With all the hand wringing and brow furrowing we’ve experienced lately as a result of the sequestration, it’s probably worth remembering that we live in the most technologically advanced, affluent, and safe period of human history. When my granddad was a boy he lived in a world that was devoid of everyday modern conveniences like […]
General Aviation
FAA delays decision on tower closures
The FAA will delay its decision on which of the contract towers up for potential closure may be exempted due to “compelling national interest.” David Grizzle, the FAA’s COO, said that in order to “review comprehensively the very large number of responses” from airports seeking an exemption, the final decision date will be March 22. […]
UES officials: FAA should expand contract tower program to save money
Officials at the Waukesha County Airport (UES) think the FAA has it backwards: Instead of closing towers at 173 airports to save money as part of sequestration, it should expand the contract tower program, which would save money. Officials at UES — which is on the potential closure list — note that the Office of […]
Deadline approaching to register for Air Race Classic
Entries for the 2013 Air Race Classic started coming in at noon on Jan. 2, when entries for this year’s race were opened. Over the past two months, 80% of the available racer slots have been claimed. Entries will be accepted until April 1, but the opportunity may not last that long, if all 55 […]
Hawaii governor declares ‘Year of General Aviation’
Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie has declared 2013 the “Year of General Aviation.” In Hawaii, general aviation contributes more than $412 million into the economy every year and aviation supports more than 58,000 jobs. Across the country, general aviation has an economic impact of $150 billion annually and supports 1.2 million jobs. “We appreciate Governor Abercrombie’s […]
New officers for Copperstate Fly-In
CHANDLER, Ariz. — A new president and vice president have been elected to the board of directors for the COPPERSTATE Fly-In & Aviation Expo, the fourth largest fly-in in the nation. Every October, COPPERSTATE is held at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport (CGZ) in Casa Grande, Ariz., located halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. Stephen Bass […]
SportairUSA chooses Vertical Power VP-X for LSA
SportairUSA, distributor of the Sting and Sirius Light-Sport Aircraft, has chosen the Vertical Power VP-X Electronic Circuit Breaker System to manage the electrical system and control the trim and flaps. The VP-X integrates with electronic flight information systems (EFIS) from Dynon, Grand Rapids Technology and Garmin, allowing pilots to monitor the status of individual devices […]
Hartzell receives de-ice amendment to STC
Hartzell Propeller has completed an amendment to its FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its 3-blade Top Prop conversion kit. The amendment to the STC, which covers Cessna Skylane R182, FR182, TR182 and T182 (Lycoming O-540-J3C5D or O-540-L3C5D powered) models, covers factory-installed de-icing boots fully compatible with the existing de-ice system. Mike Trudeau, Top Prop’s […]
Cessna runs out of gas
Aircraft: Cessna 182. Injuries: None. Location: Humnoke, Arkansas. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The pilot and two passengers were en route to their destination when the airplane’s engine surged. The pilot applied carburetor heat and engine power was restored temporarily, then surged and quit completely. The pilot performed a forced landing to a highway […]