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"I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things."
Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "The Aviator" |
FAA funding bill stalls in Senate |
The U.S. Senate on May 6 failed to garner enough votes to limit debate on the FAA funding bill after concerns centered around nonaviation issues.
The parliamentary procedure considered by the Senate is called a cloture vote and would have limited debate to 30 hours. It would not have allowed any amendments to be offered. Had it passed, it is likely the bill would have been approved by the full Senate.
Unfortunately, the political debate over nonaviation provisions caused the FAA bill to be withdrawn for further consideration. The bill also prompted a veto threat by the president.
The FAA is currently operating under a temporary funding measure that expires on June 30.
“Our hope is that the Senate will be able to reach agreement on this crucial legislation during that time and pass a bill that funds the FAA, including the Airport Improvement Program and air traffic control modernization, and does so using the current tax-based funding system,”said AOPA President Phil Boyer.
AOPAePilot 5/9
posted 05/11/08 |
Taylorcraft strut fittings target of new AD |
Owners of Taylorcraft A, B, and F series models will be required to inspect wing strut attach fittings beginning June 6. A new airworthiness directive (AD) requires a one-time inspection for all land-based aircraft and a repetitive inspection for any affected aircraft that is float or ski eqsuipped. The AD requires inspection and repair or replacement of any corroded or cracked fittings. The AD affects more than 3,100 aircraft and follows an accident in which the wing separated from an airplane in flight. The AD is the second in recent months to affect Taylorcraft wing struts. A November 2007 AD requires inspection and possible replacement of the struts themselves. AOPA worked with the FAA to give pilots more options for inspection methods and replacement parts under that AD.
AOPAePilot 5/9
posted 05/11/08 |
Bad data unfairly play up GA midair threat |
Flaws in the way the FAA collects and uses air safety data may provide an unrealistic view of the collision threat general aviation aircraft pose in busy terminal airspace, according to the Department of Transportation’s investigative arm.
Of 66 total near midair collision (NMAC) reports that airline crews filed in fiscal year 2007, 16 (24 percent) were later determined to be no-hazard events. Yet they are still classified as near midair collisions in FAA records.
“In our opinion, the lack of a procedure for reclassifying no-hazard events may contribute to misperceptions regarding the actual safety risk posed by an incident,” the DOT’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) said in its April 24 report to Congress.
The OIG initiated the review in response to a June 11, 2007, letter from Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), which expressed concern over a rash of NMAC reports filed in May 2007. These reports—five in all—detailed alleged traffic conflicts between commercial and GA aircraft.
After a six-month investigation, the OIG determined that the five NMACs in question were independent, unrelated events with no obvious common root causes. Four of the five were determined to be “no hazards”—just one was classified as a “potential” collision risk.
In each of these incidents, airline pilots on instrument flight plans filed NMAC reports after being “surprised” by the location of VFR aircraft in nearby airspace, the OIG said, “but the incidents actually posed no risk to safety regardless of any action taken by the pilots.”
The DOT recommended that the FAA evaluate whether “commercial IFR arrival and departure routes” within New York airspace should be redesigned or restricted to minimize potential conflicts with VFR air traffic.
It also proposed an analysis of arrival procedures at Newark Liberty International Airport, to identify measures for staggering approaches and reducing go-arounds when certain runway configurations are used.
Lastly, DOT wants the FAA to restructure the NMAC reporting process, to more accurately reflect the actual safety risks reported events pose. This could include reclassifying no-hazard events, redefining NMAC criteria or revising the term “NMAC.”
“The definition of a near midair collision is highly subjective. And when you use an imprecise measuring instrument, you only get imprecise data. Fortunately, we haven’t had a midair collision between a GA aircraft and an air carrier since the accident over Cerritos, Calif. in 1986,” said Bruce Landsberg, executive director of the AOPA Air Safety Foundation.“
The use of TCAS on airliners and collision avoidance equipment on board an increasing number of GA aircraft—along with constant vigilance by pilots—proves that the most regulated transportation system in the world is working,” he added.
