The airline transport pilot, who was a US Navy flight instructor and newly certificated civilian flight instructor, was flying his cousin to his home base in his RV-4 where he planned to provide her with initial flight training. He received a weather briefing earlier in the day, and the briefer indicated that visual flight rules […]
Picture of the day: Pedal power
Jeff Auen sent in this photo, noting: “My wingman and nephew, Logan Auen. Pedal Plane masterfully built by his Granddad, Don Auen.”
Human Factors: Self-inflicted
Last year I gifted my readers with stories of men and women pilots who acted heroically, and lived to tell about it. This holiday season I’m going in a different direction. The Aviation Safety Reporting System reports I chose this time come from pilots who, in their own way, shot themselves in the proverbial foot. Failure […]
Blimp hangar appears overnight
CARSON, Calif. — A new landmark appeared on the Southern California horizon overnight. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company inflated a 337-foot-long hangar at its Carson blimp base along the I-405 freeway during the overnight hours. The new structure will serve as the home of Goodyear’s newest blimp, Wingfoot Two, which began operating in Los […]
$1 million grant awarded to establish new aviation and engineering research center
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A new project at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce through its Economic Development Administration (EDA), is expected to create 387 new jobs and spur $1.6 million in private investment. On Dec. 11, 2017, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross revealed that […]
Banyan holds Aviation Career Day
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida — Despite cold and rainy weather on Dec. 9, 2017, Banyan Pilot Shop‘s first aviation career day attracted 67 people to network with officials from flight schools, colleges, and aviation companies. They also had the opportunity to speak with Arlisa Jernigan, Banyan’s Director of People Relations, about job opportunities at Banyan. “It […]
Stallion 51’s Lee Lauderback wins Sword of Excellence
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Stallion 51’s founder and chief pilot, Lee Lauderback, was named the recipient of the 2017 International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Sword of Excellence. “The Sword” is considered to be the single highest honor an individual air show professional can receive. The award was created in 1981 to recognize the highest levels […]
Raisbeck Engineering acquires Butterfield Industries
SEATTLE — Raisbeck Engineering, a provider of performance enhancement systems for business and commercial aircraft, has successfully completed the acquisition of Butterfield Industries. “We are thrilled to welcome Butterfield products into the Raisbeck family and are working aggressively to fully integrate BI products and STCs under one platform for our dealers and customers as soon […]
Mooney’s first flight after new paint job ends in trees
The private pilot reported that the accident flight was the Mooney M20E’s first flight after being painted. After completing a preflight inspection, he started the engine and observed a decrease in power. He leaned the mixture slightly, and the engine rpm returned to normal idle speed. He reported that during the engine run-up, he noticed […]