Ryan Weir submitted this photo and note: “Mason Weir got a great shot of his sister Abbie Weir’s hair during an evening open-door Aviat Husky flight. Abbie, 22, has just finished her commercial and started her CFI, while Mason, 19, is finishing up his private pilot certificate. I couldn’t be more proud of both my kids, not only as their flight instructor, but as their Dad.”
The impact — and importance — of general aviation
A new study finds that general aviation supports more than 1.1 million jobs and has a more than $246 billion economic impact every year. But it shows a lot more than that, spelling out how GA performs thousands of humanitarian missions a year and saves more than 150,000 lives a year.
First flight: Extra 330SX
The successor to Extra Aircraft’s 300SC, the new aerobatic plane includes high-performance ailerons and other improvements.
Tuskegee Airman visits memorial wall at KPIT
One of the last remaining Tuskegee Airmen, Lt. Col. James Harvey recently visited Pittsburgh International Airport to see the memorial honoring the famed combat unit. Harvey was ready to fight in World War II, but discovered the war was over one hour before he was set to leave. “Hitler knew I was coming,” he said with a laugh.
Power Flow adds Maple Leaf fairings as an option
The new dual exhaust fairings help with engine cooling.
New owner’s first flight goes awry
The pilot’s improper flare during landing, which resulted in an attempted go-around, loss of control, and aerodynamic stall.
Picture of the Day: Painting with drones
Mike Fantuz submitted this photo and note: “Bringing aviation and art together, I proudly present my latest collection of oil paintings inspired by aerial perspectives captured through my drone lens. As an air traffic controller and commercial pilot, I offer a unique perspective on the stunning beauty of the skies.”
Weight and balance for life
Changes have to be made in life. Our size and our acceptance of obesity as a normal consequence of life should be among those changes. We can do better. For ourselves and for the generations that come behind us. Because if they can’t get into the aircraft, they certainly won’t be able to succeed in their desire to fly it.
Video: EAA Chapter 1246 gathering features happy people and tall tales
The June 2023 gathering of EAA Chapter 1246 at McKinney National Airport in Texas attracted a pair of helicopters and many planes and people as this video from Smitty Smith shows.