In the 1920s Great Britain saw a great growth in civil aviation, which was an outgrowth of its light aircraft movement. This movement originated with light plane trials held in Lympne, England. These competitions led to the development of new light aircraft for private ownership and flying clubs. The flying clubs saw thousands of pilots learn […]
Santa Monica takes first steps towards closing airport
The Santa Monica City Council has shortened ground leases for tenants at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO), limiting most businesses to month-to-month leases. Exceptions were FBO Atlantic Aviation, Adelman, a law firm, and the Museum of Flying, which received three-year leases to June 30, 2018, with the option of one-year extensions at the discretion of the city. The […]
9,000 Van’s flying
On April 9, Van’s Aircraft received a first-flight report from Thomas Damm, of Billund, Denmark. Damm’s RV-8 became the 9,000th RV kit to be completed and flown by a customer. Damm bought the barely-started kit from a close friend and completed it over a span of nine years. Using his life-long experience as a pilot for SAS, he […]
Win the use of a Pilatus PC-12 for eight hours
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has teamed up with Pilatus Aircraft to offer the use of a Pilatus PC-12 NG turboprop for eight hours of business missions. The “AOPA Pilot BizAv & You” contest runs through June 30, and is open to people who own or work for a company that would benefit […]
First flight: Merlin LSA
Glasair Aviation’s new light-sport aircraft, Merlin, took its first flight through the skies above Arlington Municipal Airport (KAWO) in Washington state, April 7. Following detailed validation testing, including engine run-up, high-speed taxi, and ground roll lift off, the team at Glasair stood back and watched as Merlin departed the surface of runway 34 with test-pilot […]
NC sponsors free wildlife hazard training sessions
Wildlife can wreak havoc for airports and their staff. Birds and other animals can damage planes on the ground or cause accidents by flying into the engines or roaming on airport grounds. To increase awareness of these concerns and to improve safety for all, the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Division of Aviation will offer free […]
ASA releases FAR/AIM Android app
A new FAR/AIM app from ASA is now available on Google Play. The app, priced at $9.99, contains information from Titles 14 and 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations pertinent to pilots, flight instructors, and flight crew, combined with the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and Pilot/Controller Glossary. Features include free updates, text search, highlighting, bookmarking, […]
Pilot mistakes gear handle for flap lever
The pilot of the Cessna 210 and a passenger were attempting to land at Corvallis, Ore., at the end of a cross-country flight. As the airplane was approaching the non-towered airport, the pilot announced his position and his intention to conduct a straight-in approach to Runway 35. The landing was normal. During the landing roll, […]
Picture of the day: Flying in Iceland
Valur Stefansson, chairman of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in Iceland, sends us this photo, noting, “this Cessna Skyhawk 172M 1975 model TF-STR has been in our family since 1990.”