Airplanes shaped like huge darts and rocket ships. That’s what the future of supersonic passenger travel may look like, according to high school students from eight states and 11 foreign countries, taking part in a competition sponsored by NASA. The students were asked to write well-documented research papers describing what needs to be accomplished to […]
Floatplane to the rescue
Mark Wisdorf was kite surfing at Turnagain Arm, Alaska, when things turned bad, leaving him and his kite floating in the water for nearly an hour and a half before his friend, a seaplane pilot, attempted “a somewhat unconventional rescue,” according to a May 18 AVweb on-line report. The waters of Turnagain Arm meet Cook […]
Texas TV station reports flaws in FAA approval of mechanics
An investigative report, broadcast May 16 by a Texas television station with the ironic call letters WFAA, claimed it had revealed serious flaws in the way the FAA licenses airplane mechanics. “There is evidence of years of problems in testing these mechanics,” the Dallas-Fort Worth station stated. “There is also evidence that hundreds of mechanics […]
GAO warns of potential GPS problems
“It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption,” warns the GAO, according to the May 18 edition of the AVweb on-line newsletter. “If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.” The report states that the […]
College wants to shed aviation relic
A former U.S. military spy plane parked outside the University of Montana’s Helena College of Technology since 1981 needs a new home. The college is expanding and wants the plane’s parking space for construction. The retired EC-121, which is a military version of the Lockheed Constellation, flew to Helena 28 years ago for use in […]
One-handed pilot wins aviation award
A University of Oklahoma student born with only one hand has been recognized as the top pilot at the university, according to a May 17 news release. Eric Gaffney earned this year’s Department of Aviation’s Stick and Rudder Award, which is presented annually to the student who demonstrates “the most readiness for flight,” the university […]
Approach Systems unveils new prices
Approach Systems Corp., the developer of APIC, Approach’s Glass Cockpit S/W, APIC Geo Synchronized Approach plates, and stand- alone Approach Plate application, has unveiled a new pricing model where customers no longer have to pay for a yearly subscription. Don’t fly in the winter? Just buy a new APIC Map update in the spring for […]
Versace ‘Limited Edition’ interiors available
StandardAero has inked an agreement with TAG Aircraft Interiors Ltd (TAG-AI) to offer “Limited Edition” interior completions at its Springfield, Ill., facility. Through this agreement StandardAero is able to offer up to full interior completions in exclusive designs by the House of Versace. Versace Interior Design Atelier is responsible for content, design and style, while […]
Comlux Completion USA named Bombardier line maintenance facility
Comlux Completion USA has been designated a Bombardier AOG/ Line Maintenance Facility (AOG/ LMF) in Indianapolis, Indiana. The agreement authorizes Comlux Completion USA to perform work on Bombardier Learjet, Challenger and Global business aircraft. The process for being designated a Bombardier AOG/LMF for business aircraft is stringent and requires an investment in technician training, special […]