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 […]
TNA named tug provider for SUN ‘n FUN
TNA Aviation Technologies has been selected as the exclusive supplier and GSE equipment partner providing towbarless electric ground support equipment for this year’s SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo. As a result of the partnership agreement, TNA will furnish SUN ‘n FUN with its TowFLEXX aircraft tugs. “We’re delighted TNA has been chosen by the […]
Brandywine Flight School expands fleet with taildraggers
WEST CHESTER, Pa. —Brandywine Flight School has added two taildraggers — a Cessna 140A and Cessna 170A — to its fleet of airplanes at Brandywine Airport. With these new additions, the flight school will offer “classic flying” instruction to its array of aviation packages and rental services, officials noted. “It makes educational sense to offer primary flight training in a tailwheel […]
Van Bortel Aircraft expands international delivery services
ARLINGTON, Texas — Cessna dealer Van Bortel Aircraft has expanded its delivery capabilities for international customers, including issuing FAA Export Airworthiness Certificates, aircraft disassembly, containerization, ocean freight shipping, reassembly, and ferry services. The company’s current capabilities include aircraft sales, factory acceptance, purchase inspections, upgrading avionics, engines, propellers, and spare parts. The expansion of services will be overseen by Edward Biggio, […]
Engine fails due to lack of oil
The pilot reported that, during climbout on the return leg of an out-and-back flight, he noticed the engine hesitate for one or two seconds and then recover to normal operation. He continued climbing the Piper PA-28R and proceeded toward his home airport. While approaching the airport, the engine made abnormal noises, followed by a total loss of power. The […]
Bills seek to ban sale of 100LL in Oregon
Oregon Senate Bill 115 and House Bill 2109 exist to “Prohibit selling, dispensing or using aviation fuel that contains lead or lead compounds after Jan. 1, 2022.” Both bills were introduced on Jan. 9, 2017. HB2109 was referred to the Transportation Policy committee and a public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 22, 2017. SB115 was referred to the […]
A sunset takeoff
Scott Taylor sent in this photo of his 1968 Beech Musketeer (N5093T) at San Carlos Apache Airport (P13) in Arizona at sunset just before takeoff.
Reveling in the Field Effect
In America it began in 1793, on the day Jean Blanchard piloted a balloon from Philadelphia to Woodbury, New Jersey. That’s barely a hop, skip, and a jump today. In a time when George Washington was still alive, it was a mind-blowing achievement. It happened again in 1860 when Sam King took photographer James Black […]
EAA Sport Pilot Academy returns in 2017
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — The Experimental Aircraft Association’s Sport Pilot Academy, which immerses people in a three-week course that concludes with earning a sport pilot certificate, returns in 2017 with three sessions throughout the year. The all-inclusive course at EAA headquarters in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, features dedicated aircraft and instructors focused on successful completion […]