This November 2007 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: Cessna 210. Location: Santa Barbara, Calif. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: Prior to landing the pilot confirmed that the landing gear […]
Continental sends mixed messages on unleaded fuels
Teledyne Continental Motors has done a number of tests with unleaded gasoline that is supposed to be made to the ASTM spec for 94 UL avgas. There have been several PR releases about these tests, including a report at EAA.org Apparently the tests are a complete success and Continental is ready to certify all of […]
Is there a better name than general aviation?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but will flying by any name be as accepted and successful? At a recent House Aviation Subcommittee hearing on the progress of the NextGen air traffic management system, members of the subcommittee, as well as people testifying, continually referred to “business flying” […]
AOPA lobbying efforts top $770,000
According to the Associated Press, AOPA spent $770,000 in the third quarter lobbying on behalf of general aviation. The news service said an amended form filed last month with the House clerk’s office reported the pilot group lobbied not only Congress on such issues as user fees, greenhouse emissions, and reauthorization of the FAA, but […]
VGT pilots thwart ban on experimentals
Pilots in North Las Vegas prove you can fight City Hall, taking pro-active steps to stop a federal ban on experimental aircraft at North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) and participating on a committee that has come up with recommendations that will benefit pilots, the airport and its neighbors. The attempt to limit experimental aircraft at […]
GA shipments fall 46% so far this year
In the first three quarters of 2009, total general aviation (GA) airplane shipments fell 46.8%, from 2,982 units in 2008 to 1,587 units so far this year. Total industry billings are down 23.5%, to $13.8 billion, according to figures just released by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. “These shipment and billings figures are a result […]
Harriet Alexander Field recognized for contribution to GA
Harriet Alexander Field (ANK) in Salida, Colo., was recently recognized by the Colorado Pilots Association for its contribution to general aviation, according to a story in the Mountain Mail. Carl Hasselbrink, airport manager, and his staff personnel received the recognition for their efforts to accommodate needs of visitors. “I’ve always felt an airport is a […]
LSA Expo shapes up
Things are shaping up for the US Sport Aviation Expo, slated for Jan. 21-24, 2010, at Sebring Regional Airport in Sebring, Florida. The number of exhibitors continues to grow, according to organizers, who note new vendors, such as Van’s Aircraft, will be present, while previous exhibitors will be introducing new models. New sponsors, including Remos […]
Group formed to fight FAA’s opposition to hangar homes
A new organization, ThoughTheFence.org (TTF), made its debut last week at the AOPA Aviation Summit. The organization has been formed by pilots to fight the FAA’s prohibition of hangar homes at publicly-funded airports. “The FAA’s Airport Compliance Manual (ACM), dated Sept. 30, 2009, clearly labels all hangar homes as incompatible adjacent airport land use,” said […]