AOPAePilot 5/9
posted 05/11/08 |
| New GA fuel promises better range, lower cost |
 "Not only can our fuel seamlessly replace the aviation industry's standard petroleum fuel [100LL], it can outperform it," says John Rusek, a professor at Purdue University and co-founder of Swift Enterprises. The company recently unveiled a new general aviation fuel that it says will be less expensive, more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendlier than any on the market. Unlike other alternative fuels, Rusek said, SwiftFuel is made of synthetic hydrocarbons that are derived from biomass, and it can provide an effective range greater than 100LL, while costing about half as much to produce. "Our fuel should not be confused with first-generation biofuels like E-85 [85 percent ethanol], which don't compete well right now with petroleum," Rusek said. Patented technology can produce the 1.8 million gallons per day of fuel used by GA in the U.S. by using just five percent of the existing biofuel plant infrastructure, the company said.
The synthetic fuel is 15 to 20 percent more fuel-efficient, has no sulfur emissions, requires no stabilizers, has a 30-degree lower freezing point than 100LL, introduces no new carbon emissions and is lead-free, Rusek said. In addition, he said, the components of the fuel can be formulated into a replacement for jet/turbine fuels. The company now is working with the FAA to evaluate the fuel.
AVwebFlash 5/8
posted 05/8/08 |
NTSB report offers little on McCall crash that killed three |
Two airplanes were preparing to land in McCall when the collision occurred
Few details emerged Friday in a preliminary NTSB report about the May 2 collision of two planes in McCall, but the father of one of those pilots recalls having "eerie feelings" as he watched them approach the airport.
"But I didn't realize they were landing on the same runway," said Craig Mooney, father of pilot Justin Mooney, who survived the crash.
More
One of the survivors of the deadly two-plane collision at the McCall Airport Friday describes the scene–and talking about how he helped to rescue a toddler from the fiery wreckage.
Justin Mooney was the pilot of one of two planes that collided at the McCall airport Friday night. An otherwise ordinary landing quickly took a dramatic–and deadly turn.
“We were about 30 feet off the ground and then all of a sudden there was just this huge noise," Mooney said. Holding back tears, Justin Mooney describes the reality of a moment most could only imagine.
It was cold and nearing dusk as he landed his plane at the small McCall airport on Friday night. At the same time, another pilot was doing the exact same thing.
The two planes smashed into one another and exploded. The NTSB confirms that the planes collided in the air.
"Flames were everywhere, I said ‘we gotta get out of the plane!’," Mooney said.
Mooney and his passenger escaped the burning wreckage. By the looks of the crash, Mooney said there appeared to be no survivors in the other plane, but then a glimmer of hope in the fiery wreckage.
"We got out and ran away from the plane and I heard some screaming-and I ran around and I saw there was another plane, there was smoke and flames everywhere and I saw a young boy trying to get out.” Mooney headed toward the wreckage, and pulled the toddler to safety. “I just saw this young boy screaming and I knew I had to help him,” he said. “I was able to get to him and pull him out, he was on fire.” The little boy was the only survivor from the second plane. His two siblings and grandfather died in the crash. The toddler suffered third degree burns, and is currently at the Intermountain Burn Center in Salt Lake City receiving treatment. "I just hope he pulls through and is able to live a normal life,” Mooney said.
After the accident, Mooney says his life will never be the same again. He does not want to be seen as a hero for pulling the child from the wreckage, but he does have a request. "Pray for the other family and hope they can make it though this, that's about it."
Parents pray for son who survived crash
Three-year old Tyler Pickering was the only survivor in the plane flown by his grandfather this weekend when it collided with another plane in mid-air over the McCall airport.
He's now being treated at a Salt Lake City hospital for severe burns over much of his body.
More
posted 05/11/08 |
English proficiency deadline extended until March 2009 |
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) deadline for an English proficient endorsement on the pilot license of all private, commercial, ATP, flight engineer or flight navigator flying internationally, including Canada and Mexico was March 5, 2008. The FAA was inundated with requests for replacement licenses and could not handle the job in a timely fashion so they have delayed the requirement for an English proficient endorsement until March 5, 2009. Anyone planning on crossing the U.S. border now has until March 2009 to have that replacement pilot's license in their wallet.
