General aviation and its contributions to the United States are often misunderstood or unknown, and actor, pilot, and GA advocate Harrison Ford told members of the Senate General Aviation Caucus this week that he is going to do his part to bring the community’s efforts to the public’s attention. “It really has brought great value […]
Museum to host US Senate Committee
On Monday, Oct. 24, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee, will hold a U.S. Senate field hearing at Seattle’s Museum of Flight titled, “The Aviation Workforce: Training Needs and Challenges.” The hearing is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater, and is […]
Dulles Jet Center back in business
Less than two years after a February 2010 record snowfall severely damaged three of its four hangars and part of the fourth one, Dulles Jet Center has re-opened with two new hangars at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD). Dulles Jet Center is scheduled to complete construction on the final two hangars next month. “We took an […]
FAA dedicates new tower at MEM
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt today dedicated the new $72.6 million air traffic control tower and radar approach control at Memphis International Airport (MEM). “This tower is a symbol of the FAA’s commitment to aviation safety and modernization of the air traffic control system,” said Babbitt. “Our future success depends on keeping our airport infrastructure healthy […]
Fourth title in ‘Clair Bear’ series released
Powder Puff Pilot has released “Claire Bear Flies to Oshkosh,” the latest in a series of full-color picture books starring Claire Bear, a pink-clad aerobatic performer and mentor for aspiring young pilots. In her fourth aviation picture book, author Sue Hughes describes a visit a to EAA’s AirVenture, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” held every […]
Unauthorized instruction leads to crash
These October 2009 accident reports are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, they are intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: 2 Fatal. Location: Sikeston, Mo. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The 55-year-old pilot/owner held ATP, multi-engine, commercial and seaplane […]
Healing continues for Reno survivor
“He’s doing alright. Doing pretty good actually,” said Tracy, the wife of Reno Air Races crash survivor Larry Cruz. (I wrote about him Oct. 9). He is still in Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center but now has his new hook. He’d like to get moved to the rehab floor, but he still has a lot of […]
Congress is listening… at least one member is
Congressman Todd Rokita (Indiana) is a commercially-rated pilot who shares my concern with regulatory bloat and responded to my editorial “Have you put on some weight?” I recently read your editorial in General Aviation News titled “Have you put on a few pounds?” As both a commercially rated private pilot and as a member of […]
Hummelbird takes flight
By RAEANN SLAYBAUGH When you see it coming, you might think your eyes are playing tricks on you. Do they even make airplanes that small? Ted Dearing of Chandler, Ariz., does. And he does it well. Weighing less than most motorcycles — and delivering up to 50 miles per gallon — his 340-pound, Volkswagen-powered Hummelbird […]