Let’s be totally honest for a moment. Airplanes crash now and then. They ditch, make emergency landings, have system failures and, once in a while, one of them catches on fire. That’s all true. It’s also exceedingly rare. We need to be truthful and willing to speak on that topic. Because we can tell the […]
EASA finally releases LSA certification specifications
Try not to yawn. This is important. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), roughly the equivalent of FAA for the European Union, finally released its CS-LSA, or Certification Specification for Light-Sport Aircraft. While not exactly what the industry hoped for, it at least represents acceptance of the ASTM certification standards. That reduces uncertainty for LSA […]
EAA Chapter 1083 hosts summer camp
Rowan Area EAA Chapter 1083 in North Carolina recently hosted A.S.C.E.N.D — Aviation Summer Camp Exploring New Dimensions — at Rowan County Airport (RUQ). The summer camp, for kids 14 to 17, was started with a vision of EAA Chapter 1083 and member Jana Brown of Lexington. The camp was partially made possible through a […]
Twin brothers, twin records
How cool is this? Twin brothers Mark and Mike Patey broke transcontinental speed records in both directions: West to East and East to West. The brothers both own Lancair Legacys; Mark’s Legacy is equipped with a Lycoming TIO-580 engine, while Mike’s is equipped with a Continental TIO-550 engine. According to the National Aeronautic Association, on […]
A twist in funding requests at PIB
Officials at the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) in Mississippi say that business is so good, they are requesting less money from the Jones County Board of Supervisors for its budget. A story in the Laurel Leader-Call quotes the airport’s executive director, Tom Heanue: “Our general aviation business is growing by leaps and bounds.”
Cessna marks 15 years at Independence
Cessna Aircraft Co. recently marked 15 years since opening its manufacturing facility in Independence, Kan., where the company has produced nearly 9,500 single-engine pistons and more than 350 Citation Mustang business jets. Work at the Cessna Independence facility includes assembly, paint, installation of interiors and delivery of seven single-engine piston aircraft models — 172R Skyhawk, […]
FAA appoints new chief of air traffic
WASHINGTON, D.C. – David Grizzle has been named chief operating officer of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization. “David is the right person to take on this critical challenge,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “He has a unique ability to manage complex situations and the leadership skills to bring people together and get the job done.” […]
2R2 slates Open House
Indiana’s Hendricks County Airport-Gordon Graham Field (2R2) is gearing up for its seventh annual Open House July 16. Featuring a variety of activities, the free event is popular among aviation enthusiasts and families alike, according to airport officials. The open house will include tours of the airport, with pilots available to answer questions about general […]
DynaVibe prop balancing kit now at Aircraft Spruce
Aircraft Spruce is now distributing the DynaVibe dynamic propeller balancing kit worldwide. The original DynaVibe was designed over 10 years ago for, and used almost exclusively on, Rotorway helicopters. Roughly three years ago, the team at RPX Technologies, decided to offer its propeller and rotor balancing kits to all of GA. According to the RPX […]