Twenty-three Kansas State University professional pilot students earned ratings this summer after receiving scholarships from the Connor Burton Aviation Foundation and friends. The 23 scholarships total more than $70,000. “The scholarships helped keep the students in the air and working on ratings so that they didn’t fall behind during the summer,” said Mark Friesen, director […]
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First six months difficult for GA manufacturers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the first six months of 2011, total general aviation airplane shipments worldwide fell 15.5%, from 936 in 2010 to 791 this year, according to figures released today by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Billings for general aviation airplanes totaled $7.3 billion, down 22.3%. Piston-powered airplane shipments totaled 387 compared to […]
Doolittle Raiders plan 70th anniversary reunion
The Doolittle Tokyo Raiders are in the final stages of planning their reunion commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Raid. The reunion will be held at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, April 17-20, 2012. The reunion will include autograph sessions, a memorial service at the museum, as well as a public lunch […]
Jon Sharp to retire
Air racing legend Jon Sharp, the winningest pilot in the history of air racing, announced he’s retiring after 32 years of pylon racing success, according to a report at EAA.org. The team leader of Nemesis Air Racing holds many air racing records in, including speed records on every race course flown in both the Formula […]
#OSH11 sales good for Kitfox, Wicks
“We expanded our booth this year, increased our inventory, and it sure paid off” said Scott Wicks, owner of Wicks Aircraft Supply of their presence at AirVenture Oshkosh. As a result, “sales were up 60% [measured in dollars] from 2010, which was also a record year.” John McBean from Kitfox Aircraft reported that deliveries for […]
$485,100 to protect an airport
The Port of Skagit (Washington) has purchased, for $485,100, a 95-acre parcel abutting Skagit Regional Airport to further buffer airport activity from encroachment. The port is pursuing corporate and general aviation growth, but does not foresee scheduled air carrier service. Acquiring the property, according to the Port Executive Director Patsy Martin will allow the property […]
National Aviation Hall of Fame celebrates 100th anniversary of first licensed female pilot
Journalist Harriet Quimby became the first licensed female pilot in the United States when, on Aug. 1, 1911, she was awarded license #37 from the Aero Club of America. Harriet was born May 11, 1875, in Michigan. She moved with her family to California where she became a respected reporter and columnist. On to New […]
SAFE presents awards during AirVenture
The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) presented its 2011 awards during the organization’s annual dinner meeting held during AirVenture. More than 120 members and guests applauded the efforts of the following individuals: Robert Wright, Founders Award, in recognition for selfless service in support of SAFE’s Mission and Vision. Wright chairs SAFE’s Pilot Training […]
$1.5B lost if Congress doesn’t address FAA bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Paul Rinaldi is urgently appealing to Congress not to adjourn for its August recess until it passes an FAA bill that would return 4,000 laid off FAA employees (of which NATCA represents 1,200) and 70,000 laid off construction workers back to their jobs. “All we are […]