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 182. Injuries: None. Location: Franksville, Wis. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to take off from a wet grass […]
The Spivey family flying station wagon
There are many men who will tell you that buying an airplane very nearly resulted in divorce because their wives were dead-set against its purchase. Kenneth Spivey Jr., from Vestavia, Ala., says he had a completely different experience: “My wife actually MADE me go buy this airplane!” he said, gesturing to his 1952 Cessna 170B. […]
FAA study: GA airports a national asset
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Nearly 50 years ago I wrote a magazine article titled “Airports are for people who DON’T fly.” The FAA’s recently released 18-month study of GA airports has information documenting that claim, which people who don’t fly should know. The study tells of the many different functions at these airports that advance the […]
Pipistrel finalizes a new LSA trainer
Engineers at Pipistrel must not sleep in too often. This company, which won the NASA efficiency challenge several times — in 2011 taking home a $1.35 million cash prize — just unveiled a full-size version of a sleek four-seat design called the Panthera. Now on the other end of the spectrum comes its Alpha Trainer, […]
House GA Caucus grows to 184 members
Membership in the House General Aviation (GA) Caucus has grown to 184, making it one of the largest caucuses in the House of Representatives. That figure also marks the highest level of participation in the House GA caucus in its three-year history, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association. “The ongoing growth in […]
Chris Linn awarded Master Pilot Award
Chris Linn of Farragut, Tennessee, flies every chance he gets. The retired aerospace engineer, who keeps his floatplane at Sky Ranch Airport, home of the East Tennessee Pilots Club, was recently honored by the FAA with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for “practicing and promoting safe aircraft operations for more than 50 years” during […]
Aviation = $40 billion for Nevada
MINDEN, Nev. — Governor Brian Sandoval has proclaimed June 2012 as Aviation Appreciation Month in Nevada. A recent Airports Council International-North America report states Nevada airports generate an economic output of $40.5 billion and more than 314,000 jobs with an annual payroll in excess of $11.8 billion.
NavMonster closes
AVweb is reporting that NavMonster, a popular free online GA flight planning and information site, has closed down, citing uncertainty about future costs and potential lawsuits.
Sennheiser names Aircraft Spruce dealer of the year
The U.S. subsidiary of Sennheiser has named Aircraft Spruce its 2011 dealer of the year. “We are pleased to recognize Aircraft Spruce as Dealer of the Year in our aviation category,” said Chris Throndsen, national sales manager, general aviation at Sennheiser Electronic Corporation. “Aircraft Spruce’s expertise and passion for aviation helped their Sennheiser sales results […]