Free transient parking at BFI
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · Comments
Pilots at King County International Airport/Boeing Field (BFI) south of Seattle have been known to comment that they can get just about anything they need at the airport, except a free place to park while they pick that item up.
That’s changed now that the county has altered its fees.
“The first hour is free, hours two through 12 will cost $5, and subsequent 12-hour periods will cost an additional $5,” said Leslie Barstow, a spokeswoman for the airport.
Rare Hamilton Metalplane up for auction
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · Comments
One of the rarest classic aircraft in the world, a fully-restored 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47 (serial No. 65), will be sold during the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale on Jan. 18-24, 2010. The historic Metalplane was No. 22 of only 29 built and is the only airworthy example of its type in existence.
Support for ethanol in fuels eroding
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · Comments
Two recent articles in the New York Times chronicle eroding public support for ethanol production mandates and its use in vehicle fuels:
“A Growing Disaster”, by Russell Harding, 11/28/2009
“US Unlikely to use the Ethanol Congress Ordered”, Matthew Wald, 11/26/2009
The GAfuels Blog is written by three private pilots concerned about the future availability of fuels for piston-engine aircraft. They are:
- Dean Billing (Sisters, Ore.) – an expert on autogas and ethanol
- Kent Misegades (Cary, N.C.) – an aerospace engineer and aviation journalist
- Todd Petersen (Minden, Neb.) – former aerial applicator and owner of more than 150 Mogas STCs for aircraft
For a list of airports that have ethanol-free fuel and those no longer pumping it, compiled by the authors, follow this link.
CAP celebrates 68th anniversary
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · CommentsThe 58,000 volunteers of the Civil Air Patrol are marking CAP’s 68th anniversary Dec. 1.
The all-volunteer, nonprofit organization was founded Dec. 1, 1941, less than a week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor led to America’s involvement in World War II. Its members soon proved their worth by conducting aerial patrols, vigilance that discouraged and eventually stopped German U-boat attacks on shipping in American waterways. Fifty-nine members died; 26 were lost at sea; and seven others were seriously injured while carrying out CAP missions during the war.
Full gas tanks could stop many crashes
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · Comments
An AP story out of Des Moines, Iowa, takes a look at the problem of pilots crashing because they run out of fuel. The story notes that National Transportation Safety Board officials are baffled by the frequency with which pilots run out of gas. In the past five years, according to the NTSB, fuel exhaustion was the cause or a factor in 238 small plane crashes in the U.S., killing 29 people.
The story quotes Tom Haueter, director of the NTSB’s Office of Aviation Safety:
“It’s surprising to me that there’s a group of pilots who will knowingly push it, thinking ‘I can make it the last couple of miles’ and come up short.”
Read the full story here
Four to bid for Epic
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · CommentsThe Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Epic Aircraft continues to wind its way through the courts and the next hearing is set for Dec. 7 in Portland, according to a report from AVweb.
Interim CEO Christopher Sanders told AVweb there are four bidders vying to buy the company, including one established aircraft manufacturer. Read the full account here.
Courtesy celebrates milestones
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · Comments
Over the past 50 years, Courtesy Aircraft Sales has earned a reputation as a leader in warbird sales. Recently the company celebrated two milestones: Selling 100 North American AT-6s (also known as SNJs or Harvards) and 30 North American P-51 Mustangs in the past decade.
AT-6
Considering the rarity of these ex-military aircraft, this is one accomplishment that comes far and few between, according to company officials. For example, today there are approximately 350 North American AT-6s that are airworthy. Courtesy Aircraft has sold approximately 30% of all airworthy AT-6 aircraft — and not all have been on the market. In fact, company officials note that Courtesy Aircraft has sold more North American aircraft than any other company besides North American Aviation itself.
“It is a pleasure to be part of the history of these aircraft,” said Mark Clark, president. “I continue to be impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the public for these symbols of freedom.”
For more information: CourtesyAircraft.com
FAA bans takeoffs with ‘polished frost’
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · CommentsWASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA now prohibits takeoffs with “polished frost” — frost buffed to make it smooth — on the wings, stabilizers and control surfaces of several classes of aircraft. The new rules are effective Jan. 30, 2010.
Alternative engines featured at AERO
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · CommentsThese days it seems everyone is talking about electric and hybrid drives, including general aviation manufacturers. At AERO Friedrichshafen, slated for April 8-11, 2010, the latest environmentally-friendly alternative engine technologies, many of which have developed well beyond the prototype stage and are ready to go into production, will be showcased.
Fundraiser pays for PAPI system at 6B6
Posted by · December 1, 2009 · Comments
Cutting the ribbon on the new PAPI system
A new PAPI system — paid in part by a fundraiser in the local pilot community — was commissioned Nov. 14 at Minute Man Air Field (6B6) in Stow, Mass.
