Can a high school class change the direction of a young person’s life? Yes! Jon’s journey illustrates that point well. Today he’s working toward his goal of being an aeronautical engineer, adding more flight time to his logbook, and mentoring those who come behind him.
Pilots
Videos capture annual preparations for the big one
On July 8, 2023, Operation Thunder Run Disaster Airlift Response took off in the Pacific Northwest. The yearly exercise is a way for general aviation pilots and other volunteers to prepare for a disaster, such as an earthquake.
Pre-OSH fly-in celebrates seventh anniversary
Rock The Ramp, which bills itself as the “world’s largest pre-OSH fly-in,” benefits Badger Honor Flight, a non-profit organization working to ensure that World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and terminally ill veterans from any war have the opportunity to see the memorials that have been erected in their honor.
New edition of Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge released
The 2023 edition reflects the latest aviation industry procedures, equipment, techniques, regulations, and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations and is a key reference in the FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS), according to ASA officials, who note that changes include updates to drugs and the impact on flight, non-towered airport operations, and attitude indicator pitch and bank limitations.
First flight after annual ends before it starts
On the first attempted flight after annual inspection, my Piper PA-32’s nose gear collapsed during takeoff roll, resulting in a prop strike.
Picture of the Day: Pure fun
Jerry Kemp submitted this photo and note: “My 1946 Globe Super Swift in my backyard, one of the most enjoyable airplanes I’ve ever flown — and I flew the F-4 and F-16 in the US Air Force. But that was work and the Swift pure fun!”
Questions from the Cockpit: Should there be a biennial driving review?
My mother, a student pilot, asked: What do you think of requiring drivers to get a biennial driving review?
FAA reverses policy on counting homebuilt hours toward certificates
The FAA will soon reverse a policy that barred homebuilders from counting time spent building an aircraft toward a maintenance rating, such as Airframe and Powerplant certificates, according to a new report from the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Online courses for mechanics on aircraft records launches
The new courses cover a wide range of topics, including the importance of aircraft records, maintenance records and documentation, logbook entries, certificates of airworthiness, data approval, and more, according to officials with the non-profit Foundation for Business Aircraft Records Excellence.