For airshows and other aviation events, local is the way to go

If you hold off attending local aviation fly-ins, conferences and airshows so you can attend one of the “big ones,” like AirVenture or Sun ’n Fun, you are missing out. I’m back from the March 1-3 Montana Aviation Conference in Bozeman. This was the 28th conference and I can tell you it was wonderful.

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New law exempts Florida FBOs from tax

General aviation advocates are hailing the passage of new legislation that will benefit not only aviation businesses in Florida, but general aviation aircraft owners. Language in a new economic development bill includes sales-tax exemptions for repairs and equipment on aircraft that weigh 2,000 pounds or more. The previous exemption was for aircraft that weighed 15,000 pounds.

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LSAs feature new Rotax engine

The new Rotax 912iS engine is now featured on FlightDesign and Pipistrel models.

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Gulf Coast Avionics adds to inventory

Gulf Coast Avionics Corp. has added two new product offerings to its inventory: Emergency Locator Transmitters from Ameri-King and the iFly720 GPS.

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WingX expands with Passive RADAR

Hilton Software has introduced new Passive RADAR Altimeter technology for the iPad and iPhone. The Passive RADAR Altimeter displays terrain elevation and the aircraft’s approximate AGL; [Read more...]

Curtis receives approval for new flush mounted fuel valves

Curtis Superior Valve Co. has received FAA TSO-C76a approval for five new flush mounted fuel valves.

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Air Zoo to host Women in Aerospace Day

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Mich., is hosting Women in Aerospace Day on Saturday, March 24, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Tailwind landing bends Cessna

This March 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: Cessna 152. Injuries: None. Location: Hearne, Texas. Aircraft damage: Substantial.

What reportedly happened: The student pilot, who was at the end of a solo cross-country flight, was attempting to land with a right quartering tailwind.

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TICO Warbird Show suffers iffy weather, but still shines

The weekend wasn’t kind to the TICO Warbird Airshow. Showery weather plagued Florida’s east coast. Some complained online that warbird flying was thinner this year and a promised act didn’t appear. But for the dyed-in-wool military aviation aficionado, this was still a pure play.

Any time of year, the Valiant Air Command (VAC) offers its wares at its Space Coast Regional Airport Museum in Titusville. It’s a destination for any enthusiast, with the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center nearby. But for one weekend each March, it’s World War II and Cold War aircraft on the taxiways and in the air.

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Making movies, talking aviation

When videographer Dave Loveman first approached me in 2009 about doing videos I was hesitant. I may have been unsure, but website visitors spoke clearly and you know what? I like doing them as much as you like viewing them. More than 138 videos are available, all for free. Many more are works in process.

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