DENVER – The recent release of the revised Part 23 airworthiness standards for the Federal Aviation Regulations will “significantly” streamline the process of certifying the Sun Flyer, according to officials with the company developing the electric flight trainer. The FAA released a final rule in December 2016 for the new Part 23, which enables a more […]
AOPA welcomes drone pilots
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has launched a new line of membership options for drone pilots. Opening up the association to drone pilots is “a key part of an ongoing effort to unite manned and unmanned pilots for the common purpose of safe integration of all users,” AOPA officials said. AOPA has already been […]
Van Allen Airmotive lands at Queen City Airport
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Van Allen Airmotive has opened at Queen City Airport (KXLL). The new company is headed by David Van Allen, a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley who earned his pilot’s license at Queen City Airport in 1982 and has used it throughout the years in his businesses. According to Van Allen, the time was […]
NATA launches LifeLine Response
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has added LifeLine Response to its array of products and services. LifeLine Response provides situational awareness and on-demand protection for passengers and pilots in dangerous or vulnerable situations worldwide, NATA officials explained. LifeLine Response utilizes global imagery, communication tools and proprietary Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms to provide […]
Helicopter brought down when main drive belt fails
The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, the engine rpm of the Rotorway Executive 162F helicopter suddenly increased to the point where the rev limiter activated. At this point the helicopter was about 700 feet above ground level and the pilot performed an autorotation to a baseball field in Plymouth, Indiana. During the forced landing, […]
Sundowner at sunset
Dustin Carter sent us this photo, with a brief note: “Sunset In The Capital City: An after flight picture of my 1976 Beechcraft Sundowner (N2235L) at Bolton Airport (KTZR) in Columbus, Ohio.”
Lightsport Man overcomes obstacles to take flight
You’ve heard the idiom “the sky’s the limit.” Well, for Johnathan Smith, this phrase has, indeed, been taken literally. Smith, 47, heard all his life that, because of his stuttering, he would never be able to accomplish his dream of becoming a pilot. However, he proved everyone who said that wrong. “I was born with […]
The best checklist ever
Jalissa Morgan had a flight on Valentine’s Day that she’ll never forget. She tells the tale: “Nick and I met several months ago while working for the FBO. I was the new office girl just starting on my private pilot license, completely enthralled with this new world of aviation I was immersed in. Nick was […]
Shipments, billings down for GA manufacturers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At its annual industry review Feb. 22, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the 2016 year-end aircraft shipment and billings numbers. GAMA Chairman Simon Caldecott, president and CEO of Piper Aircraft, revealed that airplane shipments globally fell 3.9%, from 2,331 in 2015 to 2,241 in 2016, while airplane billings declined 14.1%, from $24.1 billion […]