Tom Snow captured this shot at AirVenture 2016 of Lex Thistlethwaite of Sunset, La., waiting on an IFR clearance at his newly-purchased Lancair Legacy.
Oil filters: Are they necessary or just nice?
I’ve received several questions recently about oil filters. Specifically, if you own an aircraft that came from the factory without an oil filter, should you install an aftermarket filter? The questions were usually divided into two parts. First, will the installation of an oil filter pay for itself? And will an oil filter increase the life or […]
Video: Flying for food
Forget the $100 hamburger. In this new video from FunPlacesToFly, Bar B Que is the mission! “We flew out of McKinney Airport and headed for Gainesville Airport in Gainesville, Texas,” explains Smitty Smith, the force behind the website. “We grabbed an airport courtesy car and went into town. What fun!”
FAA’s new drone rules now in effect
The FAA’s new regulations went into effect Aug. 29 for routine commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), more popularly known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft. The provisions of the new rule – formally known as Part 107 – are designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground, according to […]
Commercial drones cleared for takeoff
The new FAA rule governing commercial operations of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) — also known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft — means more businesses and innovators will be able to fly, unlocking the “tremendous economic benefits of the new technology,” according to the top official of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI). “The United […]
Verify ADS-B performance with free FAA online tool
Aircraft owners can now validate the performance of installed ADS-B Out equipment through a free automated tool provided by the FAA. “From the FAA perspective, this is a very valuable tool for aircraft owners, operators and avionics shops to verify accurate transmission of their aircraft’s ADS-B data,” said Doug Carr, vice president of regulatory and international affairs […]
Insurance company launches drone safety program
USAIG has introduced Performance Vector Unmanned, created specifically for policyholders who insure unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as remotely piloted aircraft and drones. The program serves to keep safety at the forefront, which is especially critical considering that UAS outnumber registered manned aircraft, company officials note. The program’s predecessor, Performance Vector, was established in […]
Midwest LSA Expo slated for September
The Midwest LSA Expo returns to Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (KMVN) in Mt. Vernon, Ill., Sept. 8-10. Touted as “The Place to be for Light Aviation This Fall,” the Expo will boast more than 40 Light-Sport Aircraft, including Part 103, STOL (Short Take off and Land) and Gyroplanes, according to organizers. Attendees can also shop […]
Cropduster hits antenna guy wire
The Air Tractor pilot was spraying a corn field near Cimarron, Kansas, bordered by radio antennas. He had sprayed the field previously and planned to use the same pattern this time. However, on his initial pass, he focused on the inner guy wire anchor point, which caused him to inadvertently fly between the inner and […]