At the end of World War II the city of Tracy, Calif., picked up two former military airfields as war surplus. When Uncle Sam deeded the properties to the city, which is about 60 miles east of San Francisco, there were restrictions that the airports remain airports in perpetuity. However, city officials are now asking […]
Fossett presumed dead
The search for missing aviator Steve Fossett in the Nevada desert has been scaled back, while the preliminary report from the NTSB lists the accident as a fatality. Fossett disappeared Sept. 3 while flying near Yerington, Nev. He took off in a Bellanca Super Decathlon for what was supposed to be a three-hour flight, but […]
Cessna pursues purchase of Columbia
Cessna Aircraft Co. has signed a Letter of Intent with Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corp. to acquire selected assets and certain liabilities of the Bend, Ore.-based aircraft manufacturer. Cessna Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton noted that “Columbia’s unique capability in the high-end single-engine piston market makes it a perfect complement to our Next Generation […]
First-time author wins award for book on WWII flyers
First-time author wins awardfor book on World War II flyers The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) has named Jane Gardner Birch recipient of its Fifth Annual Combs Gates Award. The first-time author will be recognized with a $20,000 cash award for her soon-to-be-published book, “They Flew Proud,” inspired by the World War II experiences […]
Cessna expands in Georgia
Cessna Aircraft Co. recently broke ground on what will be its third building in Columbus, Ga. The company will invest up to $24 million to expand aircraft subassembly work at Columbus, including construction of an $11 million facility at Muscogee Technology Park. The 100,000-square-foot building is slated to be completed in August 2008. Cessna Columbus […]
Eclipse Aviation opens firstcustomer training center
Eclipse Aviation, manufacturer of the world’s first VLJ, opened its first customer training center last month at Double Eagle II Airport (KAEG) near Albuquerque. Eclipse 500 customers will receive all of their classroom and simulator training at the new center, including the type rating course and recurrent training. The 41,500-square-foot, two-story facility, which is adjacent […]
‘Panchito’ stars with Aaron Tippin at veteran’s benefit
Last month country music star Aaron Tippin brought along a special guest for his performance at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) benefit in New Orleans. It was Larry Kelly’s beautifully restored World War II B-25 Mitchell bomber, named “Panchito,” which traveled by air and water to reach Spanish Plaza for the benefit. B-25s are famous […]
The aftermath of the accidents
After the spate of accidents at this year’s races, the Reno Air Race Association received many calls and emails highly critical of the races and questioning their continuation. What many people do not understand is that Reno is a venue just like Daytona or Indy. The association provides a “place” — it does not control […]
Salute to Champions
The theme for the Reno Air Races this year was “Salute to Champions.” The two Grand Marshals for Reno 2007 epitomize the word champion. This year Ray Cote and Darryl Greenamyer were honored for their air racing achievements. Together they represent 24 National Air Racing Gold Championships. Cote retired after 34 years in International Formula […]