Helmuth Eggeling, an acknowledged expert when it comes to operating Honeywell turbine engines, including the TPE331 that powers all models of turboprop Twin Commanders, will be featured at the upcoming Twin Commander University to talk to owners and operators about best practices when flying TPE331-powered Twin Commanders. A former F-104G fighter pilot for the German […]
Wicks begins shipping streamline tubing
Having received a large shipment of streamline tubing, Wicks Aircraft Supply has begun shipping a backlog of orders. The tubing is American manufactured 4130 steel in the most popular sizes, according to Wicks officials, noting it is intended for use as struts in homebuilt aircraft or restoration projects. There is no cutting charge. For a […]
Civil War encampment at Glenn Curtiss Museum
An indoor Civil War Encampment at the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum will bring the past to life for visitors. Civil War re-enactors from the 140th New York Volunteer Infantry and the 21st Georgia Volunteer Infantry will set up camp at the museum, where visitors can talk with them, ask questions about the life of the […]
Pilot botches soft-field takeoff
This February 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 TR182. Injuries: None. Location: Amargosa Valley, Nev. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to do a soft-field takeoff from […]
Want to live like Burt Rutan?
Aviation legend Burt Rutan, who last year announced he would retire in April, is moving to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and now he and his wife, Tonya, have their home, “The Rutan Pyramid,” up for sale in Mojave, California, according to a report at EAA.org, which notes the Rutan Pyramid is only five minutes away (by […]
A lifetime of flying
Deb McFarland is the proud owner of Lester, a 1948 Luscombe 8E, and part of the “Front Porch Gang” at Pickens County Airport in Georgia. Young Bobby Burns was infatuated with flying and airplanes, and on his 13th birthday his parents fed the fire with a 10-minute flight in an Aeronca Champ at San Fernando […]
Florida’s Seaplane Mecca
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. Things seem to be rolling now for Tavares, Florida, to actually become the “Seaplane City” of its […]
Ethanol in fuel hinders NC firefighter, Kentucky pilot cancels Las Vegas flight
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, aviation sales rep for U-Fuel, and president of EAA1114. As the number of signatures on our petition to […]
House committee passes FAA reauthorization bill
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed an FAA reauthorization bill on Wednesday, which would nearly eliminate subsidized air service for 155 rural communities across the U.S., though some services in Alaska would continue, according to an Associated Press story. Why should GA care? Funds for the essential air service program go to small airports […]