There are a couple of good reasons Gilbert and Barbara Pierce’s bright red 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper occupied Space 1 on Row 1 of the vintage aircraft parking at this year’s SUN ’n FUN. First, they were early arrivals and, more importantly, their aircraft is a past champion and always receives a prime display spot. […]
FAA, air traffic controllers reach tentative agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA and its largest union, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, AFL-CIO (NATCA), have reached a tentative agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covering the air traffic control specialists assigned to the terminal and en route options, traffic management coordinators/specialists, air traffic controllers assigned to the flight service option, and […]
ICON slows A5 production, lays off staff
VACAVILLE, Calif. — ICON Aircraft has made major changes to this year’s A5 delivery plan, significantly reducing production of the light-sport aircraft. These changes are part of a strategy to improve the A5 production processes and manufacturing supply chain, while simultaneously supporting flight training for ICON customers, according to ICON officials. Plans announced May 25 include: A […]
National Warplane Museum kicks off crowdfunding project
The National Warplane Museum in Geneseo, N.Y., has kicked off its first-ever crowdfunding project. “We looked at several of the crowdfunding platforms, such as GoFundMe and KickStarter. Naturally there is going to be a cost involved to use these platforms, but these costs due vary depending on the size and scope of the project. We found […]
West Star Aviation to expand KCHA location
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — West Star Aviation has revealed plans to expand its location at Lovell Field Airport (KCHA) to feature a full service maintenance hangar and a paint facility. West Star’s Chattanooga location will begin construction on the 13 acres allocated for expansion in the fourth quarter of 2016, with anticipated completion in fourth quarter 2017. This […]
Deadline approaches to apply for scholarship
FREDERICK, Maryland — There are only a handful of days left to apply for a $500 aviation scholarship offered for student pilots and pilots to help further their training. Sponsored by aviation insurance broker Aviation Insurance Resources (AIR), the “Get into the AIR” scholarship can be used towards any phase of flight training, a flight […]
Australia approves Raisbeck’s Swept Blade Propellers for King Air 350s
SEATTLE — The FAA STC for Raisbeck Engineering’s Swept Blade Turbofan Propellers for the King Air 350 has been officially accepted by Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). “The Civilian Aviation Safety Authority’s acceptance of the FAA STC enables Australian 350 operators to upgrade their aircraft with the powerful yet quiet Raisbeck Swept Blade Propellers,” said […]
New owner crashes Pitts
The private pilot had recently purchased the Pitts Model 12, and the flight was the second leg of his cross-country trip to fly the plane home. After the first leg, he topped off the main and auxiliary (wing) fuel tanks, which, according to the pilot’s operating handbook (POH), provided a total usable fuel quantity of […]
Picture of the day: The embodiment of grassroots aviation
Frequent contributor Albert Dyer sent in this photo, with this explanation: “Brodhead Wisconsin has an airport (C37) that is perhaps the embodiment of what grassroots aviation is all about. There is a very active EAA chapter (EAA Chapter 431). It also has a small museum housing some very, very rare aircraft and cars. It’s also known within […]