Some of the attendees of the 43rd annual air show at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) near Los Angeles were stunned to learn that the June 11 event was to be the last one. Rockin’ Airfest 2006 drew upwards of 60,000 people who came to see restored military aircraft and vintage machines. During welcoming remarks, Los […]
News
New documentary captures the passion of flight
Trying to explain your passion for aviation to someone who doesn’t share it is a lot like trying to describe being in love to someone who has never been there. Words just can’t convey the depth of the emotion. Brian J. Terwilliger, producer/director of the full length documentary “One Six Right, the Romance of Flying,” […]
Pass the salt–and a pen
After Jimmy Doolittle made the first flight solely by reference to instruments, the Doolittles celebrated by throwing a dinner party. Ever the gracious hostess, Josephine Doolittle asked the guests to help commemorate the event by signing the white linen tablecloth. She then embroidered the names in black thread. Among the guests who signed the tablecloth […]
Runway closes for construction at Washington’s Western Airpark
Effective July 1, Western Airpark (92W), a privately owned airport in Yelm, Wash., will change from public use to private use, prior permission required. A NOTAM has been issued. The change is a result of pending gas pipeline construction on and in the vicinity of the approach end of runway 27. A new displaced threshold […]
Under cover
The next time you struggle with your aircraft’s canvas cover think about this: When Howard Hughes moved the HK-1 to Long Beach, Calif., for final assembly, he insisted that a tent made of canvas and pipe be erected to protect the behemoth aircraft from the elements. The tent was an engineering marvel itself since the […]
Records fall in 2005
Last year saw aviation records set that will be hard to beat, if not utterly impossible. The biggest story, which made news all over the world, was Steve Fossett’s non-stop, unrefueled solo flight around the world in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer, but there were other, less dramatic records set. Most may endure longer, for Fossett […]
GA contributes more than $150 billion to U.S. economy
A new study demonstrates GA’s value to the U.S. economy, pegging its contributions at more than $150 billion. The study, commission by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), shows that GA’s contribution is significantly higher than past estimates, indicating its increasing role as a provider of […]
Cessna exploring LSA
Cessna is exploring the idea of producing a Light Sport Aircraft. Earlier this month, company officials said they are studying the feasibility of adding an LSA to the Cessna line up. Cessna plans to unveil a proof of concept aircraft at EAA AirVenture next month. The idea is to get feedback from the aviation community. […]
Hurriance Katrina delivers $44 million to Gulfport Biloxi
Gulfport Biloxi Regional Airport in Mississippi, one of the airports damaged by Hurricane Katrina, will receive $44 million to repair its terminal building, taxiways, cargo facility, general aviation facility, and rental car facility. The FAA is not requiring the airport to provide any matching funds to qualify for the grant, allowing for faster repairs as […]