While other major FAA programs are bogged down in Congressional controversy, reauthorization of the agency’s research and development projects appears to be sailing through the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics. Subcommittee Chairman Mark Udall (D-Colo.) introduced the Federal Aviation Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2007 late in June. It reauthorizes some existing projects, […]
Auction raises $500,000 for The Sporty’s Foundation
The auction for Sporty’s Cessna Citation Mustang (serial #13) successfully ended at 1:15 pm on June 8 with the winning bidder paying $3,117,000 for the aircraft. It was anticipated that the winning bidder, who has requested anonymity, would take delivery of his brand-new Cessna Citation Mustang in Independence, Kansas, by the end of June. Training […]
Back by popular demand: Lockwood Aircraftto re-introduce Air-Cam at Oshkosh
The Air-Cam returns to the big show this year with a new owner. Lockwood Aircraft, a new company formed by Phil Lockwood, owner of Lockwood Aviation Supply, will exhibit the Air-Cam and the Drifter light aircraft during this year’s AirVenture, later this month. Lockwood Aircraft will display both land and amphibious versions of the twin-engine […]
Comp Air 12 becomes joint project with Downing Aviation
Comp Air Aviation of Merritt Island, Florida, and Downing Aviation Associates of Phoenix, joined forces last month to secure funding, engineering and operational resources for Comp Air’s new, 310-knot, single engine Model 12 turboprop aircraft. The Model 12, the latest Comp Air design, had its first flight in March. It is currently in flight testing […]
Columbia back at full force
Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corp. officials say the company is back in full force, producing three new aircraft a week. “We made a lot of dramatic moves earlier this year with the objective of increasing our efficiency and strengthening Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corp.,” said President Wan Majid. “Over the past eight to 12 weeks, we’ve made […]
the buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“These massive tax increases are not only a serious threat to the future of general aviation in this country, but to the businesses and commerce generated by non-commercial aviation that is the lifeblood of the economy of smaller cities such as ours.” — Andy Spinks, airport director, City of New Braunfels, Texas “Instructors have more […]
Seeing stars
OK, I’ll admit it. When I heard country music star Aaron Tippin was going to be in concert at Sun ‘n Fun, I was excited. Not just because I’m a fan, but because I knew I’d get a chance to sit down and interview him. That’s one of the perks of my job. I get […]
IS FSS BAD SERVICE JUST A BUSINESS PLOY?
Concerning the “new” Lockheed Martin Flight Service System, I am sick and tired of hearing alternative sources being suggested for obtaining a weather briefing. Lockheed, the FAA and AOPA overwhelmingly advocated this privatization as the best thing since sliced white bread. I suggest calling them even more and forcing them to deliver the services they […]
FSS WOES
What is happening with flight service? My first complaint is with the phone service. I am so tired of trying to talk to an automated phone system. “Say briefer.” What am I — a 2 year old? I said it 10 times and the stupid automated piece of junk doesn’t work and yet I still […]