“The Chicago Air & Water Show: A History of Wings above the Waves” has just been published by The History Press. Written by Gerry and Janet Souter, the book documents the Chicago Air and Water Show, which draws over 3 million people to the lakeshore for a weekend of beach leisure and high-powered entertainment. The […]
Bambi takes out a Mooney
This July 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: Mooney M20K. Injuries: None. Location: Howell, Mich. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to takeoff from a rural airport at […]
An unexpected IA
I stopped into the hangar looking for the IA. So it was no great surprise to be directed to a back room, where the wing of a Cub sat on sawhorses. The bright yellow finish indicated that it was in the final stages before being mounted back on the airplane. I’ve met several Airframe and […]
Cessna issues strong warning against use of ethanol in fuels
In a Service Letter issued May 18, Cessna issued a strong warning against the use of ethanol in fuels powering its aircraft. Titled “Ethanol-based fuel not approved for use in Cessna airplanes,” this Service Letter documents Cessna’s exhaustive testing of AGE-85, an 85% ethanol blend that has been championed in recent years by South Dakota […]
Massachusetts lawmakers form GA Caucus
In recent years, Massachusetts legislators have noticed that the state was slowly losing airports — and with them, a good chunk of the state’s economy. “Once you lose them, they never come back,” notes State Rep. Don Humason, chairman of the Massachusetts Legislative Aviation Caucus, in describing the airport closures. What began five years ago […]
300th RV-10 flies
On May 29, 2003, Van’s Aircraft launched the successful first flight of its new four-place kit, the RV-10. Now, five years later, more than 1,000 RV-10 kits have been sold and 300 have flown. Completed by Nigel Lamping of Cheshire, United Kingdom, RV-10 G-XRVX took to the sky June 26. His “first flight” report was […]
New president for Flying Physicians
Felix Tormes, an orthopaedic surgeon, was installed as president of the Flying Physicians Association at its recent annual conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Tormes holds an instrument/commercial rating and has logged over 3,500 hrs as pilot in command. He is an active duty naval flight surgeon, FAA Aviation Medical Examiner and flies a Mooney M20K. […]
Fly like a fighter jet pilot
Fighter Combat International, an aviation adventure company, now offers realistic air combat missions, aerobatic flying and fighter jet-like ride experiences to adventure seekers from the U.S., Canada and worldwide in Mesa, Arizona. No previous flying experience is required for participants. Each individual’s aviation adventure can be customized from the mild to the wild, according to […]
It’s hip to be square
ASA has introduced a new, square chart plotter. Constructed of Lexan, the plotter won’t melt, warp or break in extreme temperatures, according to ASA officials. At 5-1/8-inches square, it’s similar in size to a small note pad and will fit just about anywhere along with charts and other flying gear. Pilot-friendly features include 5 and […]