Pilots taking medication for mild to moderate depression now may be considered for a special issuance of a medical certificate. In a change to take effect April 5, pilots who take one of four antidepressant medications will be allowed to fly if they have been satisfactorily treated on the medication for at least 12 months. […]
Opinion
Cool electric aircraft…Beginning the future?
Electric is hot! Even in a dull economy with sluggish airplane sales, the spark of electric power is crackling with life. Numerous projects have been announced and organizations like EAA are making way for electric airplanes to showcase themselves at big shows like AirVenture. Now, from an Italian manufacturer comes the work of world champion […]
Ask Paul: The seal of approval
Q: We’re building an RV-6A using an O-360 narrow deck engine. There are six studs that hold this engine together. The center studs are wider at the base than the outer four studs. The case has an indentation where the seals fit. All six are counterbored. The size of the center studs at the base […]
Second TSA nominee withdraws
Three days after appearing before a Senate Committee regarding his nomination to lead the Transportation Security Administration, Maj. Gen. Robert Harding withdrew his name from consideration, citing questions about his background as a defense contractor. Harding was the second nominee for the position to withdraw because of concerns that background questions would not be good […]
Senate and House to try after recess to reconcile FAA reauthorization
When the Senate finally passed an FAA reauthorization bill, it appeared there would finally be an end to the string of extensions that have been needed to keep the FAA afloat. But, alas, it was not to be. The 12th three-month extension passed both houses of Congress just before they broke for the Easter recess […]
Commemorating 1,000 hours
One of the more frustrating aspects of being a flight instructor is that you get stood up sometimes. People don’t show because they oversleep, they forget, or they would really rather not be there. I remarked to a coworker that I was getting stood up so much I ought to start coming to work in […]
Singing the airport’s praises
It may seem odd to some, but I love spending time at the airport. Sure, pilots and aircraft mechanics understand the allure of the airport. But the average Jane or Joe may think it a little peculiar that a grown man has an interest in going to the airport whenever the opportunity presents itself. Part […]
Senate passes FAA reauthorization
To the surprise of some and the pleasure of many, the Senate passed a reauthorization bill for the FAA Monday evening, March 22. With the House having passed its reauthorization bill last year, the two can go directly to conference for reconciliation and give the FAA a stable base after 11 three-month temporary extensions. The […]
Breezer II, Part II, Act I
It didn’t work out the first time. Breezer I wasn’t quite mature for the burgeoning Light Sport Aircraft market. The import structure was unwieldy, adding cost and distancing the customer from the source. As Breezer Aircraft took over manufacturing of the all-metal LSA, Breezer II arrived in 2008, joining new leadership in Europe with fresh […]