User fees have reared their head in President Obama’s fiscal year 2013 proposed budget. Longtime General Aviation News columnist Charles Spence wrote about a letter 100 mayors sent to President Obama regarding the budget’s potential $100-per-flight fee. The comments that follow are interesting. Commenter “gbin” says: “I wonder how many of the mayors who signed […]
flying
Autogas passes the quack test
You know the old adage, right? “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.” This year marks the 30th anniversary since the FAA approved the first STC for the use of autogas in aircraft. Since then, it has enjoyed an excellent track […]
ForeFlight launches ForeFlight Manage
ForeFlight has launched ForeFlight Manage, an online portal for individual and business aviation customers that provides access to account information and ForeFlight Mobile pilot and device management tools. ForeFlight Mobile customers can access ForeFlight Manage online. “Our customer base has grown rapidly over the past year,” said Tyson Weihs, co-founder of ForeFlight. “In addition to […]
FAASTeam approves latest CFI forum
The Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) recently delivered another in its series of 12 Seminar-in-a-Box products to the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam), this one focusing on Takeoff and Initial Climb. The seminars are designed to facilitate discussion among instructors, examiners, and FAASTeam members on topics related to flight training and accident prevention, as […]
HawkeyeLink launches
Blue Sky Network has introduced the portable HawkeyeLink Bluetooth device that enables hands-free Iridium phone calls and two-way messaging on users’ smartphones in an aircraft. After downloading the custom BSN app, HawkeyeLink uses Bluetooth technology to connect to an Android smartphone. Pilots and passengers as far as 30 meters away can now utilize their phones […]
FAA bill allows fuel reimbursement for volunteer pilots
Buried in the long-term authorization for the FAA is a provision that will make pilots who fly charitable medical flights happy. The provision allows a pilot to accept reimbursement from a volunteer pilot organization for the fuel costs associated with a flight to provide transportation for an individual or organ for medical purposes. The bill […]
GA Security: Risk controlling — how much?
By DAVE HOOK How much disposable income should I invest in security stuff to protect my aircraft? This question is probably one of the most sensitive that I get because flying is not cheap. Even if we have the best of situations, there are still annual inspections and scheduled maintenance, repair of things that break […]
Time to put on your walking shoes
You can buy a fast, modern 180 kt Cirrus for under $150,000. The old guard turn their noses up at the design and construction. Who cares. The Young Turks have shown that this is what the real market wants: Fixed gear, glass panels, speed and sexiness.
Wiggins Airways completes renovation
Wiggins Airways has completed the renovation of the FBO’s lobby located at the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) in New Hampshire. The renovation was the first for the facility since its opening in 1999. “Customer comfort and technology were the driving forces behind the project design,” said James Thomforde Sr., president and CEO. “We expanded wi-fi […]