As the busy summer flying season approaches, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta recently met with leaders from the general aviation community to agree on actions to enhance safety and reduce accidents. The general aviation fatal accident rate has remained flat over the past five years and 149 fatal accidents already have occurred so far this fiscal […]
Aircraft maintenance tips: Spring cleaning
The snow has melted in the northern parts of the country and previously dormant hangar doors are starting to open. Flying season is here! But before you jump back into the air, it’s wise to take some time to prepare your airplane for the busy flying season, according to A&P Jeff Simon on a blog […]
Students evaluate wind effects on proposed Wright Flyer monument
Dayton, OH — Engineering students at The Ohio State University have completed a project to analyze aerodynamic forces that would be faced by the 25-story-tall Wright Flyer monument being developed by the Wright Image Group of Dayton. Aerospace engineering seniors Lindsey Crump, Chelsea Curtin, Tim Hendrickson, and Mitch Le completed the project with technical guidance […]
CH 650 kit part of new book
“Things Come Apart,” a new book by Todd McLellan, makes visible the inner workings of a camera, clock, power drill, iPad and a Zenith CH 650. These disassembled objects show that even the most intricate of modern technologies can be broken down and understood, while beautifully illustrating the quality and elegance of designs. Shown in its pre-assembled form, the […]
CAP photographs tornado-damaged homes
“I don’t think we’ve ever had a mission like this one,” said Lt. Col. Dave Roberts of the door-to-door ground team sorties Civil Air Patrol is performing for the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The mission, which began last Wednesday, is to photograph up to 12,000 home sites damaged by the Oklahoma tornadoes. “We’ve had boots […]
Hard braking for tailwheel
Aircraft: Luscombe 8E Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Apex, N.C. Aircraft damage: Substantial What reportedly happened: The pilot was conducting a full-stop landing. He executed a normal landing, lowered the tail and was rolling fast. The airplane was on the center line with 300 to 400 feet of runway remaining. He stated he applied the brakes […]
Connecting pilots to promote GA
By JEFF SIMON, Guest Editorial As hobbies go, flying has become a fairly solitary experience, at least in the air. The vast majority of general aviation flights are with a single occupant — the pilot. Added to that is the fact that flight hours have been in a steady decline for years, so we’re flying […]
Visiting Rotax and Pipistrel
We paid two memorable visits after AERO ended and I’ll tell you a little about each one … but first … While I was at Pipistrel in the office of boss Ivo Boscarol, he received word that Matevz Lenarcic had reached the North Pole on his flight reported earlier. Congratulations on this achievement; a long […]
RAF Museum launches restoration of rare Dornier 17
BARROWFORD, England — A team of restoration experts is currently at work salvaging a unique World War II aircraft from the floor of the English Channel. Using cutting edge restoration techniques within a purpose-built polytunnel from First Tunnels, the team hopes to have the rare Dornier 17 ready for exhibition within two years. British television […]