A pilot experiencing a probable control surface failure deployed a Ballistic Recovery Systems whole aircraft parachute at Laurel, Maryland, near Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, becoming the 208th save documented by the use of the parachutes. The plane, a Slipstream Genesis, a fabric and fiberglass homebuilt, “rolled over on its back and headed straight down,” […]
MIT creates oil-repelling materials
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have designed a material that can repel oil. According to researchers, the materials could be used to help protect parts of airplanes that are vulnerable to damage from being soaked in fuel, like rubber gaskets and o-rings. “These are vulnerable points in many aerospace applications,” said Robert Cohen, […]
Congressional impasse on FAA funding holds AIP grants hostage
The fall-out from the Congressional impasse on the pending FAA Reauthorization continues. That’s because grants from the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) cannot be released by FAA officials until the legislation is passed — or Congress gives FAA officials “contract authority,” which would allow them to start parceling out the grant money to airports. “A continued […]
B-29 ‘FIFI’ to fly again
The Cavanaugh Flight Museum and the Commemorative Air Force (formerly Confederate Air Force) have reached an agreement to get the world’s only airworthy B-29 back in the air. Jim Cavanaugh has pledged $1.2 million to rebuild the engines on “FIFI,” the CAF’s B-29. “This sponsorship, together with additional donations from CAF members, should go a […]
Avation Radio Network debuts
A new radio network devoted to aviation debuted Feb. 1. The Aviation Radio Network broadcasts via the Internet. The network’s founders also are “pursuing radio stations countrywide to carry our broadcast,” said Derrick Beeler, president. The network’s first show is “This Week in Aviation,” a two-hour program consisting of news, current events, technical tips, a […]
Pilots fly in to help out in the Bahamas
The Bahamas Habitat Fly-In and Help-Out, slated for March 6-9, is looking for pilots who are interested in volunteering their aircraft for transportation, as well as their labor to help local residents restore their homes and improve living conditions. “Living in paradise is not without its drawbacks,” states John Armstrong, chairman of the Bahamas Habitat […]
F-22 on display at Air Force Museum
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton has become home to the only F-22A Raptor on permanent public display. The Raptor was one of nine built for engineering and development testing in 1999. The museum’s restoration team restored the F-22, painting it to represent those flown by the 1st Fighter Wing, based […]
the buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“Aviation is never static, always in motion, and in one direction: forward.” — GAN guest columnist Steve Bill Hanshew “A friend said ‘you’ve gotta meet this girl — she’s cute and single and she has a better plane than you.’” — Air show performer Steve Oliver on how he met his wife of 26 years, […]
“Welcome to sunny Florida.”
The fellow who uttered this statement was wearing long pants and so many shirts, sweaters and jackets that he did not appear able to bend his elbows. And rightly so. It was COLD, I tell you, on the last day of the Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Fla., which took place Jan.17-20. On that day […]