This March 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: Piper Cherokee. Injuries: None. Location: Bremerton, Wash. Aircraft damage: Minor. What reportedly happened: The pilot was taxiing to his hangar when he noticed a […]
Senate passes FAA reauthorization
To the surprise of some and the pleasure of many, the Senate passed a reauthorization bill for the FAA Monday evening, March 22. With the House having passed its reauthorization bill last year, the two can go directly to conference for reconciliation and give the FAA a stable base after 11 three-month temporary extensions. The […]
Breezer II, Part II, Act I
It didn’t work out the first time. Breezer I wasn’t quite mature for the burgeoning Light Sport Aircraft market. The import structure was unwieldy, adding cost and distancing the customer from the source. As Breezer Aircraft took over manufacturing of the all-metal LSA, Breezer II arrived in 2008, joining new leadership in Europe with fresh […]
The ‘wind’ in your hair…
You can get away with all sorts of daring fashion moves at air shows and fly ins. One of the more popular items is the classic baseball cap with a miniature windsock atop it, giving a new twist to the old saying “the wind in your hair.” A word of warning: While it might be […]
Sun ‘n Fun campus boasts new hangar, relocated Parts Exchange
The campus of the Sun ’n Fun International Fly-In & Expo will have a slightly different look for this year’s 36th annual event, which will be held April 13-18 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL) in Florida. A new exhibit hangar has been opened for this year’s fly-in and the popular Parts Exchange aviation consignment […]
Pioneer pilot Elinor Smith dies at 98
Elinor Smith (Sullivan), aviation pioneer and record-setting pilot, died Friday, March 19, in Palo Alto, California, at the age of 98. One of the youngest and most daring pilots of the 1920s, Smith set numerous records for endurance, altitude, and speed. She also worked as a test pilot. But she is perhaps best remembered as […]
TSA nominee sails through confirmation hearing
Major General Robert A. Harding (ret.) recently appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for a confirmation hearing to be administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. He sailed through with high praise. Sen. John “Jay” Rockefeller (D-WVa), committee chairman, declared a highly qualified, […]
X-Air now selling factory direct
X-Air is now selling its Light Sport Aircraft directly from the factory. The company is offering demo flights, flight training, sales and service at its headquarters in Bend, Oregon. The company also is planning to establish a number of flight centers around the United States. “We have been selling aircraft through Sportsplanes.com,” said Matt Verdieck, […]
Orlando Flight Training adds Sport Pilot training
Orlando Flight Training (OFT) at Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) in Florida is expanding its service offerings to include a sport pilot training program with the addition of four new Cessna Skycatcher aircraft to its fleet in Summer 2010. “These new aircraft will allow our team to provide students with additional flight training program options,” said […]