When the next Able Flight scholarship winners prepare for a flight, they’ll have the option of doing so with ForeFlight’s Mobile HD software. ForeFlight, a provider of aviation software for pilots, is the newest sponsor of Able Flight’s unique flight training program for people with physical disabilities. In addition to a financial donation for the […]
Does anyone understand NextGen?
Have you heard about NextGen? In his blog in the Air Facts Journal, John Zimmerman notes it’s the FAA’s plan for a Next Generation Air Transportation System, and it’s going to”save pilots money, protect the environment, improve safety and generally solve all the world’s problems.” But there’s one problem with this rosy forecast, he says: […]
FAA launches laser incident website
The FAA is taking more action to cut down on the growing problem of lasers being pointed at aircraft by establishing a new website to make it easier to report laser incidents and to obtain information on the subject. This year, through Oct. 20, pilots reported 2,795 laser events. That is an increase from less […]
‘Memphis Belle’ hits restoration milestones
As the United States approaches the 70th anniversary of its involvement in World War II, one of the most famous aircraft from that war recently reached two milestones in its restoration at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Both wings were mated and the landing gear was extended on the “Memphis Belle,” a […]
‘Washing’ ethanol out of mogas – Part II
Back in November 2010 I wrote a blog about separating ethanol from E10 by a method that is commonly known as “washing.” Looks like pilots don’t get it. There has been an ongoing conversation on backcountrypilot.org about separating ethanol from auto fuel by “washing” it out with water — scroll down to the entry by […]
Pursuing the dream of unlimited flight time
What if an aircraft could take off and stay in flight – forever? On Tuesday, Nov. 1, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia, aerospace engineer Craig Nickol will present “Fly Forever: Pursuing the Dream of Indefinite Endurance Flight,” at 2 p.m. in the Reid Conference Center. Nickol will discuss current and future projects where […]
Centurion diesel engine for Diamond DA-40
Centurion Aircraft Engines now also offers the 155-hp diesel aircraft engine Centurion 2.0s for retrofitting the Diamond DA40. The European Aircraft Safety Agency (EASA) authorized the retrofit at the beginning of September, and production of the new Centurion product has already been launched, according to officials with the German company. Deliveries will commence at the […]
Carb ice catches Cub
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 Cub. Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor. Location: Rosemount, Minn. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The observed temperature was 52° F and the […]
Pilot puts his own money on the line for solo flight scholarship
Well-known aviation writer and retired airline captain Barry Schiff hadn’t imagined the buzz he would create when he offered $3,000 of his own money to underwrite the start of flight training for some aspiring young pilot. He made this offer in his monthly column in this past October’s issue of AOPA Pilot magazine and invited […]