“Things My Flight Instructor Never Told Me” is filled with excellent advice, delivered with humor. “Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want.” Author Michael Leighton says that summarizes his personal experience with general aviation. This rather slim volume is filled with excellent advice, developed from just such “experience” during a […]
Virginia lawmakers look at diverting airport improvement funds
The Virginia General Assembly is considering a bill that would take $5 million a year “off the top” of the Commonwealth Airport Fund to use as incentives for airline service at “non-hub and small hub” airports. House Bill 1603, assigned to a House finance subcommittee Jan. 12, seeks to amend a portion of the Code […]
Transient ops at the ‘DC-3’ — at last
The infamous “DC-3” airports — the three general aviation fields inside the Flight Restricted Zone around Washington, D.C. — are once again open to transient traffic. Well, sort of. Open, that is, to anyone who wants to go through the Transportation Security Administration’s vetting process. For the DC-3, that means being fingerprinted at Reagan National […]
Cirrus backs new series on The Outdoor Channel
Cirrus Design Corp., manufacturer of the Cirrus SR-20 and SR-22, has signed on as a sponsor of The Outdoor Channel’s new aviation series “Wings to Adventure.” The series, set to debut in July 2005, captures the magic of flight in high-definition. “This is a logical partnership for Cirrus,” said Cirrus CEO Alan Klapmeier. “Anyone who […]
Ultralight pilots file discrimination complaint against Paso Robles Airport
City and airport officials in Paso Robles, California, are facing scrutiny from the FAA because of a discrimination complaint filed by a local ultralight group. The brouhaha began when FAA and California Department of Transportation officials told the city that aircraft could not use ramps or taxiways as runways. Traditionally, ultralights at Paso Robles Municipal […]
Pilots with DWIs more likely to crash
How can you tell if a pilot is likely to be involved in an airplane crash? According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, it could be as simple as determining if that pilot has a previous conviction for driving while intoxicated. According to a recently completed study, a pilot with a DWI in his or […]
Richard Newell, co-founder O&N Aircraft Modifications, dies
Richard W. Newell, co-founder and former president of O&N Aircraft Modifications on the Seamans Airport in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, died Jan. 17. A native of Caldwell, Texas, Newell had a long career in the aircraft modification business, working for Riley Aircraft, and later RAM Aircraft, in Waco, Texas. In 1982 he relocated to Pennsylvania, where he […]
Seaplane Pilots’ Code of Conduct released
A recently released Seaplane Pilots’ Model Code of Conduct presents industry wisdom, advice and recommendations for seaplane pilots to improve airmanship and flight safety, as well as sustain and improve the seaplane community. Released by the same folks who put together the Aviators’ Model Code of Conduct, the seaplane code is a voluntary, ethical code […]
New FAA seaplane handbook available
Seaplane pilots can now download a new training handbook from the FAA. The new Seaplane, Skiplane, and Float/Ski-Equipped Helicopter Operations Handbook is packed with information covering the basic skills necessary for flying seaplanes, skiplanes and float or ski-equipped helicopters. It is aimed at pilots who already have their private certificates, but it also is beneficial […]