Angels have been part of aviation myths since the early days of flight — so much so that two successful Hollywood movies, “A Guy Named Joe” and the 1989 remake “Always,” were centered on a pilot turned angel who comes to the rescue of fellow pilots. John and Patti Stahr from Eugene, Ore., enthusiastically embraced […]
3rd anniversary of Haiti Airlift
Saturday, Jan. 12, is the third anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, which sparked one of general aviation’s largest emergency relief efforts in history. To commemorate the anniversary, we received the following from Richard Sante of the Airlift Flyers Aviation: “General aviation woke up on a cool winter morning in January 2010 to an […]
Texas Tech researcher seeks help with NTSB survey
A doctoral candidate at Texas Tech University is researching how general aviation accident reports released by the NTSB and the retelling of those events influence aviation safety. Researcher Kristi Dunks said she is focusing on personal, agricultural, sightseeing, flight instruction, air tour, and other flights. This study will not focus on major airline accident reports. […]
NAFI begins search for new executive director
The board of the National Association of Flight Instructors has begun the transition process in the wake of the resignation of Jason Blair as executive director. Blair, who cited economic issues for his resignation, said “resigning offers the best possible future for the organization and myself. I fully support the mission of NAFI and hope […]
Cessna Grand Caravan EX certified
Cessna’s Grand Caravan EX has earned FAA Type Certification, company officials report, adding it has outperformed initial targets. Powered by the new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, the Grand Caravan EX boasts a 38% improvement in the rate of climb of the Grand Caravan, a figure that exceeds the original 20% improvement projection. “When […]
SunState Aviation Flight School opens new base at GIF
SunState Aviation Flight School is expanding in Florida, adding a new base of operation in Winter Haven (GIF). The satellite facility is the flight training base for Polk State College’s new pilot science program. SunState Aviation Flight School has contracted with Polk State College (PSC) to provide flight training to students enrolled in the program, […]
Business cards with your plane on them
General aviation pilots now can have business cards with their airplane on it — or any airplane of their choice — thanks to Air Pix Aviation Photos. Air Pix has served a mostly airline clientele with photo business cards since 1983, company officials say, noting the company has one of the largest collections of photos […]
Waco Flying Service expands
WACO, Texas — When Waco Flying Service began operating as a one airplane, one instructor flight school in 2009, its two-man team had big dreams of improving the services provided to student pilots. They succeeded, and that success attracted investment and some big ideas. Enter Clark Brooks, who purchased the company in December 2010 and […]
Distracted pilot flips floatplane
Aircraft: Cessna 206. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Stanwood, Wash. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot, 55, held multiple ratings, including Airline Transport Pilot. He had logged more than 4,200 hours, including 474 hours in seaplanes. The accident airplane was mounted on amphibious floats. Within the previous 90 days to the accident, the pilot […]