A recent story in the Santa Monica Daily Press compares Santa Monica Airport (SMO) with North Las Vegas Airport (VGT), which receives similar complaints from neighbors. It’s a good read and well worth getting about 3/4 of the way down, when the reporter says this: “In 2009, general aviation pilots logged just under 24 million […]
Avidyne unveils ‘multi-touch’ capability
Avidyne revealed that multi-touch capability will be included with its recently-announced IFD540 GPS/Navigation/Communication system. Multi-touch allows pilots to gesture using two or more fingers on the touch screen to scroll and zoom the map range setting in and out. “In addition to all the great features we announced at the introduction of the IFD540, multi-touch […]
Pilot fails to maintain airspeed
This September 2009 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: Aventura II. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Boca Raton, Fla. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The 155-hour pilot, 78, held a private pilot certificate, […]
The OX-5 racers
In a previous column, I discussed the penetration of the ubiquitous, war-surplus Curtiss OX-5 engine into the new aircraft market, which lasted into the 1930s. Not only was the OX-5 engine used as a powerplant option on new aircraft, it also powered custom-built aircraft that were used in exhibition work and races. In fact, the […]
Tailwheel takeoff goes bad
This September 2009 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: Piper Pacer. Injuries: None. Location: Bozeman, Mont. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The flight instructor said he was giving the private pilot some […]
Flying solo at nearly half a century
By MARK J. DONOVAN As I recently celebrated my 49th birthday, I couldn’t help but be a bit reflective about my life to date. I’m quickly nearing the half century mark and still feel I’ve got a lot more to accomplish, but a lot less time to do it. By most accounts I’ve done a […]
‘Congress must now act responsibly’
By Ben Sclair The U.S. Senate passed legislation today (Thursday, September 15) that extends funding for the FAA four months and avoids a second partial FAA shutdown. The following quote on the topic blows me away. “It is a positive step for the country that the Congress has passed this historic combination of extensions, which […]
Deadline for 2012 GA Awards fast approaching
The deadline for applications for the 2012 General Aviation Awards Program (GAAP) is Sept. 30. Begun in 1963, the GA Awards program has evolved into a joint program between the aviation industry and the FAA to recognize excellence in four categories: Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year, Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year, FAASTeam Representative […]
VFR pilot flies into IMC, kills 5
This September 2009 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: Piper Cherokee 6 Injuries: 5 Fatal. Location: Tulsa, Okla. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The non-instrument-rated private pilot obtained a standard weather briefing […]