George White sent in this photograph for Picture of the Day, explaining: “I had a chance encounter with a RAF C-17 crew. They were awesome, giving me a 45-minute tour that included this view out of the top escape hatch.” Would you like to have your photo featured as Picture of the Day? You can […]
Twin Beech with a twist
You know the classic Twin Beech Model 18, right? It has twin tails, a tailwheel, and a bit of a pug nose. That is until Pacific Airmotive took it into its Burbank shop and created a tricycle-gear, single-tail, high-forehead pointy-nose business aircraft and commuter airliner in the 1960s from this pre-war design. Called the Tradewind […]
GA advocates ask court to overturn Santa Monica deal
Officials with the National Business Aviation Association have urged a federal appeals court to legally void a deal between the FAA and the city of Santa Monica, California, that allows the city to shorten the runway and close the Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) after 2028. At issue is a January 2017 agreement between the […]
Test underway to improve process of delivering instrument clearances
A MITRE team has been researching ways to reduce frustration for general aviation by improving the process of delivering instrument clearances. In 2014, the MITRE researchers began investigating how mobile devices could be used to deliver IFR clearances at airports that are not equipped with Pre-Departure Clearance/Data Comm Clearance (PDC/DCL) equipment. Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF) […]
New ASTM standard calls for ice detectors on GA aircraft
A new ASTM International standard aims to enhance small aircraft safety by supporting non-essential ice detectors. The new specification (F3310) was developed by ASTM International’s committee on general aviation aircraft (F44). According to ASTM International member Dennis Regnier of CAV Ice Protection, such devices can help notify a pilot when the plane encounters icing conditions. “Typically, […]
More than 70 schools to implement AOPA aviation curriculum
More than 70 schools will implement the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association‘s (AOPA) high school aviation science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum in the 2018-2019 school year. AOPA’s aviation STEM curriculum offers students four-year aviation study options aligned with rigorous math and science standards used in many states nationwide. The program aims to provide […]
Mark Hardin Air Race takes off May 26
For the last eight years air racers have looked toward Terrell, Texas, on Memorial Day weekend. The Mark Hardin Memorial Air Race has grown in the last eight years, becoming a charity event. Now, with the support of the city of Terrell, it is ready to present an amazing and worthwhile educational experience for all […]
T-6 crash fatal for two
The airline transport pilot and a passenger departed on a local flight as part of a flight of two airplanes in daytime visual meteorological conditions. Shortly after takeoff, witnesses heard the North American AT-6’s engine popping; another witness reported a possible loss of power. The plane entered a right turn and appeared to slow. It […]
Pictures of the Day: Doc’s Open House
Dale Krebbs sent in these photo of the B-29 “Doc,” taken Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Doc’s Open House in Wichita. Dale reports it took 80,000 volunteer hours to restored this beautiful B-29 — only one of 2 that are still flying. Included in the photos he sent was one from Doc’s first flight after […]