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 […]
NTSB slates forum on professionalism in aviation
The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a safety forum on professionalism in aviation beginning Tuesday, May 18. The three-day, en-banc forum will be chaired by NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman. “NTSB’s investigations into the midair collision over the Hudson River last August, the crash of Colgan Air flight 3407 in February 2009, and the […]
FATA receives Wolf grant
The Florida Aviation Trades Association (FATA) has received a grant from the Wolf Aviation Fund to help in developing its program, “Beyond the Runway — Why General Aviation Means Business.” The target audience for the program, which will be held at the FATA Annual Conference, is the non-aviation business community, FATA officials said. Area aviation […]
FAA proposes $330,000 penalty against North-Aire Aviation
The FAA has proposed a $330,000 civil penalty against North-Aire Aviation, LLC, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, for failing to comply with its FAA pilot school regulations and falsifying records. The FAA alleges North-Aire Aviation’s training courses were not valid under the FAA’s pilot school regulations and that instructor and student records did not comply with […]