Diamond Aircraft has resumed flight testing of its D-JET prototypes, following their temporary grounding after a funding shortfall and significant employee furloughs in March. “Our team’s spirits are certainly lifted with the resumption of flight activities,” said Peter Maurer, president. “Being able to bring back part of the team allowed us to resume flight operations […]
Reno previews at LiveAirShowTV
The Reno National Championship Air Races are just days away, taking off Sept. 14, and officials at LiveAirShowTV are looking ahead to get the fans ready. News continues to come in regarding various classes and races, and the field of planes vying for the Rolls-Royce Heritage Trophy continues to grow. In a video interview, Super […]
Free transition training for used LSA buyers
SportairUSA now offers free transition flight training and a free aircraft safety check to purchasers of used Sting, Sirius, and Savage light sport aircraft. “We have always provided free transition flight and ground school training to our new aircraft buyers,” said Bill Canino, CEO of SportairUSA. “To help maintain the safety of the fleet, as […]
Unqualified pilot crashes
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: Cessna 150. Injuries: None. Location: Rosedale, Mich. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The 84-year-old pilot did not hold a medical certificate. Neither he […]
Why can’t GA be more like renting a car? Once, it was…
Debates about GA’s practicality are weighty, sometimes bitter, discussions I think often miss the point. But one of the best deals I ever found was “Hertz-like” plane rental at Lease-A-Plane. It opened up lots of possibilities. A big gripe of renters: The “daily minimum,” a minimum of flight hours to keep the plane all day. […]
Positive reports continue out of Oshkosh
Reports continue positively for results at AirVenture 2011…despite FAA’s partial shutdown, a media frenzy over the debt ceiling, a roller coaster ride in the stock markets, and a continuing bum housing market. If you can smile after all that, things must be improving. Here’s more evidence of improvement: Icon Aircraft announced it secured 143 delivery […]
ExxonMobil departs general aviation
ExxonMobil quietly announced its departure from general aviation sales of 100LL and Jet-A in July. According to this AIN Online article, the company will end sales of the fuels to general aviation and dissolve its Avitat FBO network. As documented in this GAfuels article, 100LL sales have been dropping by some 4% annually for years, […]
Terror warning on GA airplanes issued, but feds say no plots known
CNN is reporting that U.S. officials say terrorists could try to use small aircraft in attacks, but have no specific information that a plot is in the works. The report quotes a notice issued by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI that states: “Violent extremists with knowledge of general aviation and access to […]
Betty Skelton, ‘First Lady of Aerobatics’, passes
Aerobatics legend and International Aerobatics Club Hall of Fame member Betty Skelton — the “First Lady of Aerobatics” — died at her home in Winter Park, Florida, on Aug. 30 at the age of 85, according to a report at EAA.org. Skelton was a pioneer as a female aerobatic competitor and air show performer, winning […]