Aaron Melander submitted this photo and note: “It is said that this is one of the few east/west mountain ranges in the Rockies. This picture was taken at Spanish Peaks Airfield (4V1) in Walsenburg, Colorado.”
General Aviation
Human Factors: Cool as a cucumber
In his well-written and detailed accounting of the accident to the NTSB, it’s clear the pilot was still completely stumped about what caused his engine issues. Carb ice simply doesn’t enter his mind as a possibility.
Memento mori
The nine-minute film is the “story of Eric Tucker, an air show pilot who turns most pilots’ nightmare into a beautiful dance. Through flying dead-stick — turning his own engine off and falling out of the sky — Eric confronts the challenge of how to make the most of life and live without regret.”
AOPA fights against landing fees
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is urging the FAA to intervene on behalf of general aviation pilots and block the use of FAA-mandated ADS-B data by third parties to assess fees based on aircraft movements — a practice that raises many concerns, including violation of privacy and violation of federal grant obligations by public airports.
Mechanic’s error fatal for two
The mechanic’s failure to install the required gasket on the vacuum pump drive pad in accordance with the maintenance manual, which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the Director of Maintenance’s failure to verify the installation of the vacuum pump gasket before returning the airplane to service.
Picture of the Day: Pesky bug spray
Matthew Baker submitted this photo and note: “A Bell 206 Jet Ranger with Polk County Mosquito Control in Florida sprays the area around the Bartow Airport (KBOW) for mosquitos.
The thrill that keeps on thrilling
What I didn’t know 36 years ago when I took to the skies for the first time is that I would still get a thrill from seeing others succeed in their own attempts to fly. Whether I sign them off myself, or simply stand on the periphery and cheer them on, each of these individuals impresses me. Their flights take me back in time to my own first attempts.
Swift Museum raffle takes off
The drawing will be held Sept. 21, 2024, so there’s still time to get your tickets.
Advanced Air Mobility key focus at NASAO convention
The 2024 NASAO Annual Convention in Pittsburgh brought together state aviation leaders to discuss key topics like airport infrastructure, workforce development, and emerging technologies. Highlights included collaboration on Advanced Air Mobility and the announcement of new board leadership for 2024-2025.