Preliminary accident statistics for 2004 show a drop in several categories, including GA, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Total number of accidents fell from 1,864 in 2003 to 1,715 in 2004. Fatalities dropped from 695 to 635. A majority of the fatalities occurred in general aviation and air taxi operations. GA accidents decreased […]
More Sport Pilot Examiners complete training
The second class of Sport Pilot Examiners recently completed training in Sebring, Fla. Another class is already underway, with nine more classes scheduled throughout the year. Requirements to become a Sport Pilot Examiner include successful completion of the training course, which involves completing sport pilot and sport pilot flight instructor evaluations during the course, as […]
Garmin issues SB for 430/430A
Garmin has issued a service alert for owners of recently manufactured GNS 430 and GNS 430A avionics. The company discovered a problem with products manufactured between Feb. 23 and March 21, 2005, where the units may trip aircraft circuit breakers, rendering the units inoperative. The alert affects an estimated 458 units. Owners of these units […]
Legend Cub makes first flight
The Legend Cub, developed by American Legend Aircraft Co. of Sulphur Springs, Texas, had its first flight March 11. Inspired by the legendary Piper J-3 Cub, the Legend Cub meets Light Sport Aircraft requirements. Certification is expected in June. Powered by a 100-horsepower Teledyne-Continental piston engine, it has an electric starter and modern instrumentation. Options […]
Symphony reciives Canadian certificate
Symphony Aircraft Industries has received its type and production certificates from Transport Canada for the Symphony 160. SAI has begun production of the aircraft, which will be built at the SAI facility in Three Rivers, Quebec. The first Symphony 160 was delivered March 31 to Ron Corbi of Corbi Aircraft Sales in Salem, Ohio.
Cessna’s Skyhawk goes glass
Cessna Aircraft Co. has received type certification for its 172S Skyhawk equipped with the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. “Certifying this airplane with the all-glass, fully-integrated Garmin G1000 avionics is a testament to how far the industry has come and provides a glimpse into what the future holds,” said Jack Pelton, Cessna’s chairman, president and CEO. […]
Bridgin generations in Dallas
I can now honestly say, “I was on the grassy knoll.” I visited Dealey Plaza in Dallas when I was in the Lone Star State attending the 16th annual Women in Aviation International Conference. I was not born when President Kennedy was assassinated, but I have seen the film of the motorcade and the black […]
GA dismisses NRA at its own peril
I have followed with interest the articles concerning the lobbying tactics of the NRA and the objections of a number of the readers (Letters to the Editor, Feb. 25). I believe the point of highlighting the NRA was to demonstrate how a grass roots organization, faced with political opposition and government controls, has developed into […]
Unabashed admiration needs to be tempered
Your unabashed admiration for the NRA needs to be tempered by the realization of two things about that organization: Its massive political contributions have corrupted many venal legislators in state legislatures and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Such legislators are afraid to vote against any positions taken by NRA because they know the […]