How much does product liability add to the cost of an airplane these days? Even the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) isn’t sure. “We do not know anyone who has those numbers. We are looking for them as well,” says Katie Pribyl, GAMA’s director of communications. “Prior to GARA, Beech Aircraft estimated that the cost […]
News
Wilma wallops Florida
Airports across South Florida were damaged when Hurricane Wilma came ashore in late October. As this issue was going to press, damage reports were still coming in. At Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP) single and twin engine aircraft that had been torn from their tie-down areas littered the ramp like broken toys. “We have about 15 […]
Go online to share a ride
Want to find someone to share expenses with, but don’t know where to start? Try PilotShareTheRide.com. The website, started by Baldy Ivy, a working cowboy in Northern Arizona who uses a 1941 Taylorcraft to fly his ranch land, the website is designed to help pilots share their love of flying, as well as the expenses […]
Rep. Sweeney introduces GA security bill
A federal bill to enhance security at GA airports was recently introduced by Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY) and, although it has not moved out of committee, it serves as strong motivation for airports to voluntarily beef up their security plans to avoid more regulatory action. The General Aviation Airport Security Act of 2005 (HR 3397) […]
Why flying is expensive
Flying is expensive, at least in comparison to lesser modes of transportation. If everyone agrees that the cost is high, it is difficult to find any two people who agree on why. Some – indeed, many – blame the Federal Aviation Administration and its myriad rules and regulations. Others say that engines are too costly […]
Snap rolls and putts, all in one day
It’s been called some of the best public golf on Earth and can be found along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama. The trail starts in the northern part of the state in Muscle Shoals and winds its way through the state, down to Mobile. For pilots wanting to play the trail, there’s […]
Head to the Sunshine State for great golfing
Florida is well-known for its great flying weather. That weather also makes it ideal for golf. There are more than 1,000 golf courses throughout the state. And while courses may be getting crowded now as snowbirds head South, one tourism official notes that from May through October golf courses “are never crowded, so you can […]
Pilots get special invite to Pinehurst
Ever wish you could play on the same golf course as the professionals? You can, at North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort, site of the 2005 U.S. Open Championship. The 2,000-acre resort, which boasts eight championship golf courses, is just one of three U.S. Open sites open to the public, according to Janeen Driscoll, communications manager. And […]
Antique instruments declared radiation hazard
In olden times – that’s 60 to 70 years ago – wrist watches with glow-in-the-dark radium numbers were popular. Whether we wore a Timex or a Rolex, that’s what we wanted. Our hands didn’t fall off . In those days, many aircraft instruments glowed in the dark. That, too, was accomplished with minute amounts of […]