All the new pilot licenses issued after Feb. 11, 2008, will have the English Proficient endorsement. licenses that are ordered as regular replacement licenses will include the endorsement. You can order a replacement certificate on-line or by mail. You will be asked to register with Online Services if you don't already have an on-line account. Note that there is a $2 fee for replacement airmen certificates. If you still have a license with your social security number for the license number, you can save the $2 when you order the replacement license. The FAA is reissuing licenses, without charge if they still have the SS number.
posted 05/7/08 |
| Air Marshals denied boarding due to "No-fly List" |
We've all heard the stories of ordinary airline passengers denied the right to fly because their name happens to match a name on the "no-fly list" kept by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). But it appears that some federal air marshals, who are supposed to be on board as a protective measure, have also been denied boarding for the same reason. "In some cases, planes have departed without any coverage because the airline employees were adamant they would not [allow the marshal to] fly," an unidentified air marshal told The Washington Times. On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security said it will start this week to implement a new program that allows airlines to store travelers' birth date information, which should eliminate most of the watch-list misidentification problems. "This is good for travelers and for security, because as we make the checkpoint environment calmer, it becomes easier to spot individuals with hostile intent," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff."
Hassles due to misidentification and the resulting necessity to stand in line to check in at the ticket counter [are] consistently among the deepest -- and most valid -- complaints of the traveling public," he said.
posted 05/01/08 |
| FAA: Santa Monica Airport ban ‘unlawful’ |
The FAA issued a cease-and-desist order ordering Santa Monica (Calif.) Airport officials to halt implementation of an ordinance banning Category C and D aircraft at the field. Airport director Robert Trimborn sent a letter on April 10 to airport users advising them that after today (April 24), “only aircraft in the FAA-designated A and B categories will be allowed to operate at SMO.” Category C and D aircraft have approach speeds greater than 121 knots, and the ordinance would affect about 9,000 of the annual 130,000 aircraft operations at SMO. Penalties include misdemeanor prosecution and a fine up to $1,000 “or imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than six months, or both,” according to Trimborn’s letter. The FAA’s cease-and-desist order noted that “we can make a preliminary finding that the City’s ban on operation of these aircraft is likely unlawful.” Having accepted federal money, the airport cannot deny Category C and D aircraft operators the right to use the airport, the FAA said.
AINalerts 4/24
posted 05/01/08 |
| Senate nears vote on FAA funding |
Prodded by perceived FAA failings and the threat of summer air travel delays, the Senate Transportation and Finance Committees reached agreement late last week on how to fund the FAA for the next four years. If the bill is approved by the full Senate today, it is expected to keep avgas taxes at the current rate of 19.3 cents per gallon but increase jet fuel taxes to 36 cents per gallon, up from 21.8 cents. While the bill would raise $260 million annually for modernizing the ATC system, it eliminates a proposed $25-per-flight surcharge on all jet and most turboprop operations. A bill passed by the House in September contains the same 36-cents-per-gallon tax on jet fuel but also increases the avgas tax by 4.8 cents a gallon. It too features no new user fees. After the Senate approves its final measure, it will then go to a House-Senate conference committee to resolve the differences between the two versions. One sticking point could be labor provisions in the House bill, which could draw a veto from President Bush.
AINalerts 4/29
On Tuesday, April 29, the Office of Management and Budget said the Bush administration would refuse any FAA funding plan that included limits governing the Department of Transportation's ability to impose caps on traffic at congested airports like LaGuardia, Philadelphia and Newark... and that doesn't include language hinting at a future move towards user fees.
posted 04/30/08 |
| Existing aircraft kits grandfathered by FAA |
The FAA has made it official, in a written notice, that existing aircraft kits already approved by the FAA will not be re-evaluated. The clarification is certainly a relief to many kit manufacturers, as well as homebuilders with unfinished kit projects. The agency has temporarily suspended kit evaluations while it develops new procedures, and speculation as to whether existing kits might be re-evaluated has been widespread. "Previous FAA-conducted amateur-built aircraft kit evaluations remain valid," the agency now declares. "As is current practice, a re-evaluation of any kit on the current eligibility list would only occur if a potentially unsafe condition is identified." Kim Smith, manager of the FAA's Small Airplane Directorate, first announced the "grandfathering" policy at a forum at Sun 'n Fun.
Kit evaluations have never been required, says the FAA, but are conducted as a courtesy to manufacturers to determine if an amateur-built aircraft kit would be eligible for certification as an amateur-built aircraft. Upon determination that the percentage of a kit presented for evaluation by a manufacturer permits the major portion (51 percent) of the aircraft's fabrication and assembly to be completed by an amateur builder, the aircraft kit is added to a list of eligible kits that is maintained by the FAA. However, existing policy and guidance used to evaluate these kits has resulted in "inconsistent determinations regarding regulatory compliance," the FAA says, prompting the moratorium on such approvals until new evaluation guidelines are established.
