This November 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: Cessna 172. Injuries: 2 Minor. Location: Groton, Conn. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: A student pilot and flight instructor were practicing night approaches. […]
A ‘Favorite Fly-Out’ and a cautionary tale
Drew Steketee was president of BE A PILOT, senior vp-communications for AOPA and executive director of the Partnership for Improved Air Travel. He also headed PR and media relations for Beech, GAMA and the Airport Operators Council International. More than 10 years ago, I asked AOPA members to vote for their “Favorite Fly-Outs.” These would […]
Effect of ethanol & lead on ultralights, LSAs
Roy Beisswenger is a Gold Seal CFI for powered parachutes as well as a designated examiner. He has built, flown and serviced Rotax-powered equipment since 1993 and is a Light Sport Repairman, as well as a designated airworthiness representative. Roy’s magazine, Powered Sport Flying, and his weekly Powered Sport Flying Radio Show are popular resources […]
The Kings return to Santa Barbara
It was a story, complete with pictures, that rocked the general aviation community — industry icons John and Martha King handcuffed and detained by police in Santa Barbara, California, because the police had been given faulty intelligence regarding the plane the Kings were flying. On Monday, Nov. 8, the Kings, accompanied by AOPA President and […]
Airplane shipments down 14.5%
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the industry’s shipment and billings figures for the third quarter today, which show that in the first nine months of 2010, total general aviation airplane shipments fell 14.5%, from 1,588 planes in 2009 to 1,357 this year. Billings totaled $13.47 billion in the first nine months, down 2.5%. […]
Are senators exempt from FAA rules?
Is a U.S. senator subject to FAA enforcement action for landing on a closed runway? That’s the question asked by Greg Reigel of Reigel Law Firm, Ltd., in a blog post at GlobalAir.com. Reigel is talking about James Inhofe, a senator from Oklahoma and long-time pilot, who landed his Cessna 340 on a closed runway […]
Stratos jet delivery positions now available
Stratos Aircraft is now accepting deposits on delivery positions for its new Stratos 714 very light personal jet. Deposit money is escrowed in interest-bearing accounts and can be retrieved at any time, officials with the Bend, Ore-based company said. The company also is seeking investors and, though capital is tight, expects to have two flying […]
Colorado airport to reopen Nov. 18
The Garfield County Regional Airport (RIL) in Rifle, Colo., will unveil $47.3 million in improvements when it reopens later this month, including significant runway upgrades, according to a report in the Aspen Times. The airport, closed since April 5, is scheduled to reopen Nov. 18.
Museum of Flight names new president
The Museum of Flight in Seattle has named Douglas King as president and chief executive officer, succeeding Interim President Michael Hallman, who will return to his previous role as vice chairman of the museum’s board of trustees. King comes to the Museum of Flight from his post as president and chief executive officer of the […]