Ask anyone what an airplane looks like and most will tell you a tube with wings. NASA researchers are trying to expand that image, testing a design for a flying wing called a blended wing body. Technicians have installed a 5% scale model of a blended wing body in the Langley Full-Scale Tunnel at NASA’s […]
Goodyear to launch new airship
A new blimp will take to the skies next Spring. The new airship has been in production for the past two years as a replacement for the Stars & Stripes, one of four Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. blimps. The new blimp will be based at Pompano Beach, Fla. The Goodyear blimps are celebrating their […]
NTSB’s ‘most wanted list’ tackles runway incursions and deicing
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently reexamined its “”Most Wanted List”” of safety improvements and retained two items of importance to general aviation: runway incursions and icing. The board’s public hearing revealed there is an average of three operational errors a day at the nation’s towered airports and one severe incident […]
Should engine break-in after an overhaul be as fast as possible?
QUESTION: After an engine overhaul, it is recommended that the engine be run at high power settings for 50 hours during the break-in period and oil consumption, etc., is to be monitored. My question: Is there any advantage or requirement to putting these hours on as fast as possible or can this be spread out […]
Alcohol and fog a deadly mix for C150 pilot
These November 2003 Accident Reports are provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, they are intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Cessna 150. Location: Bruceton Mills, W.V. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The accident victim purchased the airplane in October 2003 […]
Tunica Airport completes arrival/departure canopy
Mississippi’s Tunica Airport completed construction of its arrival and departure canopy earlier this summer. The canopy – which is 28 feet high, 90 feet long and 90 feet wide – provides all-weather access for passengers and aircraft arriving at Tunica Airport. The structure also provides improved lighting and security, according to Cliff Nash, the airport’s […]
Aircraft Spruce now offers Christavia plans
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty has acquired the design rights for all three models of the Christavia aircraft. The Christavia MK1, MK2, and MK4 were designed by homebuilder Ron Mason of Elmwood Aviation in Ontario, Canada. The MK-1 is a two-place, side-by-side configuration, the MK2 is two-place tandem and the MK4 seats four people. More than […]
FAA selects Vaisala’s RVR system
The FAA has selected Vaisala’s Midas IV Runway Visual Range (RVR) System for its PC-based RVR System Program. The contract, valued at approximately $4.3 million, includes options for delivery of up to 77 systems. The RVR system provides fully automated runway visual range assessment and reporting for airports. The basic system comprises a visibility sensor, a […]
Move your airplane with the help of a power drill
The VThrust Aero Tugger makes it quick and easy to move nearly all light airplanes using an off-the-shelf 18-24 volt drill as its power source. The Tugger can move airplanes up to 3,000 pounds (empty) including those with wheel pants — even up 3% grades. Built of stainless steel, the Tugger is corrosion free. A […]