After almost 10 years in the aircraft float business, the maker of Full-Lotus floats recently decided to focus on production of its non-aviation products. All the design rights, inventory and production tooling for the Full-Lotus float line have now been sold to Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Inc. Aircraft Floats Manufacturing, Inc. (AFM) will continue producing the […]
Cessna launches Discover Flying Challenge
Cessna Aircraft Co. has launched its Discover Flying Challenge, challenging aviation students to see who can generate the most awareness and hands-on experience for the company’s Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA), the Skycatcher. The inaugural “Cessna Discover Flying Challenge” commenced on June 23 at the Cessna Open House in Independence, Kan., an event which commemorated the company’s […]
Multi-color flashlight introduced
Pelican Products has introduced the 2370 LED multi-color flashlight. Designed to work in a variety of environments, the 2370 LED features the latest LED technology with four operating modes (high and low white as well as night-vision-friendly red and blue). For easy mode change, the flashlight is engineered with a magnetically-actuated selector switch. The switch’s […]
Master Mechanic Drill-Driver debuts
True Value has introduced the Master Mechanic 18V Drill-Driver, which company officials tout as a “great tool for aviation enthusiasts.” Since the first cordless drill arrived, there have been numerous transformations. What’s evolved are drill-drivers that feature better ergonomics, compact size, lighter weight, more power and lower cost, say company officials, noting these characteristics “fit […]
Delayed pre-landing check leads to forced landing
This June 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 401. Injuries: 3 Serious. Location: Plymouth, Mass. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The airplane was returning from a three-hour aerial mapping mission […]
The effect of lower octane fuel on your airplane
Last week I was watching TV when I heard a loud clap of thunder and saw a flash. This was followed by the lights going out and the very sickening sound of electronics going bye-bye from the computer desk. The next morning the lights were back on, but the computer had sacrificed its life to […]
The Shuttle ‘has wings’ with the public, why not GA?
East Coast folks and TV viewers everywhere flocked to watch the Space Shuttles fly into Washington and New York recently. Some Washington friends took the day off. AAA even published safety tips to avoid distraction if you saw a Shuttle overhead while driving. The public was fascinated. So why is our flying now so seemingly […]
Air Race Classic lands at Sporty’s
More than 100 air race pilots competing in the 36th annual Air Race Classic descended on the Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport in Ohio last week, after flying a 2,330 nm cross-country course in four days. Starting on June 19, the aircraft left Lake Havasu, Arizona, on a course that would take them east, north, and finally […]
NTSB rules pilot error in Roush Oshkosh crash
NASCAR team owner Jack Roush says he accepts the findings of the NTSB report released Friday that blamed him for the crash of his Hawker Beechcraft 390 business jet at AirVenture 2010, AVweb is reporting.