Did you know there are aviation events going on in your area this weekend? If not, you might want to check out SocialFlight. The newly released version 3.0 is available on the web, on your tablet or smartphone. “We’ve signed up 15,000 users in just nine months,” said SocialFlight founder Jeff Simon on opening day […]
News
Discovery 201 makes SUN ‘n FUN debut
The first Russian aircraft to be privately owned, developed and certified is at this week’s SUN ’n FUN. A partnership of people from around the world, called Discovery Aviation, has the Discovery 201 on display. The plane is a twin-engine five seater, with massive side doors and access to the rear baggage area through an […]
Piper strikes deal for up to 100 aircraft
Today at SUN ’n FUN, Piper Aircraft announced it had reached a three-year agreement with Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) for the sale of multiple Piper Archer TXs. ATP, which specializes in airline pilot training, agreed to initially purchase a fleet of 15 Piper Archer TX single-engine piston-powered training aircraft (pictured) for delivery in late 2013. […]
Tornado tragedy turns into blessing
What began as a tragedy has turned into a blessing for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Two years ago, in March 2011, a tornado ripped through the SUN ’n FUN International Fly-in and Expo, damaging a number of aircraft, including a Cessna Grand Caravan owned […]
Senators to introduce bill to stop FAA tower closings
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tomorrow, April 10, U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), and David Vitter (R-La.) will introduce legislation to prevent the FAA from closing air traffic control towers. The Protect Our Skies Act, which is co-sponsored by a bipartisan group of 18 senators, […]
PilotMall debuts Advanced Panel simulator cockpit
Pilot Mall has introduced its table-top flight simulator instrument panel integrating Saitek ProFlite instruments, avionics and flight controls into a modular, add-as-you-go device for home and flight school. Pilot Mall’s FLIGHT TRAINING COCKPIT – ADVANCED PANEL begins with a new 21-by-31-inch metal instrument panel with pop-out cut-outs, into which are inserted individual instruments, avionics and […]
Sequestration’s silver lining
The news last week that the FAA will delay closing 149 contract control towers should come as a bit of a relief to the folks at SUN ’n FUN, since Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport was among the first slated to close. That meant SUN ’n FUN had to come up with the money to pay controllers […]
SUN ’n FUN takes off Tuesday
The 39th annual SUN ’n FUN will take off officially Tuesday, April 9. On Monday, April 8, the grounds were buzzing with activity as exhibitors and vendors set up their displays. Aircraft flew in throughout the day, with pilots pitching their tents or finding their way into Lakeland to find lodging. The show will run […]
Florida Panhandle fly-In fulfills RAF Mission
Two years ago, Drew Hatch and Gary Brooks planned a flight into a state-owned airstrip in the Florida Panhandle. Imagine their disappointment when they were denied permission to land and and use the airstrip to access the nearby campground. When Drew then turned to the Recreational Aviation Foundation, it had never heard of the Blackwater […]