Piper Aircraft has selected Aviall Services, Inc., a subsidiary of The Boeing Co., to be its global parts distributor, providing supply chain support for the company’s global dealer network and individual customers. Derek Zimmerman, Piper’s vice president of supply chain and aftermarket development, underscored Aviall’s ability to offer customers more than 2 million catalog items […]
Wicks to host TIG welding workshop
Wicks Aircraft Supply will offer a hands-on TIG welding workshop Feb. 13 and 14, featuring “Mister TIG,” aka Wyatt Swaim. During the 16 hours, everyone will learn the basics of welding 4130 Chromoly tubing, mild steel and aluminum for creating fuel tanks. The course will also explore basic metallurgy. The workshop is designed to provide […]
Rudder failure results in crash
This January 2008 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: Quicksilver Sport 2S. Location: Arley, Ala. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The float-equipped airplane lifted off from a lake. The pilot […]
TSA’s latest target: Your mechanic
By aviation security expert David Hook, president, Planehook Aviation Services, LLC Remember the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP) that the TSA proposed about this same time last year? Well, this time TSA is proposing something similar, but with a twist. The latest proposal has your aircraft mechanic in the agency’s crosshairs. “Good security is good […]
GSA updates reimbursement rates
WASHINGTON, D.C. – New federal government reimbursement rates for the use of privately owned vehicles while on official business became effective Jan.1, according to officials with the U.S. General Services Administration. The 2010 privately owned vehicle reimbursement rates are: Automobile – $0.50/mile Motorcycle – $0.47/mile Airplane – $1.29/mile Developed by GSA in consultation with the […]
‘Stop the FAA and Save General Aviation’
BOOK REVIEW By DAVE SCLAIR In the many years that I published General Aviation News (under a variety of names), we enjoyed having a variety of individuals write columns for us. One of those columnists was the late Peter Bowers. He did a regular column on historical aircraft for us for many, many years. I […]
Longtime Sun ‘n Fun volunteer dies
Bonnie Higbie, 69, a longtime Sun ‘n Fun volunteer, passed away Dec. 22, of heart failure. Born June 30, 1940, in Hamilton, N.Y., she loved airplanes and traveling. She began volunteering at Sun ‘n Fun in 1981 in the media center. Just a few years later she was appointed to the media chairmanship, a post […]
Continental says no price increase this year
Prices for factory new and factory rebuilt engines from Teledyne Continental Motors, Inc. will not increase in 2010, according to officials at the Mobile, Ala.-based company. “In 2009, TCM worked very hard to improve manufacturing efficiencies. We are committed to delivering this value to our customers,” said Rhett Ross, president. “TCM is pleased to keep […]
Air Zoo adds value packages for 2010
KALAMAZOO, Mich. —While continuing to offer free general admission, the Air Zoo will be adding additional value packages for its experiences and rides beginning Jan. 4. Experience packages will be based on height and will begin at $6.95 for a Co-Pilot Package and will include packages up to the $12.95 Ultimate Ace Package. Guests will […]