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 […]
LA County Airshow honors the Skunk Works
The fifth annual Los Angeles County Airshow marked my season opener this year, taking place March 24-25 in the high desert locale of Lancaster, California, where I was joined by tens of thousands of airshow fans at General William J. Fox Airfield, commonly known as Fox Field. This region is intimately linked to aviation history […]
Glacier Girl survives its own ice age
Any P-38 Lightning fighter of World War II is a crowd-pleaser. The Lightning called “Glacier Girl” amped that enthusiasm even higher at SUN ‘n FUN 2018. “Glacier Girl” was literally frozen in time from 1942 to 1992. Part of a flight of six brand-new P-38s and two B-17s heading to Europe to bolster American forces, […]
Customs and Border Protection launches pilot program for remote seaplane arrivals
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a pilot program allowing seaplane pilots to clear U.S. Customs remotely at two locations in Minnesota, using an app downloaded to a cell phone or tablet. According to a story by Dan Namowitz of the Aircraft Pilots and Owners Association, pilots can use the Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile […]