A federal bill to enhance security at GA airports was recently introduced by Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY) and, although it has not moved out of committee, it serves as strong motivation for airports to voluntarily beef up their security plans to avoid more regulatory action.

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GA returned to Reagan National Airport (DCA) Oct. 18 for the first time since Sept. 11, 2001. The first flight was operated by New World Jet Corp., the first Part 135 operator approved by the TSA for access into DCA. While GA is allowed access to DCA again, flying there requires operators to jump through a lot of hoops, including flying in from one of 12 “gateway” airports and having an armed security official on board the aircraft.

Eclipse Aviation is embarking on its first national tour to showcase the Eclipse 500 very light jet (VLJ). The first leg of the tour, slated for November, will cover seven cities from Tampa, Fla., to San Antonio, Texas.

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SkyStar Aircraft Corp., manufacturer of the popular Kitfox aircraft kit, filed for bankruptcy Oct. 14. According to Skystar’s attorney, David Kras, the kit maker had been struggling financially since Sept. 11, 2001. “The doors are locked and the bankruptcy trustee has the key,” he said, adding it would be at least 90 days before the case arrived in court due to a backlog of bankruptcy filings in Idaho.

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Schweizer Aircraft hit a milestone recently, delivering its 1,000th helicopter. The 300 CBi was delivered to Gerry and Bonny Friesen of BC Helicopters in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The 300CBi is part of the 269 Series, which Schweizer purchased from Hughes Helicopters in 1983.

Although more than 40 people put in bids when “Dago Red,” the word’s fastest P-51 Mustang, was auctioned on eBay, no one wanted it enough to meet the $1.5 million reserve price.

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Although the airport has been open for commercial operations more than a month, officials say it will take years to repair the damage done by Hurricane Katrina at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

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How would you feel if your city government wanted to dig up and relocate the graves of your loved ones to expand an airport? The congregation of St. John’s Church of Christ in Chicago is taking a dim view of the idea.

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Three people taking part in a Young Eagles rally in Washington State died Oct. 15 in the crash of a Piper Cherokee. It was the first fatal accident in the 13-year history of the Young Eagles program.

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“A classic from the day it rolled off the assembly line.”

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