President Donald Trump released his first budget proposal March 16, 2017, which calls for spinning off Air Traffic Control from the FAA to an independent non-government organization. The proposal mirrors that of a report released recently by the Eno Center for Transportation’s Aviation Working Group. “The purpose of spinning off air traffic control from the federal […]
Debate over privatizing ATC: Us vs. Them?
In the space of one week in February, a report calling for sweeping changes to Air Traffic Control, including taking control of ATC from the FAA and putting it in the hands of a non-profit organization funded by user fees, was released, just days after a survey was released showing that most voters oppose privatizing […]
Researchers ask for input from pilots on economic challenges
A team of researchers at George Mason University School of Business have launched a survey on the economic impact of private and sport aviation. While aviation is thrilling, it’s also expensive. That’s led to a “significant” number of aviation enthusiasts grounded, unable to afford such an expensive hobby, according to the researchers. Their study addresses […]
CiES digital fuel sender earns STC
BEND, Ore. – CiES’s digital fuel quantity system has earned Supplemental Type Certification (STC) approval for Beechcraft, Cessna, Cirrus, Piper, Fairchild, Gippsland, Maule, Mooney, Vulcanair, American Champion, Pilatus, and Britten Norman aircraft. More than 1,750 CiES fuel systems have been delivered by OEMs, including Cirrus (SR20, SR22, Vision Jet), Quest’s Kodiak, Vulcanair’s P68, Tecnam, Gippsland’s […]
Distracted pilot forgets to lower gear
During a ferry flight, while turning from downwind leg to base leg of the airport traffic pattern in Siler City, N.C., the pilot became distracted when the Bellanca 17 31A’s cabin door popped open. He continued on the approach and prior to touchdown, advanced the propeller rpm, set the mixture to full rich, and put the flaps […]
Taking things literally…
This photo caught my eye when it first appeared in Vermont Aviation, an email newsletter put out by the Aviation Program of the Agency of Transportation for the state of Vermont. They spotted it first on a Reddit thread.
Bonanza key to family’s epic adventure
From a low approach down Cape Canaveral’s runway to flying through the Smoky Mountains, the Beechcraft Bonanza has taken Clifford Staley on a world of adventures. One summer, the Boca Raton, Florida, pilot enjoyed one of his favorite journeys in his aircraft — two weeks with his wife, Hong, visiting friends and family, indulging in beloved pastimes […]
Texas GA Caucus calls for maintenance tax reform
With its reputation as a pro-growth, low-tax state, Texas should be a favorable place to work on aircraft. But it’s one of a shrinking minority of states that tax repair parts for general aviation aircraft. The 6.25% sales tax on parts drives significant repair and maintenance business to out-of-state facilities, resulting in a loss of […]
GA advocates for contract tower program
GA advocacy groups recently joined with other industry groups to ask Congress to fully fund the Contract Tower Program as part of the FAA’s 2018 fiscal year appropriations bill. The March 9 letter to lawmakers asks for “not less than $159 million” in funding for the program. “The FAA Contract Tower Program has provided cost-effective and essential air traffic safety services […]