MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Alabama – Civil Air Patrol’s National Cellular Forensics Team participated in its 1,000th mission March 16, 2017. The mission ended, like hundreds before it, in a “save,” CAP officials said. “The 1,000th cell phone mission has been conducted and it was a success,” said Col. Brian Ready, one of the members […]
News
Washington seeks input on state’s aviation plan
The Washington State Department of Transportation is asking the public to review the Washington Aviation System Plan (WASP) draft report and provide input during the next 30 days. Washington’s system of 137 public-use airports is a crucial contributor to the state’s transportation system, economic vitality and quality of life, according to state officials. The WASP […]
NTSB leadership changes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Christopher A. Hart’s term as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board concluded on schedule March 15, 2017, and Vice Chairman Bella Dinh-Zarr now serves as the agency’s acting chairman. Hart will remain at the NTSB, applying his transportation safety expertise in the capacity of a board member. The NTSB has five board members, […]
Flying the American Dream
By ZAC NOBLE In 1944 Walter Beech was on a mission to build a better mouse trap, aka…airplane. Beechcraft was already successful with its Model 17 Staggerwing and the twin engine Beechcraft Model 18. The 18 was being manufactured to meet the military’s transport and training needs. Beech was convinced that when the war was […]
Trump budget calls for spinning off ATC
President Donald Trump released his first budget proposal March 16, 2017, which calls for spinning off Air Traffic Control from the FAA to an independent non-government organization. The proposal mirrors that of a report released recently by the Eno Center for Transportation’s Aviation Working Group. “The purpose of spinning off air traffic control from the federal […]
Debate over privatizing ATC: Us vs. Them?
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 […]
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 […]