FlightSafety International has been tapped by Cessna to provide training for the new Mustang jet — not a big surprise since FlightSafety has been Cessna’s official training organization since 1977. Training will begin at FlightSafety’s Cessna Learning Center in Wichita in the fourth quarter of this year.
Eclipse completes static testing
The Eclipse 500 has completed the airframe static testing required for its FAA certification. The FAA cleared the Eclipse for an initial 10,000 hour lifetime, significantly more than is typically approved so early. “All tests were completed successfully without failure, eliminating the need for any redesign or retesting,” company officials said.
Bass replaces Suma as Piper head
The New Piper Aircraft Inc. has a new boss, James K. Bass. Bass replaces Chuck Suma, who has joined the company’s board as vice chairman. Bass joins Piper after leading a financial turnaround at Suntron Corp., a Phoenix high-tech company.
Reagan to reopen to GA
Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. is set to reopen to general aviation Oct. 15 for the first time since Sept. 11. Those flying into the airport, however, must follow stringent guidelines, including having an armed law enforcement officer on board all flights.
Chicago appeals FAA fine
The city of Chicago has appealed a $33,000 civil penalty imposed by the FAA stemming from the destruction of Meigs Field in March 2003. The FAA requires a 30-day notice be sent before an airport can be closed. City officials claim a 30-day notice was “not practicable” and the park district, which oversaw the airport, […]
Congress creates liabilty shield for Katrina volunteers
The House of Representatives has passed a bill to protect volunteers assisting the victims of Hurricane Katrina from any liability arising from injury and property damage. HR 3736 shields volunteers providing aid, medical treatment and rescue assistance. In the aftermath of Katrina, some relief organizations chose not to use aircraft and other assets offered in […]
The passing of time
Landmarks make a city. Can you imagine Seattle without the Space Needle or St. Louis without the arch? Aviation and history buffs in the Silicon Valley are pondering the idea of a landscape without Hangar One, the dirigible hangar that dominates the grounds of Ames Research Center at Moffett Field. The grand old building, which […]
Worrisome vibration
This morning, I read your answer to Lou Lacy in Ask Paul in the Aug. 5 issue concerning his engine vibration. I have been an FAA CRS certified for dynamic prop balancing since 1991. I would strongly encourage him to investigate and find the problem before he conducts any further flight. I agree he did […]
The pilot diet
It is a bit amazing how poorly pilots eat. It is so common to see beer belly guys around airports and airshows. So it is no surprise Lisa Jenerette got grounded, and apparently she still is, so I wonder what she is doing to change (Maintaining your medical: Grounded by something as simple as not […]