US Airways Capt. Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger was recently awarded a lifetime membership in the Seaplane Pilots Association in recognition of his “extraordinary airmanship, seamanship, and decision-making, saving hundreds of lives in his emergency landing of Flight 1549 in the Hudson River on Jan. 15,” according to officials with the association, which is based in Lakeland, […]
Shaking off the gloom
By DAN JOHNSON The darkest hours of 2008 were lightened considerably by the rock-solid start to the year witnessed at the 2009 U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, in January. Record crowds, numerous airplane orders, and the sellout of inventory by some exhibitors helped to shake off the gloom of the rotten economy. That […]
Damaged landing gear leads to wheels-up landing
This March 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: Piper Comanche. Location: Des Moines, Iowa. Injuries: None. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot was making an approach to landing and attempted […]
Illinois proposes luxury tax on business aircraft
As though negative comments about business aviation from President Obama and Members of Congress weren’t enough, the president’s home state of Illinois has taken up the cry and has proposed a 5% luxury tax on aircraft valued at more than $500,000. NBAA and other aviation groups quickly opposed the legislative proposal in Illinois, stating that […]
White House reminded: Business aviation is essential
During his State of the Union address, President Obama referred scathingly to business aircraft as luxuries and the perks of highly-paid executives, to the annoyance of business aircraft users – most of whom do not fly jets – and the aviation industry. The president’s remarks, which were largely focused on the tools needed to recover […]
With LASP comment period closed, what’s next?
The end of the public comment period on the TSA‘s LASP marks the beginning of a new, equally rigorous chapter in making the industry’s concerns about the proposal known in Washington, said NBAA President Ed Bolen on March 2. “Although the TSA is not required to notify the industry on the progress of its review […]
Aircraft Partnership Association grows to 2,500 members
The Aircraft Partnership Association announced on March 3 that it has posted its 2,500th member profile on its website. More than 1,000 members have joined since December, said the organization, which brings together people with similar interests who want to share aircraft ownership. “While the economy is having a dramatic adverse affect on aircraft sales, […]
Air Graphics expands
Air Graphics LLC recently broke ground on a new 18,000-square- foot facility at the Middleton Municipal Airport (C29) in Middleton, Wisconsin. The state-of-the-art facility will be the new headquarters for the company, as well as act as a design studio and production facility for aircraft exterior designs, according to company officials, who note the new […]
New exhibit highlights ‘100 Missions Up North’
A new exhibit, titled “100 Missions Up North,” opens March 19 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The display highlights the story of airmen who flew missions in the deadly skies above North Vietnam and neighboring countries during the Southeast Asia War. Located in the Modern Flight Gallery, the exhibit features […]