The FAA published the findings of its Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on amateur-built aircraft in the Federal Register Sept. 16. Contrary to previous indications from the FAA, the agency did not publish a comprehensive final policy, but piecemeal revelations are on the way, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association. In an report on […]
The road to the hangar
I left three loads of laundry on the kitchen table, ready to be folded and put away. Grass needed cutting; tomatoes needed canning. The dog begged to go, but for him, a ride in the truck would have to wait until another day. Like me, my green Dodge Ram has seen better days. The right […]
Up Ship! Learning to fly a Zeppelin
I am enamored with airships, so when I found out that Airship Ventures, a start-up company in the San Francisco Bay area, was offering a chance to pilot one, I had to take advantage of the offer. Airship Ventures was started in 2006 by Brian and Alexandra (Alex) Hall. Brian’s background is in project development […]
Virginia pilots win Top Eagle honors
The Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) recently recognized Rick Rahim of Great Falls, Richard Largent of Stephens City, and William Bryant of Woodlawn with Top Eagle awards for their participation in the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give children, ages 8-17, an opportunity to […]
Columbia Helicopters receives Production Certificate
The FAA has awarded Columbia Helicopters Inc. a Production Certificate for the Columbia Model 234 and Columbia 107-II helicopters. This step follows Columbia’s acquisition of the Type Certificates for both aircraft in December 2006. The issuance of the FAA Production Certificate will enable Columbia Helicopters to manufacture and certify parts for the Columbia 107-II and […]
Rib alignment tool debuts
P&D Enterprises has introduced the Rib Alignment Tool (R.A.T. Tool), which has been specifically designed to enable aircraft mechanics to perform fast and accurate repairs to damaged flap, aileron and elevator ribs. “Whether it’s a result of ‘hangar rash’, mishandling or just wear and tear, the majority of all general aviation aircraft have some type […]
Duncan tackles Hawker maxarets
Duncan Aviation’s Accessory Shop in Lincoln, Neb. can now overhaul, repair, and test Hawker maxarets. The shop is one of a small handful of companies worldwide with these Hawker maxaret capabilities, and is one of an even smaller number of shops that comply fully with all test requirements as required by the Component Maintenance Manual […]
US Aviation expands maintenance
US Aviation’s Maintenance and Avionics Division at Denton Airport (DTO) in Texas has begun servicing jet aircraft. The facility is capable of handling full Phase 1 through 5 inspections, along with structural inspections on the Hawker and most Cessna Citation models. US Aviation is a factory authorized maintenance facility for Mooney and Diamond Aircraft, as […]
Go-around goes bad
The pilot’s inadvertent stall during an attempted go-around. A contributing factor was the pilot’s failure to place the electronic prop controller in the manual mode prior to initiating a go-around, which resulted in a loss of engine power.