Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Craig L. Fuller recently unveiled a new initiative designed to encourage best practices and recognize flight training providers who put those practices to work every day through the AOPA Flight Training Excellence Awards. The awards will be given annually to flight schools and individual flight training professionals. They are […]
Chesapeake Sport Pilot now accepting deposits for SeaRey
Chesapeake Sport Pilot is now accepting deposits for the new factory-built SeaRey SLSA. Delivery of factory built SeaReys is expected to begin in 2012. A deposit of $5,000 will secure one of the first delivery slots for the SeaRey, expected to be one of the fastest selling light sport seaplanes on the market, company officials […]
2011 ends on high note for Smyrna Air Center
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 […]