West Star Aviation continues to work toward the grand opening of its newest MRO facility at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA) in Tennessee. In addition Thomas Hilboldt, former KPWK Satellite Manager in Chicago, has been promoted to Director of Operations, and will oversee all operations at this facility. The new 20,424-square-foot heated hangar space will house […]
Fatigue failure brings down Stinson
The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the Stinson 108’s engine began to sputter and that it eventually lost all power. He was unable to return to the airport and initiated a forced landing to an open field near Lodi, Calif. During the landing, the plane hit a berm, nosed over, and then came to […]
Picture of the day: Three Mile Island
Dave McAnall snapped this photo Dec. 6 while IFR training with CFII Patrick Gidusko (CFII). He explains: “Departing KMDT — Harrisburg International — with Three Mile Island off to the right.”
What to do about a lean mixture setting
Q: I have a PA-25-260 ag plane. When I let it idle 640 rpm, it makes a popping noise, however after takeoff, when I reduce power (slowly), the loader says he can hear a popping noise. Both mags check good and I recently replaced the spark plugs due to a drop in one mag. This fixed the […]
FAA rules SMO must stay open at least through 2023
The FAA has issued a ruling that will require the city of Santa Monica to keep the historic Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) open at least through 2023. The ruling was hailed as a victory by general aviation advocates, who have been fighting the city’s attempts to close the Southern California airport. The National Business Aviation […]
Registration for GAMA/Build A Plane design competition opens
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and Build A Plane have opened registration for the fourth Aviation Design Challenge. Registration is open to the first 100 schools that enter. In three years, the STEM curriculum upon which the competition is based has reached more than 150 high schools in 38 states and Washington, D.C. Past winners […]
SUN ‘n FUN invites fellow airshow organizers to fly-in
LAKELAND, Florida — There are thousands of airshows around the world each year. SUN ‘n FUN hosts 50 to 60 airshow acts each spring. To make meeting prospective performers — in the flesh — easier, SUN ‘n FUN officials are inviting organizers to the upcoming fly-in, slated for April 5-10, 2016. “SUN ‘n FUN will provide one day’s free admission […]
IAWA holds first conference in Middle East
The International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA), a worldwide professional organization dedicated to the advancement of women leaders within the aviation and aerospace industries, held its 27th annual conference in Dubai, UAE, the first IAWA conference in the Middle East. The conference was held Nov. 10-12, and included delegates spending a day at the 2015 Dubai Airshow. “The […]
New owner, CEO for Aircraft Technical Publishers
SAN FRANCISCO — Aircraft Technical Publishers (ATP), a provider of information management and services for manufacturers, owners/operators, and maintenance providers in the general aviation industry, reports that Chicago-based private equity firm ParkerGale Capital has acquired the company and partnered with Charles Picasso, who has been named as the new CEO. The new owners, who said they will […]