Cirrus Design Corp. has upgraded the Avidyne Entegra Multi-Function Displays in its SR20 and SR22 aircraft to include a safety checklist. Similar to electronic checklists found on airliners, the MFD displays three pages of information and queries for the pilot when the plane is started. Questions range from performance issues to a self-assessment for the […]
CarterGyro achieves vertical takefoff
During flight testing of a new gyro prototype just before the New Year, Carter Aviation Technologies test pilot George Mitchell executed several vertical takeoffs. The aircraft was able to jump more than 150 feet straight up into the air, according to Mitchell. “It was phenomenal,” he said, “but it took a little getting used to. […]
Bankrupt: Tiger and Symphony close doors
The end of January was not a good one for two GA manufacturers. The companies, Tiger Aircraft and Symphony Aircraft Industries, entered bankruptcy. Both companies have been shut down and their assets will be liquidated to pay off creditors. Tiger Aircraft, based in Martinsburg, W.Va., filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Jan. 16. The company listed […]
The Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that other Meigs Field was named after some kin.” — Houston pilot Doug Meigs, who is developing a new airpark in Texas called Meigs Field Airport. “Aviation is a great motivational hook to teach kids all kinds of things.” — Lyn Freeman, founder, Build A Plane, which gives donated planes […]
Waht’s your motivation?
What’s your motivation when it comes to flying? Do you fly because it’s something you enjoy? Do you fly because you are building your hours to get a better paying job? If you have a career in aviation, the answer to both of those questions is probably yes. When you lose that motivation it is […]
Fair is fair
I am writing to express my concern over overt actions of Washington State’s Spokane International Airport Board and staff in negotiations with Spokane Airways regarding lease terms. In describing these actions, vendetta is perhaps too strong a word, but that is what comes to mind after perceiving (for better than a year) that the airport […]
LEAVE OPINION OUT OF ACCIDENT REPORTS
In the Dec. 15, 2006, issue in the Accident Reports the headline reads “Contaminated fuel contributes to crash that kills two.” After reading the full narrative of the probable cause I found no reference in the report to suggest that “fuel contamination” was the cause for the tragedy. Your report also stated “there was speculation […]
Dwindling numbers
Ten years ago, the number of U.S. pilots totaled 639,184. By the end of last year, the figure had dropped to 609,737, according to figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Though those numbers are declining, a higher percentage of pilots is seeking commercial flying careers. The number of Airline Transport Pilot licenses grew from […]
It doesn’t have to work
Toward the end of the 19th century the United States Patent Office was inundated with designs for so-called flying machines. The Patent Office accepted the designs, and issued patents without questioning whether the designs worked. Most of the designs were never built and those that did make it off the drawing board very rarely got […]