The Beech A36 departed on the accident flight, and after flying 1 hour, 18 minutes using fuel from the left tank, the pilot switched fuel tanks, and the engine lost power. A passenger reported that there was a strong headwind, so the pilot was diverting for fuel. Attempts to restore power were unsuccessful. During the […]
Picture of the day: Early morning takeoff at #SnF16
Photographers at SUN ‘n FUN snapped this photo on opening day of balloons inflating in Paradise City, the Light-Sport Aircraft area of the annual fly-in. The six-day show opened Tuesday and will run through Sunday, April 10.
SUN ‘n FUN by the numbers
For the first time in SUN ’n FUN history, the fly-in opens not only debt free, but with more than $500,000 in the bank. That’s the latest report from SUN ’n FUN President John “Lites” Leenhouts, who added that the fly-in also has $175,000 that it is building into an endowment fund. “That means we […]
Sunshine Express 400 racers make their way to Lakeland
The second annual Sunshine Express 400 ran Sunday, April 3. A strong tailwind helped the 17 racers set fast times on the course from Greenwood County Airport (KGRD) in South Carolina, to Multrie (KKGR), Georgia, then to Winter Haven’s Gilbert Field (KGIF). The 400 nautical mile race was organized by 71-year-old Pat Purcell, who was […]
On the verge: 2 million Young Eagles
The next two years will see tremendous milestone for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, already the largest youth aviation education program created. In 2016, the Young Eagles program will fly its 2 millionth young person since its founding in 1992, a spark that will lead the program into its 25th anniversary in 2017. […]
Video on engine failure released
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new video aimed at helping pilots prepare for engine failure. Engine Out! From Trouble to Touchdown reviews how to tackle an engine failure in a single-engine aircraft.“Flying is a safe and rewarding activity and an engine failure is very rare, but […]
Cessna Skyhawk now equipped with Angle of Attack system
Cessna Aircraft Co. announced at SUN ‘n FUN that Safe Flight’s SCc Angle of Attack (AoA) system is now standard on all Cessna Skyhawk 172 aircraft and optional on the Cessna Skylane 182 and Cessna Turbo Stationair 206. “Textron Aviation is constantly looking for innovative solutions for our piston customers and making the SCc Angle of […]
Hartzell buys Sky-Tec brand
Hartzell Engine Technologies has acquired the Sky-Tec brand of high performance aircraft starters and solenoids. “We are ecstatic to have successfully completed the acquisition of one of the aviation industry’s most respected brands which significantly enhances our starter product line and adds solenoids as well,” said Mike Disbrow, president of Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET). “Working with […]
Piper takes 112 aircraft order from UND
On opening day of this year’s SUN ‘n FUN, Piper Aircraft reported it had taken a 112-aircraft order from the UND Aerospace Foundation, which provides training and aircraft to the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences. Deliveries begin in the fourth quarter of 2016 and stretch out over eight years. “This is […]