Test Prep Guides from Batavia Aviation Products are now available on CD-ROM with an exclusive flash card function. This easy-to-use learning tool allows you to take randomly generated, timed practice tests just like the real exam. You can take an unlimited number of practice tests on your computer and track your scores with detailed reports […]
Down at sea: Personal beacon a vital piece of equipment for all seaplane pilots
Survival equipment is vital to anyone flying over water. Whether in a great ocean or large lake, a person – or even several people – in the water can be nearly impossible for searchers to find. The longer a survivor spends in water, even relatively warm water, the less his chances of survival. Being found […]
User fees inevitable?
Last November, at AOPA Expo, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta claimed that the FAA’s funding problems wouldn’t be solved by user fees. “The fuel tax is the best way to finance the needs of aviation,” he told a standing-room-only crowd of pilots. But Mineta’s tune has changed. Late last month, Mineta told the Aero Club of […]
Do you know? Which B-17 was first to complete 25 missions during World War II
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 […]