A report by Matt Thurber at AIN Online features a new company, OpenAirplane, which hopes to develop a standardized checkout for rental aircraft. Owners Rod Rakic and Adam Fast hope this will encourage more people to fly. The report quotes some interesting figures from a company survey: 96% of respondents said they would fly more […]
Ready for Oshkosh?
Sporty’s John Zimmerman, writing in his blog at Air Facts Journal, lists the 8 things he loves about Oshkosh, which kicks off in just two weeks. He starts by saying: “Have you ever met an aviation enthusiast who didn’t know exactly what that word meant? The annual EAA gathering in Wisconsin, officially called AirVenture, is […]
Restored Mosquito to take flight in fall
A de Havilland Mosquito FB 26 KA 114 belonging to Jerry Yagen of the Fighter Factory will return the the skies Sept. 29 at Ardmore Airfield in New Zealand, following a 10-year restoration. The restoration work was begun by Glynn Powell, who built the moulds that made the rebuild possible and an additional eight years […]
Eclipse launches ‘Total Savings’ program
Eclipse Aerospace, manufacturer of the Total Eclipse and the Eclipse 550 jet, has launched its limited time “Total Eclipse = Total Savings” program for eligible purchasers of the Total Eclipse twin-engine jet. Key provisions include: Two-Year Extended Warranty. Purchase a Total Eclipse by July 31 and receive a two-year factory sponsored “tip-to-tail” warranty. Options Package, […]
Breezer Aircraft moves to LAL
Breezer Aircraft USA has entered into a five-year lease agreement with SUN ’n FUN to move its flight training and related aviation services to the SUN ’n FUN campus at Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport (LAL) in Lakeland, Florida. In addition to Breezer Aircraft USA’s flight training, the company’s builder’s assistance for the Breezer II kits and Rotax maintenance […]
Next-Gen engine data analysis platform available free
SavvyAnalysis.com, the new free-of-charge, web-based, next-generation platform for analyzing piston aircraft engine monitor data, is now open for use by the general aviation community. The platform accepts data files from all popular makes and models of digital engine monitors — J.P. Instruments, Avidyne, Garmin, Electronics International, Insight Instruments, Ultra-FEI (AuRACLE), Dynon, Advanced Flight Systems, etc. […]
Down-draft bends Cub
This July 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: Piper J3C-65. Injuries: None. Location: Warrenton, Va. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot, who had logged about 200 hours, including 125 in […]
Cessna adds to mobile service fleet
Cessna Aircraft Co. recently introduced another Mobile Service Unit based at Atlantic Aviation, an FBO at Birmingham International Airport in Alabama. Cessna Mobile Service Units (MSU) provide on-site technical expertise and immediate support for more than 6,000 Cessna Citation jets in operation worldwide. The specially outfitted trucks carry many of the tools and equipment found […]
An unexpected mentor
Sitting across the table from a distinguished looking airline pilot who is both youthful and highly experienced, I can’t help but reminisce about the old days. As we chatter away about scheduling, performance, weather issues, family, and mutual friends, I can’t help but remember that this is the man who taught me to fly. It […]