The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll about 60 knots with a “slight” crosswind, he “felt an abrupt” turn to the right, heard a “huge steady scrape” sound, and noted a vibration. Airborne at 65 knots, he reported a strong gust of wind from the left that felt like a quartering tail wind. He […]
Picture of the Day: On to the next stop
Todd Mellema sent in this photo, taken as Aluminum Overcast departed Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Denver. Owned by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the B-17G-VE, serial number 44-85740, travels around the country each year, stopping at airports and giving rides, as well as tours. Aluminum Overcast was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps on […]
Dream a little dream and see where it takes you
There is a magical spot in Washington, D.C. I’ve just recently discovered. The spot has been there for years. Eons, in fact. But the inspirational quality of it has only become apparent relatively recently. Thank goodness I was fortunate enough to happen upon it and reflect on its power. The spot I’m so enthralled by […]
FAA forecast shows optimism for GA
The long-term outlook for general aviation is stable to optimistic, according to the FAA Aerospace Forecast for fiscal years 2018 to 2038. The forecast predicts the active general general aviation fleet will remain relatively stable between 2018 and 2038. An active aircraft is described in the forecast as one that flies at least one hour […]
Better pricing, friendly environment lead GA resurgence at John Wayne Airport
SANTA ANA, Calif. – 100LL fuel sales at John Wayne Airport (KSNA) topped 316,000 gallons from April 2017 through January 2018 compared to over 220,000 gallons for the previous 10-month period. The Orange County Board of Supervisors awarded ACI Jet the FBO facility previously operated by a large national chain a year ago. That has played […]
Wipline floats certified for XCub
CubCrafters has received FAA certification for the installation of Wipline 2100 floats on the company’s XCub. Both amphibious and seaplane versions of the floats, built by Wipaire, have been approved and are now part of the XCub’s Type Certificate. CubCrafters already has considerable experience with the Wipline 2100 floats, but the XCub floatplane is big […]
EPS joins forces with Bye Aerospace on Sun Flyer
Electric Power Systems (EPS) is collaborating on the new Sun Flyer all electric trainer with Bye Aerospace. The company will design and build the energy storage system for the aircraft, including battery modules, battery management unit, and power distribution unit for its flight demonstrator scheduled for first flight tests in the first or second quarter […]
Partial loss of engine power leads to Piper’s forced landing
The private pilot reported that, after a preflight inspection and engine run-up revealed no anomalies, he and a passenger departed, circled a nearby mountain, then descended to an altitude about 750′ above ground level. Shortly thereafter, the Piper PA-22’s engine experienced a partial loss of power. The pilot attempted to restore engine power, but was […]
Picture of the day: On the step
Roger Helton, CEO of SuperPetrel USA, sent in this photo, one of about 600 taken during a weekend photo shoot with photographer Kristina Funderburk of Crystal Clear Images. The picture depicts a SuperPetrel LS on the step on Lake Disston, just north of DeLand, Florida, flown by SuperPetrel USA’s chief pilot Shevy Shevalier. Helton reports the […]