September 5-9 marks the dates for this year’s Triple Tree Aerodrome Fly-In near Woodruff, S.C., your blogger’s favorite sport aviation event of the year. Compared by many old-timers to the famed Rockford EAA conventions from years past, Triple Tree has all the ingredients needed for success: An incredible 7,000-foot smooth grass runway (SC00), camping, permanent […]
Pilots
My last day at Oshkosh
By KATE FERRARI As the rush of fear set upon me, I froze. The propeller was so close, whirring around at an unbelievable pace. I could feel the rush of wind it was emitting, coasting over my neck. “Katie, come on!” My whole body jolted into action as I snapped back into reality. I ran […]
New layer of paperwork consequence of Pilot’s Bill of Rights
A consequence of the passage last week of the Pilot Bill of Rights is a new layer of paperwork regarding both pilot certification and FAA medicals, according to officials with the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI). The new law includes a requirement that applicants receive and sign, and records be kept, of notification that […]
Long-time pilot Homer Barnes dies
Long-time pilot Homer Marion Barnes, father to frequent General Aviation News contributor Sparky Barnes Sargent, has gone West. The Pittsboro, N.C., resident died Aug. 11 at the age of 92. Born in Boone, N.C., Barnes, 92, was a veteran of World War II. He served as a radio and radar operator on anti-submarine patrol with […]
Flying coast to coast in a homebuilt
By TOM JONES Many people dream of making the trip of a lifetime, but few make the dream a reality. Not so for Albert and Sharon Gardner, a Yuma, Ariz., couple who flew coast to coast in their RV-10. Last summer, the couple flew nearly 12,000 miles, landing in 100 cities in 37 states. The […]
Breitling contest winner earns his pilot’s license
Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling is congratulating Facebook photo contest winner Jeremy P. Hampton from Overland Park, Kansas, on completing his 11-month training program necessary to officially receive his pilot’s license, the grand prize for the contest the company sponsored just over one year ago. “Aviation has always been a big part of Breitling’s history, our […]
Political convention TFRs demand serious study
The FAA has issued first notices of flight restrictions for the two political conventions and flights to, from or through the areas — Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, N.C. — will be affected, with pilots needing to be alert not only for the announced early Temporary Flight Restrictions, but also for any last-minute changes or additions […]
Tips for pilots working abroad
With the global reach of aviation increasing, it has become common for pilots to fly in several different countries. And while it may seem fascinating, moving and working abroad is a serious decision in one’s life and career. What should pilots consider before accepting a job abroad? How should they act while working for a […]
Will Generation Y be pilots?
Several recent, seemingly unrelated reports pose issues in our hopes for a new generation of pilots. Boeing’s July announcement that half a million airline pilots will be needed worldwide by 2031 made big news. But many of us have heard such news before. And this time, there are new caveats and wrinkles. One that caught […]