They fly, so pilots could love Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) [with other terms also used, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and drones.] Some pilots are already involved with RPAs. However, RPA pilots remain on the ground. Is that the same? Differences have a way of dividing people, even when they may […]
Aviation News
C4 to start tests with new Continental engine
When Continental Motors recently announced FAA Type Certification of its new alternative fuel powerplant, IO-360-AF, this encouraged Flight Design to move its test article C4 from the fabrication plant to its German headquarters in Kamenz, where it will undergo final tests leading to first flight of the new design. Flight Design’s senior engineering staff is […]
Lindbergh Foundation launches Air Shepherd program
The Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation recently launched its Air Shepherd program, which uses remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) to stop the poaching of elephants and rhinos in Africa. At the present rate of killing, it is estimated that there will be no elephants or rhinos in the wild in 10 years, according to foundation officials. “About […]
McMurdo debuts Kannad ELT bundle
McMurdo Group has introduced the Kannad Integra Smart Pack, an aviation Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) bundle with both GPS and antenna redundancy.The Kannad Integra Smart Pack includes: The Kannad Integra ELT – one of the smallest and lightest ELTs on the market with a built-in antenna and embedded GPS receiver. The new Kannad Integra e-NAV NMEA – an NMEA-standard interface cable […]
Latest issue of FAA Safety Briefing online
Now online is the March/April 2015 issue of FAA Safety Briefing, which focuses on weather forces, sources, and resources. Articles review some basic causes of weather activity, how certain conditions can affect pilot safety, and the tools you can use to aid your weather decision-making process.. The issue also has two special tear-out sections that […]
Practice forced landing becomes real
The student pilot, accompanied by a CFI, was practicing maneuvers in a Beech Bonanza near Fort Stockton, Texas. During the approach to landing, the student was instructed to move the fuel selector from the right tank to the left tank. When the plane was on the downwind leg for landing, the instructor told the pilot […]
Pics of the Day: ‘The last toy to go’
Reader John Watkins has owned his PA-18 Super Cub for 37 years. “I’ve flown that plane all over the place,” noted John in a phone call. One peak at his pictures will tell you that. So fond of his Cub, John says it’ll be “the last toy to go.” Sea of Cortez 80 miles south of […]
Formation flight
By IVY McIVER. Formation flight has intrigued me for as long as I can remember. Seeing the Blue Angels for the first time as a child, I remember thinking not just about how cool they looked, but how disciplined and precise the pilots must be, and how well they worked together as a team. It […]
Hollywood stars embrace flying with passion
Harrison Ford, recovering Friday from the crash of a vintage World War II trainer, is just one of many Hollywood stars who embrace flying as passionately as they do acting, according to a story in The Daily Mail, which lists a number of stars who have their pilot’s certificate, including Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Angelina […]