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: Aeronca 7AC. Injuries: None. Location: Finleyville, Pa. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the tailwheel-equipped airplane […]
21…and counting?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — With the latest temporary funding of the FAA, reauthorization has reached adulthood — that is, temporary approvals are now at 21. The FAA hasn’t had a full authorization vote since 2003. On 21 occasions, the Senate and House have not been able to agree. They have until Sept. 16 to finally agree […]
Ugly ducklings
Aviator opinion is widespread about CH 701 and CH 750 being ugly ducklings. Fortunately, plenty of pilots don’t care about looks so long as an airplane flies well (750 does!) and for some the, ahem… distinctive look of 750 is a thing of pride. Think Hummer or the old Volkswagen Thing. Indeed, Zenith Aircraft Company […]
FAA adopts changes to new IA policy
The FAA has issued its final revised inspection authority (IA) renewal policy, which included a broader interpretation of “actively engaged” than the agency originally proposed in 2010. EAA, the Vintage Aircraft Association, and Warbirds of America opposed the original proposed definition because it threatened the renewal of valued part-time IAs, so the groups provided suggested […]
Sporty’s takes delivery of 2012 Sweepstakes airplane
Sporty’s Sweepstakes airplane for 2012 is a Cessna Skycatcher — but this one is just a little more special. That’s because Sporty’s Sweepstakes Skycatcher is serial #100. “We are thrilled that Cessna reserved this milestone Skycatcher for Sporty’s Sweepstakes,” says Sporty’s President & CEO Michael Wolf. “It’s such a fun and popular airplane — in […]
AvFab receives STC for new divan
Aviation Fabricators (AvFab) recently received STC approval for its Beechcraft 400A 2-Place Divan. The STC allows for installation in all Beechjet and Hawker Beechcraft 400A series aircraft in addition to the 400 series. The AvFab 2-Place Divan adds utility to any Beechjet/Hawker Beechcraft 400A by adding capacity and refreshing the look of the cabin, company […]
Atlanta hotel offers aviator weekend getaway package
The Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel is offering airplane enthusiasts the ability to watch planes land at one of the nation’s busiest airports and get as close as possible without stepping onto the tarmac. The Atlanta airport hotel is offering a front-row experience with nightly room rates starting at $104. The Aviator Package includes: Guest […]
Air Zoo program lets kids explore planets
On Saturday, Aug. 27, Air Zoo visitors will have the chance to learn about the solar system through hands-on activities at this month’s Super Science Saturday: Which Planet Am I? Each 30-minute presentation (at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.) will feature fun facts about each planet where kids will have to guess which […]
Novel based on WASPs to be released Aug. 30
“Velva Jean Learns to Fly,” by Jennifer Niven, a fictional account of one WASP’s experiences learning to fly, will be released Aug. 30. The book follows the exploits of Velva Jean Hart in Niven’s first novel, Velva Jean Learns to Drive, which began with the young girl losing both parents, finding true love and risking […]