WASHINGTON, D.C. — Aviation groups are gearing up for another fight against the $100-per-flight charge for use of air traffic services after the White House rejected a petition calling for dropping the proposal. Dana Hyde, associate director for General Government Programs, said in a letter rejecting the petition that “the Obama Administration believes it’s essential […]
Opinion
U.S. Sport Aircraft debuts SportCruiser Classic
In the year following Piper’s departure from the LSA market, you may have expected a big slow-down for importer U.S. Sport Aircraft (USSA). Many believed the removal of the Piper brand would cause a loss of loyalty and that sales would flat line. Those people may have forgotten how well the SportCruiser did before Piper […]
Why can’t I find ethanol-free fuel?
One of the most frequent questions we receive from pilots is why their local gas station can no longer supply them with ethanol-free autogas, an FAA-approved lead-free aviation fuel since 1982. Readers of this blog know the answers to this question, but there remain many who believe that gas stations are forbidden from selling anything […]
This network is open for business
A simple message can have far-reaching impact — just ask the readers of GeneralAviationNews.com, who have found a way of networking online. Now, there was a time not so long ago when the means to communicate a message was far less user friendly than it is today. Originally, the only way to let others know […]
Like LSA seaplanes?
Life is good if you like LSA seaplanes. Here’s a quick look at five that are either on the market or in development. Today SeaRey reigns as far and away the most successful and proven design, with nearly 600 flying. While SeaRey (pictured below) has been an Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) model, the company, Progressive […]
Questions erupt over EAA/AOPA medical plan
“I’m of mixed feelings over this,” express many LSA industry participants who have caused my phone to ring regularly since late September. That’s when EAA and AOPA came together to address requests from some members for a driver’s license “medical,” which would allow aviators with certificates beyond Sport Pilot to fly GA aircraft with clearly […]
UAT-ARC: No drop-in replacement for 100LL
The FAA’s Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee (UAT-ARC), a group made up of aviation and oil industry representatives that is searching for an unleaded replacement for 100LL, met again this past December. Thanks to Lee Buechler of the Clean 100 Octane Coalition, minutes from this meeting are now available online. Two excerpts from these […]
How much control should other nations have on U.S. pilots?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation pilot who fly frequently to Europe are finding problems that can make flying expensive, as well as more difficult, and are raising questions about just how much United States aviation should be controlled by other nations. The newest problem is a European court’s ruling on Dec. 21, 2011, that a […]
Looking ahead to a better year
Happy New Year! Everyone in aviation from hang gliders to jets is hoping for a year of improvement in 2012. Certainly it’s been a tough four years since 2008’s tumble. Many see hope and promise in the arrival of a new year and that mood is powerfully amplified by the Sebring LSA Expo in January. […]