By CAROLINE DOUGHERTY I pushed the throttle forward, quickly glanced at the tachometer to check for the full 1450 RPM, let my feet dance on the rudder bar to keep the nose straight down the runway, and thought, “Wow! I’m actually out here on my own!” That’s how I celebrated my Sweet 16: Making my […]
Do you have what it takes to survive a GA accident?
The FAA has just released a fact sheet on surviving a general aviation accident. “Every pilot needs to prepare for the unexpected. Although surviving a crash is one of those ‘I hope it never happens’ events, it’s something you need to consider both for yourself, and your passengers,” the fact sheet begins. Accidents can happen […]
On this day in history: Record skydive
On this day in history, Felix Baumgartner, an Austrian skydiver and pilot, set three world records when he jumped from a balloon that had taken him to the edge of Space on Oct. 14, 2012. Baumgartner, who was 43 at the time of the record, set world records for free-fall distance and speed, as well […]
Youth Aviation Club learns aircraft maintenance
Santa Ynez Valley youth who participate in the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 491 Youth Aviation Club will have the opportunity to learn about required annual inspections performed on general aviation aircraft at their monthly meeting Oct. 21 at Santa Ynez Valley Airport in California. Conducting the class is Robert “Captain Bob” Perry, a commercial pilot […]
PT6A Pre-Owned Engine Program launches
Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) has introduced a Certified Pre-Owned program for its in-service fleet of PT6A engines. Through their aircraft dealer, customers of PT6A-powered used aircraft whose engines are certified under the program will be given a one-year/500-hour first run warranty, along with additional benefits, which include options for six months complimentary technical publications, […]
StandardAero and Martin Aviation team up
StandardAero and Martin Aviation have signed a three-year Authorized Service Center agreement for PT6A engine services. According to officials, the agreement will provide operators of King Air, Pilatus, Cessna Caravan, Cheyenne and TBM aircraft the advantage of a one-stop solution for both engine and airframe services. Under the agreement, StandardAero and Martin will work together […]
Student pilot’s landing bends F33
According to the flight instructor, during the turn from base to final, the Beech F33’s stall warning horn sounded and the descent rate increased. The CFI reported he told the student pilot to go-around, and the student increased power, but the plane continued to descend and touched down on the runway at the airport in […]
Future pilots…
Fred Aleman sent in this photo, with a simple message: “Riley and Caroline Collins…someday…” Would you like to submit your favorite photo (or photos) from 2017? Use the form below:
Do you know where your wing spars come from?
I don’t know about you, but I don’t often think about where my food comes from. Sad, really, but truthful. I suppose I don’t really think about where most of the “stuff” I consume comes from — including parts and pieces of aircraft. For Ron Piercy, a fishing trip to southeastern Alaska five years ago […]