This June 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: Cessna 140. Injuries: None. Location: St. Louis. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The accident occurred during the second flight after the airplane had […]
It’s more than just an image problem
Imagine that you and your significant other go shopping in a pricey store that’s known for its exclusive clientèle. Think Rodeo Drive, maybe. Walking through the door is a little exciting, if not slightly intimidating, but you make it past security and find yourself on the inside. It isn’t long before you realize that you’re […]
LightSquared vs. GPS
Testing has shown that a proposed national wireless broadband network system could negatively impact some GPS systems, or worse, according to a report at AVweb, while a report at AOPA.org notes that a special advisory committee will issue a report that validates the aviation community’s concerns about threats to GPS by LightSquared’s new network, saying […]
Pilots contribute to ‘It gets better’ campaign
Celebrities, organizations, and politicians from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to President Obama have contributed a video message to the “It Gets Better” campaign to help combat bullying and prevent gay teen suicides and give young people hope. The National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA) representing airline, commercial and private pilots all over the world, have […]
Twin Commander University #10
A six-hour class on airborne weather radar theory and tactics. A two-hour session on using Nexrad data-link weather to better advantage. Ninety minutes on GPS tips and tricks. Two hours of operational insight on the Honeywell TPE331 engine. An hour-long panel session featuring flying tips from experienced pilots. A tax consultant’s take on the state […]
First Thomas Wathen Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Sam Pratt
Sam Pratt had two reasons to celebrate at Flabob Airport in Riverside, Calif., this month. He became the first recipient of a Thomas Wathen Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a volunteer at the airport, and he turned 100 years old on the day he got the award. Pratt, who began a career working […]
No tower? No problem
Tens of thousands of landing facilities worldwide have no control tower, but thanks to pilot training and experience, plus airport improvement programs and airport operator oversight, millions of flights take off and land safely at those airports every year. That was the message the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations (IAOPA) conveyed at […]
Longtime homebuilder Mickey Whittenburg to receive Bingelis Award
Mickey Whittenburg of Kiln, Miss., will receive the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2011 Tony Bingelis Award recognizing contributions to EAA and the aviation community. Ever since completing his first solo flight at age 17 in 1947, Whittenburg (EAA Lifetime #415) has been deeply rooted in the aviation community, encouraging builders and their projects as well as […]
First Southwest Aeronca Fly-In held
The first annual Southwest Aeronca Fly-In at Flabob Airport (RIR) in Riverside, Calif., attracted about 25 Aeroncas, 15 other types of antique aircraft, and about 40 people between the dinners on Friday night and again on Saturday. Jim Spee, who helped organize the Fly-In, said, “we had aircraft from all over Southern California, the Central […]