As soon as I pulled up out of the field from that pass, I saw the drone at my 2 o’clock, about 80-100 feet above me, at maybe 1,000 feet horizontally at the most. I abruptly pulled up to further ensure I wouldn’t hit it.
Picture of the Day: When the sun sets and the smoke clears
Jonathan Spoer submitted this photo and note: “A Sikorsky HH-60L operated by Santa Barbara County Fire Department takes a break from the initial day of the mountain fire on the tarmac of Camarillo Airport (KCMA) in California, only one mile south of the active fire. Sadly over 100 homes were lost but thanks to the effort of numerous local agencies and helicopter operators, more homes were not lost and embers did not cross the freeway and affect the airport. These helo pilots and crew are another breed as they continue to operate into the night hours and during high winds with gusts over 50 knots when fixed-wing aircraft are called off. We all appreciate the efforts of these pilots, their team of mechanics, and many others behind the scenes.”
Human Factors: A cold, hard lesson
The pilot’s cold weather start technique is blamed for accident when his Cessna 172’s engine quits due to a lack of oil.
Aircraft designed for aerial firefighting unveiled
Game Composites, maker of the GB1 aerobatic aircraft, is working on developing the GB2 Stormbird, an all-composite, two-seat, low-wing aircraft designed for aerial firefighting.
Ohio Air & Space Hall of Fame receives $25,000 donation
The donation will help cover operational costs related to preserving the future home of the OAS, the original 1929 Port Columbus Air Terminal and tower located at John Glenn International Airport (KCMH).
Aerox honored with Small Manufacturer of the Year Award
The award highlights Aerox’s achievements in expanding production capabilities, integrating advanced technologies, and maintaining high product quality and safety standards.
Cessnas collide in run-up area
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from another airplane while taxing in the run-up area.
Picture of the Day: Flashy SF260
Guido Bouckaert submitted this photo and note: “N330DG, a SIAI-Marchetti SF.260, was owned by Debby Gary and from 2002 to 2008 flown in air shows. Sold in 2009 to an Englishman, in November 2022 it was sold to a new owner in Belgium where this photo was taken over the North Sea between France and the UK. What a beauty it is. Photo by Jan Vanhulle (photographer), Hugo Verledens (pilot photo ship) and Guido Bouckaert (organizing the flight).”
Satisfaction deferred is still satisfying
There is a piece of me that is very glad I maintained my role in the right seat as a CFI. The success of my students feels like a success for me, too. And that’s a pretty darned good feeling.