My first flight lesson was out of Virginia’s Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), inside the Dulles Class B airspace. We took off and performed some air work in the practice area. Then we headed back toward the airport. My instructor told me to find the airport so he could show me how to do a pattern […]
Opinion
Fantasy of Flight to close as tourist attraction
Kermit Weeks announced March 4 that Fantasy of Flight, his central Florida aviation-theme tourist attraction, will close to the public after April 6, the last day of this year’s SUN ‘n FUN airshow/fly-in just 20 miles down I-4. The site will continue to function as an aircraft restoration center and will welcome group functions such […]
Maybe we aren’t as old as we think
If I told you 25-29 year olds with a third class medical were the largest segment of aviators, would you believe me? Thankfully, you don’t have to take my word for it. Download the 2012 Aerospace Medical Certification Statistical Handbook for a little light reading.
President Obama’s 2015 budget slaps aviation — again
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama’s budget for fiscal year 2015 is not one most in aviation will like. It again contains a $100 per flight fee for some GA flights —the same proposal that has been rejected in the past by Congress. Only days before the budget was released, four members of Congress in positions […]
Can LSAs go commercial?
It’s a regulatory certainty that Light-Sport Aircraft cannot be used in commercial operations. Sure, the LSA category is fast growing. Yes, it’s permeated the marketplace well enough that LSAs can be found on fields across the land. Admittedly, the aircraft are designed and built to a standard that is as high — if not higher […]
Opportunity to improve TSA regulations
By DAVE HOOK. Have you ever wished that you could change the regulations regarding aviation security? If so, now’s your chance. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking public comment on its regulations. Among the regulations eligible for comment are those found in 49 CFR Chapter XII, Subchapter C, Civil Aviation Security. The specific […]
Pipistrel’s Panthera and Mogas
The news posted last week by Flying came as a shock — Pipistrel announced delays in the production of its sleek new Panthera four-seater due to Lycoming’s decision not to certify its IO-390 for mogas as originally planned. Already known for its award-winning, mogas-burning Sinus and Virus motor-gliders and LSA aircraft, the Solvenian-based Pipistrel, like its […]
Mentoring: What is a mentor?
By BRENT OWENS. With all this talk about mentoring, we need to clear the air on just what it means to be a mentor. Unfortunately there isn’t a manual or rule book that tells you how to be a mentor, at least not in the aviation world. The good news is that most of the […]
VIDEO: ‘We want these [drone] companies to be very successful’
AOPA President Mark Baker at last weekend’s Northwest Aviation Conference in Puyallup, Wash. said, “We want these [drone] companies to be very successful,” in response to question from Washington Pilots Association President Les Smith. Listen to Mark’s comments for yourself in the following video clip.