Aviation Fabricators (AvFab) recently received STC approval for its Learjet 55 Divan. The two-place side-facing Divan Kit includes seat belts and shoulder harnesses. It is delivered in “green” condition, without upholstery, and has the capability for an ample under-seat storage compartment. It also comes with the option for closeout panels and armrests. Installation involves the […]
Blackhawk expands distributor ranks
Blackhawk Modifications is expanding its ranks of distributors worldwide. The company recently completed distribution agreements in the U.S., Europe and Australia, including Bromma Air Maintenance of Sweden; Scandinavian Air Technologies of Denmark; Cobham Aviation Service, UK; Approved Aircraft Maintenance, Australia; Hawker Pacific, Australia; and Lanmar Aviation, in Groton, Conn. Lanmar Aviation, located at the New […]
Redbird expands
Redbird Flight Simulations is expanding its Austin, Texas-based operation, not only doubling its manufacturing facility, but also adding staff. “As flight schools look to improve training, an increasing number of them are finding that our simulators are an obvious benefit to their overall curriculum,” said Todd Willinger, Redbird Flight Simulations CEO. “Our expansion is not […]
AOPA creates Medical Services Program
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has launched a new effort to help pilots stay healthy and keep their medical certificates, with the creation of the AOPA Medical Services Program. “AOPA members have access to some of the best online information available,” said AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller, “from AOPA’s TurboMedical, which helps them […]
Student pilot botches landing
This November 2007 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. Location: Ardmore, Okla. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The 79-hour student pilot was at the end of a solo […]
West Virginia governor boosts GA
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin is bullish on GA. That’s probably why he was invited to speak at the General Aviation Serves America Rally at the AOPA Aviation Summit earlier this month. Manchin, who has been a pilot and AOPA member for 41 years, told the crowd that he is a great example “that you […]
Amelia Earhart: Out of this world
Items that belonged to Amelia Earhart are out of this world — literally. One of Earhart’s scarves was carried into space by astronaut Randy Bresnik aboard the shuttle Atlantis, which took off Nov. 16. Bresnik is the grandson of Earhart’s personal photographer, Albert Bresnik, who was hired in 1932 to document her around-the-world flight. In […]
A proper burn out procedure
LETTER TO THE EDITOR I would like to comment on the spark plug “burn out” procedure discussed in Paul McBride’s Sept. 4 column, “Tips to reduce spark plug fouling.” Operating lean really troubles me. My mechanic son observed a Mooney do several aggressive burn outs and taxi back a couple of times. The last time […]
Husky donated to Kenya Wildlife Service
At the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Aviation Summit earlier this month, the Lindbergh Foundation revealed its efforts to facilitate the donation of a new 180-hp A1C Husky to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). For six years, aerobatic pilot Patty Wagstaff has helped the KWS pilots to become safer pilots, by teaching them aerobatic […]