In the old days, the word “Contact!” was central to the process of getting things going. The pilot yelled “Contact!” The mechanic then responded in kind while laying hands on the prop. Seconds later, after a grunt, a flip of the prop, and a puff of smoke, an airplane would leap to life. Technology has […]
Pilots
Pilot’s Bill of Rights awaits President’s signature
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Pilot’s Bill of Rights, which made it through the legislative process in “record time,” according to an official with the Experimental Aircraft Association, has been approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and is now on President Obama’s desk awaiting his signature. The president has 10 days from […]
St. Louis general aviation community loses a leader
The St. Louis Business Aviation community recently lost one of its longest running members, John Henke, who passed away July 1. Henke was a member of the Greater St. Louis Business Aviation Association (GSLBAA) for nearly 40 years, and served as president three times. In addition, he served as chairman of GSLBAA’s Business Aviation Annual […]
SC Breakfast Club to visit RUQ
On Sunday, Aug. 5, the world’s oldest continually active flying club will make its only annual trip out of South Carolina to the Rowan County Airport (RUQ) in Salisbury, NC. “EAA Chapter 1083 has been honored to have hosted this prestigious group of aviators for the past 12 years,” noted Jack Neubacher. The South Carolina […]
Lightning Man
My Old Man met Johnny Smith during an act of of immeasurable kindness. We were finally able to relocate back to Henry’s hometown of Canton, Georgia, in the early 1980s. With our few worldly possessions moved, it was time to fly the Luscombe 8A to her new home. I drove Henry to the grass field […]
Sennheiser debuts passive headset
OSHKOSH — On opening day of AirVenture in Oshkosh, Sennheiser introduced the S1 Passive headset for general aviation pilots. Company officials said the headset was designed for pilots who want noise attenuation but do not want to use an active headset. It is also a good choice for flight students, company officials said. “As a […]
406 ELT requirement waived by Dominican Republic and Cayman Islands
Caribbean Flying Adventures (CFA) has collaborated with civil aviation authorities in the Dominican Republic and The Caymans Islands to obtain a waiver from the 406 ELT requirement. The Dominican Republic waiver is indefinite. The Cayman Islands waiver is valid through Dec. 1, 2013, but will almost certainly be extended, according to CFA officials, who said […]
Ferry intriguing
By MICHAEL MAGNELL During the last four years I have ferried 35 planes from various places in the United States just to Brazil alone. Most of the planes were Cessna 210s, 206s, Caravans, and Barons, but number 35, my most recent, turned out to be not only the exception, but also quite an adventure. Number […]
Oshkosh: Go or no go?
Air Facts blogger John Zimmerman says all pilots can be divided into two groups: Those for whom the thought of flying into Wittman Regional Airport during AirVenture excites and challenges them and those who think you’re nuts to be in the air within 50 nm of Oshkosh that week. Which are you?