Funk was one of the Mercury 13 — a group of women who underwent the same rigorous astronaut testing as their male counterparts in the early 1960s, but didn’t achieve her dream of space travel until July 20, 2021 — 52 years to the date from Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s first steps on the moon. At the age of 82, Funk finally launched into space, setting a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
News
McFarlane Aviation acquires Instrument Tech
Instrument Tech Corp. produces aircraft parts and accessories, including fuel senders, horns, switches, and aircraft instruments.
First FAA-approved aerial laser show illuminates desert skies
The performance combined four aircraft-mounted lasers with synchronized wing-mounted pyrotechnics and lighting effects, creating an aerial display at Burning Man 2024.
Phillips 66 donates $1.5 million in fuel
The donation to the Memorial Hermann Foundation will support the new Life Flight helicopter fleet, which is set to make its debut in 2025.
Purdue aviation experts create safety guard for Piper Archers
The guard is a clip that fits over the magneto switch at the top of the flight deck only when it is turned off. While the clip is in place, the engine cannot be powered on; when the engine is on, the clip cannot be placed over the switch.
$1.2 million grant approved to upgrade fuel system at KGLW
The current fueling system, which consists of two 10,000-gallon underground fuel tanks that store jet fuel and avgas, has been in place for 31 years and has now exceeded its useful life, according to airport officials.
GateOne expands with purchase of Salinas FBO
The FBO’s name will change to JetWest GateOne, according to company officials, who noted that the FBO is the company’s first location in the Golden State and its fifth overall.
FAA stays controversial Moss Interpretation after industry backlash
A coalition of 16 aviation organizations, including ARSA, AOPA, EAA, and GAMA, led a unified effort to oppose the interpretation.
Clay Lacy Aviation awarded FBO lease at KSUN
Clay Lacy Aviation has been awarded a lease at Friedman Memorial Airport (KSUN) in Hailey, Idaho, with plans to build an FBO on the 10-acre site.