The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) presented its 2011 awards during the organization’s annual dinner meeting held during AirVenture. More than 120 members and guests applauded the efforts of the following individuals: Robert Wright, Founders Award, in recognition for selfless service in support of SAFE’s Mission and Vision. Wright chairs SAFE’s Pilot Training […]
Sheltair completes FBO at Northwest Florida Airport
Sheltair has opened its new general aviation FBO terminal building, hangar complex and office facility, as well as its expanded parking apron, at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The FBO is the only general aviation facility at the airport. Sheltair, which has been operating from a temporary building on the airfield for the past year, […]
New Pitot Glove from Sporty’s
Sporty’s has introduced a new Pitot Glove, which wraps securely around angled pitot tubes to keep insects from taking up residence. It’s simple to install and easy to remove, company officials said. A Velcro strap attaches securely to all angled pitot tubes, while a bright red REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT streamer provides much-needed visibility. “A quality […]
Soft terrain leads to gear failure
This August 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: Air Cam. Injuries: None. Location: Hamilton, Mont. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot performed three takeoffs and landings on a river sandbar. […]
Did you notice the FAA is shutdown?
With the debt crisis averted.. for now, the FAA’s funding status has regained prominence in the mainstream media. However, a series of press releases, news stories and the recently completed EAA AirVenture have me thinking. A July 28 press release from Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) titled, “Facts About FAA Partial Shutdown” includes 17 “facts.” Following […]
$1.5B lost if Congress doesn’t address FAA bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. — National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Paul Rinaldi is urgently appealing to Congress not to adjourn for its August recess until it passes an FAA bill that would return 4,000 laid off FAA employees (of which NATCA represents 1,200) and 70,000 laid off construction workers back to their jobs. “All we are […]
In praise of the alphabets
Two of the main alphabet organizations focused on general aviation include the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). They both offer something of real value to each of us who works or recreates in the realm of general aviation. Let’s face it, it’s a tough market out there these days […]
Aviation Fuel at EAA AirVenture 2011
GAfuels co-author Kent Misegades, just back from AirVenture, summarizes below some of the aviation fuel-related news gleaned from among the hundreds of forums, workshops, press releases, and countless conversations with exhibitors and attendees: Aviation Fuel Club and Sport Fuel: Despite heavy downpours, Kent’s talk attracted a crowd of 30 to 40 people, many of whom […]
GA groups ask FCC to withdraw waiver that threatens GPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) are strongly urging the Federal Communications Commission to take action to prevent interference with GPS reception and threats to the future of a GPS-based air traffic system. The FCC has applications from LightSquared, a company that wants to build […]