It is characteristic of the brakes on this aerobatic airplane that they are not very effective, as the plane was designed to be operated from grass strips, at least so I have been told by pilots where the airplane is very popular. It takes great foot-pedal effort to get the wheels to lock.
Picture of the Day: Friends complete RV-7A
Bob Jones submitted this photo and note: “N617RV was completed by seven owners with help from friends in August of 2023. The project took about three years. The aircraft is equipped a Lycoming IO-360 engine, two Advanced Flight 6600 displays, an Avidyne 440, an AV-30 backup instrument with magnetometer, and is certified for IFR flight. In the photo, the plane is just back from paint.”
KEKY reclassified as national airport
“This is a monumental step forward for our city,” said Mayor Kenneth E. Gulley. “The reclassification of the Bessemer Municipal Airport as a National Airport will not only expand its operational capabilities, but also catalyze economic development in our area.”
How often do you fly in a year?
Pilots are asked to complete a short anonymous survey on how many hours they fly each year, as well as their attitudes toward recurrent flight training.
New pilot watch features propeller
“Pilot’s watches have been a traditional product in the watch industry for more than 100 years, but never before has a manufacturer dared to use the crown to create an iconic symbol of aviation,” says Thomas Steinemann, CEO of DuBois et fils.
Pilot crashes after taking off with inoperative fuel selector valve
Probable Cause: A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing was the pilot’s decision to depart on the flight with an inoperative fuel selector valve.
Picture of the Day: Cold start
Glenn Martin submitted this photo and note: “Early morning sun coming up over the icy waters of Lake Erie.”
The impact of tariffs on U.S. aircraft manufacturing
Officials with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) are warning that the tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canada, Mexico, and China, could have “an enormous impact with many unintended consequences” on the general aviation manufacturing industry.
Commemorative Air Force aircraft to lead Victory Tour
Ready 4 Duty’s 12-week, 12,000-mile Navy to Victory Tour, which runs from April through July, includes appearances at over a dozen aviation and ceremonial events across the southern and eastern U.S., Iceland, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands.