The dad of an airline-bound student pilot writes: I know I probably shouldn’t, but I find myself reading about pretty much every small airplane crash online, and much of the time I find myself shaking my head and asking myself, “What was the pilot thinking?” So that’s my question: Don’t they teach pilots to think in flight school? Or is it all just about how to operate the controls?
Aircraft
Tecnam unveils P2010 Gran Lusso
On opening day of the 2023 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo, Tecnam unveiled the P2010 Gran Lusso, what officials with the Italian company call the “luxury version” of the P2010 four-seater powered by the Continental CD-170.
Quality Aircraft Accessories expands Fort Lauderdale repair station
The $1 million expansion includes a new conveyor system, paint booth, drying oven, blast cabinet, workbenches, fixtures, and a full range of welding equipment and capabilities.
Picture of the Day: Warm winter sunset
Carlo Wise submitted this photo and note: “A view of a warm winter sunset from a Velocity XLRG.”
How did I get here?
When I was 15 years old I had a plan for where my life would take me. It was a very specific plan, one that I followed for many years with great diligence. Then, I took a turn in an unexpected direction. That new road led me here. To where I am now. To a whole new place where I feel comfortable and content.
New report validates BasicMed
“The FAA’s report to Congress confirms what we have known for years: BasicMed works and BasicMed pilots remain safe pilots,” said AOPA President and CEO Mark Baker. “We have just gone through the safest three to four years in general aviation history.”
Boses introduces new headset at SUN ‘n FUN
The A30 features reduced clamping force for comfort, improved clarity, and a new digital active noise reduction system that enables three modes of user selectable noise cancellation for use in different flight environments, from piston aircraft to commercial airliners, company officials said.
Picture of the Day: Backcountry flying down under
Pat Barry submitted this photo and note: “A remote airport in a ski area in Australia.”
Hamilton Metalplane’s pedigree
There’s a reason the Hamilton Metalplane reminds you of a Ford Trimotor. The original Ford 3-AT Trimotor, as well as the Hamilton aircraft, were worked on by a young aircraft designer named James McDonnell — yes, that James McDonnell.