As its 2014 legislative session came to a close, Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal signed an amendment adding aviation activities to its Recreational Use Statute (RUS). HB494 includes liability protection for airstrip owners — the 22nd state in the nation to adopt this change. The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) has made it a goal to add landowner liability […]
Pipistrel completes FAA LSA audit
Pipistrel reports it has successfully completed the FAA Light-Sport Aircraft operations audit. In February, the FAA audit delegation visited and verified compliance to FAA regulation and ASTM LSA standards at Pipistrel’s factories in Italy and Slovenia. The audit consisted of compliance verification of Pipistrel’s products, production organization, continued airworthiness procedures, maintenance aspects, and documentation for LSA […]
University develops new curriculum around jet engine sim
SALINA, Kansas — The aviation program at Kansas State University Salina is entering a new collaboration to develop curriculum for a jet engine simulator. K-State Salina has agreed to work with Price Induction to create a curriculum using the French company’s new virtual engine test bench that simulates the DGEN 380 lightweight gas turbine engine. Price […]
Two join Civil Air Patrol board of governors
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Cols. Ralph Miller, Pacific Region deputy chief of staff for operations, and Warren Vest, former national finance officer, have been selected as the newest at-large members of the Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors. With his selection by the CAP Senior Advisory Group, Miller succeeded Lt. Col. Ned Lee […]
McCauley composite propeller receives FAA certification
WICHITA— McCauley Propeller Systems has received FAA certification of its Blackmac Carbon Series constant speed composite propeller. The propeller’s advanced composite materials and patented high-strength, low-weight continuous carbon loop blade retention system significantly reduces propeller assembly weight and improves product life, according to company officials. The scimitar propeller blades, optimized for balanced performance, are made of seamless carbon […]
2014 Aviation Summit adds Dream Racing to event
Dream Racing will offer fans the chance to drive some of the fastest, most exotic Ferraris in the world at the 2014 Aviation Summit Oct. 31-Nov. 2 in Palm Springs, Calif. Dream Racing, led by founders and former race car drivers Enrico Bertaggia and Adriano De Micheli, provides racing experiences to fans by giving them […]
AOPA and Jeppesen enter new partnership
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Jeppesen have entered into a new partnership that includes support and participation in AOPA Foundation Air Safety Institute seminars, the 2014 regional AOPA Fly-Ins and the association’s 75th Anniversary “Homecoming” Fly-In at its Frederick Md., headquarters. “Jeppesen has played a pioneering role in providing pilot services and that […]
Poor decisions kill four
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: 4 Fatal. Location: St. George, Utah. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: Prior to the flight, the pilot and passengers were at a party, during which time the pilot and all but one passenger (the designated driver) consumed multiple alcoholic beverages. They left to go to another party and while en route, the vehicle was […]
Was that cheering?
I’ve been a long-time skeptic about most General Aviation record-setting or publicity flights. Especially in this latter day of aviation, who is impressed? In any case, there’s a distinction between a flight purposefully pushing technology and the risky publicity stunt or ego exercise. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), whose cause I served at […]