In the end, we must assume the taxpayer in Chicago will pick up the tab for the $33,000 fine for the Meigs Field fiasco perpetrated by the Mayor of Chicago (FAA fines Chicago for Meigs Field destruction, Sept. 23 issue). And now we learn that there may be a much larger fine on its way […]
CAP’s public relations working overtime
I read with interest your editorial regarding lost opportunities for publicity on the outstanding contributions of the aviation community during Hurricane Katrina (The New Orleans example, Oct. 7 issue). The attached documents present the Civil Air Patrol’s Hurricane Katrina media relations program and a report on the publicity received. Please know that I applaud your call […]
Bonanza leader tackles critics
I must respond to the Oct. 7 letter from Michael R. Baas complaining about the mass arrivals of type specific aircraft at AirVenture (Just say no to mass arrivals). His complaint centered about the need for him and others to hold during the arrival. As leader of Bonanzas to Oshkosh I can answer most of […]
We are not the enemy
To: Federal Aviation Administration Subject: Federal Docket # FAA-2004-17005 I am a pilot. I was a Naval Aviator for more than 20 years, and am currently a captain for Southwest Airlines, based at the BWI airport. I am very familiar with the aviation profession. Just as important, I am a general aviation pilot, flying and teaching for the […]
Comparison shopping
Does GANews expect to do some comparisons on LSAs soon? Without comparisons, it is difficult to determine which of the many new LSA offerings might be better for a Northwest flyer. Great news and ads, keep it up. Mark Johnson
Salmon Thirty Salmon on final
The expression “landing a big fish” takes on a new meaning this fall as Alaska Airlines begins flying a 737-400 painted to resemble a chinook salmon. Dubbed the Salmon-Thirty-Salmon, the seafood-inspired paint job was completed with a $500,000 grant from the Alaska Fisheries Marketing Board. The 737 symbolizes the role the airline plays in the […]
GA shipments up 25%
The good news continues for the GA industry. In the first nine months of this year, shipments rose 25.7% to 2,432, while industry-wide billings for new airplanes rose to $10.4 billion, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). “This is an affirmation that the efficiency and advanced capabilities of general aviation products are very […]
Youngest pilot around?
Parker Henderson may just be the youngest pilot in the United States. The teen celebrated his 14th birthday on Oct. 10 by making his first solo flight in a Schweizer 2-33 sailplane. Henderson, who lives in Laguna Niguel, Calif., started taking flying lessons shortly after his 13th birthday at Hemet-Ryan Airport, which just happens to […]
Those who cannot fly, build
In the early days of aviation many aircraft designers and builders were also pilots. Glenn Curtiss, Glenn L. Martin, Howard Hughes and Bill Boeing all had time in their designs. Donald Wills Douglas was the exception. Although he designed many pioneering airplanes, and his DC-3 (actually designed by Arthur Raymond) was the preferred choice of […]