John Schmidt submitted this photo and note: “Pietenpol builder/pilot Greg Cardinal noticed the sun coming through his hangar windows at just the right time to illuminate the wood instrument panel of his airplane and caught this view. The panel, fabricated with the help of Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame inductee Dale Johnson, was purposely cut for the wood grain symmetry, and finished with a minimum of instruments.”
What should I do with an engine that’s making metal?
Our engines expert helps troubleshoot a Piper Pacer’s engine, which just starting making metal.
Hidden danger: Dust devils
Dust devils present significant hazards to general aviation pilots and have been present in more than 170 accidents the National Transportation Safety Board has investigated since 1982.
Museum expands high school plane-building program
The Aviation Museum of N.H. recently expanded its high school student aircraft-building program to two new schools: Lebanon High School and Farmington High School.
Aviat unveils STOL package
The STOL+ package consists of Alaska Gear Company’s Aluminum Husky Lift Struts, ACME Aero’s Stinger Tailwheel, and the EarthX Lithium Battery.
Piper hits forklift while taxiing
Pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a forklift while taxiing.
Picture of the Day: Farewell 57 Alpha
Jeremy Bankston submitted this photo and note: “Departing Rutherford County Airport/Marchman Field (KFQD) in North Carolina after finding the 57 Alpha Cafe permanently closed. Ron at the 57 Alpha Cafe decided to close his doors for health reasons after 32 years. The on-airport cafe is known throughout the Carolinas as a favorite lunch destination.”
Cactus Fly-In a hornet’s nest of activity
The 66th annual Cactus Fly-In, held March 2 at Casa Grande Municipal Airport in Arizona, boasted more than 160 visiting aircraft and more than 2,000 people.
Blue Angels documentary premiering May 17
“Soar with The Blue Angels in a brand-new documentary featuring never-before-seen footage that chronicles a year with the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron — from selection through the challenging training and demanding show season — showcasing the extraordinary teamwork, passion, and pride that fuels America’s best, the Blue Angels,” the trailer’s introduction states.