Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s (ISM) air traffic control service provider Robinson Aviation (RVA) has named John Blakeney Outstanding Controller of the Year for 2011. Blakeney was selected from more than 500 controllers throughout the U.S. and is the only remaining original controller at Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s control tower since opening in 1997. “From 58,000 control tower […]
Alaskan Bushwheel gets FAA nod for Maule Extended Gear
Alaskan Bushwheel has received FAA approval of its Maule 3-inch Extended Gear (P/N: ABI-4022X). “After two-and-a-half years of design, testing and fulfilling FAA requirements, we can finally offer this extended gear to the public,” company officials said. “Our Maule Extended Gear is 3 inches longer and stronger than stock Maule gear. It comes complete with […]
General aviation setting for new novel
Against a backdrop of general aviation operations at a mid-sized New England airport, the new novel “Cone of Silence” tells a story of corporate greed and government indifference … and the unexpected consequences of both. This novel will be of interest to pilots and flight instructors for its insights into the GA industry, as well […]
Special activities slated for every day of AirVenture
At this summer’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, each day has highlights for the most hardcore aviator as well as those who are just discovering all the attractions within the world of flight. The 60th annual edition of EAA AirVenture is July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. The action actually begins before the event with […]
Embraer receives Impact Award
Embraer Aircraft has been awarded the 2011 Impact Award by the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce in Florida, which recognizes the contribution of aviation companies to the area’s economy. Embraer is receiving the award for the development of a final-assembly center for the company’s Phenom Executive Jets as well as its global Customer Center. “This […]
Single-engine approach goes bad for Seneca
This March 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: Piper Seneca. Injuries: 2 Serious. Location: Vero Beach, Fla. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The CFI and student were on a training flight […]
A will to succeed
By J. DOUGLAS HINTON Though all of us have heard stories about individuals overcoming physical impairments on the road to success, perhaps this tale is unique. Ben Schipps, from Venice, Florida, was born with only a third of a left arm and two hands that are catastrophically deformed. But he had a dream to become […]
Northwest Aviation College to close
The Northwest Aviation College (NAC), located at Auburn Municipal Airport (S50) in Auburn, Wash., will cease class and flight operations at the close of business March 31, 2012. “We are doing everything we can to complete current term coursework prior to April 1,” said Michael Kopp, Northwest Aviation College President. “We are also working hard […]
New autogas supplier for Virginia and North Carolina
Reflecting the increasing demand for lead-free autogas at GA airports, Jernigan Oil of Ahoskie, N.C., announced this week its willingness to deliver 93 AKI autogas to any airport in the states of North Carolina or Virginia. Michael Harrell, owner of Jernigan Oil, explains: “I grew up in an aviation family. My father was a crop […]