SCAPPOOSE, Ore. — Oregon Aero is expanding, with a new 22,000-square-foot facility at Scappoose Industrial Airpark expected to be operational later this spring. “It’s coming along nicely, and it’s just exciting to think about how it will really enhance what we do for all of our customers,” said Tony Erickson, Chief Operating Officer for Oregon […]
AWOS now operational at Sporty’s
As of March 7, 2013, an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) is operational at Sporty’s/Clermont County Airport (I69) in Ohio. The AWOS represents a significant safety enhancement to pilots as it provides a comprehensive local weather picture, Sporty‘s officials note. It’s anticipated that even lower instrument approach minimums will be available at the airport given […]
Landing gets away from pilot
Aircraft: Cessna 182. Injuries: None. Location: Waynesburg, Pa. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot checked the wind conditions prior to landing and calculated the maximum crosswind component to be 15 knots, which included wind gusts. On final approach he was able to maintain runway alignment, but after touchdown, the airplane veered to the […]
Merger mania: EAA and AOPA?
With the announced resignation of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association‘s Craig Fuller and the departure last year of the Experimental Aircraft Association‘s new president, some are asking whether AOPA and EAA should merge. I think not. Neither EAA nor AOPA members should support a merger concept based only on recent performance by either organization, […]
Tower closures and furloughs: Are they necessary?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The FAA intends to send furlough notices to its employees, meaning in early April fewer controllers will be on the job unless Congress acts before that to make some changes to sequestration. The National Air Traffic Controller Association says it has been notified of this, adding that closing towers is “even worse.” With the […]
FAA sequestration cuts not safe or sensible
Craig Fuller, president and chief executive officer of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), on Wednesday leveled sharp criticism at the sequestration cuts planned by the Obama administration and the FAA, suggesting that the decision to close control towers and scale back aviation services constitutes a risk to aviation safety. “The White House budget […]
Different cultures, different customs
In response to our request for photos of shirt tails being cut after first solo, Zenith Aircraft’s Sebastien Heintz responded with: “Different cultures commemorate the solo flight in different ways. Here’s a video clip from Thailand from one of our customers.” Also, it’s not too late to send in photos from your first solo and […]
Satellite trackers integrate with Flight Service in Alaska
Do you own a SPOT or Spidertracks tracker? If so, you might want to keep an eye on the Enhanced Special Report Service (eSRS). Tom George, (AOPA’s Regional Manager in Alaska) and Adam White (Alaska Airmen’s Association past president) worked with Flight Service in Alaska to create eSRS which enhances a VFR flight plan with satellite tracking devices. Flight Service can now […]
‘On the Wings of Eagles’
Just released is “On the Wings of Eagles: A Flight Instructor’s Tale,” the biography of Fred Atkinson Sr., an unlicensed barnstormer during the Great Depression who became the National Flight Instructor of the Year in 1981. The e-book, written by Atkinson’s son, Fred Jr. and Jim, notes that “Today flying is commonplace. The average person […]