AVwebFlash 4/24
posted 04/30/08 |
| Thielert Aircraft Engines files for insolvency |
Thielert Aircraft Engines has thrown in the towel after its share prices dropped to near penny stock levels as the crisis over its financial reporting practices deepens. Thielert filed for insolvency on Friday as its share price dipped to .35 Euros. It's traded as high as 25.22 since it went public in 2005. The very existence of the company is now in question as the insolvency process begins. "The going concern of Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH can only be ensured permanently by restructuring activities with the support of investors, due to the fact that the Holding Thielert AG is not capable to do so anymore," the company's supervisory board said in a statement.
Meanwhile a new executive board must be named, along with an interim insolvency trustee who will present a plan to creditors, and the acceptance of this plan is crucial to the business continuing. On Thursday, the board dismissed company founder Frank Thielert and Chief Financial Officer Roswitha Grosser after receiving results of preliminary criminal investigations into their activities. The situation has major implications for aircraft companies like Diamond and Cessna, which manufacture aircraft with Thielert diesels. "We are in touch with the senior leaders there and we continue to assess the situation as it unfolds," Cessna's Doug Oliver told AVweb.
AVwebFlash 4/28
posted 04/30/08 |
| Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Tracon Managers Misclassified Controller Errors |
A DOT Inspector General report reveals that FAA managers at the Dallas-Fort Worth Tracon “routinely” and “intentionally” misclassified operational errors and deviations as pilot errors or non-events. The report was prompted by whistleblower allegations that management was covering up operational errors and deviations. The DOT watchdog discovered that between November 2005 and July last year DFW Tracon managers misclassified 62 air traffic events as pilot deviation or non-events when in fact there were 52 operational errors and 10 operational deviations. The IG said it found no evidence of misclassification issues beyond the DFW Tracon. In response to the IG recommendations, the FAA removed the Tracon manager and assistant manager from their positions, “pending a final determination on possible further personnel actions.” The FAA’s air traffic safety oversight organization will also conduct unannounced on-site audits at the DFW Tracon and send monthly reports to FAA Acting Administrator Bobby Sturgell. Meanwhile, Air Traffic Organization COO Hank Krakowski said the FAA is putting measures in place to ensure that misclassifications cannot happen anywhere else in the system.
AINalerts 4/29
posted 04/30/08 |
| Beer and flying: strange bedfellows |
America's most remote brewery: Lang Creek Brewing
When visiting Lang Creek Brewing, getting there is half the reward.
I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised. The owners left a clue right on the top of their website by advertising themselves as "America's most remote brewery."
It's not only true, but co-founder and president John Campbell is quite proud of it and had to tell me about a face off he had once with a brewer in Alaska over who was the most remote brewery of them all. "After I told him we're 20 miles from the nearest zip code and a mile up a bumpy, gravel road, he conceded."
John and his wife, Sandy, who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in June, founded Lang Creek Brewing in 1993. John was an aviator, studying and flying airplanes his entire life. Like many other of today's new breed of brewmasters, he also home brewed his own beer.
Why start a microbrewery? "I have to give my wife credit," he answers. "Any good idea we've had was hers. She said merge your two passions, flying and brewing, but not at the same time. That's why I now call my beer after-flight fuel." More
Strange brew: Businessman combines aviation and beer making
Sometimes things in life come together in mysterious ways. Ben Cook of Redlands, Calif., managed to capitalize on flying and beer drinking, two typically incompatible endeavors, at least when done together less than eight hours apart.
Lately he’s been working ridiculous hours, toiling away in a warehouse building near Redlands Municipal Airport. With all the plumbing, chemicals, and strange noises emanating from the 4,640-square-foot facility, you’d think he was building a spacecraft. Instead, welcome to the Hangar 24 Craft Brewery.
