Country music star Aaron Tippin, who is also a pilot and longtime aviation enthusiast, will perform at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun. Tippin will perform Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m. The concert is included in Sun ‘n Fun’s daily admission price. The concert is a first for Sun ‘n Fun, according to John Burton, […]
Save our Airports: GA is under fire
The battle against user fees is just beginning, but we’ve been fighting a battle for generations against politicians and developers who see our airports as nothing more than playgrounds for rich “fat cats” — and as potential gold mines for themselves. As housing developments replace runways, everyone involved in GA must get involved to ensure […]
Young pilot launches “Inspiration” flight
Attempting to land in the record books as the youngest pilot – and the first person of African descent – to complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe, Barrington Irving, 23, took off from his hometown of Miami March 23 in a Columbia 400 he calls “Inspiration.” Between now and April 30, he will fly 21,509 […]
Czech Aircraft Works expands factory
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 […]