Tennessee’s Smyrna Air Center is reporting that 2011 was a record year for sales and service, milestones and noteworthy accomplishments. “After seeing a stagnated 2010 with a soft market, our goals for 2011 were exceeded in dramatic fashion,” said Vice President and General Manager Neal Ropp. “We encountered growth in fuel sales by several hundred […]
Garmin releases GTN 750 Trainer App for iPad
Garmin has released a new GTN 750 trainer app for the iPad 2. This trainer, downloadable from the iTunes Store, simulates the behavior of the GTN 750 system interface and provides pilots with a safe, on-the-ground environment to learn the basic operation of the system, company officials said. “The iPad’s touchscreen interface lends itself well […]
Gibson Air Service opens
Gibson Air Service has opened at Bend Municipal Airport (KBND) in Oregon. The company is owned by Steve Gibson, the son of the late Pat and Marge Gibson. In 1950 Pat and his wife started the very first FBO in Bend. Steve has brought back his parents’ legacy by reopening Gibson Air in the old red […]
Harkins joins Dallas Airmotive
Michael J. Harkins has joined Dallas Airmotive, a BBA Aviation Engine Repair and Overhaul (ERO) company, as Regional Engine Manager for the Mid-Atlantic states. Harkins will be responsible for selling repair and overhaul services on Honeywell TFE731, 36 series APU and Pratt & Whitney Canada PW305 engines. “Mike has an exceptional background in aircraft and […]
Heavy braking bends airplane
This January 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 195B. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Palm Springs, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land the tailwheel-equipped airplane […]
The problem with the press
Periodically I give readers a peek into the political world I inhabit. The intent is to provide some context for the battle ahead of you if you try to buck the tide in even the slightest way. Bringing radical new ideas to the table, like making the most of your local general aviation airport by […]
Governors call on President Obama to protect general aviation
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and New Hampshire Governor John H. Lynch both recently sent letters to President Obama calling on the administration to recognize the vital importance of general aviation for the economy and communities around the nation. The release of the letters comes following recent reports that the administration is likely pursuing a “user […]
Winner of Roy Clark’s Tripacer named
On Dec. 17 at Wings of Hope’s global headquarters, Larry Farr, from Knoxville, Tenn., became the lucky winner of a vintage, mint-condition Piper Tripacer. This is no ordinary airplane. Built in 1953, the single-engine Piper’s previous owner was Grammy-winning country music legend Roy Clark, who purchased it new nearly 60 years ago. “Roy donated this […]
Calhoun Air Center celebrates 2011, looks ahead to 2012
The folks at Calhoun Air Center at Calhoun County Airport (PKV) in Texas, have put together a video looking back at the great progress made at the airport and business in 2011. Company officials say: “The airport improvements that began in 2010 were completed during the first part of this year and included our apron […]