The pilot reported that he executed a normal approach for landing at the airport in Chicago. During the approach, he lowered the Piper PA-31’s landing gear and verified the extended position by checking the landing gear position indicators in the cockpit. Upon touchdown on the runway, the nose landing gear collapsed, and then the right […]
A plane with stories to tell
Frequent contributor Star Novak sent us this photo of Vintage Aircraft Association Chapter 16 President Ron Sipple flying his newly acquired Swift out of Gardner Municipal Airport (K34) in Kansas, on a recent warm winter Saturday. Sipple has quite a story to tell about his new plane: “The previous caretaker had this plane for about 40 […]
What mods can help boost power?
Q: Are there any practical, appropriate and compliant modifications that can be made to a 150-hp, narrow-deck O-320? For example, can the compression ratio be tweaked a bit, or are there aftermarket exhaust systems with less back pressure, or is there any porting/polishing possible to effect a tad more power to the propeller? Gordie A: […]
Court review of SMO settlement agreement requested
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has joined with five other groups and aviation businesses to petition the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, asking the court to review the recent agreement between the FAA and the city of Santa Monica, California, over the future of Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO). […]
Sun 40 Sprint returns to SUN ‘n FUN
LAKELAND, Florida — The Sun 40 Sprint is back once again for the 43rd annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly- In & Expo April 4-9, 2017. The Sun 40 Sprints will be staged as a fun contest of speed and precise navigation on Wednesday, April 5, at 10 am. The short 40 nm time trial will […]
Space Shuttle commander to speak at AMA Expo
Five time NASA space shuttle commander and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) life member Robert “Hoot” Gibson will share his aviation story at the upcoming AMA Expo East at the Meadowlands Convention Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, Feb. 24-26. The three-day event is hosted by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The Expo will include […]
Women Take Flight
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The New England Air Museum will re-launch its annual Women Take Flight Day on Saturday, March 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in commemoration of Women’s History Month. Visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate women’s contributions to aerospace history through special events, hands-on activities, and three special guest speakers […]
Baer Air changes name, plans expansion
MELBOURNE, Florida – Baer Air at Melbourne International Airport (KMLB) has changed its name to Apex Executive Jet Center (AEJC) as it expands and upgrades its facilities and services. Established in 2003 as Baer Air, the company started its operations as an FAA certified charter company, providing limited scheduled service to Florida and Bahamian destinations with piston aircraft. […]
Balloon ride ends with broken leg
The pilot determined that the wind was faster than anticipated at the landing location near Bernalillo, N.M. He maneuvered the Cameron Z90 balloon for a landing in an open field, the gondola landed hard, and fell onto its side. One passenger sustained a broken leg and the balloon sustained no damage. The pilot reported no […]