Welcome to Antique Airfield in Blakesburg, Iowa, home of the Antique Aircraft Association (AAA). The organization, whose motto is “Keep the Antiques Flying,” hosted its 70th national fly-in Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2023, and I was here to take it all in.
A Young Eagle pays it forward
Five years ago, Rosie Rivera had her first flight in a general aviation plane as a Young Eagle. On Sept. 16, 2023, she was in the pilot’s seat when Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 534 held a Young Eagles rally at Leesburg International Airport (KLEE).
Improvements planned at 5Y7
The Recreational Aviation Foundation will help pay for a restroom, shower, kitchenette, and space to accommodate storage, and charging of electric bicycles so visitors can tour the town and access the National Park Service Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior.
Textron Aviation expands interior manufacturing facility
Textron Aviation is adding 16,000 square feet to its Interior Manufacturing Facility in Wichita “to support growing demand for unique and custom Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft interiors,” according to company officials.
Pilot’s assumptions about fuel prove wrong
A total loss of engine power as a result of fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly manage the fuel on board the airplane and his failure to perform an adequate preflight inspection.
Picture of the Day: Open doors and storms
Alexis Altmann submitted this photo and note: “I was supposed to land at Eugene F. Correia International Airport (SYEC) in Ogle, Guyana, in what would have been the last stop on the South American continent before hopping from island to island to my final destination in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. But a very fast front forced us to alternate to Cheddi Jagan International Airport (SYCJ). Once we cleared customs and immigration, I saw my beautiful SR22, open doors, with the storm behind and knew it was a perfect shot.”
Who is in charge here?
Many managers of non-towered airports take a hands-off approach for fear of making a misstep that embarrasses them or opens them up to criticism. They allow the safety of operations to degrade rather than take bold steps to fend off an impending disaster. If you fly, you’ve seen this firsthand, as have I — as has every pilot who ventures into their airspace and lands on their field.
Who couldn’t use a new engine or $20,000?
A highlight of the Swift Museum Foundation’s annual event is a raffle, with the grand prize of a $30,000 credit with Ly-Con Aircraft Engines for a new or re-built engine. The winner can choose $20,000 in cash instead of the engine credit.
Prime Appearance expands with acquisitions
The acquisitions add operations for Prime Appearance at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport (KCLT) in North Carolina, New Castle Airport (KILG) in Delaware, New York Stewart International Airport (KSWF), Morristown Municipal Airport (KMMU) and Trenton Mercer Airport (KTTN) in New Jersey, while adding mobile support at Francis S Gabreski Airport (KFOK) in Westhampton Beach, New York.