The ninth convention of the the TBM Owners and Pilots Association (TBMOPA) surpassed all previous records with the presence of 95 TBM 700s and TBM 850s for its annual gathering, which was held this year at Amelia Island, Florida. The TBMs landed at Fernandina Beach Airport, and some 275 total attendees participated in the Oct. […]
Aero-Space Reports signs on as AOPA strategic partner
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has signed a new Strategic Partner agreement with Aero-Space Reports, Inc., an aircraft title and escrow service. The Oklahoma City-based company becomes AOPA’s third Strategic Partner, joining Enterprise Holdings (Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, Alamo Rent A Car) and Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co. “The outstanding customer service […]
Spokane Airways shutting down
Spokane Airways, which provides private aircraft maintenance, flight training and small aircraft charters at Spokane International Airport in Washington state, is closing its hangar doors after 25 years in business. According to a report at the Spokesman-Review, owner Dick Chastek, 80, is retiring at the end of December and closing a business he’s helped run […]
ACONE aviation safety lecture series kicks off
The First Annual Reese Dill Aviation Safety Lectureship Series Celebration, sponsored by the Aero Club of New England (ACONE), kicked off Wednesday, Nov. 14, with a presentation by Patty Wagstaff, six-time member of the US Aerobatic Team, gold, silver and bronze medalist, and first woman to win the title of US National Aerobatic champion. The […]
New book, “Topgun Days,” released
Now available is “Topgun Days,” by Dave “Bio” Baranek, a Naval Aviator who was an instructor at Topgun, the Navy’s elite Fighter Weapons School who assisted in the making of the Tom Cruise movie, “Top Gun.” Bio’s book describes his experiences as a regular guy thrown into the crazy world of fame and movies, and […]
AvFab launches mobile site for King Air products
Aviation Fabricators (AvFab) has launched a mobile version of its website KingAirUpdates.com. The new site was specifically developed to allow users a new level of access to AvFab’s King Air capabilities and products, all from the convenience of a Smartphone or Tablet, according to company officials. The newly launched site can be accessed by going […]
Drugs, poor health contribute to fatal accident
Aircraft: American Champion 8GCBC. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Bremerton, Wash. Aircraft damage: 1 Fatal. What reportedly happened: The pilot, 74, held an airline transport pilot certificate with an instrument rating. His most recent FAA third class medical certificate was issued in September 2010 with three limitations: Must wear corrective lenses, not valid for night flying, […]
Bluegrass gathering for International Cessna 195 Club
Story and Photos By KEVIN GARRISON Low ceilings, wet-gusty weather and cool temps did not keep dozens of beautiful Cessna 195s and their owners from flying to Frankfort, Kentucky, for their 42nd yearly gathering on the last weekend of September. Nothing sounds quite like a round engine. Capital City Airport (FFT) was bathed in the […]
LSA seaplane invasion…Can it happen?
What’s going on out in the marketplace? More than any time since the launch of Light-Sport Aircraft in 2004, I have not observed such a frenzy of activity for a particular niche, this time for LSA seaplanes. Next season, in 2013, we could see no less than nine entries — three brand new — and […]