“America is at war,” FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt told attendees at an agency information technology conference. Malicious attacks on the FAA’s computer system and industrial networks are occurring at an unprecedented rate, he said, adding that it is an evolving menace on an international scale. The FAA gets pinged every minute of every hour of […]
Flight for the Human Spirit takeoff delayed
Forecasted high winds, along with rain showers and gusty winds in Missouri, prompted the decision by the Flight for the Human Spirit mission control team to cancel the takeoff planned for Monday morning from the America Jet hangar at the Salina Municipal Airport (SLN). “I had set this date almost two years ago, but had […]
More on glass cockpits
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Re: Glass cockpits haven’t boosted GA safety: The FAA is right on. So-called glass cockpit pilots need more training, but more than that, other issues remain which the article did not mention. First, they present an enormous amount of pilot distraction. Look at a typical layout with its scores of buttons […]
Hawker Beechcraft partners with university
As an expansion to a strategic partnership, Hawker Beechcraft Corp. will transfer the equipment and operations of its electromagnetic compatibility, mechanical and environmental test laboratories to the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University (WSU). This is the second collaboration between NIAR and the company, signifying a unique university/industry relationship. NIAR currently […]
Distressing news about distress calls
The FAA hears distress calls from pilots facing emergencies. How well it responds is a different matter, according to an Associated Press story in the New York Times. The story begins with the tale of Sam Smiley, who crashed in Georgia after his plane failed to clear a mountain ridge. The 78-year-old survived the crash, […]
Alphabet groups join to lobby for bonus depreciation renewal
More than 80 alphabet groups, ranging from the National Business Aviation Association to the American Institute of Architects, have written to leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate urging elected officials to “work in a bipartisan manner to renew the recently expired bonus depreciation law through at least 2010.” The temporary 50% bonus depreciation […]
Protectant available at Aircraft Spruce
Developed for aerospace and aviation applications, Ameritech Aerospace Protectant (AAP) UV-screening product is now available at Aircraft Spruce. The protectant leaves a like-new, non-oily, anti-static finish that does not attract dust, according to Aircraft Spruce officials. Surfaces that have been protected with the AAP Aerospace Protectant not only last longer, but are easier to maintain […]
Banyan’s Wings of Hope help 4KIDS
Banyan Air Service, based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), recently committed its support to 4KIDS of South Florida. Banyan helps this organization through volunteer opportunities, monetary donations, and new and gently used items, company officials said. “We considered several nonprofit organizations but felt that the mission of 4KIDS of South Florida was the right […]
Sierra Industries extends ‘Fly-Thru Maintenance’ program for Citation owners
Sierra Industries will continue its “Fly-Thru Maintenance” program, which celebrates its first anniversary this month. The program, modeled after loaner services provided by premium automotive service centers, provides for a replacement aircraft during service or repairs of Citation aircraft. While an aircraft is serviced at Sierra’s South Texas facilities, the program provides the owner with […]