The FAA is hosting a free Runway Safety Town Hall for all general aviation pilots July 16, 2021. The live online event will offer best practices and a discussion from GA pilots, air traffic controllers, and runway safety experts. Discussion topics include preflight preparation, situational awareness, focused and clear communications, knowledge of runway geometry and signage, and more, FAA officials explain.
Pilots
Memorial Day fly-over kicks off summer
Summer in Idaho kicked off with a heartfelt salute on Memorial Day, as a six-ship formation of warbirds created a touch of patriotic magic in the skies.
The Impossible Turn debate continues
In Reality Check: The Runway Behind You, the AOPA Air Safety Institute tested the “impossible turn” using a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, a Van’s RV-4, a Cessna 172N, and a Beechcraft Bonanza A36.
STEM Flights expands into Michigan
During the May kickoff events in Michigan, STEM Flights partnered with Crosswinds Aviation, School of Missionary Aviation Technology, and the Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum. According to officials, 15 students participated in flight experiences with six pilot mentors from around the state.
Phillips 66 Aviation’s WingPoints giveaway returns
Besides the grand prize of 1 million bonus WingPoints, the promotion includes monthly, weekly, and instant prizes for pilots.
A super cross-country
After his high school graduation, Ben Templeton plans a solo cross county flying to the 48 states in the continental U.S. as a youth ambassador for Triple Tree Aerodrome in South Carolina.
Hometown celebration planned for 100th anniversary of Bessie Coleman earning her wings
It was 100 years ago when Bessie Coleman, born in Texas and raised on the South Side of Chicago, was smitten with flight. But she could not pursue her dream to become a pilot in the U.S. because of her race. That didn’t stop her. On June 15, 1921, she became the first African American and Native American pilot in the world by earning a pilot’s certificate from the French Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
Aspiring drone pilots can now train remotely at Embry-Riddle
Ian Kerr, who is in a master’s program in aeronautics, recently flew a $5,000 Embry-Riddle drone located in Idaho to perform an aerial survey of a cemetery from his home in Seattle. Another crew member participating in the flight, Casey McGuire, was located at his home in Las Vegas.
Garmin autopilot approved for Comanches
Garmin continues to add additional aircraft models to the STC list for the GFC 500 autopilots. This time it’s the Piper Comanche.