The term “Skunk Works” is synonymous with the research and development department of the Lockheed Martin Co. But where did the term come from? And what does a non-flying woodland creature have to do with aviation? There have been many stories over the years about the name’s origin: It evolved from a comic strip or […]
Order in the court: Are lawsuits — frivolous or otherwise — to blame for the high cost of flying?
A small airplane crashes in a thunderstorm. The passengers who survive the crash sue the pilot’s estate for negligence. The pilot’s family files a lawsuit against the FAA, the National Weather Service and the FBO claiming the weather briefing the pilot got from the FBO and Flight Service was not accurate as to the severity […]
Cessna 190: A classic from the day it rolled off the assembly line
“A classic from the day it rolled off the assembly line.” That’s how owners of Cessna 190s and 195s describe their machines. The cantilevered, high-wing, round-cowled airplanes were among the first to be mass-produced as America shifted back to a peacetime economy after World War II, yet because they evolved from the 1930s AirMaster, the […]
Young Eagles crash kills three
Three people taking part in a Young Eagles rally in Washington State died Oct. 15 in the crash of a Piper Cherokee. It was the first fatal accident in the 13-year history of the Young Eagles program. Pilot David Hokanson, Kandyce Cowart, 14, and Brittany Boatright, 15, were killed shortly after takeoff from Snohomish County […]
Daley to dig up the dead
How would you feel if your city government wanted to dig up and relocate the graves of your loved ones to expand an airport? The congregation of St. John’s Church of Christ in Chicago is taking a dim view of the idea. The church has gone to court to keep O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from […]
Repairs continue at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Although the airport has been open for commercial operations more than a month, officials say it will take years to repair the damage done by Hurricane Katrina at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). “The airport still has a lot of repairs to do,” notes Michelle Duffourc, public relations manager. “Everything has been made […]
‘Dago Red’ still for sale
Although more than 40 people put in bids when “Dago Red,” the word’s fastest P-51 Mustang, was auctioned on eBay, no one wanted it enough to meet the $1.5 million reserve price. The plane, a perennial favorite on the air race circuit, was put up for auction Oct. 10. Bids were accepted for 10 days. […]
Schweizer delivers 1000th
Schweizer Aircraft hit a milestone recently, delivering its 1,000th helicopter. The 300 CBi was delivered to Gerry and Bonny Friesen of BC Helicopters in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The 300CBi is part of the 269 Series, which Schweizer purchased from Hughes Helicopters in 1983.
SkyStar files for bankruptcy
SkyStar Aircraft Corp., manufacturer of the popular Kitfox aircraft kit, filed for bankruptcy Oct. 14. According to Skystar’s attorney, David Kras, the kit maker had been struggling financially since Sept. 11, 2001. “The doors are locked and the bankruptcy trustee has the key,” he said, adding it would be at least 90 days before the […]