Aircraft: Beech Bonanza. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Taos, N.M. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The 79-year-old private pilot, who held an instrument rating and had logged 1,643 hours, obtained two abbreviated weather briefings prior to departure. He initially planned to fly a familiar route over mountainous terrain, but then changed his proposed route of […]
Take off with X-Plane
As a college student, Austin Meyer was finding it difficult to keep up his instrument currency. Like so many pilots at the time, he was using Microsoft Flight Sim, but “I wasn’t happy with its flexibility,” he recalled. “I was having a heck of a time passing my currency check.” That’s when he turned his […]
AOPA points out FAA’s flawed process in decision to close towers
In a court filing Monday, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) called the FAA’s decision to close 149 contract control towers “arbitrary, capricious, and fundamentally flawed, leaving the safety and efficiency consequences largely unknown.” In an amicus curiae brief filed as part of a federal lawsuit against the FAA by municipalities where control towers […]
New start for AirVenture Cup Race
The EAA AirVenture Cup Race will feature a new starting point in 2013, plus several new aircraft classes that will allow even more pilots to participate in this competition prior to the EAA AirVenture fly-in in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This year’s course will start at Mount Vernon Airport (MVN) in Illinois, include two turn points, and […]
Ford Tri-Motor returns to Air Zoo
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — This summer, the Air Zoo is offering flight opportunities in its restored 1929 Ford Tri-Motor. The Ford Tri-Motor was the world’s first mass-produced airliner. Between 1925 and 1933, the Ford Motor Co. built 199 Tri-Motors. Today, only 12 remain. The Tri-Motor flight experience will last about 15 minutes and will take place […]
New sponsor for Air Race Classic
The oldest cross-country air race, the Air Race Classic (ARC), will be sponsored this year by the only watch company dedicated to female flyers, The Abingdon Co. The Air Race Classic is an all female race that encompasses nearly 2,400 miles and four days of competitive flying. The ARC has a history with roots back […]
Great Lakes Expo expands
The Great Lakes Aviation Expo is expanding in its 14th year with a move to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. “With a recent addition of an on-site Hyatt Hotel and the expanded exhibit floor, it is a natural move for us to handle the increasing attendance for this annual event,” said Dr. Phil […]
New FBO planned for Chicago Executive Airport
Hawthorne Global Aviation Services has acquired the development rights for an FBO at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK). Hawthorne, which acquired the rights from from Sovereign Development Group, plans to begin construction on the FBO at Chicago Executive Airport immediately, with plans for completion in 2014. “The acquisition of the development rights for a new FBO at […]
Flight into freezing rain kills two
Aircraft: Bellanca Viking. Injuries: 2 Fatal. Location: Rock Springs, Wyo. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The private pilot did not have an instrument rating. According to his logbook he had accumulated about 3,040 flying hours, including 1,330 hours in a Bellanca. The pilot’s initial plan was to make the cross-country flight on the day […]