When Michael Goulian took to the skies on opening day of SUN ‘n FUN, it was a performance he’ll remember. As he kicked off this year’s airshow season at SUN ’n FUN, he also kicked off his 30th anniversary of performing in airshows. Goulian’s first airshow flight was a home affair at Hanscom Field in […]
Celebrating the Bonanza
It’s an iconic airplane that is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. About 17,500 Bonanzas have been produced over the past seven decades, with production still continuing, but at a much lower rate. In 2016, 25 Bonanzas were produced by Textron Aviation, which bought the Beechcraft brand in 2014. The Bonanza is also a plane […]
The Doctor Killer
While the Beechcraft Bonanza has a loyal following, it also has an infamous moniker: The Doctor Killer. It gained that name decades ago following a spate of high-profile crashes, with many of the pilot doctors. In fact, that spate of accidents was part of the reason for the creation of the Beechcraft Pilot Proficiency Program […]
Teen flies around the world in a Bonanza
For his next challenge, Guthmiller, a student at MIT, has launched a new series on YouTube to share some of his most interesting flights and experiences, with the ultimate goal of “spreading aviation even further.”
Beech homecoming
As the Bonanza celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, there’s another big celebration in the works: The 50th anniversary of the American Bonanza Society (ABS). ABS officials are planning an “epic” event in September to commemorate the Golden Anniversary in — where else? — Wichita, where the Bonanza was born seven decades ago. “We call […]
Two is better than one
When looking at the American Bonanza Society’s offerings, you have to wonder: How can they do all that with membership dues at just $70 a year? It comes down to two organizations working hand in hand: The ABS and the ABS Air Safety Foundation. “The American Bonanza Society is the membership organization,” explains Thomas P. Turner, […]
Debate over privatizing ATC: Us vs. Them?
In the space of one week in February, a report calling for sweeping changes to Air Traffic Control, including taking control of ATC from the FAA and putting it in the hands of a non-profit organization funded by user fees, was released, just days after a survey was released showing that most voters oppose privatizing […]
The impact of insurance on medical reform
While many pilots are anxiously awaiting May 1, when third class medical reform becomes reality, others are facing a problem: Their insurance companies are requiring an FAA medical in spite of the new reforms, now called BasicMed by the FAA. Take Bill Talutis of Murchison, Texas, who said in a recent Letter to the Editor […]
FAA strikes deal to close SMO
In a move that surprised many, the FAA has reached a deal with the city of Santa Monica to close the Santa Monica Airport on Dec. 31, 2028. The deal resolves “longstanding litigation” over the future of the Southern California airport, according to FAA officials. Announced by the city during a press conference on a […]