As I was reading coverage of the announcement that Santa Monica’s airport is to be closed on Dec. 31, 2028, I couldn’t help but shake my head. Yes, I’m sad. But reading the FAA Administrator’s comments provides a blueprint for opportunity. When commenting on the agreement, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said, “This is a fair […]
Touch & Go
A wide world of aviators
In many ways, the Earth is a large place. Yet in other ways, not so much. When it comes to aviation, the world shrinks. You either look skyward longingly, or you don’t. Those of us who do share a bond and joy the vast majority of our fellow earthbound neighbors don’t, and won’t. That’s sad. […]
NORDO Ops: I had no idea I was an ‘idiot’
I have to admit, I’ve had a sneaking suspicion I was an idiot for some time now. Maybe I should join IA (Idiots Anonymous). “Hi. My name is Ben and I’m an idiot.” What would make me admit such a thing? The comment section of this very website, of course. The NTSB Accident Reports we republish […]
What’s your story?
Stories are all around us. All we have to do is look. Sometimes it is as simple as opening an envelope. You remember what an envelope is, don’t you? I open all the mail General Aviation News receives. Makes sense, since I’m the only one who picks up the mail. On the back of a […]
Smells like desperation
“Let us be the solution to your New Year’s Resolution” was printed on the backside of a postcard I received in the mail. Huh? What resolution? After reading the other side of the postcard, apparently my 2017 resolution is to be an underpaid professional pilot. For kicks I clicked through to FlyCommutAir.com to see what […]
The easiest certificate ever, Part II
Christmas came early for me. Back in October I completed all the requirements to add a Remote Pilot certificate to my list of ratings and certificates. In the mail the week of Dec. 5 came my official certificate from the FAA. As I walked back from the mailbox, envelope in hand, my emotions quickly ran […]
A few last minute gift ideas
Tick tock…Every passing moment finds us closer to Christmas 2016. And if you’re on the hunt for gift ideas for the aviator in your life (even if that’s yourself), following is a handful of the aviation-themed books that have crossed my desk in recent weeks that will make a nice gift. Like aviation itself, these titles […]
ADS-B validation report data shows amazing detail
For aircraft owners taking advantage of the FAA’s $500 ADS-B Rebate, there is a five-step process you must follow. Each of the five steps are rather logical: Decide: Select equipment for purchase and schedule installation; Reserve: Reserve your rebate, which requires a Reservation Code; Install: Install your ADS-B equipment; Fly and Validate: Fly in ADS-B airspace to validate […]
The easiest certificate ever
It has been a LONG time since I’ve added a rating or certificate to my pilot qualifications. But I’ve just added the easiest certificate ever. If I understand it correctly — and that’s a big if — I’ve just earned a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small Unmanned Aircraft System Rating. How easy was it to add […]