By AMELIA T. REIHELD Wouldn’t it be great to own the only seaplane operation in the Hawaiian Islands? Fly excited tourists around one of the most beautiful islands in the world? Sit on your own waterfront lanai, surrounded by potted palm trees, and never again have to look at a snow shovel? Sounds like your […]
Aviation News
Gearing up for Sun ’n Fun
Sun ’n Fun 2012 is about to begin. Billed as the “Spring Break for Pilots,” the central Florida airshow is revving up in numerous ways, thanks partly to the show’s new leader, John “Lites” Leenhouts (and yes, everyone really does call him “Lites,” his Navy pilot nickname). His team is refreshed and ready for a new […]
The FBO fuel sales model is broken and anti-competitive
In almost every article about the future of leaded avgas, this statement appears, “… only one fuel will be stocked by the FBO system.” This particular quote comes from a reply by Mac McClellen to Todd Petersen in Mac’s latest Left Seat blog on the EAA’s website. You will also find it in almost every […]
ISM’s Blakeney honored with Controller of the Year Award
Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s (ISM) air traffic control service provider Robinson Aviation (RVA) has named John Blakeney Outstanding Controller of the Year for 2011. Blakeney was selected from more than 500 controllers throughout the U.S. and is the only remaining original controller at Kissimmee Gateway Airport’s control tower since opening in 1997. “From 58,000 control tower […]
Alaskan Bushwheel gets FAA nod for Maule Extended Gear
Alaskan Bushwheel has received FAA approval of its Maule 3-inch Extended Gear (P/N: ABI-4022X). “After two-and-a-half years of design, testing and fulfilling FAA requirements, we can finally offer this extended gear to the public,” company officials said. “Our Maule Extended Gear is 3 inches longer and stronger than stock Maule gear. It comes complete with […]
General aviation setting for new novel
Against a backdrop of general aviation operations at a mid-sized New England airport, the new novel “Cone of Silence” tells a story of corporate greed and government indifference … and the unexpected consequences of both. This novel will be of interest to pilots and flight instructors for its insights into the GA industry, as well […]
Embraer receives Impact Award
Embraer Aircraft has been awarded the 2011 Impact Award by the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce in Florida, which recognizes the contribution of aviation companies to the area’s economy. Embraer is receiving the award for the development of a final-assembly center for the company’s Phenom Executive Jets as well as its global Customer Center. “This […]
Single-engine approach goes bad for Seneca
This March 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Piper Seneca. Injuries: 2 Serious. Location: Vero Beach, Fla. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The CFI and student were on a training flight […]
A will to succeed
By J. DOUGLAS HINTON Though all of us have heard stories about individuals overcoming physical impairments on the road to success, perhaps this tale is unique. Ben Schipps, from Venice, Florida, was born with only a third of a left arm and two hands that are catastrophically deformed. But he had a dream to become […]