Chalmers H. “Slick” Goodlin, a Bell test pilot originally set to become the first man to exceed Mach 1, died of cancer at his home in West Palm Beach, Fla., Oct. 20. He was 82. Goodlin made 26 subsonic flights in the rocket-powered Bell X-1-1 and X-1-2, reaching Bell’s contractual speed of Mach 0.8. When […]
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FAA Flight Plan focuses on user fees
The FAA’s recently released Flight Plan 2006-2010, the agency’s strategic planning and goal-setting document, is still focused on user fees to take care of its claims of a funding crisis. “There is a fundamental disagreement between the FAA and AOPA about whether the aviation trust fund is running out of money,” said AOPA President Phil […]
Robert E. Bush, 79
Robert E. Bush died Nov. 8 near Olympia, Wash. He was 79. He earned the Medal of Honor during World War II fighting on Okinawa, where he lost an eye – and nearly his life – while treating a wounded Marine Corps officer and holding off charging Japanese troops at the same time. He was […]
Hawkins & Powers Aviation assets for sale
The assets of one of the oldest aerial fire fighting contract companies in the United States are up for sale. Hawkins and Powers Aviation Inc. of Greybull, Wyo., has gone out of business, selling all its assets to the Great American Group, which in turn is selling them to the highest bidder. Hawkins and Powers […]
DC-3 tribute flight planned
A tribute flight is planned later this month for the 70th anniversary of the Douglas DC-3. On Dec. 17, the National Aviation Hall of Fame will observe the DC-3’s anniversary, and the 102nd anniversary of powered flight, as part of festivities taking place at the Santa Monica Airport in California. The GA airport, originally known […]
Stallion 51 to reorganize “Gathering of Mustangs”
Stallion 51 made history in 1999 with its “Gathering of Mustangs and Legends” at Kissimmee, Fla. Since then, the group has been planning another gathering – “The Final Roundup” – for Stead Field, Reno, but “the interest and enthusiasm has expanded well beyond our original plans,” said organizer Angela West. The event, now scheduled for […]
Dr. Ebbs resigns Embry Riddle presidency
Dr. George Ebbs, president of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has resigned after seven years as the university’s top official. Ebbs came to the university in 1998 after a successful career as CEO of an aerospace consulting firm. University Provost Dr. John Johnson will take over as interim president. Over the next year, the university will conduct […]
Float Planes & Amphics buys Leza AirCam
Float Planes and Amphibs (FPNA) of Sebring, Fla., has acquired Leza AirCam. “We are fully committed to continuing and further enhancing the production of all Leza aircraft, specifically the Drifter, AirCam and Flightstar,” said Shawn Okun of FPNA. “Our immediate plans are to introduce an updated version of the AirCam.”
Symphony certified for doors-off flight
In response to customer requests, Symphony Aircraft Industries has certified the Symphony SA 160 for “doors-off” flights. The certification allows for the aircraft to fly doors-off with the passenger door removed or with both doors removed. In either configuration, cruise speed is reduced by only 5.5%.