Earlier this month the city council of Santa Monica, California, decided to strike a blow for economic parity by instituting landing fees at the airport. As a former city commissioner of a small city that owns an airport, I can say this about their decision: It’s short-sighted. As an individual involved in economic development of […]
General Aviation
CAP Texas Wing still on duty in tornado-ravaged Oklahoma
Dozens of personnel from Civil Air Patrol’s Texas Wing remain on duty in Moore, Okla., performing photo damage assessment of homes, public buildings and businesses more than a week after a twister ripped through the town of about 45,000 residents. “Texas Wing has been absolutely monumental in us completing the mission that FEMA has given […]
Pipistrel launches Pipistrel Academy
Pipistrel has launched the Pipistrel Academy, aimed at all future Pipistrel owners or flight school students wanting to earn their pilot license on a Pipistrel aircraft. The Pipistrel Academy offers an online tool that interactively adapts to the student learning rate, according to company officials. The learning material provides an understanding of the flight theory […]
Sporty’s will award Van’s RV-12 for 2014 sweepstakes
Sporty’s Sweepstakes airplane for 2014 is an all-new Van’s RV-12. This aircraft is the first factory-built airplane from Van’s, a leading designer of kit aircraft. More than just a factory-built aircraft, Sporty’s RV-12 is part of Van’s Signature Series. This series includes the first 12 aircraft manufactured and features deluxe upholstery with memory foam seats, […]
Breitling increases Reno Air Race sponsorship
The National Championship Air Races has announced that its longtime sponsor, Breitling, has significantly increased its sponsorship over the next three years and will also be bringing the world famous Jetman to Reno this fall for a rare North American performance. This is the largest sponsorship commitment in the Reno Air Race’s 49-year history, according […]
Museum cancels RC airshow, family days due to sequestration
DAYTON, Ohio — The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has cancelled the annual Giant Scale Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Show and the July and August Family Days as the impacts of sequestration continue. The events are being cancelled due to restrictions associated with the planned Department of Defense furloughs, which are scheduled to begin […]
West Star Aviation now offers interior services at CAE
COLUMBIA, S.C. — West Star Aviation is now offering interior services at its Columbia, South Carolina, (CAE) location. The new interior shop is equipped to complete a variety of partial interior work, including upholstery, panel recovery, and carpet. West Star does not currently offer woodworking services at CAE; however, company officials say they have an […]
Pacer ground-loops
Aircraft: Piper Pacer. Injuries: None. Location: Yakima, Wash. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The pilot was returning to land when, upon touchdown, a gust of wind lifted his left wing. Despite his control inputs, the airplane ground-looped. At the time of the accident, the wind at the airport was reported to be from 240° […]
Reversed adventures
We have an agreement that if chores get too strenuous, projects get too overwhelming, or lists get too long, it’s time to hit the road. Sometimes, it’s just for the day, but every few weeks, we’ll do an overnighter, and every couple of months we do several days. We don’t go far; maybe a few […]