This December 2008 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 Seminole, Cessna 172. Injuries: 4 Fatal. Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: A Cessna and a Piper were on […]
Ethanol: A very real danger
Ben Visser is an aviation fuels and lubricants expert who spent 33 years with Shell Oil. In a recent post I discussed the problems with ethanol and water in a plane’s fuel system. I received a large number of replies and most were very positive. However, I did get a number of negative notes. For […]
Flying high with Jabiru
Dan Johnson, president of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, is an expert on Light Sport Aircraft. What do sugar cane harvesting equipment and light aircraft and engines have to do with one another? The former was the original work of Jabiru founders Rod Stiff and Phil Ainsworth. The latter is what occurred after a trip […]
A time for reflection
Jamie Beckett is a CFI and A&P mechanic who stepped into the political arena in an effort to promote and protect GA at his local airport. This time of year, more than any other, strikes me as a good time for reflection on the world around us. Sandwiched in between the traditional Thanksgiving feast and […]
Deadline looms for Wolf grant proposals
The Dec. 15 deadline is approaching for Wolf Aviation Fund grant proposals. Each year the fund provides help for innovative projects that “promote and support general aviation.” Projects must fit into the foundation’s seven major program areas, which are Developing Public Policy and Airports; Networking and Mutual Support; Development and Alternative Resources; Communications, Media, and […]
Flying Car company wins contract to help develop four-place ‘Humvee’ helicopter
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched a $65 million program to develop a four-person flyable and roadable vehicle. Terrafugia, Inc., developer of the Transition Roadable Aircraft, or “Flying Car,” is the largest subcontractor to one of two winning teams, led by AAI Corp. and comprised of other Textron companies. The vehicle, known […]
Park fundraiser kicks off at GMU
A brick fundraiser has been launched to help raise money for the construction of a park at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in South Carolina. “Fewer and fewer kids are growing up to become pilots, so as pilots retire, new talent isn’t available to take their place,” said Joe Frasher, Airport Director at GMU. “This […]
Wildlife Services orders three more Top Cubs
CubCrafters has received an order for three more CC18-180 Top Cubs from the United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services (USDAWS). This order brings the total number of Top Cubs that have been added to the USDAWS fleet to nine. Delivery of the airplanes will be made in early 2011, to the USDAWS headquarters in […]
Frame that shirt tail
Most pilots know about the tradition of cutting off a new pilot’s shirt tail at the conclusion of their first solo flight. Sporty’s wants to help preserve the memory of this accomplishment by professionally framing the shirt tail as a keepsake. “Some pilots may not know the supposed origin of this tradition,” said Sporty’s Vice […]