At a recent ceremony in Tulsa, Hartzell Engine Tech and QAA executives cut a ribbon to officially commemorate the expansion, which has taken more than a year to complete. The footprint of the facility has grown from 12,500 square feet to 25,500 square feet, according to Hartzell officials.
Picture of the Day: A man and his machines
Matt Hurley submitted this photo and note: “This photo with the man sitting on the hood of a Cobra wearing a Stetson reminded me of the classic Shelby racing days. I was visiting the Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour, Pistons and Props, at Sebring International Raceway in Florida, which combines sports car racing and patriotic aviation heritage.”
Saving student pilots time and money
Since its introduction in 2021, AOPA’s Flight Training Advantage program has logged more than 5,000 hours and is in use by more than 1,200 schools. The program’s aim: Reduce the time associated with flight training, alleviating the financial burdens of student pilots, AOPA officials said.
Naples Airport becomes staging area for Ian donations
While the supplies were originally supposed to be delivered by general aviation aircraft, the overwhelming amount of donations led to another form of transportation that isn’t as sensitive to weight and balance considerations.
Garmin autopilot OK’d for Scouts
Garmin has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC 500 autopilot in the American Champion Aircraft 8GCBC Scout, while Smart Rudder Bias and vertical navigation (VNAV) functionality are now certified for Beechcraft Baron B55s and B55As.
Picture of the Day: A line-up of Swifts
Terry McCartney submitted this photo and note: “Swifts line up at the 2022 Hood River Fly-In in Oregon.”
Volunteers work to reopen L88
A grand reopening of New Cuyama Airport (L88) in Southern California is planned for Oct. 13, 2022. The backcountry airstrip, located between the Southern California coast and Sierra mountain range about 32 nm north of Santa Barbara, has been closed since 2019.
Business aviation steps up to assist Ian victims
As final preparations are being made for the start of the National Business Aviation Association’s annual Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 18, 2022, the association has created a dedicated website featuring its humanitarian response program and other resources, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian’s Florida landfall in late September.
KIWS offers winter IFR training special
Here’s the deal: Pilots pay for all instruction towards the instrument rating. If the pilot completes their check ride by March 1, 2023, West Houston Airport will credit back all instructional costs toward future fuel purchases.