FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt told attendees at the NBAA2009 Opening General Session Oct. 20 that widespread adoption of safety management systems (SMS) and an emphasis on pilot professionalism and mentoring will be the key to taking aviation safety to the next level. Because aviation is “exceedingly safe” already, SMS is “the only option” to take […]
Museum unveils ‘Amelia’ plane to coincide with movie premiere
On Friday, Oct. 23, The San Diego Air & Space Museum will unveil its Lockheed Vega 5B used in the movie “Amelia,” starring Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank. The plane was created as a prop for the film and was donated to the museum by Avalon Pictures. Amelia Earhart flew a Lockheed Vega 5B on […]
57th Fighter Group Restaurant reopens at PDK
The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant has reopened at Atlanta’s DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK). Under the new ownership of Pat Epps of Epps Aviation, the World War II-themed restaurant has updated its menu and facilities. The 57th Fighter Group Restaurant menu features a variety of popular American cuisines. Many of the restaurant’s long time favorite dishes, including […]
Air BP launches rewards program
Air BP has launched a new general aviation rewards program Bravo. Bravo members can “spend” their points on more than 45 million merchandise options, including travel, savings bonds and event tickets, according to company officials. The program also offers a concierge service to help members find custom items. Bravo members can track points, make purchases […]
Mid-Continent Instruments amps up
Mid-Continent Instruments introduces its newest battery system, the MD420-1 Emergency Power Supply. The 2.5 amp-hour battery powers electronic flight displays, standby instruments or other avionic systems, said company officials, who note Honeywell Bendix/King recently named the MD420-1 as the optional battery backup for the new KFD840 Primary Flight Display. The MD420-1 can be configured for […]
Book and memorabilia sale slated
The International Women’s Air & Space Museum at Burke Lakefront Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, is holding its first Aviation Book & Memorabilia Sale on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission to the sale and museum are free. The museum has received a number of donated items for the sale, including a […]
Inadvertent power increase leads to bad landing
This October 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 172. Location: Glendale, Ariz. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The instructor and student pilot were on final approach. The instructor […]
Ask Paul: Narrow deck cylinders, the Twin Comanche and a Lycoming milestone
Geez, it’s really beginning to look like I’m losing it when it comes to misstating things in my columns. The most recent concerned the “Wide Deck” vs “Narrow Deck” cylinder column in my last column. I thought I’d explained the difference between the two and used an example of the Piper Twin Comanche PA-30 as […]
Anti-user fee letter sent to Obama
WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello (D-Ill.) and Ranking Member Thomas Petri (R-Wis.) sent a letter today with 118 signatures of bipartisan members of the House of Representatives to President Obama urging him to not ask for aviation user fees as he submits the budget for 2011. Costello and Petri started circulating […]