The Hill is reporting that a Senate committee did not include President Trump’s controversial proposal to separate air traffic control from the federal government in a must-pass aviation bill. The post reports that Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who leads the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said the Senate’s long-term reauthorization of the FAA will not include the […]
Earhart mystery could be solved by dogs
July 2, 2017, marks the 80th anniversary of the disappearance of Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan. Since their disappearance, no one has been able to find them, despite numerous attempts. This week, National Geographic Society’s Archaeologist-in-Residence, Fred Hiebert, along with the International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR), will embark on a mission […]
Industry, university collaborate on hybrid-electric aircraft
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — International aircraft manufacturing leaders have teamed with aerospace, aviation and research institute Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to design a hybrid-electric turboprop aircraft. Led by the university’s Eagle Flight Research Center (EFRC) at its Daytona Beach campus, and in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory, the Embry-Riddle Hybrid Consortium is working with members Airbus, Boeing, GE Aviation, […]
Video of first flight of Belite Chipper with Rotax 912UL
The first flight of the Belite Chipper with the Rotax 912UL engine was held June 19. Belite’s James Wiebe posted this video of the flight: Wiebe also released these performance observations: Initial established climb about 600 fpm; Highest climb rate seen about 830 fpm; Flaps 15°; Ailerons in droop mode; Went around the pattern several […]
July 4th Fly-In to celebrate FBO opening
LEWISTON, Idaho — Hillcrest Aircraft Company will host the Radials ‘N Rivers Fly-In to commemorate the grand opening of its FBO at Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (KLWS). The newly branded Phillips 66 Aviation location now offers full service Jet A and full serve and self-serve 100LL avgas. The FBO’s facilities include a pilot’s lounge, conference area with […]
Carb icing suspected in crash
The pilot reported that, while the Cessna 180A was on approach and about three miles from the airport, the engine lost all power. He continued the descent while maintaining the best glide airspeed and performing the engine restart procedures, which included applying carburetor heat. Despite the pilot’s efforts, the engine would not restart, and he initiated a forced […]
At the end of the rainbow
Megan Vande Voort sent us this photo, with a quick note: “I thought you may enjoy this shot at Pella Municipal Airport (KPEA) in Iowa.”
Top of the Leader Board
Dispatch from KTRL, Terrell, Texas: I want to win. There. I said it. Yes, I know we’re here for charity. And, yes, I know this is supposed to be just for fun. But, damn it, I really, really want to win. I know that sounds shallow and selfish, but in my defense, I spent the entire […]
First flight: Sonaca 200
GOSSELIES, Belgium — Sonaca Aircraft has completed the first flight of the Sonaca 200 at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. The Sonaca 200 is a single-engine two-seater designed for training and leisure flights, according to company officials. To achieve the flight tests, Sonaca Aircraft is using the second aircraft (FTA2 – Flight Test Aircraft 2) assembled in Sonaca’s factories […]