SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON Plenty of aviation enterprises face challenges, but one of the toughest has to be starting a new airshow event, such as last weekend’s Midwest LSA Expo at Mt. Vernon Outland Airport (MVN) in Mt. Vernon, Ill. Not only must organizers get myriad details right and try to satisfy a broad range […]
Our failing flight schools
Too many flight schools are failing. The effect of this will eventually hurt us all, according to a column by Jeremy Cox of Jetbrokers Inc. at GlobalAir.com. He writes: “In the past 10 years it has been distressing to see five flight schools come and go at my home airport, the Spirit of St. Louis […]
GA needs international cooperation to thrive
In a recent speech, Jack Pelton, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Co., noted that business aviation faces similar issues around the world that will require cooperation across regional lines if GA is to thrive. “We have our work cut out for us — here in Australia, in the United States and […]
Carter expands to bring PAV to market
Carter Aviation Technologies of Wichita Falls, Texas, has created two subsidiary companies to further development of its Personal Air Vehicle (PAV). The PAV prototype was introduced at AirVenture 2009 as a static display prior to moving into flight-testing. Carter is now preparing for the next stage with the creation of Carter Aerospace Development, LLC and […]
GA promotes itself
General aviation seems to be finally taking up the issue of public acceptance. The need for it was recognized nearly a half-century ago when manufacturers realized they were selling bigger and more expensive airplanes to the same people. The industry initiated a meager PR program and more aggressive selling, which helped sales pick up. Another […]
A first look at new LSA tandems
SPLOG By DAN JOHNSON Here come the new tandems — and I do mean new! Suspending a full flight trial regime, U.S.-based MySky One took a long maiden voyage from Daytona Beach, Florida, to Oshkosh. Just last month, the Slovak Republic-based sportShark, from Shark.Aero, took its first flight. Tandems seat the occupants fore and aft […]
Study of jet fuel from saltwater plants launches
Just begun is a study on the use of saltwater-based plants for renewable jet fuel. The study is being commissioned as part of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group consortium. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi will lead the study, which will examine the overall potential for sustainable, large-scale production of […]
ExperCraft tops 1,600 users
ExperCraft Simple Log is a powerful yet easy-to-use website that aircraft builders and restorers use to track project information (hours spent, money spent, successes, challenges, photos and more). The website also allows the builders to share their progress with friends, family and fellow and prospective builders. To date, more than 1,600 ExperCraft users have: Logged […]
Supplemental oxygen for your pets
Aircraft owners know the advantages of flying at higher altitudes when traveling to far-off destinations. They also know they will need supplemental oxygen for themselves and their passengers. But what about their pets? More and more pilots are taking their family pets on vacations and business trips. They often note that their dog will fall […]