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 […]
IMC Club: Mastering the art of instrument navigation
How much time did you have in the clouds before you went for your instrument check ride? Some pilots may have none, as there is no requirement for a instrument candidate to log actual time in the clouds. Which means that, although you satisfied the FAA requirements for the certificate, you may not have the […]
New engine to debut at Reno
Representatives of Superior Air Parts and AC Aeronautical will introduce at this week’s Reno Air Races the new 230 hp, four-cylinder XP-408 Advanced Competition (AC) engine for the high-end experimental aircraft market. “Superior has always led the industry in introducing emerging technologies that advance the performance, efficiency and reliability of piston aircraft engines beyond what […]
Women in Aviation at AOPA Summit
Women in Aviation, International (WAI) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) have partnered for the third year to create “Women’s Wing” at the AOPA Aviation Summit, Sept. 22-24, in Hartford, Connecticut. For 2011, Women’s Wing will again be in the midst of activity in Booth #1146 in the Exhibit Hall. The Women’s Wing, […]
Spin safety quiz now online
The AOPA Air Safety Institute now offers a free safety quiz on stalls and spins. Officials say pilots should take the quiz, then find a qualified instructor to demonstrate the newly acquired knowledge.