The Driving While Intoxicated case that led to Randy Babbitt’s abrupt resignation as the FAA’s leader has been dismissed, according to a report at AOPA.org. Babbitt told reporters he bears no ill will against the police officer who arrested him for driving while intoxicated in December, after a Fairfax, Va., judge ruled May 10 that […]
Senate passes CAP Gold Medal bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A major step in the campaign to secure a Congressional Gold Medal recognizing Civil Air Patrol members’ service to the country during World War II was taken May 11 when the U.S. Senate unanimously approved S. 418, introduced by Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. “This legislation will offer long overdue recognition to a […]
Air Tractor joins GAMA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The board of directors of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has approved Air Tractor as its newest member. GAMA’s membership currently stands at 77 manufacturers. Air Tractor got its start as the Snow Aeronautical Co. in 1951. In 1958, Leland Snow moved the production facilities to Olney, Texas, where Air Tractor […]
Sporty’s Fly Away Cleaning Kit debuts
Sporty’s has assembled a pint-sized cleaning kit to keep in your airplane. One pint containers of an assortment of cleaning supplies will ensure your airplane gleams even after a long flight. The small size of the containers makes sure your weight and balance won’t be thrown off with bulky gallon bottles, company officials note. The […]
New Customs office in works at FAR
Hector International Airport in Fargo, N.D., (FAR) has broken ground on a new U.S. Customs office. The new facility is being built on the North general aviation ramp between two of Fargo Jet Center’s main hangars. “We are committed to a high level of service for our visiting international flights and a part of that […]
Heavy rain leads to over-run
This May 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 180. Injuries: None. Location: Kettle Falls, Wash. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot stated that during the flight he encountered frequent […]
Avgas Economics 101
After I wrote about my visit to Swift Fuels, I received several notes asking why it would be so difficult to determine a price for the finished product. I have a good friend who runs an auction company and when I ask him what something is worth, he usually replies, “Whatever someone is willing to […]
Aerotrek success mirrors other positive news
Aerotrek may be one of those “sleepers.” You know, the kind of company that does well, has few problems, and doesn’t need to make a lot of noise to be successful. Aerotrek’s tri-gear and taildragger models look great, fly well, and are priced so reasonably that sales are remarkably steady. The company ranks #12 in […]
When can your AME make the call?
Did you know that there are five medical conditions that your AME doesn’t have to defer to the FAA prior to granting medical certification? That’s a fact that can make your path as an aviator easier to navigate if you develop one of these conditions, says Warren Silberman, former manager of the FAA’s Aerospace Medical […]