A lot can happen in 80 years. Indeed, a lot has happened since the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) was founded in 1939.
Events large and not-so-large dot the calendar. Putting those events into the larger context of the development of general aviation can be a challenge for anyone who has a busy life. [Read more…]
Do you want to go flying?
Is that a trick question? The sky out the window looked clear and inviting. [Read more…]
For anyone who has flown in the Pacific Northwest in general and at Boeing Field (KBFI) specifically, Galvin Flying is an FBO you’ve likely heard of. At the end of January, the skies of the Pacific Northwest darkened just a bit with the loss of longtime owner Peter Galvin Anderson. [Read more…]
We recently shared a nice little story about Shana Bartell, a young lady bitten by the aviation bug. She also happens to be a divorcee with five kids.
And many – but not all – in the crowd on Facebook and our website feel it appropriate to tear her apart. After all, they know better. [Read more…]
Last January I flew to Bozeman, Montana, to hang out with a friend for a few days. After my travel plans were in place I emailed John McKenna, chairman of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) board, who happens to live in Bozeman. I was hoping to meet up for lunch or dinner.
Before I could blink, John and his wife Tricia had put together an evening gathering at the McKenna home. All I needed to bring was my friend, an appetite, and a desire for discussion. A great time was had by nearly a dozen of us. [Read more…]
Fairbanks, Alaska-based Wright Air Service flies a variety of aircraft on charter flights to remote locations in the interior of Alaska. Among its fleet of 21 aircraft are four Helio Courier H-295s.
Years ago, Wright modified the engines on two of its Helios. The modifications were field approved by the FAA. Since then, those two Helios have more than 22,000 hours of operating experience. [Read more…]
I like Jamie Beckett. Both as a person (most importantly) and as an aviation enthusiast. For those of you who don’t recognize the name, Jamie is one of General Aviation News’ columnists, as well as an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Ambassador in Florida. (We had him first 🙂 )
Like me, he’s far from objective about flying. Exactly as it should be. Flying is a great thing. For a wide variety of reasons. And none of those reasons are THE reason flying is so cool. [Read more…]
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. And in the course of sharing countless stories each year, we include many great photos.
Great photos can inspire and motivate. Pictures can relate an experience in ways words can’t. [Read more…]
I’m not a Mom. But I have a Mom. And my wife is a Mom.
So I know there is – oftentimes – a special bond between a mother and child. I certainly feel that bond with my Mom.
Go ahead, call me a “Mama’s Boy.” I can take. In fact, that’s a badge I wear with pride. [Read more…]
Is flying an airplane that only has lap belts — no shoulder harnesses — taking an unacceptable risk?
I’ve taken a number of people for airplane rides, most recently in a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub a friend lets me fly. Each flight has gone well. Both pilot and passenger enjoyed each flight. [Read more…]
