WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the latest temporary funding of the FAA, reauthorization has reached adulthood — that is, temporary approvals are now at 21. The FAA hasn’t had a full authorization vote since 2003. On 21 occasions, the Senate and House have not been able to agree. They have until Sept. 16 to finally agree […]
Opinion
Ugly ducklings
Aviator opinion is widespread about CH 701 and CH 750 being ugly ducklings. Fortunately, plenty of pilots don’t care about looks so long as an airplane flies well (750 does!) and for some the, ahem… distinctive look of 750 is a thing of pride. Think Hummer or the old Volkswagen Thing. Indeed, Zenith Aircraft Company […]
When safety draws a crowd
I am fortunate to be based on an airport where there are many truly talented, well credentialed people who really want to make a positive difference. One of those people is Janeen Kochan, a force of nature who also happens to be a designated pilot examiner, an A&P with Inspection Authorization, and a heck of […]
Autogas experts explain why pump gas is mogas
With the release of its Service Instruction 1070Q on July 16, 2010, Lycoming quietly approved autogas as a fuel for some of its engines — or did they? As news of the company’s about-face after years of advising against the fuel became public, company officials have attempted to explain their confusing stance against a backdrop […]
Allegro keeps on training…3,500 hours logged
LSA America now produces the Allegro in Littleton, N.C., and despite Czech-based Fantasy Air’s ceasing manufacturing several years ago, Allegro did well enough in the first couple years to still retain the #14 rank on our LSA sales leaders. Exciting as this now-Made-in-the-USA story may be, this article has a different focus. I want to […]
SLSA #120 approved
Way over in Paris, a new airplane has arrived — only this Paris is in Tennessee. SLSA #120 Spirit comes from a new company but one whose leader earned his SLSA pedigree gaining four model approvals. That would be Skykits and its STOL variations. All are designs from ICP of Italy (Savannah, plus ADV and […]
The girl in the tree
I must confess right off that my interview with pilot Keena Pope wasn’t so much an interview as it was a good, old-fashioned, girl’s day out, get-together and gossip fest. That it was done while she was on the clock and at her boss’s expense made the visit all the more special. Since I know […]
OSH sales report
This year I had easily 30 conversations at AirVenture revealing either outright positive successful results or varyingly robust mood indicators such as, “Looks like aviation has life in it again.” A number of aircraft purveyors said they took cash deposits and wrote firm contracts. I estimate about 30 aircraft sales by this method. Companies like […]
Sales robust at Oshkosh
Oshkosh is over and before it ended many expressed a common thought: We love to go to Oshkosh; and we really love to go home when it’s over. While stated with a somewhat humorous overtone, the truth is that AirVenture is a tough slog for those who work the show. Twelve-hour days are standard and […]