The White House has nominated retired Delta Air Lines executive Steve Dickson to lead the FAA.
If confirmed by the Senate, Dickson will succeed Dan Elwell, who has been serving as acting administrator for the past 14 months, following Michael Huerta’s retirement from the agency. [Read more…]
Texas Aircraft Manufacturing has introduced the Colt Light-Sport Aircraft, which will feature an aviation-grade aluminum airframe, solid metal rivets, welded chromoly passenger safety cell, and a ballistic parachute system.
“It is our belief that the LSA market is in need of a new American made airplane that delivers the safety, strength, comfort and quality that we are building into the new Colt,” said Matheus Grande, CEO of the Hondo, Texas-based company. [Read more…]
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released “Powerless Over Paris,” the latest video in its Real Pilot Story series.
In Powerless Over Paris, Dr. Peter Edenhoffer relives the moment his airplane suffered a complete electrical failure in heavy instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) at night. As he speaks about the flight, Edenhoffer shares his thoughts and actions, including a fleeting moment of doubt about his chances for surviving the dilemma. [Read more…]
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Wittman W-10 reported that, after landing at an airport along his route, he observed a leak from the left master brake cylinder.
He “wiped up a considerable amount of brake fluid from the floorboard,” conducted a “thorough inspection” of the left brake, and then departed for another airport. [Read more…]
Gord McNulty submitted the following photo and note: “Thirty years ago this month, the Douglas C-47, known as the Dakota in Canada, was finally retired by the Canadian Armed Forces after a remarkable 46 years in service. On March 19, 1989, Dakota 12963 was flown to the original Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum at Hamilton, Ontario, to mark the farewell.” [Read more…]
Now and then we overhear conversations. Not the whole discussion, but snippets.
As conversationalists that’s the price we pay for being clustered into well-populated public spaces. As listeners it can be entertaining, or disturbing, or just plain weird. It’s a crap-shoot, really.
But it happens and I rarely put much thought into any given chatter I’ve overheard while going about my business. Until last week. That was different.
“Why aren’t we making hotel reservations for transients?” the airport director asked the line-person.
The airport director is new and making an effort to understand the system now under her control. The line-person is experienced in operations at that airport, having been there for some time.
“Why don’t we fill fuel orders we get over the radio?” the airport director queried another oddity of her new domain. [Read more…]
A notable historic aircraft, the C-47 “That’s All, Brother,” made an unscheduled trip from its home base in San Marcos, Texas, to Dayton, Ohio, on March 17, 2019, to visit and honor World War II veteran Jim “Pee Wee” Martin. Martin is one of the last remaining “Toccoa Originals,” U.S. Army paratroopers made famous by the HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers.”
After learning that deteriorating health would prevent Martin, 97, from making a planned trip to France for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, volunteers with the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) decided to take the airplane to him. Martin was expected to join the restored “That’s All, Brother” along with other vintage aircraft this June as part of the commemorative events.
He was especially looking forward to seeing “That’s All, Brother.” In 2015, Martin helped with a campaign to save the aircraft from being scrapped and supported efforts to restore the C-47.
“The round trip was about 2,000 miles and took 14 hours,” said Joe Enzminger, Wing Leader of the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, the organization that cares for the aircraft. “Despite the challenges, we wanted to take the aircraft to Ohio to make sure Jim Martin had a chance to see the finished restoration and fly in the aircraft that carried him into France in 1944. We are proud to have an opportunity to honor his contributions in combat and personally thank him for sharing his story with others.” [Read more…]
A new video posted to YouTube by the guys at FunPlacesToFly.com chronicles a recent flight to Sulphur Springs, Texas.
“Our EAA chapter and a local flying club were invited to have a tour of the American Legend Aircraft Company, which is famous for the Legend Cub, a two-place, LSA certified aircraft designed for airfields of any size and surface.”
Check out the two-a-half-minute video below: [Read more…]
Applications must be submitted by April 2, 2019, for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association‘s (AOPA’s) You Can Fly scholarships. Opportunities are available to help students earn an initial pilot certificate or get started on advanced training, according to AOPA officials.
AOPA is offering more than $1 million in You Can Fly scholarships for primary and advanced training students, high schoolers who want to learn to fly, and teachers who want to introduce aviation in their classrooms. [Read more…]
SEATTLE — In advance of World Autism Awareness Month, the Museum of Flight invites children with autism and their families on Sunday, March 31, for an early opening to visit the exhibits in a sensory-friendly environment.
According to museum officials, the World Wars I and II galleries in the J. Elroy McCaw Personal Courage Wing, and T. A. Wilson Great Gallery, will have adjusted lighting and sound.
Museum officials also will offer a special hands-on family activity that day.
Admission is free for children with autism and their families from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. only. [Read more…]
