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 […]
Beacons: The state’s side of the story
While state aeronautic officials in Montana understand pilots’ concerns about losing the beacons, things are not as simple as they have been portrayed, according to Debbie Alke, administrator of Montana’s Aeronautics Division. She notes that the $1,000 covers just the lease payments and utilities for each beacon. “That’s doesn’t include equipment to maintain the beacons, […]
EAA chief celebrates first anniversary
Jack Pelton admits he failed miserably at being retired. That’s why the former president of Cessna is now preparing to celebrate his first anniversary as president and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. But that’s not what he envisioned doing when he left Cessna. “My wife and I had pretty much established that we were […]
Concerns continue about medical reform
Now that the elation of finally getting third class medical reform approved has abated a bit, new concerns have been raised by pilots who worry their doctors won’t sign off on an FAA form that says they are fit to fly. “Most doctors won’t want the liability,” more than one person has commented at GeneralAviationNews.com. […]
Work begins on homebuilt for disabled pilots
On Sept. 10, 2016, members of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1083 in Salisbury, N.C., began building a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer at the chapter’s hangar at Rowan County Airport (KRUQ). Joining the build was John Robinson, the founder of AV84All, a non-profit dedicated to providing access to general aviation airplanes for everyone. The Cruzer will […]
New training aims to prevent misfueling
On April 17, 2015, a Cessna 421B pilot was forced to land on a highway, when first the left engine, then the right, lost all power during climb-out from Angelina County Airport (KLFK) in Lufkin, Texas. According to the NTSB report, the plane was “substantially damaged,” while one person sustained serious injuries and two others […]
What else is in the FAA reauthorization that affects GA?
When President Obama signed the extension of the FAA’s reauthorization July 15, GA’s focus was on the long-awaited medical reform. But what else was in the bill that affects GA?The bill, which extends the FAA’s reauthorization through Sept. 30, 2017, at current funding levels, had several provisions dealing with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) — also […]
FAA expected to meet medical reform deadline
What’s the latest on the third class medical reform? The bill gave the FAA 180 days to come up with new regulations and officials with both the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) believe the agency is on track to deliver in time. “The FAA is making every attempt to […]