As the Bonanza celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, there’s another big celebration in the works: The 50th anniversary of the American Bonanza Society (ABS). ABS officials are planning an “epic” event in September to commemorate the Golden Anniversary in — where else? — Wichita, where the Bonanza was born seven decades ago. “We call […]
Two is better than one
When looking at the American Bonanza Society’s offerings, you have to wonder: How can they do all that with membership dues at just $70 a year? It comes down to two organizations working hand in hand: The ABS and the ABS Air Safety Foundation. “The American Bonanza Society is the membership organization,” explains Thomas P. Turner, […]
Debate over privatizing ATC: Us vs. Them?
In the space of one week in February, a report calling for sweeping changes to Air Traffic Control, including taking control of ATC from the FAA and putting it in the hands of a non-profit organization funded by user fees, was released, just days after a survey was released showing that most voters oppose privatizing […]
The impact of insurance on medical reform
While many pilots are anxiously awaiting May 1, when third class medical reform becomes reality, others are facing a problem: Their insurance companies are requiring an FAA medical in spite of the new reforms, now called BasicMed by the FAA. Take Bill Talutis of Murchison, Texas, who said in a recent Letter to the Editor […]
FAA strikes deal to close SMO
In a move that surprised many, the FAA has reached a deal with the city of Santa Monica to close the Santa Monica Airport on Dec. 31, 2028. The deal resolves “longstanding litigation” over the future of the Southern California airport, according to FAA officials. Announced by the city during a press conference on a […]
Beacons: The state’s side of the story
While state aeronautic officials in Montana understand pilots’ concerns about losing the beacons, things are not as simple as they have been portrayed, according to Debbie Alke, administrator of Montana’s Aeronautics Division. She notes that the $1,000 covers just the lease payments and utilities for each beacon. “That’s doesn’t include equipment to maintain the beacons, […]
EAA chief celebrates first anniversary
Jack Pelton admits he failed miserably at being retired. That’s why the former president of Cessna is now preparing to celebrate his first anniversary as president and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. But that’s not what he envisioned doing when he left Cessna. “My wife and I had pretty much established that we were […]
Concerns continue about medical reform
Now that the elation of finally getting third class medical reform approved has abated a bit, new concerns have been raised by pilots who worry their doctors won’t sign off on an FAA form that says they are fit to fly. “Most doctors won’t want the liability,” more than one person has commented at GeneralAviationNews.com. […]
Work begins on homebuilt for disabled pilots
On Sept. 10, 2016, members of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1083 in Salisbury, N.C., began building a Zenith CH 750 Cruzer at the chapter’s hangar at Rowan County Airport (KRUQ). Joining the build was John Robinson, the founder of AV84All, a non-profit dedicated to providing access to general aviation airplanes for everyone. The Cruzer will […]