In a first for the organization, which awards scholarships to people with physical disabilities, all six in the Class of 2022 use wheelchairs due to the results of accidents, illness, or a combat injury.
News
Operations up at Twin Cities GA airports
The six general aviation airports operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) in Minneapolis-St. Paul grew their operations by 8%, with 352,195, takeoffs and landings in 2021, 26,151 more than in 2020.
Aircraft owner-pilot groups join forces
The new NBAA Owner Pilot Association Coalition (NBAA OPAC) brings together leaders of business aircraft owner-pilot organizations “in a collaborative effort to tackle top concerns for business aviators and explore opportunities to grow the owner operator community,” according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA).
K-State Salina adds new master’s degree in aeronautics
K-State Salina is accepting applications for the fall 2022 semester for the new degree, which offers two options: A focus in aerospace manufacturing or maintenance specifically geared toward the certification process, or a focus on leadership and policy.
Aviation industry’s diversity showcased at Winter Warm-Up
NGPA’s Winter Warm-Up and Industry Expo had a record number of exhibitors, as well as 1,400 attendees, including students from eight university chapters of the association.
New boss for SUN ‘n FUN
The director of Lakeland Linder International Airport, home to SUN ‘n FUN, will take over as president and CEO after this year’s fly-in. That’s when John “Lites” Leenhouts, president since 2011, retires.
Best in flight training revealed
The 2021-2022 survey garnered nearly 8,000 submissions, including 1,740 recommendations for top CFIs and 949 for best flight school. Taking top honors for flight schools is In the Pattern in Denton, Texas, while Ambyr Peterson of Minneapolis took top honors for CFI.
Turbo Skylane back in Cessna lineup
The updated Turbo Skylane features the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, a heated propeller, an in-cabin oxygen system, is powered by the Lycoming TIO-540 engine. Orders are being taken now, with delivery expected in early 2023.
Backcountry airstrips added to Jeppesen Nav databases
“Adding more of those type of airstrips to the Jeppesen Nav databases of aviation GPS units makes it much easier for a larger number of private pilots across the country to gain access and enjoy the benefits and freedom of flying that we all cherish.” said Avidyne President Dan Schwinn.