The 58,000 volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol are marking CAP’s 68th anniversary Dec. 1. The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization was founded Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America’s involvement in World War II. Its members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols, vigilance that […]
Full gas tanks could stop many crashes
An AP story out of Des Moines, Iowa, takes a look at the problem of pilots crashing because they run out of fuel. The story notes that National Transportation Safety Board officials are baffled by the frequency with which pilots run out of gas. In the past five years, according to the NTSB, fuel exhaustion […]
Four to bid for Epic
The Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Epic Aircraft continues to wind its way through the courts and the next hearing is set for Dec. 7 in Portland, according to a report from AVweb. Interim CEO Christopher Sanders told AVweb there are four bidders vying to buy the company, including one established aircraft manufacturer. Read the full […]
Courtesy celebrates milestones
Over the past 50 years, Courtesy Aircraft Sales has earned a reputation as a leader in warbird sales. Recently the company celebrated two milestones: Selling 100 North American AT-6s (also known as SNJs or Harvards) and 30 North American P-51 Mustangs in the past decade. Considering the rarity of these ex-military aircraft, this is one […]
FAA bans takeoffs with ‘polished frost’
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA now prohibits takeoffs with “polished frost” — frost buffed to make it smooth — on the wings, stabilizers and control surfaces of several classes of aircraft. The new rules are effective Jan. 30, 2010. Frost can affect the aerodynamics of wings and control surfaces, and the safest action is to […]
Alternative engines featured at AERO
These days it seems everyone is talking about electric and hybrid drives, including general aviation manufacturers. At AERO Friedrichshafen, slated for April 8-11, 2010, the latest environmentally-friendly alternative engine technologies, many of which have developed well beyond the prototype stage and are ready to go into production, will be showcased. The first aircraft powered by […]
Fundraiser pays for PAPI system at 6B6
A new PAPI system — paid in part by a fundraiser in the local pilot community — was commissioned Nov. 14 at Minute Man Air Field (6B6) in Stow, Mass. The PAPI System was the top priority in a 2008 pilot survey of safety needs at 6B6, according to pilots. Unable to afford the PAPI […]
Aviation advocate dies
Edward Stimpson, an aviation advocate who was instrumental in lobbying for legislation that limited lawsuits against aircraft manufacturers — credited for reviving the GA industry — died Nov. 25 after a long illness. He was 75. Stimpson, who served as president of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association for 25 years, was a proponent of legislation […]
Latest Master Instructor accreditations
The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) recently issued new or renewal accreditation as NAFI Master Flight Instructors to six CFIs. The Master Instructor designation is a national accreditation, recognized by the FAA, which is earned through a rigorous process of continuing professional activity and peer review. Similar to a flight instructor’s certificate, it must […]