This December 2009 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: Stinson 108-1. Injuries: None. Location: Selawik, Alaska. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The private pilot was on a cross-country flight in a ski-equipped […]
Aviation News
Correction: Exxon Mobil to remain 100LL manufacturer
In a blog posted on Monday, December 19, fuels expert Ben Visser incorrectly stated that Exxon Mobil had stopped manufacturing 100LL for the general aviation marketplace. In fact, Exxon Mobil continues to manufacture 100LL for distribution under brand names other than its own. Exxon Mobil will cease selling 100LL under Avitat-branded FBOs. Says Ben Visser, […]
Holiday gift-giving, Washington-style
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Reaching reliable sources of information here can often be confusing and frustrating. I sought to interview someone about the Christmas holidays and wanted to go directly to the source for gift giving. Knowing the problems of getting correct answers in Washington, I started checking sources around the nation. Everyone I talked to […]
A new pilot…and future aircraft owner
Mark Donovan, who wrote a story for us earlier this year about Flying Solo at Half a Century, sent us this message earlier this week: “I just wanted to let you know that I finally got my Private Pilot’s License on Nov. 13. It took a little bit longer than I had planned (7.5 months […]
Paper charts still needed, but AeroNav is wrong
Does anyone dispute the need for paper charts for pilots? I hope not. Likewise, there can be no doubt about the rapid rise of digital chart usage. More and more general aviation pilots (and airlines and flight departments for that matter) are adopting “appified” navigation via [insert app here] on Apple’s iPad and a few […]
Barefoot Bandit gets more than seven years jail time
The 20-year-old “Barefoot Bandit” was sentenced Friday to more than seven years in prison after pleading guilty to dozens of charges, according to a Fox News report. Colton Harris-Moore gained international notoriety while evading police across America in stolen planes, boats and cars during a two-year crime spree. What captured the general aviation community’s interest […]
AeroTwin Engine to be produced in New Zealand
AeroTwin Motors reports that it has sold production assets and licensed improvements to establish AeroTwin sport aircraft engine production in New Zealand. Aeromotors Ltd., a New Zealand company, organized by former AeroTwin engine consultant and inventor W.L. White, plans to produce AeroTwin engines and develop new engines. White has arranged a combination of government and […]
Hawker Beechcraft launches synthetic vision upgrade program
Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) has inked an exclusive agreement with Rockwell Collins to provide Synthetic Vision upgrades for all Pro Line 21-equipped Hawker and Beechcraft platforms. The upgrade package offers safety and capability improvements by adding Synthetic Vision to existing Pro Line 21 displays, company officials said, noting first customer installations will occur […]
Becker receives TSO for transceiver
Becker Avionics has received TSO certification of its new compact 2¼-inch, AR6201 VHF-AM Transceiver, with 8.33 kHz channel spacing and integrated voice activated (VOX) intercom system. The intercom feature allows up to two passengers with a standard or dynamic mic. The AR6201 continues the legacy of its predecessor, the AR4201 VHF-AM transceiver, said company officials, […]