An increase in factory space has led to an increase in production at Czech Aircraft Works (CAW), which produces several Light Sport Aircraft, including the Mermaid, the Parrot and the SportCruiser. Over the winter, the company expanded its factory in the Czech Republic so that it now occupies a 120,000-square-foot facility. That extra room is […]
Commander expects to begin new airplane production by end of year
The FAA has granted Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) to Commander Premier Aircraft Corp. (CPAC). This means the company can begin producing new aircraft at its Cape Girardeau, Mo., location. “This is an important milestone for CPAC,” said Joel Hartstone, president and CEO. “It’s like a birthday. With this grant, CPAC begins life as an FAA […]
See ya in the funny papers…
In the 1930s and ’40s the newspaper comic pages were filled with the exploits of daring aviators. Although fictitious, these characters became role models for kids interested in flying. Most of the heroes were men with flashy nicknames who flew technologically advanced aircraft with skill and daring — and always, always got the girl. One […]
the buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“Once fees start up for airlines and business jets, then they will creep to piston planes or planes flying IFR. Once we establish user fees, it will filter down to all of us.” — AOPA President Phil Boyer “Corporate executives, entertainers, real estate moguls and other fat cats have been getting a free ride from […]
A rose by any other name? Quirks in rental aircraft inspire nicknames
There is a learning curve that must take place when you go from being an aircraft owner to a renter. A number of my clients are learning this. Some of them are between airplanes. Others decided that it is a better financial decision to rent airplanes than to own them at this time. They all […]
TURNED DOWN
The article on older aircraft getting turned down for service is timely. This morning KCAC — Kansas City Aircraft out of OJC in Olathe, Kan., turned me down. We needed an inspection on our 1977 Navajo. PHILLIP BUTTRAM via email Editor’s note: We talked with Tom Conley, who told us that we must contact KCAC […]
SERIOUS TROUBLE
I just read “Got an older airplane? Rumors abound that maintenance shops refuse to work on them” (Feb. 2 issue). In the fourth paragraph, your writer states that you have “found no confirmation that shops have turned away older airplanes…” I am not sure which shops you may have called, but it appears not the […]
As if you need a reason to go flying…National Aviation Day also is agreat way to promote your airport
If you need an excuse to go flying, Aug. 19 is National Aviation Day. Remember the date, please. This obscure but official day of celebration offers a great reason to hang out at the airport, take a friend flying, or introduce someone new to our passion. Indeed, it would be a great day for a […]
Use fees get cold shoulder from lawmakers: Speculation already exists that reauthorization bill won’t be ready by deadline
WASHINGTON, D.C. — “”My intention is to give it a decent burial.”” With those words, Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.) closed his opening comments at a House Subcommittee hearing into reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration. Oberstar’s comment referred to the administration’s, FAA’s, and airline industry’s efforts to establish user fees for general aviation. The House […]