Legislation to provide general aviation airplane parts manufacturers with “common sense protections against frivolous lawsuits” was introduced Dec. 7 by Rep. Vern Ehlers (R-Mich.) and Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-Kan.). “These lawsuits are driving up insurance costs and, in some cases, forcing manufacturers to stop production of parts certified by the Federal Aviation Administration,” Ehlers said. […]
Abingdon Watches: Femininity meets functionality
A distinctive watch is often associated with being a pilot. Many of these designs have an E6-B on the face and are able to display multiple time zones, but these are fairly large timepieces, even for a man’s wrist. If you are a woman, especially one with a smaller wrist, wearing a man-sized watch has […]
A long way to go… “Memphis Belle” restoration may take up to 10 years
There is no such thing as a quick restoration project, especially if it’s “Memphis Belle,” probably the most famous B-17 of World War II. The big bomber has been undergoing restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Dayton, Ohio, since the fall of 2005, when it arrived at the museum […]
‘A bit of an oddity’: Just one of five built, David Powell’s restored Anderson Greenwood AG-14 has a sci-fi feel
The Great Depression and the post-World War II glut of aircraft on the market are not the only factors that led to so-called “orphaned” designs. Poor timing led to the demise of the Anderson Greenwood AG-14, according to David Powell of Rogers, Ark., who owns AG-14 Serial No. 5, the last of the twin-boom, two-place […]
Hidden’ pictures embellish Wayne Hadath’s F-1 Rocket
One of the joys of building your own airplane is that you can design a one-of-a-kind paint scheme. For Wayne Hadath of Kirchner, Ontario, Canada, that process began with a desire to honor the Canadian Air Force. Eventually it grew into a most unusual paint scheme featuring “hidden” pictures of a variety of objects from […]
Santa Monica proposes ban on jets: FAA calls ban illegal, but city officials say it’s a matter of safety
The City Council in Santa Monica, Calif., has tentatively approved an ordinance that would ban certain jet aircraft from Santa Monica Airport (SMO). The unanimous vote was cast Nov. 27. Council members cited safety concerns as their primary reason for the ban. According to Santa Monica Airport Manager Bob Trimborn, the ban, if adopted, would […]
Washington State airport recovers from floods
When heavy rains hit southwestern Washington earlier this month, Chehalis-Centralia Airport (CLS) was a staging area for rescue operations. But on Dec. 3, when the Chehalis River, which runs beside the airport, rose 24 inches in just one hour, CLS was swamped. State officials say a dike that was supposed to protect the airport was […]
When the Super Bowl comes to town. As airport management prepares for the big game, pilots spring into action to protect their rights — and their planes
Television commercials aren’t the only thing that cost more during the Super Bowl. Pilots based at Glendale Municipal Airport (GEU) in Arizona say the cost of hangar space has jumped dramatically in response to the news that the community is hosting the 2008 Super Bowl. In addition, tenants are being told that they may not […]
Long-time pilot Muriel Ferris dies at 97
Muriel Ferris, who started flying in 1929 and earned her pilot license in 1931, died of a stroke Nov. 7. She was 97. Born in Syracuse, N.Y., she learned to fly on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, instructed by pioneer pilots Malcolm and Steve Hathaway. Local lore has it that she was the first woman to fly […]