Good works, good PR
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · CommentsGeneral aviation proponents, national and local, are far more aggressive now than in the past seeking and getting favorable news reporting, giving many in the industry reason for optimism. Helping to get this more favorable reporting is the dedicated work of general aviation interests in rushing aid to Haiti for earthquake relief. General aviation is the only means of getting aid to many of the smaller communities in the devastated country.
The New York Times recently carried a major story relating the work of general aviation, including the fact that many of the flights are made at the personal or company expense of the pilot or business.
Charles Spence is GAN’s Washington, D.C., correspondent.
Study predicts 2010 rebound for U.S. aerospace industry
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · Comments
A new study by the Center for Aviation and Aerospace Leadership (CAAL) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Worldwide predicts that the aerospace industry will recover in 2010 — and the rate of recovery could be relatively quick. In fact, the study, titled the Aerospace Economic Report and Outlook for 2010 (the AERO 2010 Report), goes even further by suggesting that the recovery in aerospace manufacturing may help lead the U.S. economy out of the recession.
Flying to Vancouver Olympics?
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · CommentsTo help those planning to fly to Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the National Business Aviation Association has provided a new On-Demand Education resource focused on airspace, airport access and security issues.
The 30-minute audio briefing and accompanying slide presentation features discussions by Steve Whynott of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Jennifer Holmes of the Vancouver International Airport Authority and Bill Boucher of the Canadian Business Aviation Association. To hear the audio briefing, along with further details on Olympics operations: NBAA.org.
Another proclamation in support of GA
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · CommentsIn 2009, proclamations began emerging from statehouses, including those in Georgia and West Virginia, about the value of general aviation to transportation and economic activity in the states. Another proclamation — this time from Hardin County, Kentucky — was added to the list late last month.
The proclamation states: “The state of Kentucky and Hardin County has a significant interest in the health of general aviation, aircraft manufacturing, educational institutions and aviation organizations, which employs more than 1,374, and has an economic impact of $1.746 billion on the state of Kentucky.”
It concludes by proclaiming general aviation “a vital local resource and strategically important member of our community,” then urges state and federal officials to pursue policies that not only support GA, but allow it to prosper.
For more information: HCKy.org
Flying a new fuel
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · CommentsHas General Aviation Modifications found the replacement for 100LL? It’s developing a new fuel called G100UL and AVweb’s Paul Bertorelli took a sneak peek last week in a test flight.
The new fuel is made entirely of petroleum components using what GAMI’s George Braly describes as well-known refining techniques, Bertorelli reports.
Find out more here.
A super surprise for Super Bowl Sunday
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · Comments
Michael Graves thought the highlight of his day was going to be having a few friends over to watch the Super Bowl. Little did he know AOPA had other plans. Graves is the winner of AOPA’s 2009 Let’s Go Flying sweepstakes grand prize, a 2005 Cirrus SR22.
NAV Canada deploys WAM for Olympics
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · CommentsNAV CANADA has deployed Sensis Corp.’s Wide Area Multilateration (WAM) for surveillance of helicopter and aircraft traffic in the “sea-to-sky” corridor between Vancouver and Pemberton Regional Airport (CYPS), British Columbia. The WAM system will also provide low-level surveillance of helicopters serving the area in and around Whistler, a major event site for the 2010 Winter Olympics, which kick off Feb. 12.
‘Alaska’s Bush Pilots: The Real Deal’ released
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · Comments
Jim Oltersdorf Film Productions has released “Alaska’s Bush Pilots: The Real Deal,” a documentary film two years in the making. Oltersdorf, a regular contributor to General Aviation News, filmed the documentary in the wilds of Alaska in high-definition.
“It is a compelling, vibrant story of the great far north and the modern day pilots,” Oltersdorf said. “Their aircraft are unbelievable! The film includes magnificent scenery of this raw and dangerous wilderness along with footage of spectacular giant Alaskan brown bears, eagles, moose, caribou and a host of other wildlife. Read More→
Zero Gravity Builders moves to new facility
Posted by · February 8, 2010 · Comments
Zero Gravity Builders Studio LLC has completed its move to a newly renovated 14,000-square-foot facility with taxiway access at Richland Airport (RLD) in Washington. The new facility is more than four times larger than the space previously occupied, allowing Zero Gravity additional elbow room to serve its growing list of builder assistance projects, according to company officials.
Specializing in high performance experimental aircraft, Zero Gravity has three Viperjet customer projects on the shop floor and will welcome a Lancair Evolution customer in late spring, officials add.
Changes to Sport Pilot finalized
Posted by Charles Spence · February 8, 2010 · Comments (0)The FAA has announced changes to the Sport Pilot regulations, addressing issues the agency says have arisen since it first issued the rules for Light Sport Aircraft in 2004. The amendments, which become effective April 2, also will bring Sport Pilot ratings more in line with requirements for other ratings, according to FAA officials.
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