West Star Aviation’s Grand Junction, Colo. (GJT) facility has been appointed by Hawker Beechcraft (HBC) as an authorized service center. The agreement includes services on all Beechcraft KingAir models, as well as on Beechcraft Baron and Bonanza models. “We have numerous loyal KingAir customers at GJT, and this agreement will allow us to provide complete […]
Avfuel expands with Avplan
Avfuel Corp. has created a dedicated flight and trip-planning subsidiary called Avplan. Avfuel acquired Pacific Coast Forecasting (PCF) of Van Nuys, Calif., in the first quarter of 2010 to enhance the trip-planning and ground-handling arrangements Avfuel has provided to existing customers. Adding the option of in-house, professional trip planning will streamline and enhance Avfuel’s service […]
Simulated engine failure gets real
This October 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 Tomahawk. Injuries: None. Location: Friant, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to […]
TTF good for airports, EAA says
In comments submitted to the FAA on Monday, Oct. 25, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) reiterated its efforts to persuade the FAA that adjacent residential through-the-fence (TTF) agreements will not harm general aviation airport operations; rather, they create an economic stimulus tool that will actually strengthen local community ties to the airport. Read more here.
The Pitcairn: The flying dinosaur
“WHAT is THAT?” That is the most common reaction when people see the Pitcairn Autogiro PA-18 fly overhead at air shows. The 1930s-era aircraft looks like a cross between a helicopter and an airplane. The 160-hp Kinner engine sounds like that 20-inch bike you had as a kid when you put playing cards in the spokes. […]
The challenges of ADS-B
While ADS-B is being touted as the cornerstone of the Next Generation Air Traffic Control System, the FAA’s plans to deploy the new technology nationwide face “significant risks and challenges,” according to a recently released report by the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Asked by Congress to examine the FAA’s plans for […]
Smile! Proposal to put photos on pilot licenses expected by end of year
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Smile, you might soon see your face on your pilot certificate. The FAA says before the end of this year it will issue a Notice of Proposed Rule Making to require photos on pilot certificates. This follows years of prodding by Congress and others after a bill requiring photos on IDs in […]
GA pilots to relocate rare Mexican wolves
GA pilots from Denver who volunteer for Lighthawk will transport two rare Mexican wolf females that are part of the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan next week their new home in Washington State. LightHawk has previously donated flights to transport Mexican wolves, aplomado falcons, orange-breasted falcons and river otters. In this relocation, LightHawk is working […]
Kneeboard for iPad debuts
New Sky Products, LLC has introduced AppStation, an iPad kneeboard for aviation, which gives the user the ability to safely manipulate the iPad while flying or conducting other tasks. The unit is a solution that does not require an additional mounting device/kit or expensive, complicated installation, according to company officials. Constructed of high performance polycarbonate […]