Since its introduction in 2021, AOPA’s Flight Training Advantage program has logged more than 5,000 hours and is in use by more than 1,200 schools. The program’s aim: Reduce the time associated with flight training, alleviating the financial burdens of student pilots, AOPA officials said.
Naples Airport becomes staging area for Ian donations
While the supplies were originally supposed to be delivered by general aviation aircraft, the overwhelming amount of donations led to another form of transportation that isn’t as sensitive to weight and balance considerations.
Garmin autopilot OK’d for Scouts
Garmin has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC 500 autopilot in the American Champion Aircraft 8GCBC Scout, while Smart Rudder Bias and vertical navigation (VNAV) functionality are now certified for Beechcraft Baron B55s and B55As.
Landing gear motor fails on takeoff
Failure of the landing gear motor, which prevented the gear from extending fully to the down and locked position, which resulted in a gear collapse on landing and a subsequent loss of directional control.
Picture of the Day: A line-up of Swifts
Terry McCartney submitted this photo and note: “Swifts line up at the 2022 Hood River Fly-In in Oregon.”
Expanding on an open door policy
A student flying club’s open door policy was tested during Hurricane Ian and while the club’s hangar was damaged, club members are now confident the club can weather any storm.
Volunteers work to reopen L88
A grand reopening of New Cuyama Airport (L88) in Southern California is planned for Oct. 13, 2022. The backcountry airstrip, located between the Southern California coast and Sierra mountain range about 32 nm north of Santa Barbara, has been closed since 2019.
Business aviation steps up to assist Ian victims
As final preparations are being made for the start of the National Business Aviation Association’s annual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 18, 2022, the association has created a dedicated website featuring its humanitarian response program and other resources, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s Florida landfall in late September.
KIWS offers winter IFR training special
Here’s the deal: Pilots pay for all instruction towards the instrument rating. If the pilot completes their check ride by March 1, 2023, West Houston Airport will credit back all instructional costs toward future fuel purchases.