Noting there has been widespread misunderstanding of the term “actively engaged” for renewing an aircraft maintenance professional’s Inspection Authorization (IA), the FAA recently issued a long-awaited clarification. The enhanced definition will become effective with the next IA renewal expiration date of March 31, 2013, according to officials at the National Business Aviation Association. The clarification […]
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Michigan company wins grant to explore using marinas for amphibs
Air Vehicle Integration, Inc. has received a grant from the Wolf Aviation Fund to research the potential to use marinas for amphibious aircraft operations. AVII is an aircraft design thru lean manufacturing consulting company in Oakland County, Mich., that has been involved with seaworthy aircraft. Company officials have been on the design teams that developed […]
Solar storms could impact GPS
A huge explosion on the surface of the sun Aug. 9 sent a wave of radiation sweeping outward into space, heralding the coming of an active solar storm season. That will likely spell occasional trouble for GPS approaches and satellite-based communications over the next decade — or perhaps longer, according to a report at NBAA.org. […]
Avionics industry optimistic despite economic concerns
About half of the companies responding to the Aircraft Electronics Association’s 2011 Rate & Labor Survey say they expect business to increase this year, with another 46% saying they expect business to remain the same. Only 5% expect a decrease in business, compared to the 15% who expected a decrease in 2009, and 8% in […]
Forget about safety
“We kill too many people in general aviation.” With that, John King opened an Oshkosh press conference in which he told a room packed with reporters, and officials at Cessna, Avemco Insurance Co., and other companies, that if it was up to him, he’d ban the word safety when talking about aviation. “Everyone says that […]
Redbird Skyport to open in November
Redbird Flight Simulations plans to open a research and development laboratory in November at the San Marcos Airport (HYI) in Texas. Designated Redbird Skyport, the new facility is the culmination of the efforts of Redbird Flight Simulations and King Schools and is supported by GAMA, AOPA, Cessna, Avemco and other industry partners, according to company […]
Students takes flight at Alexandria Field
Twelve young women will step out of their normal routines and into the cockpit of an airplane during the Women Take Flight workshop on Friday-Saturday, Aug. 26-27, at Alexandria Field (N85) in Hunterdon County, N.J. The workshop is one component of a collaborative established by a DOT Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Education Program […]
Stratos model completes wind tunnel tests
Five days of tests in the University of Washington Kirsten Wind Tunnel for the Stratos Very Light Personal Jet (VLPJ) recently wrapped up. The one-fifth scale aluminum, polycarbonate, and composite model was subjected to more than 90 runs with a focus on airflow over the fuselage, wings, and vertical tail, according to company officials. Engineers […]
‘Montana & The Sky’ now online
Now online is the latest issue of Montana & The Sky, a newsletter from the Montana Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Division.