The FAA has issued an STC for the installation of micro vortex generators on the wings and horizontal stabilizer of the Cessna 170. While the VGs have no effect on high speed performance, they enhance slow speed maneuvering, according to Micro Aerodynamics officials, who note the VGs provide a 10% reduction in stall speed, improved […]
NATA partner helps optimize flight planning
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has struck a partnership with Scheduling Sidecar Inc. (SSC), a new fuel research and optimization program that complements flight planning software. The program works alongside an operator’s existing trip scheduling program to provide flight planners additional data to plan trips cost effectively. Data includes contract fuel availability and the […]
Midwestern dealers join Phillips 66 network
Several FBOs across the Midwest have joined the Phillips 66 Aviation network of branded dealers. More than 616 FBOs are now part of the Phillips 66 network. Joining the network are: Butterfly Aviation at Renner Field in Goodland, Kansas; Otis Air Service at Kearney Regional Airport in Nebraska; Sioux Air Inc. at Martin Field in […]
Cessna employees brace for more layoffs
2009 is starting out on a sour note for employees of Cessna Aircraft Co., who have been warned about another round of layoffs. According to Cessna spokesman Doug Oliver, on Jan. 6 CEO Jack Pelton sent an e-mail to staff “in which he outlined the worsening economic situation and noted that because of that worsening […]
Lynne Osmus to become acting FAA Administrator
Career FAA executive Lynne A. Osmus will become acting FAA Administrator when Bobby Sturgell, the current acting administrator, leaves at the end of the Bush administration, Jan. 20. Sturgell named Osmus Acting Deputy Administrator on Jan. 6. “This speaks very well to the transition planning,” said AOPA President Craig Fuller. “Lynne is the FAA’s liaison […]
Embraer Lineage 1000 bizjet receives FAA certification
Embraer has received the Type Certificate for its ultra-large Lineage 1000 executive jet from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the company said on Jan. 7. The aircraft already had earned certification from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency and the European Aviation Safety Agency, in December. To date, more than 20 Lineage 1000 jets have been […]
AMT Awards Program to go on-line
A new on-line FAA Aviation Maintenance Awards Program soon will be available on-line. The revised program makes it much easier for aviation maintenance technicians to participate in the program, which mirrors many of the processes used for the FAA’s Wings safety program for pilots. Training received can be recorded in the on-line program, according to […]
A new Sport Pilot takes flight
Most teens who are 15 going on 16 are fixated on getting their driver’s licenses. Austin Rennard, of Santa Rosa, Calif., had higher aspirations, namely soloing in a Light Sport Aircraft. When Rennard was 14, he met Ronald Alvestal, the man who would become his flight instructor, through Little League where both are umpires. Rennard, […]
Good press continues for Icon
The good coverage of the Icon A5 continues with a feature story Wired.com website. Click here to read the story.