The big things are easy. The procedures are clear. It’s the little things — the artistry of being a pilot — that really makes things interesting and totally unique.
What a difference a year makes
The preowned aircraft market in April 2021 had double the deals of a year ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down the world. Members of the International Aircraft Dealers Association closed 106 deals in April 2021, compared to just 53 in April 2020.
First flight for side-by-side Bearhawk
The first flight of the first Bearhawk Companion, which features side-by-side seating, confirmed the design’s cruise speed of 145 mph. It took Dave Lenart an estimated 1,000 hours over 10 months to complete the kit.
Airforms wins FAA nod for replacement ladders for Caravans
The Airforms replacement covers the crew ladders for the pilot’s and co-pilot’s sides for most Cessna Caravan C208 and C208B/EX models. The ladders are produced with bushing material in the upper and lower arm assemblies to eliminate galvanic corrosion issues, according to company officials.
Failure to use checklists leads to damaged DH2
The pilot’s failure to retract the amphibious float’s landing gear wheels before landing on the water. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use the after takeoff and before landing checklists.
Picture of the Day: Off to play
Terry Hayes submitted this photo and note: “Chris Zinger’s Cessna 182 taking off from Calaveras County Airport heading to the lake.”
Lights, Camera, Albatross!
The award-winning 1954 Grumman G-111 Albatross — one of just 12 manufactured — will be featured in an upcoming documentary called “Flying Boats.”
Is your CFI the best?
Anyone who has taken flight training — initial or recurrent — during the past 12 months is asked to “candidly assess the process and rate their individual experience” in the survey, according to AOPA officials.
RVSM offered as factory option on Piper M500/M600
Operating in RVSM airspace allows Piper M500/M600 pilots to gain fuel savings, lower their carbon footprint, increase range, and fly above weather, according to Piper officials.