The FAA has issued a new fact sheet that gives the highlights of the agency’s rules for small unmanned aircraft (UAS) operations other than model aircraft — Part 107 of FAA regulations – that cover commercial and government uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds. So if you need a refresher or are just […]
Another prize for Aviation Design Challenge
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has been running its Aviation Design Challenge for high school students for several years, with the first-place team winning the chance to fly to Washington state to help build an airplane. New this year is a prize for the second-place team: A two-day STEM Lab hosted at its high […]
Garmin GFC 500 autopilot STC’d for several aircraft models
Garmin has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval for the GFC 500 autopilot in several more aircraft models. Intended for qualifying piston single-engine aircraft below 6,000 pounds, the GFC 500 integrates with the G5 to provide pilots with an economical autopilot along with a modern electronic flight instrument, according to Garmin officials. The autopilot […]
Go-Pro adds $199 Hero camera to line-up
GoPro has added the new Hero camera to its line of cameras. Available now, HERO is a $199, go-anywhere, capture-anything camera that makes it easy to share experiences that would be difficult to capture with a phone, according to company officials. HERO features a 2″ touch display, is waterproof to 30′ and is durable, making […]
Improper soft-field landing technique bends RV-9
The pilot reported that while landing on a grass airstrip in Allison, Iowa, the RV-9’s nose landing gear “caught” on the soft turf and collapsed. The airplane slid about 60′, the forward portion of the fuselage hit terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, rudder, vertical stabilizer, and […]
Picture of the day: An early morning sortie
K.T. Budde-Jones of Stallion 51 at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (KISM) in Florida sent in this photo for Picture of the day, explaining: “This is a photo I took before an early morning sortie at “O-Dark hundred.” Would you like to have your photo featured as Picture of the Day? You can submit it via this […]
35 years and counting at Rans Aircraft
One of the most celebrated names in light aviation is Rans, a company name that both hinges on and reflects its designer and company boss, Randy Schlitter. Recently this now-familiar producer celebrated 35 years since the initial flight of its first single-seat aircraft. When the company first flew its S3 Coyote I three and a […]
DailyHangar.com will find a hangar for your plane when away from home
Protecting aircraft from weather is necessary for all sizes and types of planes. That is a driving force behind the launch of DailyHangar.com, a website that connects transient pilots with hangars for their planes. The website can also be used by FBOs and corporate hangar owners to manage their hangar rentals. “DailyHangar.com offers hangar owners […]
35 states deploying drones to save lives, time and money
A survey by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials finds that 35 of 44 responding state departments of transportation — 80%— are using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, for a wide range of purposes. The March 2018 survey finds that 20 state DOTs have incorporated drones into their daily operations. Another […]