Sporty’s has posted a gift guide on its website to help the friends and family of pilots get the gifts that pilots really want. “Non-pilots are in uncharted territory when it comes to selecting a gift for a pilot on their list,” says Sporty’s Vice President John Zimmerman. “We’ve created our gift guide as the […]
General Aviation
Airplane vs. car
Aircraft: Cessna 172. Injuries: 2 Minor. Location: Roanoke, Texas. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The student pilot, who was returning from a solo cross-country flight, stated that the approach for landing at the private airport was normal until short final, when the landing gear struck an automobile that was being driven on a road that crossed near […]
A warped sense of time
By IVY McIVER. Being a pilot gives one a warped sense of time and distance. Seattle to Portland? About 40 minutes. Seattle to the San Juan Islands? About 30 minutes. I think nothing of jumping in the plane and popping up to Friday Harbor for dinner or Orcas Island for a bike ride while many […]
Does That Mean I Fail?
Ever wonder what the examiner thinks of you after your checkride? Well, Brooks Black’s new book, “Does That Mean I Fail? A Humorous Look at Pilot Checkrides”, might give you a little insight. Black’s book could have used a good edit, but it is full of checkride tips and lessons. It felt a bit like […]
Second conforming Vision jet takes flight
DULUTH, Minn. — Cirrus Aircraft reports the successful first flight of its second certification flight test aircraft, C-One (C1), in the Vision SF50 personal jet program. This achievement marks the most recent milestone for the program as C1 joins C0 in FAA certification activities, company officials said. C1’s first flight took place on Nov. 25 at approximately 3:30 […]
FAA review of Chicago Center fire prompts series of changes
CHICAGO – After reviewing contingency plans and security protocols in the wake of a fire at the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center, the FAA is planning a series of changes that will lead to faster disaster recovery and more secure facilities and equipment. “We hope to never see an event like this again,” said […]
Schweiss adds battery back-up Red Power pump
Schweiss Doors has added a battery back-up to its Red Power hydraulic pump. In case of a power failure, the battery back-up will power the door up or down at a controlled speed. All Red Power pumps comes standard with a drill-driven back-up system. The battery back-up can be retrofit to existing units. Contact Schweiss Doors (800-746-8273) for […]
Taylorcraft tangles with power lines
Aircraft: Taylorcraft BC12-D. Injuries: 1 Fatal, 1 Serious. Location: Clutier, Iowa. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land on an unimproved airstrip he had previously used. When the field was previously used as an airstrip, the power lines were buried, but at the time of the accident the power line were now above […]
Last call for photos
We are still on the hunt for the best photos of 2014 for our last issue of the year. Send them to Editor Janice Wood by Dec. 4. Don’t forget to include information about the photo — where it was taken, the plane description and the full names of anyone in the photo. Please send the […]