Ten years ago, the number of U.S. pilots totaled 639,184. By the end of last year, the figure had dropped to 609,737, according to figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Though those numbers are declining, a higher percentage of pilots is seeking commercial flying careers. The number of Airline Transport Pilot licenses grew from […]
“Takeoff into Greatness”: Take time to reread a classic
Every now and again it is a good idea to reread an old book, and if you’re interested in the history of aviation and how it grew, I strongly recommend finding a copy of Grover Loening’s “Takeoff Into Greatness.” Loening was born in 1888. Shortly after receiving America’s first master’s degree in aeronautics, from Columbia […]
ARINC launches expansion
ARINC DirectSM is doubling the size of its aircraft service facilities in Scottsdale, Arizona, and adding a range of new maintenance and integration capabilities for business jets. Construction is already under way to increase the company’s hangar space from 20,000 to 40,000 square feet. An additional 7,000 square feet of back shop and office space […]
Snakes on a plane
The writer who came up with “Snakes on a Plane,” the Hollywood movie ranked as “one of the worst movies of 2006” by several movie reviewers, was not the first to place reptiles on an aircraft intentionally. For years a pair of rubber faux snakes have protected Ron Johnson’s PT-22 while at EAA AirVenture. The […]
What’s the big deal?
Some of the witnesses to the Wright brothers’ first successful powered flight didn’t understand why the brothers were so excited by the event, noting they had traveled much farther than 120 feet in gliders. It took a bit of time to explain that the Dec. 17, 1903, flight was the first time an aircraft had […]
The ‘other’ flying brothers
The Wright brothers acknowledged the contributions of Otto Lilienthal (right) and his glider experiments in helping them achieve the first powered flight. Rarely do history books recognize that much of Lilienthal’s work was done with the aid of his brother, Gustav. In the 1860s the Lilienthal brothers endured jibes from their contemporaries as they experimented […]
“Paul Rever’s hose”: Charlie Lawrance and his engine that changed aviation
It is probable that you’ve never heard of Charles Lanier Lawrance, and that’s a shame. You know a lot about Wilbur and Orville Wright, of course, and you’re beginning to know about Charles Taylor, who was their mechanic and engine builder, and thus the world’s first A&P. You know somewhat less about Glenn Curtiss than […]
Georgia celebrates aviation centenary
In 1907, Ben Epps designed, built and flew the first airplane ever seen in Georgia. This year, Georgia is celebrating the 100th anniversary of that pioneering flight and honoring the Epps family, which remains a major influence on aviation in the state. Of Ben Epps’s nine children, only one did not learn to fly. Pat […]
Duncan Aviation now factory authorized Artex service center
Duncan Aviation has been selected as a full-service, factory-authorized, category 1 service center for the ARTEX 406 Series Emergency Locator Transmitter. Customers can send units to Duncan Aviation for maintenance and programming needs. Duncan Aviation has six factory-trained technicians who are ARTEX-certified. With advanced scheduling, these units can be turned in one day. For more […]