “PAV CC is modeled after the ‘X Prize’ and embodies NASA’s commitment to the first ‘A’ in NASA: Aeronautics,” explained CAFE President Brien Seeley. As […]
Most Memorable Aviation Records of 2006 named
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has unveiled its annual list detailing the Most Memorable Aviation Records of the previous year. Each year NAA tracks dozens of aviation record attempts, certifying new records as the official record keeper for United States aviation and ratifying them with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale, the world air sports federation. Here […]
DO YOU KNOW THE NAME OF PAUL REVERE’S HORSE?
Re: Tom Norton’s article on Charles L. Lawrance, (Paul Revere’s horse: Charlie Lawrance and his engine that changed aviation, Jan. 19 issue), the name of Paul Revere’s horse was Brown Beauty. I know this because I was once asked in my capacity as executive director of the Lexington, Mass., Historical Society. A gentleman from New […]
YOU DON’T WANT TO FLY FOR THE AIRLINES?
Nice article by Meg Godlewski in the Feb. 2 issue titled “What’s your motivation?” I was a 20-year Marine Corps A-4 Skyhawk pilot and I loved every minute of it, including Vietnam. When I retired in 1990, I went looking for a second career. Every time I found a flying opportunity, I saw it as […]
Seawind begins certified production
After years of delays, the Seawind has been granted approval by Transport Canada to manufacture the first five customer aircraft, as well as two flight test articles. Flight testing for VFR certification of the amphibian is nearing completion, according to Richard Silva, president. Following VFR certification, the Seawind is scheduled to continue with IFR certification […]
Southwest Regional Fly-Inwins Air Force-size facilities
The Southwest Regional Fly In (SWRFI) recently won a long-term lease on the old U.S. Air Force hangar at Hondo Airport (HDO) in Texas. SWRFI now has use of the huge hangar, which measures 120 feet by 110 feet, for exhibitors as well as classrooms and forums, for years to come, according to organizers. The […]