The latest episode in the Why I Fly series features Shane Albers, chairman of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Seaplane Base. Produced by Hemlock Films, in partnership with the EAA, this episode introduces us to Shane, who leads a dedicated group of volunteers at the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh Seaplane Base.
DeltaHawk launches hydrogen engine development program
“These tests have demonstrated DeltaHawk’s highly adaptable engine architecture is suitable for hydrogen fuel, and that the company’s patented engine design has applications in a variety of markets in addition to aviation, including zero emission vehicles (ZEV), other commercial power applications, and multiple defense platforms,” company officials said in a press release.
Mobile charger for electric aircraft debuts
The charger is part of VoltAero’s strategy to create an infrastructure for its Cassio airplane family, which begins with the five-seat Cassio 330. The charger also will be offered for other electric aircraft, according to officials with VoltAero.
Picture of the Day: Bucket list done
David Morris submitted this photo and note: “At age 16 I flew with my older brother, who was a CFI for gliders. He flew out of El Mirage Field (99CL) in California’s Mohave Desert. At age 80 I made plans to fly again, one more time. I located a great group of people at the Piedmont Soaring Society in Farmington, North Carolina. We were towed to 3,000 feet and were able to climb to 5,800 feet. We flew for 45 minutes. We could have done more, but others were waiting for a ride. It was all I remembered. Thanks to Ed White, my pilot who took this photo, and Bob Hull, another member of the club.”
GA aircraft deliveries continue to climb
In the first nine months of 2023, aircraft deliveries increased across all segments of general aviation, along with an increase in billings.
STC approved for new prop for Piper PA-23s
MT-Propeller has received an FAA STC for its 3-blade propeller on Piper PA-23-235s, PA-E23-250s, PA-23-250s powered by Lycoming O-540-A-series engines, Lycoming IO-540-C-series engines, or Lycoming O-540-B-series engines.
Picture of the Day: Hanging out in the EAA Chapter 25 hangar
John Schmidt submitted this photo and note: “Some members of EAA Chapter 25 meeting at the chapter hangar in Airlake Airport (KLVN) in Lakeville, Minnesota, at 7 p.m. on a warm Wednesday night in September 2023. A Pietenpol, a Gusty, a Hatz biplane, and a model of Bert Sisler’s trimotor design, the “6-Pack” (one of his last designs), are visible. The photo was taken by Ken Tuvman, the presenter that night, who shared stories of his father’s B-17 World War II service.”
Accidents up in 2021, but increase in flight hours creates downward trend
The report notes an increase in total accidents from 1,050 in 2020 to 1,124 in 2021, including 202 fatal accidents. However, 4 million additional flight hours — compared to the previous year — helped offset the increase in accidents, according to AOPA officials.
FAA tackles ATC shortage
“Aviation is safe because we are continuously looking for ways to improve,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “The independent safety review team made some excellent recommendations and we are adopting some of them immediately.”