Aviation faces some fundamental issues: While the FAA reports there were 41% fewer private pilot certificates issued over the last decade, Boeing is projecting the need for 460,000 new pilots globally by 2031. Meanwhile, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is reporting that up to 80% of student pilots drop out of training. “It’s a […]
SUN ’n FUN baby earns private ticket
By AMELIA T. REIHELD SUN ’n FUN’s contagious aviation joy can claim another recruit to the ranks. Logan Honea has been to every SUN ’n FUN since the year he was born. Sixteen years after his first trip to Lakeland, he soloed on his birthday, and last week, just past his 17th birthday, he earned […]
Lawmakers keep pressure on FAA to keep towers open
WASHINGTON, D.C. — 42 U.S. Senators have sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta calling on the agency to stop the planned closure of 149 contract towers. In the letter, the lawmakers highlight that the bill passed in the Senate on April 25 and signed into […]
Sporty’s Foundation makes grants to ensure next generation
For the first quarter of 2013, The Sporty’s Foundation made bequests in the amount of $37,500 to groups and organizations promoting youth programs. EAA’s Next Step continues to be funded year-round by The Sporty’s Foundation. This program partners EAA with Sporty’s to make Sporty’s online Learn to Fly Course available to any Young Eagle. “The […]
Oceano Airport Celebration set for May 10-11
The 4th Annual Oceano Airport Celebration is set for May 10-11 at the Oceano Airport (L52). Can you think of a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Nope, neither can I. Festivities kick off Friday night with a Beach Burger Fry and Dance. Tickets for the dinner/dance are $10 and available from http://friendsofoceanoairport.com/ or at the gate. On Saturday, Celebration […]
#Oshbash awards to honor social media stars
EUGENE, Ore. – The #Oshbash Awards honor those who keep the aviation conversation humming on Twitter. Airplanista, an aviation blog site cultivated by Dan Pimentel, will present the first-ever #Oshbash Awards at its annual meetup event on Wednesday, July 31 (5:30-7:30 pm) in the EAA Press Tent at the 2013 EAA Airventure Oshkosh. As a blog, Airplanista (and formerly […]
Collision during ferry flight
Aircraft: Piper Cherokee, Piper Comanche. Injuries: 2 Fatal Location: New Hampton, N.Y. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The two pilots arrived at the airport in a Piper Comanche to pick up the Piper Cherokee. The intention was that one would fly the Cherokee back to the departure airport. The pilot of the Cherokee, 53, […]
An open letter to the FAA administrator: How can we help?
A third-class medical exemption for pilots operating four-seat, 180-hp (or less) aircraft in daytime, VFR conditions probably is not a high priority item for FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. Can you really blame him? But it is to me, and no doubt a great many current, and potential, recreational pilots. So…Michael — can I call you […]
Challenges ahead for NextGen
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA is entering its midterm implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and, while advances have been made, there remain many issues and challenges. That is pointed out in a new report put together by the Government Accountability Office at the request of leaders of the House Committee on […]