One of the perks of being a flying journalist is that it gives me the opportunity to fly aircraft that many pilots don’t, like the record-setting Light Sport Aircraft, the FA-04 Peregrine. The low-wing airplane, built by Fleming Air in Germany, is imported by the Hansen Air Group of Kennesaw, Georgia. “We came up with […]
FAA sets new policy on antidepressants
Pilots taking medication for mild to moderate depression now may be considered for a special issuance of a medical certificate. In a change to take effect April 5, pilots who take one of four antidepressant medications will be allowed to fly if they have been satisfactorily treated on the medication for at least 12 months. […]
Flight for Human Spirit takes off Monday
Fifty states, 19,400 miles, 40 days — that is Michael Combs’ dream, which will take flight at Salina Municipal Airport (SLN) in Kansas, April 5, at 7:30 a.m. Combs plans to fly his Remos GX Light Sport Aircraft, dubbed “Hope One,” to 135 airports in all 50 states. Combs’ intention is to spread the message […]
Cool electric aircraft…Beginning the future?
Electric is hot! Even in a dull economy with sluggish airplane sales, the spark of electric power is crackling with life. Numerous projects have been announced and organizations like EAA are making way for electric airplanes to showcase themselves at big shows like AirVenture. Now, from an Italian manufacturer comes the work of world champion […]
Accident investigators get experimental aircraft training
Investigators from several government agencies visited the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Oshkosh headquarters last week for a three-day course on experimental, Light Sport Aircraft, and warbirds. EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs Earl Lawrence and EAA Homebuilders Community Manager Joe Norris provided the training to the investigators. “Part of our mission at EAA is […]
From CAP cadet to governor
South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds’ entrée into aviation came with the discovery of a hand-written advertisement while he was in junior high school, according to a story at AOPA.org, which notes that Rounds took his first airplane ride through the CAP, soloed at 16, and earned his private pilot certificate on his 17th birthday. Now, […]
Championship pilot Kirby Chambliss unveils ‘air brush’ contest for schoolchildren
Red Bull Air Race World Championship pilot Kirby Chambliss returned to the Detroit Riverfront April 1 to unveil a contest for local children to put their artistic talent on display. Local middle schools can vie for the chance to decorate one of 20 small plane statues that will line the Riverfront throughout May. Once these […]
TTF efforts bearing fruit; leader deserves praise
For more than 30 years, I’ve tracked residential airparks and encouraged their development and encouraged the aviation community to support them. Most flyin communities are private – owned and private – use but a significant number have been established over the years on property adjacent to public-owned and public-use airports. These residential airparks have provided […]
Tailwheel flight school opens at GIF
Preston Aviation, LLC, a flight school specializing in tailwheel instruction, has returned to Florida. The 17-year-old school has relocated to Winter Haven’s Gilbert Field (GIF), offering tailwheel instruction in its Piper J3 Cub, Stearman, or your plane. CFI Tim Preston has logged more than 11,000 hours, with most — 9,000 — tailwheel. For more information: […]