General aviation seems to be finally taking up the issue of public acceptance. The need for it was recognized nearly a half-century ago when manufacturers realized they were selling bigger and more expensive airplanes to the same people. The industry initiated a meager PR program and more aggressive selling, which helped sales pick up. Another […]
Opinion
A first look at new LSA tandems
SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON Here come the new tandems — and I do mean new! Suspending a full flight trial regime, U.S.-based MySky One took a long maiden voyage from Daytona Beach, Florida, to Oshkosh. Just last month, the Slovak Republic-based sportShark, from Shark.Aero, took its first flight. Tandems seat the occupants fore and aft […]
Buying time
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress has once again failed to act on FAA reauthorization and been forced to pass another short-term extension to keep the agency in business. This latest extension, like the several before it, is for three months, expiring Dec. 31. The House was first to act, as it was when okaying the full […]
SeaRey flies high
SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON The SeaRey from Progressive Aerodyne is an all-American brand making the move from a kit-only operation to one providing fully-built SLSA and, eventually, ELSA kits. SeaRey marketing man Darrell Lynds reported a spectacular Oshkosh: “We sold 11 kit SeaRey aircraft (the LSX) and four SLSA versions to be called the SeaRey […]
A new heart for an old girl
SHORT FINAL By DEBORAH McFARLAND As I write this, my own Lester is buzzing over my head. While I’ve always thought his throaty C-85/O-200 made a sweet sound, today I find the noise annoying but, in hearing it, I know that my place in heaven is assured. Any woman who lets her husband borrow her […]
Remaining Vigilant
Ed Rosiak – President California Pilots Association Protecting general aviation airports isn’t sexy. There, I have said it, and I doubt anyone would argue the point. Having said that let me also state – it still must be done. It does not surprise the California Pilots Association that we have to work harder than ever […]
LSAs, Unite!
SPLOG By DAN JOHSON “LSAs, Unite!” might be the campaign slogan. Sector-only air shows are rare. By that term I mean an all-one-class or -type event. Club fly-ins occur where all owners of a certain brand get together at a regional airport. A gathering of Van’s aircraft builders can bring quite a flock of flying […]
GA economic value website launches
A major step to informing the public of general aviation’s value was taken Sept. 30 when the Alliance for Aviation Across America launched a new website that highlights the economic impact and importance of general aviation and its airports state-by-state across America. Alliance officials hope the new website will help dispel much of the negative […]
Making magic happen
SHORT FINAL By DEB McFARLAND Every now and then magic happens. It can happen in a certain time, at a certain place or with certain people. Mine came on a Saturday with a group of pilots from a friendly country airport called Jackson County in northeast Georgia. This particular day and time, these folks shared […]