Quick test: Which B-17 was the first to complete 25 missions during World War II? If you answered “Memphis Belle,” you would be incorrect. The first B-17 to hit the magic number was “Hell’s Angels,” a B-17F of the 358th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group. The name of the airplane came from the Howard Hughes […]
A new twist on renting airplanes
What better way to decorate for an event where aircraft are the guests of honor than with furniture made from aircraft? MotoArt, a Torrance, Calif.-based company that takes parts from derelict airplanes and turns them into high-end sculptures and furniture, can provide the decorations. However, since MotoArt’s pieces are limited editions, they tend to be […]
Amphibious ambitions?
When the FAA stalled on the idea of granting Special-Light Sport Aircraft certification to the amphibious Czech Aircraft Works Mermaid, the company asked its customers to sign a petition to press an exemption to the new rule. The company wanted the FAA to understand that many people want the aircraft certified as an S-LSA. “The […]
Volunteer pilots continue hurricane missions
When Fred Quarles organized a cadre of volunteer pilots to help victims of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, he had no idea he’d encounter the wrath of people who didn’t like the relocation of pet reptiles. It wasn’t that the critters — two alligators and two caymans — were difficult passengers, said Quarles. “They are small,” […]
First flight of Adam A700 s/n 002
Adam Aircraft’s first A700 AdamJet designated for use in FAA certification flight testing made its maiden voyage Feb. 6. The jet, which carries serial number 002, is the first of three A700s that will be used for certification testing. The flight took place at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colo. The aircraft, piloted by Bill […]
Want to put your C172 on floats
Love your Cessna 172, but wish it could be on floats? It can. Old or new, all models of the Cessna 172 can now be floated on Wipline floats. Wipaire, Inc., of South Saint Paul, Minn., has received Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) for the addition of straight or amphibious floats for all Cessna 172 aircraft […]
SBA weighs in against ADIZ
The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy has added its voice in opposition to the Washington, D.C., ADIZ. In comments filed Feb. 6 — the last day for the public to comment on the FAA proposal to make the Washington, D.C. Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) permanent — the agency urged the FAA to get […]
WWII airmen remains identified
The remains of a World War II airman found atop a California glacier have been identified as Leo Mustonen, 22, of Brainerd, Minn. Mustonen was one of four cadets killed when their AT-7 navigational trainer went off course and crashed during a training flight Nov. 18, 1942. Hikers in King County National Park discovered Mustonen’s […]
Ninety-Nines launches fundraising campaign
The Ninety-Nines Museum of Women pilots has launched a worldwide fundraising campaign. Through it’s “Wings for History” endowment fund, the Oklahoma City museum is asking for support through donations of airplanes. Helen Holbird of Oklahoma City, a member of the Ninety-Nines, was the first to donate an aircraft. Money from the sale of her Cessna […]