The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) will host “Unmanned Systems North America 2012” in Las Vegas, August 6-9. The show’s website brags of 500+ exhibitors, 8,000+ attendees, delegates from more than 40 countries and 100 educational sessions. FAA’s Acting Administrator, Michael Huerta is just one of seven keynote speakers.
RAF summer newsletter available
The Recreational Aviation Foundation has released its Summer 2012 newsletter. Content includes: Glacier Park education summit, Gains in Recreational Use Statutes, Legacy Rock at Oshkosh, Fire Hubs spark interest, GAMA’s Pete Bunce joins RAF as Director, Ryan Field Fly-In report and more.
Company launches to scatter ashes
It’s not uncommon to scatter ashes from airplanes, but a new company in Boulder has taken final disposition of cremated remains to a new level. Launching a high-performance glider aircraft near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Aerial Tribute provides access to stratospheric thermals, which ascend to altitudes so high as to allow some of […]
AOPA expands insurance offerings
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Insurance Services has undergone a transformation designed to bring members a variety of expanded coverage options. In addition to traditional light aircraft and non-owned aircraft coverage, AOPA Insurance Services has the ability to assist with any type of general aviation insurance need from flying clubs to flight schools […]
Skydiving flight ends fatally
This August 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Cessna 185. Injuries: 1 Fatal, 5 Minor. Location: Newfane, N.Y. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The plane was being used to transport skydivers. […]
Lightning Man
My Old Man met Johnny Smith during an act of of immeasurable kindness. We were finally able to relocate back to Henry’s hometown of Canton, Georgia, in the early 1980s. With our few worldly possessions moved, it was time to fly the Luscombe 8A to her new home. I drove Henry to the grass field […]
Patient AirLift Services reaches milestone
Patient AirLift Services (PALS), a nonprofit volunteer pilot organization, reached a major milestone July 22 when it completedits 1,000th charitable flight flying Afghanistan war veteran and double leg amputee Marine Corporal Jessie Fletcher from Boston to Baltimore. Corporal Fletcher, a Purple Heart Medal recipient who was wounded by an IED blast during his second deployment […]
General aviation operations down at LGB
A report in the Long Beach Business Journal notes that general aviation activity at Long Beach Airport (LGB) in California, dropped about 24% in the first six months of the year compared to the same time last year. That’s a trend that worries GA businesses at the field, according to the report.
HEF to extend runway
In July, Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), Virginia’s largest regional airport, began construction to extend its longest runway by an extra 500 feet. The five-phase project is expected to be completed by Nov. 30 at a total cost of $4.4 million. The airport received an FAA grant for $3,974,723 (90% of the cost) and $353,309 from […]