The Lakeland Aero Club’s new hangar opened just in time to show it off to the crowds at this year’s SUN ‘n FUN. The 12,500-square-foot facility has office space, restrooms, and will house six aircraft. Mike Zidziunas, president of the Lakeland Aero Club, explained that the 50 members of the club, who range in age from […]
Ribbon cutting held for Lakeland Aero Club
In what was called a “momentous occasion,” a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held during this year’s SUN ’n FUN to officially open the Lakeland Aero Club’s new hangar. “This is the largest high school flying club on the planet,” said SUN ’n FUN President John “Lites” Leenhouts. More importantly, the club is the “cement that holds […]
Santa Monica Airport case sent back to district court
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has determined that a district court prematurely dismissed a lawsuit that was brought by the City of Santa Monica to determine whether the city is obligated to continue operating Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) in Southern California. The May 16 decision sends the case back to the federal district […]
Wisconsin students win GAMA/Build A Plane design challenge
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and Build A Plane report that Weyauwega-Fremont High School in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, is the winner of the fourth GAMA/Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge. As the prize, four students, one teacher, and one chaperone will travel to Glasair Aviation in Arlington, Washington, to build a Glasair Sportsman from June 20-July 1, […]
Soloy and SMA collaborate on diesel engine STC program
Soloy Aviation Solutions and SMA Engines have launched a second generation STC development program for installation of the French engine manufacturer’s SR305-230E high compression piston engine in Cessna 182 Skylanes. Under the agreement, Soloy will co-develop an engineering program with SMA to use the more powerful SMA SR305-230E CI engine in the Cessna 182, as well as improve […]
Upwind reveals Class of 2016
SAN CARLOS, Calif. — The Upwind Foundation has revealed the Upwind Summer Scholarship Program Class of 2016 for the following San Francisco Bay Area high school juniors: Travis Bender of Redwood City, Kyle Caverly of San Mateo, Leon Lam of San Jose, Michael Salazar of San Bruno and Patrick Shea of San Carlos. These five aspiring aviators […]
West Star Aviation gets equity investment
West Star Aviation has received a “significant investment” from Norwest Equity Partners (NEP), a middle market investment firm founded in 1961, according to company officials. “On behalf of the entire West Star team, we are confident that our new partnership with NEP will help us successfully achieve our next level of growth,” said Robert Rasberry, West […]
Improperly rigged landing gear collapses
The pilot, with three passengers, proceeded toward the runway in Dallas, Texas, for departure, in a Cessna 421A. As the twin-engine airplane approached the taxiway intersection, the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the right wing tank and right engine propeller to hit the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right […]
Pictures of the day: My first air show
Hardath Laloo sent in this photos, noting they are from his first air show, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, held May 6-7.