MEXICO, Mo. – Zenith Aircraft hosted its 22nd Annual Hangar Day Sept. 21, drawing an crowd of nearly 400 people. Originally established as a community event to draw out local people, Zenith’s Hangar Day gradually transitioned to an event that is primarily for aircraft builders. Approximately 25 finished Zenith aircraft kits were flown in, with […]
General Aviation
Eclipse to debut first production Eclipse 550 at NBAA
The first production Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet will be on display at the 2013 National Business Aviation Association Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. The Eclipse 550 adds as standard equipment dual WAAS (LPV) GPS receivers, XM weather, anti-skid brakes, Jeppesen tall approach plates, a dual and redundant channel FMS, and a new Independent Standby Display. […]
Flight Training Excellence Award finalists named
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has selected 12 flight training professionals and 11 flight schools as finalists in its annual Flight Training Awards. A winner in each category will be named next month at the AOPA Aviation Summit 2013 in Fort Worth, Texas. The 2013 awards are drawn from 3,375 respondents who voluntarily […]
Air Orlando Maintenance appointed Caravan Authorized Service Facility
Air Orlando Maintenance at Orlando Executive Airport (KORL) in Florida has been chosen as a Cessna Caravan Authorized Service Facility. Mike Long, president, says the facility will now offer a full range of inspection and repair services for Caravan Turboprop aircraft. “Our mechanics are experienced in all aspects of Cessna service and support and we […]
RC show slated for GMU
On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Blue Ridge Radio Control Club (BRRC), Western Carolina Radio Control Club (WCRC) and Firetower Fliers will host a free Radio Controlled (RC) Aircraft Show at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) in South Carolina. The event, which begins at 11 a.m., will feature airplanes and helicopters that are capable of flying […]
Fifth edition of ‘The Complete Advanced Pilot’ released
Now available is the fifth edition of “The Complete Advanced Pilot” by Bob Gardner. The book weaves together years of experience and practical information while using the FAA instrument rating and commercial knowledge exams as the foundation for learning, according to the publishers. The book prepares students for exams, as well as provides an operational […]
Poor performance, short flight
Aircraft: Piper Cherokee. Injuries: 1 Minor. Location: Buena Vista, Colo. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The airplane lifted off at a little over 60 knots and was initially sluggish to climb, so the pilot lowered the nose to gain more speed in ground effect. The airplane accelerated to about 70 knots and started to gain some altitude, […]
Back to the basics
A few months back I wrote a column about the need for more technology in aviation engines. I received several emails saying that the industry may need more technology in the engine compartment, but that we need more skill in the cockpit. I must say that I totally agree with these comments. Years ago when […]
Exporting GA
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation might be sluggish in the United States during these economic slow periods, but in the Asia-Pacific area, GA flying is getting a lot of attention — but not always for the most positive reasons. China, particularly, is flexing its muscles for all general aviation. Of course, there are many challenges, […]