Forecasted high winds, along with rain showers and gusty winds in Missouri, prompted the decision by the Flight for the Human Spirit mission control team to cancel the takeoff planned for Monday morning from the America Jet hangar at the Salina Municipal Airport (SLN). “I had set this date almost two years ago, but had […]
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Hawker Beechcraft partners with university
As an expansion to a strategic partnership, Hawker Beechcraft Corp. will transfer the equipment and operations of its electromagnetic compatibility, mechanical and environmental test laboratories to the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University (WSU). This is the second collaboration between NIAR and the company, signifying a unique university/industry relationship. NIAR currently […]
Distressing news about distress calls
The FAA hears distress calls from pilots facing emergencies. How well it responds is a different matter, according to an Associated Press story in the New York Times. The story begins with the tale of Sam Smiley, who crashed in Georgia after his plane failed to clear a mountain ridge. The 78-year-old survived the crash, […]
Banyan’s Wings of Hope help 4KIDS
Banyan Air Service, based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), recently committed its support to 4KIDS of South Florida. Banyan helps this organization through volunteer opportunities, monetary donations, and new and gently used items, company officials said. “We considered several nonprofit organizations but felt that the mission of 4KIDS of South Florida was the right […]
Flying the Peregrine
One of the perks of being a flying journalist is that it gives me the opportunity to fly aircraft that many pilots don’t, like the record-setting Light Sport Aircraft, the FA-04 Peregrine. The low-wing airplane, built by Fleming Air in Germany, is imported by the Hansen Air Group of Kennesaw, Georgia. “We came up with […]
FAA sets new policy on antidepressants
Pilots taking medication for mild to moderate depression now may be considered for a special issuance of a medical certificate. In a change to take effect April 5, pilots who take one of four antidepressant medications will be allowed to fly if they have been satisfactorily treated on the medication for at least 12 months. […]
Flight for Human Spirit takes off Monday
Fifty states, 19,400 miles, 40 days — that is Michael Combs’ dream, which will take flight at Salina Municipal Airport (SLN) in Kansas, April 5, at 7:30 a.m. Combs plans to fly his Remos GX Light Sport Aircraft, dubbed “Hope One,” to 135 airports in all 50 states. Combs’ intention is to spread the message […]
Accident investigators get experimental aircraft training
Investigators from several government agencies visited the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Oshkosh headquarters last week for a three-day course on experimental, Light Sport Aircraft, and warbirds. EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs Earl Lawrence and EAA Homebuilders Community Manager Joe Norris provided the training to the investigators. “Part of our mission at EAA is […]
From CAP cadet to governor
South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds’ entrée into aviation came with the discovery of a hand-written advertisement while he was in junior high school, according to a story at AOPA.org, which notes that Rounds took his first airplane ride through the CAP, soloed at 16, and earned his private pilot certificate on his 17th birthday. Now, […]