WASHINGTON, D.C. – The FAA has given approval for energy corporation BP and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturer AeroVironment to fly an AeroVironment Puma AE for aerial surveys in Alaska — the first time the FAA has authorized a commercial UAS operation over land. “These surveys on Alaska’s North Slope are another important step toward broader commercial […]
AirVenture Cup Race now accepting entries
This July, fast airplanes, race pilots, and aviation enthusiasts will once again be descending upon Mitchell, South Dakota, (KMHE) in advance of the 17th annual EAA AirVenture Cup. This year’s race is planned to start from KMHE and have a mandatory turn point over Mankato, Minnesota (KMKT). Pilots then set course, throttle wide open, to […]
Zenith ships One Week Wonder kit to AirVenture
The Experimental Aircraft Association‘s program to build a complete aircraft during AirVenture-Oshkosh 2014 has moved a step closer. Zenith Aircraft President Sebastien Heintz has put the final screws into the crate holding all of the materials needed to assemble the airframe for a CH 750. Another crate containing the powerplant will be shipped by Rotax and […]
ASIC to install PT6A engines in Caravans
ENID, Oklahoma – Aircraft Structures International Corp. (ASIC) has revealed plans to install the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-140 turboprop engine into the Cessna Grand Caravan and the original Caravan, with Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) in place by the end of 2014. The modified Caravan will be called the ULtimate Caravan. The new STCs will […]
FlightSafety expands Teterboro center
FlightSafety International recently celebrated the grand opening of its newly expanded and renovated Learning Center in Teterboro, New Jersey. “Last June we stood here to mark the groundbreaking for this new facility. And one year later we gather to celebrate the completion of this state of the art facility,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “FlightSafety […]
Second edition of ‘The Basic Aerobatic Manual’ released
Just released is the second edition of “The Basic Aerobatic Manual.” Written by William K. Kershner, the book is a complete reference for the beginning aerobatic student, with unusual attitude and spin recovery information for the more straight-and-level flyer. Kershner’s straightforward and conversational writing style guides students through stalls, chandelles, and lazy 8’s as well as […]
Garmin introduces VIRB Elite Aviator Action Pack
Garmin has introduced aviation-specific accessories for the VIRB action camera. VIRB Elite features a 1.4-inch Chroma color display, which makes setup and playback simple and ensures pilots capture the in-flight footage they desire, Garmin officials noted. VIRB Elite offers up to three hours of HD video to be recorded on a single charge and offers […]
Lack of experience puts Kitfox off runway
Aircraft: Kitfox V. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Owenton, Ky. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot, who was the owner of the airplane, was on an instructional flight to obtain a tailwheel endorsement. He reported that the airplane experienced a sudden gust of windjust after liftoff and that he overcorrected, which caused the airplane to stall and […]
Motivation, inspiration, and big ol’ dreams
I’ve just returned from a beautiful morning chat on my friend Ben’s front porch. Ben’s 87 years old. As a solid member of that group known as the greatest generation, he fills the bill well. A southern boy born into hard work and low expectations, he went off to war as a young man in […]