Ship it AOG, an aircraft parts distributor, has been named the factory-authorized South-Central USA distributor of LEKTRO electric towbarless aircraft tugs. LEKTRO’s battery-powered towbarless tugs are used and approved or endorsed by nearly every aircraft manufacturer in the world. LEKTRO tugs range in capacity from single-engine trainers up through the B737 and A320. LEKTRO products […]
Schweiss allies with European partner
Schweiss Manufacturing, a Fairfax, Minn., firm that manufactures bifold and hydraulic doors, has entered a strategic collaboration with Strojkov Engineering and AveoEngineering companies in Central Europe. The two engineering companies, owned by American Christian Nielsen, include facilities in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, India and Malaysia. “My initial conversations with Mike Schweiss ‘clicked’ for me, whereas […]
Distraction fatal on takeoff
This April 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: Lancair Legacy. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Lakeland, Fla. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: According to witnesses, the pilot was observed having difficulty closing […]
Pilot’s Report: Piper Matrix
BY J. DOUGLAS HINTON, For General Aviation News What company would build a single-engine, cabin class, unpressurized aircraft when virtually every other airframe in its class is pressurized? Piper Aircraft would, based on extensive interviews with customers and a “comprehensive market research study second to none,” according to Kevin Gould, president and CEO. “We talked […]
Making a difference: How you can sway elected officials and help save GA
GA relies on its alphabet groups — such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) and others — to fight its battles in Washington, D.C. But the truth of the matter is, it’s the individual pilot, making contact with his or her representative or […]
NLR Citation examines volcanic ash
The National Aerospace Laboratory’s (NLR) research aircraft, a Cessna Citation, has investigated the volcanic ash cloud hovering over the Netherlands. The purpose of the flight was to verify the accuracy of atmospheric models currently being used to predict the movements of the ash cloud. From the flight undertaken by the Citation on Sunday night above […]
Graphical-AIRMET safety tool debuts
Pilots flying the National Air Space have provided very positive response to NOAA’s Aviation Weather Center about a new primary flight tool that became operational in mid-March, according to NOAA officiasl. The center’s Graphical Airman’s Meteorological Advisory (G-AIRMET) provides snapshot weather information to help make decisions at critical times. Patrick Murphy, warning coordination meteorologist at […]
Quest ups Kodiak maximum weight
Quest Aircraft Co. has received FAA approval to operate the Kodiak at a maximum takeoff weight of 7,225 lbs., an increase from the existing 6,750 lbs. The useful load of the aircraft has increased to 3,535 lbs. “Since receiving our type certification in 2007, we have continued to work on enhancements and improvements to the […]
FRG begins ‘Vision Plan’
With general aviation airports too often the victims of crippling attacks by a handful of anti-airport activists, New York State’s busiest general aviation airport, Republic Airport (FRG) at East Farmingdale, Long Island, has begun a “visioning” process that brings the potential future of the airport to literally every elected official and opinion leader in the […]