In the space of one week in February, a report calling for sweeping changes to Air Traffic Control, including taking control of ATC from the FAA and putting it in the hands of a non-profit organization funded by user fees, was released, just days after a survey was released showing that most voters oppose privatizing […]
News
Researchers ask for input from pilots on economic challenges
A team of researchers at George Mason University School of Business have launched a survey on the economic impact of private and sport aviation. While aviation is thrilling, it’s also expensive. That’s led to a “significant” number of aviation enthusiasts grounded, unable to afford such an expensive hobby, according to the researchers. Their study addresses […]
Bonanza key to family’s epic adventure
From a low approach down Cape Canaveral’s runway to flying through the Smoky Mountains, the Beechcraft Bonanza has taken Clifford Staley on a world of adventures. One summer, the Boca Raton, Florida, pilot enjoyed one of his favorite journeys in his aircraft — two weeks with his wife, Hong, visiting friends and family, indulging in beloved pastimes […]
Texas GA Caucus calls for maintenance tax reform
With its reputation as a pro-growth, low-tax state, Texas should be a favorable place to work on aircraft. But it’s one of a shrinking minority of states that tax repair parts for general aviation aircraft. The 6.25% sales tax on parts drives significant repair and maintenance business to out-of-state facilities, resulting in a loss of […]
GA advocates for contract tower program
GA advocacy groups recently joined with other industry groups to ask Congress to fully fund the Contract Tower Program as part of the FAA’s 2018 fiscal year appropriations bill. The March 9 letter to lawmakers asks for “not less than $159 million” in funding for the program. “The FAA Contract Tower Program has provided cost-effective and essential air traffic safety services […]
Inaugural U.S.-China GA Conference slated
The inaugural U.S.-China General Aviation Business Conference is slated for March 25-31, 2017, in California. China is poised to become one of the largest markets in the world for general aviation, organizers note. But China needs assistance, and that’s why representatives from Chinese government agencies, airport operations and academia will attend the conference. There are […]
New owner, new name for Smyrna Air Center
SMYRNA, Tenn. — Smyrna Air Center has a new owner — Jeff Hollingshead — and a new name: Hollingshead Aviation. Hollingshead Aviation is at Smyrna Airport (KMQY), which is about 30 minutes outside downtown Nashville. The new owner notes there are no landing fees. The FBO also features a dedicated pilot lounge with wide-screen smart TVs, […]
Should there be a mandatory retirement age for GA pilots?
While airline pilots have to retire at 65, there’s no mandatory retirement age for general aviation pilots. A new story in Air & Space magazine asks the question: Can you be too old to fly? According to the FAA’s Active Civil Airmen Statistics, in 2016 there were about 41,600 pilots over 70 with an active […]
Tecnam founder flies west
Professor Luigi Pascale, the founder, president and chief designer at Tecnam Aircraft, died March 14, 2017, after a brief illness. He was 93 years old. Luigi “Gino” Pascale was a native of Naples, Italy, whose passion for aviation began during the 1930s. He and his brother Giovanni, won many model plane races. The two brothers’ first […]