Cook, 27, opened the business just last month after following a straightforward, yet circuitous route to arrive here. Here is described thusly for pilots: “Look across the street from the airport on your downwind leg for the large white Malt Silo in front of the brewery. Can’t miss it!” More
posted 04/30/08 |
| Web site launches online "matchmaking" for aircraft partners |
Plenty of people have turned to the Internet to find dates for social occasions; now the Aircraft Partnership Association aims to use the Web to find matches for pilots who want to share airplane ownership. "Trying to find suitable aircraft partners by posting a flyer at your local airport ... is tremendously ineffective," says David Kruger, president of the APA. The difficulty in finding the right match discourages potential partnerships, Kruger says. The APA will help users search its database for potential partners based on member profiles that include the type of aircraft desired, location, flying experience, and more. The entire matching/selection process occurs online before potential partners ever meet.
"Take Tulsa, Oklahoma, for example," says Kruger, in a news release. "There may not be a professionally managed fractional ownership opportunity for piston aircraft in that market, yet there may be many pilots based at a variety of local airports who all share a common interest -- a new light sport aircraft, a Mooney Acclaim, or a pre-owned Cherokee Six. Through APA, members can find each other and review each other's flying experience and aircraft desires online, before making contact." The company also offers management services to support new partnerships..
AINalerts 4/24
posted 04/30/08 |
| Montana Air National Gguard pilots take last flights in their beloved F-16s |
When Cols. Michael McDonald and Dave Allen climbed into the cockpit of two F-16C jet fighters for the last time Friday, April 18, they represented 20 percent of the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard's military flying experience.
McDonald, 52, and Allen have logged a combined 7,900 hours in the F-16 over 50 combined years of service as pilots. McDonald alone has flown more than 4,300 hours in the F-16 and holds the Air Force's unofficial record for most flight time in the F-16 A/B aircraft.
"It's a long time sitting in a little thing," McDonald said.
However, with the 120th scheduled to switch to the F-15 fighter later this year, the pair won't log anymore seat time in the one plane they have known as airmen.
More |
Tribune photo/Ryan Hall
Col. Michael McDonald of the 120th Fighter Wing taxis to the hangar after completing his final F-16 flight Friday morning. McDonald has logged more than 4,000 hours in the F-16. |
posted 04/19/08 |
| NTSB reports substantial drop in GA fatalities |
General aviation fatalities decreased 30 percent last year compared to the year before, the NTSB reported on Wednesday, April 16, down from 703 to 491. It was the lowest annual total in more than 40 years. "The U.S. aviation industry has produced an admirable safety record in recent years," said NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker. "However, we must not become complacent. We must continue to take the lessons learned from our investigations and use them to create even safer skies for all aircraft operators and their passengers." The overall number of GA accidents was up, rising from 1,518 in 2006 to 1,631 in 2007. Estimated flight hours were down slightly, and the overall accident rate per 100,000 flight hours showed a slight increase.
This year's fatal accident rate of 1.19 per 100,000 hours is the lowest since 1999. The statistics, which are posted online, are preliminary, the NTSB said.
AVwebFlash 4/17
posted 04/17/08 |
| Army soldiers escape SUV during F-16 strafing in Utah |
 Two Army soldiers were inside an SUV that was destroyed when an F-16 fired upon it at a training range in Utah last week. The two were able to escape with minor injuries. It was unclear whether the vehicle was hit by the jet's 20-mm cannon fire or if it crashed after the soldiers jumped out, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. The soldiers were taking part in a night training exercise at the Utah Test and Training Range. Live air-to-ground exercises are often practiced at the range, the Tribune said, and can involve firing on abandoned vehicles.
It was not clear if the Army soldiers were in an area where they were not supposed to be, or if the jet pilot fired on the wrong target. Both soldiers were treated and have reported back to duty.
AVwebFlash 4/17
posted 04/17/08 |
| Rocket racing to debut at AirVenture |
 The Rocket Racing League, which is made up of modified Velocity experimental aircraft with a rocket strapped on the back, will debut its first-ever exhibition race at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh this summer. Two Rocket Racers will compete, and the pilots will carry in-cockpit cameras to broadcast the action live on multiple large projection screens. "EAA has followed the development of the Rocket Racing League concept with great interest," said EAA President Tom Poberezny. "We are excited about the opportunity to develop a whole new audience of aviation enthusiasts, while at the same time promoting aviation innovation." The races will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1 and 2.
