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 […]
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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 […]
GA returned to DCA Oct. 18, sort of
GA returned to Reagan National Airport (DCA) Oct. 18 for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001. The first flight was operated by New World Jet Corp., the first Part 135 operator approved by the TSA for access into DCA. While GA is allowed access to DCA again, flying there requires operators to jump through […]
The Wright Experience builds a Wright Model B for the Navy
An elegant replica of a pioneering Navy airplane soon will hang in Dahlgren Hall at the U.S. Naval Academy. Built by Ken Hyde and his team of master craftsmen at The Wright Experience in Virginia, it is an authentic, but non-flying, Wright Model B like the one the Wright Co. delivered to the Navy in […]
Eclipse to launch national tour
Eclipse Aviation is embarking on its first national tour to showcase the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ). The first leg of the tour, slated for November, will cover seven cities from Tampa, Fla., to San Antonio, Texas. Meanwhile, Eclipse has chosen Albany International Airport in New York as the site of its Northeast Factory […]
SkyStar files for bankruptcy
SkyStar Aircraft Corp., manufacturer of the popular Kitfox aircraft kit, filed for bankruptcy Oct. 14. According to Skystar’s attorney, David Kras, the kit maker had been struggling financially since Sept. 11, 2001. “The doors are locked and the bankruptcy trustee has the key,” he said, adding it would be at least 90 days before the […]
Schweizer delivers 1000th
Schweizer Aircraft hit a milestone recently, delivering its 1,000th helicopter. The 300 CBi was delivered to Gerry and Bonny Friesen of BC Helicopters in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The 300CBi is part of the 269 Series, which Schweizer purchased from Hughes Helicopters in 1983.