The FAA hears distress calls from pilots facing emergencies. How well it responds is a different matter, according to an Associated Press story in the New York Times. The story begins with the tale of Sam Smiley, who crashed in Georgia after his plane failed to clear a mountain ridge. The 78-year-old survived the crash, […]
Alphabet groups join to lobby for bonus depreciation renewal
More than 80 alphabet groups, ranging from the National Business Aviation Association to the American Institute of Architects, have written to leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate urging elected officials to “work in a bipartisan manner to renew the recently expired bonus depreciation law through at least 2010.” The temporary 50% bonus depreciation […]
Protectant available at Aircraft Spruce
Developed for aerospace and aviation applications, Ameritech Aerospace Protectant (AAP) UV-screening product is now available at Aircraft Spruce. The protectant leaves a like-new, non-oily, anti-static finish that does not attract dust, according to Aircraft Spruce officials. Surfaces that have been protected with the AAP Aerospace Protectant not only last longer, but are easier to maintain […]
Banyan’s Wings of Hope help 4KIDS
Banyan Air Service, based at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), recently committed its support to 4KIDS of South Florida. Banyan helps this organization through volunteer opportunities, monetary donations, and new and gently used items, company officials said. “We considered several nonprofit organizations but felt that the mission of 4KIDS of South Florida was the right […]
Sierra Industries extends ‘Fly-Thru Maintenance’ program for Citation owners
Sierra Industries will continue its “Fly-Thru Maintenance” program, which celebrates its first anniversary this month. The program, modeled after loaner services provided by premium automotive service centers, provides for a replacement aircraft during service or repairs of Citation aircraft. While an aircraft is serviced at Sierra’s South Texas facilities, the program provides the owner with […]
Multi-purpose borescope debuts
Spectronics Corp. introduced the CB-400 COBRA-4, part of the COBRA series of multi-purpose borescopes. This scope features a dual-head blue and white light LED flashlight that enables aviation technicians to inspect and leak check hard-to-see components without expensive disassembly, according to company officials. The blue-light LED is for fluorescent leak detection, while the white-light LED […]
Flight for Human Spirit takes off Monday
Fifty states, 19,400 miles, 40 days — that is Michael Combs’ dream, which will take flight at Salina Municipal Airport (SLN) in Kansas, April 5, at 7:30 a.m. Combs plans to fly his Remos GX Light Sport Aircraft, dubbed “Hope One,” to 135 airports in all 50 states. Combs’ intention is to spread the message […]
Accident investigators get experimental aircraft training
Investigators from several government agencies visited the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Oshkosh headquarters last week for a three-day course on experimental, Light Sport Aircraft, and warbirds. EAA Vice President of Industry and Regulatory Affairs Earl Lawrence and EAA Homebuilders Community Manager Joe Norris provided the training to the investigators. “Part of our mission at EAA is […]
From CAP cadet to governor
South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds’ entrée into aviation came with the discovery of a hand-written advertisement while he was in junior high school, according to a story at AOPA.org, which notes that Rounds took his first airplane ride through the CAP, soloed at 16, and earned his private pilot certificate on his 17th birthday. Now, […]