Initial test flights for the Rocket Racers will take place in May at Mojave, Calif. Pending FAA approval following those flights, the AirVenture exhibition races would be the first of four exhibitions this year. Races are scheduled for the Reno National Championship Air Races in September; at the X Prize Cup in Las Cruces, N.M., at a date to be determined; and at Aviation Nation, Nellis AFB, in Las Vegas, Nov. 8-9. The Rocket Racing League also announced last week that it has acquired Velocity Aircraft and will produce a consistent airframe for all competing racers. Also, Armadillo Aerospace will manufacture liquid oxygen engines for the league.
AVwebFlash 4/17
posted 04/17/08 |
| 2008 Montana Aviation Conference was another success |
MPA Scholarships and Awards
The following scholarships and awards were announced at the Montana Aviation Conference:
- Hangar of the Year—Vigilante Hangar
- Brent Prop Award—J. C. Kantorowicz
- Spark Plug Award – Brent & Rosie Vetter
- Bill Matthews Award – Justin Sands
- Junior Pilot Scholarship – Blake Lerner, Bozeman
- Flight Training Scholarship – Jake Hemphill, Billings
Congratulations to all the recipients for their achievements.
MPA Junior Pilot Scholarship 50/50 ticket winner
Tony Bean, West Yellowstone Airport Manager. Tony donated his share back to the scholarship fund saying "without pilots, I wouldn't have a job." Thank you, Tony!
MPA Membership Sweepstakes Personal Locater Beacon (PLB) winner
Darrin Pluhar of Miles City
MPA Elections at Annual Membership Meeting
The following state officers and directors were elected for 2008 at the Annual Membership Meeting in Great Falls
- Russ Dahl, President
- Geanette Cebulski, Treasurer
- Bobbi Powers, Eastern Vice-President
- Wade Cebulski, Western Vice-President
- Chuck Jarecki, Western Director
Silent Auction Generates $3831 for the MPA Recreational Airstrip Fund
Thank you to the following donors and purchasers for helping make the Silent Auction a success! Proceeds will be used to help fund improvements on Montana’s recreational airstrips and airports. Past funds have been awarded for camping facilities and pilot shelters. Please contact us for an application if you are interested in applying for funds to help your local airport with improvements. Once again, thank you to everyone for their help!
Wade Cebulski, Silent Auction Chairman
Central Montana Hangar
Dr. Chamberlain
Fred Lark
Rebecca Smith
EAA Chapter #517
Five Valleys Hangar
Robert Thorne
Little Bird Café
Seeley Lake Recreation Rentals
Kurt’s Polaris
Aerotronics
Northstar Air Express
Flathead Hangar
Jack Archibald
Loraine Yde
Gallatin Valley Hangar
Bill Gallea
Jeanne MacPherson
Glacier Hangar
Great Falls Hangar
John Sheffels
Jim & Marilyn Lewis
Mission Valley Hangar
Chuck Jarecki
North Central Hangar
Dan and Margie Prill
Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) |
South Central Hangar
Aerotronics
Cross Petroleum
Edwards Jet Center
Northern Skies
Stockton Oil
Valley Hangar
D&G Sports
Dahl Aviation
Prairie Aviation
Vigilante Hangar
Harold Dramstad
Vetter Aviation
Robert Buckles
Ron Kullick
Don Profota
Bob Breum
Fred Hasskamp
Wade & Geanette Cebulski
Bill Burkland
Bob Hollister
Penny Jarecki
Doug Parrot
Larry Ashcraft
J.C. Kantorowicz
Dennis Guentzel |
Hank Galpin
Mike Rearden
Darren Huestis
Karen Frank-Plumlee
John and Tricia McKenna
Dwight Thompson
Jeannie McLaren
Page Gough
David Hedditch
Bobbi Powers
Russ Dahl
Sam Flowers |
posted 04/05/08 |
Longtime aviator Mike Strand named 'Master Pilot' |
Flying can be a dangerous obsession, especially in the mountains of Montana. But for Myron "Mike" Strand, flying over rocky no-man's land was how he earned his pay, and he's amassed an incredible safety record.
Strand, a local aviation icon, recently earned the Wright Brothers' Master Pilot award. The honor, presented by the Federal Aviation Administration's Safety Team, is given to pilots who exhibit professionalism, skill, aviation expertise and who have maintained safe flight operations for 50 years or more.
"I call it the old-timer's award," the 77-year-old Strand said.
