The pilot reported that after a simulated rope break maneuver while towing a glider, he maneuvered to the runway in Midlothian, Texas, and landed “normal.” He said that during the landing roll the Cessna 305 “yawed” to the left. He applied right rudder inputs to correct the yaw, but it was ineffective. He said he […]
One for the ages
Ralph Lacomba at Eagle Aviation in Columbia, S.C., sent us these photos taken during the Aug. 21, 2017, eclipse at Eagle Aviation. He reports the FBO at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE) had more than 100 airplanes “from all over.” “100% totality and clear skies made it one for the ages,” he reports.
Eight random facts about the Piper Cub
It is safe to say that hundreds of thousands of pilots learned to fly in a Piper Cub. For many non-pilots, the Piper Cub is the entirety of small aircraft aviation — like Kleenex is to facial tissue. 2017 marks the 80th anniversary of the J-3. As a tribute to that milestone, following are eight […]
Video: Chasing the Eclipse
On the morning of Aug. 21, 2017, officials at Quest Aircraft dispatched a Kodiak from the company’s headquarters in Sandpoint, Idaho, along with partners from Garmin Aviation with special equipment to record the total solar eclipse from the air. The pilot flew south toward Driggs, Idaho, at an altitude of 7,500 feet heading 100°. Production […]
FAA asks for comments on new Lycoming AD
The FAA has issued a request for comments on a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain models of Lycoming engines. The AD, which requires an inspection of connecting rods and replacement of affected connecting rod small end bushings, was prompted by several reports of connecting rod failures resulting in uncontained engine failure and in-flight shutdowns […]
Less than 30 days left to claim $500 ADS-B rebate
The last day for aircraft owners to reserve one of the FAA’s $500 rebates for ADS-B Out compliance is Monday, Sept. 18, 2017. Although the last day to make a reservation is Sept. 18, eligible aircraft owners who make a reservation by the deadline will still have time to complete the remaining steps in the […]
Drone flies 56 hours without refueling
The FAI has ratified a world record for flight duration for an experimental unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The VA001, an unmanned aircraft that looks like a glider but is powered by a diesel engine, successfully flew for 55 hours, 56 minutess non-stop and without re-fueling on Dec. 2, 2016. The flight took place at New […]
Girard receives Master Mechanic award
Dave Girard, technical sales manager at West Star Aviation has received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award for 50 years as a mechanic. “I am humbled to have received this award from the FAA,” he said. “I started in this business as a teenager and now I work with an excellent group of experienced aviation […]
172 pilot exceeds angle of attack on takeoff
The pilot reported that after a “normal” landing, he performed a 180° turn at the end of the grass airstrip in New Enterprise, Pennsylvania, and started his takeoff roll. After accelerating to 65 miles per hour, he reported the Cessna 172 became airborne at the crest of an incline, but about 20 feet above the […]