Mark Donovan, who wrote a story for us earlier this year about Flying Solo at Half a Century, sent us this message earlier this week: “I just wanted to let you know that I finally got my Private Pilot’s License on Nov. 13. It took a little bit longer than I had planned (7.5 months […]
Aircraft ‘luxury’ tax resurfaces in Washington State
As Washington State lawmakers grapple in a special session with another huge budget shortfall, numerous revenue ideas have surfaced from various groups and organizations — including a “luxury tax” on aircraft — to bring the budget into balance, according to a report at AOPA.org The report notes that two plans to tax aircraft have failed […]
Paper charts still needed, but AeroNav is wrong
Does anyone dispute the need for paper charts for pilots? I hope not. Likewise, there can be no doubt about the rapid rise of digital chart usage. More and more general aviation pilots (and airlines and flight departments for that matter) are adopting “appified” navigation via [insert app here] on Apple’s iPad and a few […]
Barefoot Bandit gets more than seven years jail time
The 20-year-old “Barefoot Bandit” was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in prison after pleading guilty to dozens of charges, according to a Fox News report. Colton Harris-Moore gained international notoriety while evading police across America in stolen planes, boats and cars during a two-year crime spree. What captured the general aviation community’s interest […]
AeroTwin Engine to be produced in New Zealand
AeroTwin Motors reports that it has sold production assets and licensed improvements to establish AeroTwin sport aircraft engine production in New Zealand. Aeromotors Ltd., a New Zealand company, organized by former AeroTwin engine consultant and inventor W.L. White, plans to produce AeroTwin engines and develop new engines. White has arranged a combination of government and […]
Hawker Beechcraft launches synthetic vision upgrade program
Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) has inked an exclusive agreement with Rockwell Collins to provide Synthetic Vision upgrades for all Pro Line 21-equipped Hawker and Beechcraft platforms. The upgrade package offers safety and capability improvements by adding Synthetic Vision to existing Pro Line 21 displays, company officials said, noting first customer installations will occur […]
Becker receives TSO for transceiver
Becker Avionics has received TSO certification of its new compact 2¼-inch, AR6201 VHF-AM Transceiver, with 8.33 kHz channel spacing and integrated voice activated (VOX) intercom system. The intercom feature allows up to two passengers with a standard or dynamic mic. The AR6201 continues the legacy of its predecessor, the AR4201 VHF-AM transceiver, said company officials, […]
Baer Air joins Avfuel network
The Avfuel-branded network of FBOs has expanded with the addition of Baer Air FBO Services, operating at Florida’s Melbourne International Airport (MLB). A division of Baer Air, Inc., an FAA-certified charter service, Baer Air FBO will now offer Avfuel products and solutions in addition to the range of services already provided. Baer Air received approval […]
FlightSafety promotes Robayo
FlightSafety International has promoted Danny Robayo to assistant manager of its Learning Center in Teterboro, New Jersey. He joined FlightSafety at the Teterboro Learning Center in 1991 and has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility since then, including pilot and maintenance training instructor for the Dassault Falcon 10, Falcon 50 and Falcon 50EX […]