Air traffic control has been ground based since its beginning, but under the FAA’s Next Generation (NextGen) program it will be out of this world — and it may cause general aviation some out-of-this-world problems. Air traffic control began in 1929 at St. Louis Lambert Field when Archie League was hired to direct the movements […]
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Cheetah XLS newest SLSA
The Cheetah XLS has received its Special-Light Sport Aircraft certification. Midwest Sport Aviation, LLC has been designated as the U.S. assembly center and distributor for the Cheetah XLS by Rainbow Aircraft (Pty) Ltd. of South Africa. The Cheetah XLS is a high-wing tube and fabric aircraft. It is available Ready to Fly at prices beginning […]
Rinaldi elected NATCA president
Paul M. Rinaldi, an 18-year veteran air traffic controller from Washington-Dulles Tower, won a runoff election Sept. 17 to become the new president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). Rinaldi, who served as executive vice president since 2006, will take office Oct. 17 to begin his three-year term as the sixth president in […]
FAA approves first U.S. ground based augmentation system
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has approved Honeywell’s Smartpath Precision Landing System, clearing the way for increased safety and efficiency at airports by providing precise navigation service based on the global positioning system (GPS). The first U.S.-approved system, located in Memphis, Tenn., will become operational early next year. “The approval of Honeywell’s system marks the […]
‘The First Thing I Knew, I Was Flying’
The first in a series of events to celebrate Wisconsin’s Centennial of Flight is slated for Sept. 29. On Nov. 4, 1909, Arthur Pratt Warner flew a Curtiss aircraft from a farmer’s field in Beloit, Wisconsin, bringing Wisconsin into the age of aviation. To celebrate this history-making flight, the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame has […]
MSP launches Facebook page
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has launched its own Facebook Page, giving customers, employees and neighbors easy access to the latest airport news and information. You can become a fan of MSP Airport on Facebook at Facebook.com/MSPAirport. You also can sign up to receive tweets at Twitter.com/MSPAirport.
Aspen’s MFDs, weather receiver get FAA nod
The FAA has granted Technical Standard Order (TSO) Authorization for Aspen Avionics’ EFD500 Multi-Function Display (MFD); the EFD1000 MFD; and the EWR50 Evolution Weather Receiver. With certification and production authority in hand, Aspen will begin shipping its newest products to dealers immediately, company officials said. The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an expandable and […]
FAA amateur-built policy delayed
The FAA published the findings of its Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on amateur-built aircraft in the Federal Register Sept. 16. Contrary to previous indications from the FAA, the agency did not publish a comprehensive final policy, but piecemeal revelations are on the way, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association. In an report on […]
Columbia Helicopters receives Production Certificate
The FAA has awarded Columbia Helicopters Inc. a Production Certificate for the Columbia Model 234 and Columbia 107-II helicopters. This step follows Columbia’s acquisition of the Type Certificates for both aircraft in December 2006. The issuance of the FAA Production Certificate will enable Columbia Helicopters to manufacture and certify parts for the Columbia 107-II and […]