The award doesn't require an accident-free history, but pilots with a track record of incidents are disqualified. Although not a requirement for the award, Strand still maintains his license and passes his flight physicals.
More
posted 04/11/08 |
| Like father, like daughter |
Deanna Strand came to Grand Junction 29 years ago and her career unexpectedly soared.
While growing up in Kalispell Strand pumped gas and washed the bellies of the charter planes her father flew. Other siblings worked in the office, but Strand preferred to be outside with her hands on the planes.
She didn’t think she wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, so she attended the University of Montana where she earned her degree in linguistics.
Her first job in Colorado was at Walker Field Airport, now Grand Junction Regional Airport. Her supervisors quickly realized that she had more experience than most people her age, having already received her pilot’s license while in high school.
Later, Strand realized that there might be a small market locally for students wanting to learn to fly here in the Grand Valley. So she pursued her flight instructor license in 1982 and soon opened Strand Flying School.
More
posted 04/11/08 |
Swiss pilot comes to Laurel for flight school |
Michael Kamber has dreamed of flying since he was a young lad growing up in view of the Swiss Alps. That dream brought him here last week from the village of Seltisberg, Switzerland, to attend Northern Skies Aviation flight school at the Laurel Municipal Airport.
Kamber already has a Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) private pilot's license recognized by 22 European counties, but he wanted to get a US private pilot's license, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), so he can fly US registered aircraft. He has been flying since he was 41 years old.
Aviation regulations require that a pilot be licensed by the country of the aircraft being flown. Many private airplanes in Europe are US registered and Kamber wanted to get his US private pilot's license so he can fly those aircraft in Europe.
Kamber selected Northern Skies Aviation flight school because he wanted to visit Montana and because the school is one of the few schools in the state certified to provide flight instruction to foreigners.
More
posted 04/11/08 |
| Garmin introduces synthetic-vision system |
Garmin announced that it has received FAA supplemental type certification for a synthetic-vision system it is incorporating into the G1000 cockpit. Called SVT (synthetic vision technology), the upgrade uses GPS-derived aircraft position and internal topographical databases to create 3-D images on the G1000’s large XGA displays. Garmin said SVT presents terrain and obstacles that pose a threat to the aircraft in TAWS alert coloring and that TCAS-like traffic targets on the display change in size relative to range. SVT also incorporates highway-in-the-sky (HITS) guidance cues that depict “flying rectangles” showing the intended course. The system uses GPS and ILS signals to draw the HITS boxes, which pilots can toggle on or off using a menu softkey. Cessna and Diamond Aircraft were the first aircraft makers to publicly commit to the technology. Cessna said SVT will be added first to the Citation Mustang as an option later this year and as an option for all other G1000 models within a year. Diamond is offering SVT to buyers of the DA40 piston single at a price of less than $10,000. Garmin said SVT is also expected to be available to buyers of the G1000 King Air C90 cockpit retrofit next year. AINalerts 4/8
posted 04/11/08 |
| Flyable vintage airplane collection to open in June |
The collection of 15 famous and flyable vintage warplanes from around the world owned by Microsoft cofounder Paul G. Allen opens to the public June 6 at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. Like Planes of Fame in Chino, Calif., the aircraft will be regularly flown in demonstrations open to the public. It will be called the Flying Heritage Collection and includes the British Supermarine Spitfire, the German Messerschmitt BF 109, the Japanese Zero-Sen fighter, the North American P-51 Mustang, and a rare North American Hellcat.
AOPAePilot 4/11
posted 04/11/08 |
| It's a buyers market |
Rising fuel, insurance, and hangar costs—along with tight credit markets—have pushed down aircraft values and made it a buyer's market, according to experienced aircraft owner John Downing, of Atlanta. "Buyers who are ready to move can get some astonishingly good deals," he said. "I watch the market closely, and I've been amazed that some excellent airplanes at very reasonable prices have been slow to sell, or haven't sold at all in the last year. It's a real buyer's market."
AOPAePilot 4/11
posted 04/11/08 |
| U.S. Forest Service buys pilotless drones |
The Forest Service bought two SkySeer drones for $100,000 to search for marijuana growers in California's national forests. Both of the drones are equipped with remote-control pan/tilt cameras and one is equipped with the optional thermal camera for nighttime operation. The Forest Service purchased the drones from Octatron of La Verne, Cal if.
Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey says the pilotless aircraft will allow Forest Service law enforcement officers to pinpoint marijuana fields and size up potential danger before the agents make arrests. He pointed out there is an increasing number of marijuana growers financed by Mexican drug cartels using California's national forests for their operations.
They were delivered to the Forest Service’s aviation branch in Montana and are being kept there until they are put into use. Rey said the agency wants to have the machines flying over California by late summer or early fall. The Forest Service is training two employees to operate the SkySeer. Rey expects FAA flying approval to come with completion of the training.
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SkySeer UAV being hand launched for a demonstration flight |
posted 04/05/08 |
| Welcome back seaplanes |
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Good news for seaplane pilots. The Bureau of Reclamation intends to return seaplane access to more than 400 lakes in 17 western states.
Thanks to the efforts of AOPA, the Seaplane Pilots Association, and local pilot groups and state aviation agencies, the bureau has agreed to change a rule that should eliminate the seaplane prohibition on its lakes. The issue arose when the bureau in 2006 revised a federal rule, which had unintended consequences. The bureau was asking for documentation that seaplanes had used the lakes in the past or else they wouldn’t be allowed to use them in the future.
AOPA pushed to reverse the rule on the grounds that there was no documentation requirement in the past; the bureau did not conduct proper or thorough outreach to the local agencies prior to the rule being enacted; and there was no safety issue to protect the public from.
The bureau intends to issue a revised rule within the next two months, which will allow seaplanes to operate the same as they did prior to 2006.
AOPAePilot 3/28 |
posted 03/28/08 |
| AOPA: FAA aircraft "re-registration" equals user fee? |
AOPA says a three-year aircraft "re-registration" requirement proposed by the FAA may replace the current one-time $5 registration fee with a $130 fee to be paid every three years as a hidden user fee. The FAA's proposal is based on the goal of bringing the U.S. aircraft registry up-to-date and the "re-registration" requirement would replace the current triennial registration report. The FAA recognizes that the current aircraft registration fee of $5 hasn't been changed since the mid-1960s and no longer aligns with the FAA's costs to provide services, according to the FAA. The gray area, according to AOPA, lies in determining and applying the costs associated with updating a registry that has deteriorated over time. "Aircraft re-registration hasn't been required for three decades," writes AOPA, and now "nearly one third of the 343,000 U.S. aircraft registrations are possibly invalid." Re-registration, whatever the cost, would require aircraft owners to return a renewal notice with updated information (or reply online) within a three-month window.
Early responses would not be allowed and late responses would be penalized by inability to fly the aircraft until it was re-registered. The full proposal is long, but the FAA is seeking comments through May 28. Find the text online, here. The methods of response are listed under "Addresses" near the beginning of the text.
AVwebFlash 3/10
posted 03/11/08 |
The Alliance for Aviation Across America (AAAA) is a new diverse coalition of aviation enthusiasts and professionals, local airports, civic organizations representing rural and agriculture voices, city, county and state officials, economic development entities, non-profit organizations, small and mid-size businesses and others dedicated to protecting small and rural communities. AAAA is also dedicated to properly modernizing ’s air traffic control system to enhance safety, promote efficiency and expand capacity in order to ensure ALL Americans have access to air transportation.
Community access
Preserving emergency services, disaster relief and business opportunities for America's small towns.
 Congestion
Big Airlines' plan drives congestion and cost.
Full Funding & modernization
Better technology NOT red tape in the skies.
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| 406 ELT's mandated in Canada? |
 The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) is warning pilots they should be concerned that revisions to a regulation's wording could mean mandatory installation of 406 ELTs in all Canadian aircraft -- and transient aircraft, too. In a letter from Kevin Psutka, president and CEO, Canadian Owners and Pilots Association, Psutka states that "low-cost alternatives to ELTs have all but been ruled out for our sector of aviation."
Because the U.S. does not mandate 406 ELTs, "thousands of U.S. aircraft will be banned from Canada," posing a particular problem for aircraft transiting to and from Alaska.
COPA is advising its members that the next opportunity for comment will be when the draft regulation is publicly announced. While COPA seeks alternatives, it is also advising members in the market for an ELT to equip with a 406 ELT. "The battery must not be LiSO2 and, for a 406 ELT, it must be coded for Canada and registered with the National Search and Rescue Secretariat."
posted 02/05/08 |
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