This February 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: Cessna 152. Injuries: None. Location: Arlington, Texas. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The student pilot was on a long solo cross country flight. […]
AOPA Jacket now available
Now available at Sporty’s is the AOPA Leading Edge Jacket. The jacket features a wind- and water-resistant exterior and a fleece interior, but remains lightweight and breathable, according to Sporty’s officials. Available in black, the jacket is priced at $79.95. For more information: 800-SPORTYS or Sportys.com
Terrafugia’s momentum continues
It’s been just under a year since Terrafugia, the Massachusetts-based company that is building a roadable aircraft — known popularly as a flying car — conducted its first flight. Momentum from that flight continues, according to Richard Gersh, vice president. The company flew the proof-of-concept vehicle last March, racking up 28 flights at Plattsburgh International […]
Mainstream Aviation
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Re: Is there a better name for general aviation?: I suggest “Mainstream Aviation.” On first consideration, one might think that commercial aviation better fits this moniker. But most of the thousands of passengers who fly commercially have no actual connection to or stake in aviation as a field of endeavor. They […]
Wondering where to get yours?
When reporter Meg Godlewski wrote about a T-shirt she saw at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo, it generated a lot of interest with our readers. The T-shirt is covered with acronyms that pilots are so familiar with, such as ATP, CFI, and more. The shirt also has pilot slang terms, such as $100 hamburger. While […]
Harrison Ford’s Haiti relief flights
Actor Harrison Ford flew his Cessna 208 Caravan to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Saturday, Feb. 6, to command an airlift of Operation Smile medical volunteers and supplies into Hinche, Haiti. Ford volunteered his time, piloting skills and aircraft in response to an urgent request from Operation Smile, Inc. for logistical support after the organization announced […]
The year of engagement
It takes more than alphabet groups speaking up to teach opinion leaders and decision makers about GA — it takes each pilot and aircraft owner stepping up and becoming actively engaged with their community leaders. “As I see it, some of the top issues for the coming year and beyond must include protecting our nation’s […]
GA advocate Vern Ehlers retires from House
General aviation will soon lose one of its staunchest supporters in the U.S. House of Representatives as Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) announced his retirement Feb. 10. Ehlers, 76, has served the state’s 3rd District (Grand Rapids area) for 16 years. He will retire at the end of his eighth term. “Rep. Ehlers is a champion of […]
GA groups object to increased test fees
EAA, along with AOPA, NATA, and NAFI, is asking the FAA, Computer Assisted Testing Service Inc. (CATS), and LaserGrade to re-examine the implementation of a proposed increase in testing fees. Effective April 1, pilots taking an FAA knowledge test could be charged an extra $50 in administrative fees. The testing companies say they are implementing […]