They dared to fly

For three days in early February the south hangar at Fantasy of Flight in Polk City, Florida, was packed with visitors. They were seated in long rows of folding chairs, and stood on the gleaming painted hangar floor. Everyone faced the raised platform near the eastern wall, paying rapt attention to the reminiscing of three elderly gentlemen who had remarkable tales to tell.

This was the first installment of the 2012 Legends and Legacies symposium series at the central Florida aviation-themed attraction. “They Dared to Fly” focused on the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, and to tell that story accurately, three graduates of the program sat at the dais and shared their memories and experiences during two sessions each day.

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Onex receives FAA nod

Sonex Aircraft reports that the FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) has approved and published amateur building checklists for the new Onex Single-Place, Folding-Wing Sport Pilot Aircraft.

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Fantasy of Flight to host Camporee

Scouts of all ages will gather at Fantasy of Flight in Central Florida for the Annual Scout Aviation Camporee, Friday, March 16, through Sunday, March 18.

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Tanis releases ‘Just Plug It In’ video

Tanis Aircraft Products has released its video “Just Plug It In” highlighting the safety benefits of helicopter preheat.

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New edition of Chart Guide available

A new updated 10th Edition of the Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide by the FAA AeroNav Products branch is now available from ASA.

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Gulf Coast, Pacific Coast Avionics launch new website

Gulf Coast Avionics Corporation and Pacific Coast Avionics Corporation have launched revised and updated versions of their eCommerce websites, which can be found at GCA.aero and PCA.aero.

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Becker Avionics hosts Skeet Shoot

Becker Avionics hosted its first annual skeet shooting event with customers and friends at the Elm Fork Shooting Sports Club in Dallas during the Heli-Expo conference earlier this month.

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Loose fuel control unit leads to in-flight fire

This February 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: Piper Malibu Mirage. Injuries: None. Location: Nashville. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The 2,632-hour commercial pilot said that while in cruise flight the alternator light illuminated and he smelled smoke. He declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest airport for an emergency landing. [Read more...]

These are the days

It’s that time of year when I get to whine. Weather wise, December through March is typically dreary, often with gray skies and cold temperatures. We even have a snow shower or two here in north Georgia that gets the news media all in a tizzy. However, this year has been exceptionally warm, although we’ve had our share of dreary wet days.

I can get through the winter just fine if I get a day now and then for a smooth flight in Lester. It’s just as well that winter often limits my good VFR flying days, because this is also the time of year when our bank account is stretched to the limit.

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Cessna anticipates demand increasing in Asia-Pacific Region

Officials from Cessna Aircraft Co. said last week at the Singapore Airshow that the company anticipates accelerating demand for light and mid-size business jets across the Asia-Pacific region in the next decade.

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