What’s it take to be a firefighting pilot? By Frederick A. Johnsen Single Engine Air Tankers – SEATs – are a flexible tool in the ever-evolving armada of aircraft dedicated to wildfire control. Everything old is new again – some of the first air tankers were hastily converted single-engine Stearman and N3N biplane crop sprayers […]
GA pilots help monitor Lake Erie algal blooms
It’s only a matter of time before the harmful algal bloom that has plagued Lake Erie begins to grow along the western basin and elsewhere this summer. This year, however, there will be a new tool employed to monitor the problem and spread the word to residents about toxic cyanobacteria. Dr. Rafat Ansari, senior scientist […]
Facebook flies full-scale solar-powered Aquila
Facebook — the ubiquitous social network — is determined to connect the entire population of the world to the internet. For remote areas, where traditional infrastructure isn’t possible, Facebook designed Aquila. “When complete, Aquila will be able to circle a region up to 60 miles in diameter, beaming connectivity down from an altitude of more than 60,000 feet […]
Garmin and Jeppesen partner to expand Garmin Pilot app capabilities
Garmin and Jeppesen have partnered to integrate Jeppesen terminal charts with the iOS-based Garmin Pilot app. “Teaming with our long-standing partner Garmin to provide Jeppesen terminal charts for the Garmin Pilot app marks a new era for the availability of Jeppesen charts. The comprehensive Garmin Pilot combined with Jeppesen charts establishes a world class app for the […]
Blackhawk Modifications completes 20th XP140 engine upgrade
Blackhawk Modifications reports it has completed the 20th installation of its recently certified XP140 New Engine+ Upgrade, featuring the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine. The 20th installation, completed less than a year after receiving certification, is a milestone in the company’s 17-year history, according to company officials. The XP140 New Engine+ Upgrade is certified with the […]
Page Field wins GA Airport of the Year for Florida
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has honored the Lee County Port Authority with the 2016 General Aviation Airport of the Year Award for Page Field (KFMY). The airport was presented the award at the Florida Airports Council Annual Conference in Bonita Springs, Fla. This is the third time FMY has received […]
ASA releases 2017 test preps, test guides and prepware
ASA’s 2017 Test Preps and Test Guides are now shipping, while Prepware Software begins shipping the last week of July. The 2017 Test Prep and Test Guide books include five free online tests and the option for pilot applicants to receive their endorsement (test authorization). Test Preps for pilots include the Computer Testing Supplement with the same […]
Loss of control ends fatally
The pilot, who was the airplane owner, was on a local, pleasure flight near Carrollton, Georgia. Witnesses observed the Skybolt flying low, followed by a rapid pitch down or loss of airplane control. The plane hit a tree about 60 feet above the ground and continued another 46 feet until it hit the ground. Most of the wreckage was consumed […]
Pictures of the day: Flying without an engine
Frequent photo contributor Albert L Dyer sent in these photos, taken at Hinckley Airport in Illinois, just outside of Chicago O’Hare airspace. “It is surrounded by farmlands rich in green crops,” he begins. “It’s a peacefully quiet airport. Hinckley is an airport with golf course smooth turf that primarily operates a glider operation. There are plenty of […]