This September 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 172RG. Injuries: None. Location: St. Louis. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot had just lifted off when he noted that he […]
Mogas for the masses — if you dare
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. Prepare yourself for a blatant plug. I’m going to suggest you click on a link that will take you to a General Aviation News blog post on the topic […]
EASA warns against ethanol in aviation fuels
The GAfuels Blog is written by two private pilots concerned about the future availability of fuels for piston-engine aircraft: Dean Billing, Sisters, Ore., an expert on autogas and ethanol, and Kent Misegades, Cary, N.C., an aerospace engineer and aviation journalist. A recently-released study from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), titled “Safety Implications of Biofuels […]
TTF gets Capitol Hill hearing
The huge divide between proponents and opponents to “through-the-fence” agreements at federally-funded airports boiled to the top at a hearing held by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the House Wednesday, Sept. 22. Access to the airport, property values, limits or access to the airport for businesses and residents, value of property with access, local […]
Cessna averts strike, then lays off 700
Just three days after dodging a machinists strike, Cessna CEO Jack Pelton announced 700 more layoffs in Wichita, citing the stalled economy and dearth of new orders, according to a story at AviationWeek.com. The story, which includes a copy of a letter Pelton sent to workers (which you can see here), notes that “gains made […]
IMAX movie on Reno Air Races in the works
3D Entertainment Films is producing “Air Racers 3D: Forces of Flight” alongside the film’s original partners, Pretend Entertainment and Stereoscope. Producers just wrapped up filming at this year’s Reno Air Races, with the movie scheduled for release at IMAX theatres in both 3D and 2D in the summer of 2011. “Air Racers 3D: Forces of […]
FAA kicks off program for self-reporting of safety issues
The FAA has launched a safety program that for the first time will integrate voluntary safety information self-reported by pilots and air traffic controllers. This data-sharing program will give the FAA a more complete picture of the national airspace system by collecting, assessing and reviewing safety events from the perspective of both pilots and air […]
Gross weight increase for CH 750
Zenith Aircraft Co. has unveiled a design gross weight increase for the STOL CH 750 kit aircraft, which has been increased 120 lbs. from 1,320 lbs. to 1,440 lbs. The increase adds significantly to the load carrying capability of the “light sport utility” aircraft first introduced at AirVenture in July 2008, company officials said. The […]
Showalter to host Bahamas Day
The 2nd Annual Bahamas Day will take place at Showalter Flying Service at Florida’s Orlando Executive Airport (ORL), Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011. “Showalter’s hosting of this event is an indication of their commitment to working with us to get the word out on the beauty of our Islands as well as the simple procedures necessary […]