The Heavy Metal Jet Team, the six-ship aerobatic civilian-owned jet team sponsored by United Bank Card, Inc. (UBC), has changed its name to Black Diamond Jet Team. The change reflects the continual growth of the team and desire to take it into new and bigger directions, according to officials, who note the pilots, support staff, […]
North American Airports elect new board members
During its Annual General Membership Business Meeting on Oct. 19, members of Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) elected a new slate of officers and three new members to its Board of Directors. Their terms are effective immediately. Incoming Chair is Thella Bowens, President/CEO San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Serving as First Vice Chair is […]
Honoring a hero
World War II fighter pilot Robert “Punchy” Powell is used to people asking him to share his tales from the war, so he readily agreed when a group of pilots asked him to come to the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant at DeKalb Peachtree Airport (PDK) in Atlanta earlier this month. What Powell didn’t know is […]
Harrison Ford goes to Washington to boost GA’s image
General aviation and its contributions to the United States are often misunderstood or unknown, and actor, pilot, and GA advocate Harrison Ford told members of the Senate General Aviation Caucus this week that he is going to do his part to bring the community’s efforts to the public’s attention. “It really has brought great value […]
Museum to host US Senate Committee
On Monday, Oct. 24, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee, will hold a U.S. Senate field hearing at Seattle’s Museum of Flight titled, “The Aviation Workforce: Training Needs and Challenges.” The hearing is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William M. Allen Theater, and is […]
Dulles Jet Center back in business
Less than two years after a February 2010 record snowfall severely damaged three of its four hangars and part of the fourth one, Dulles Jet Center has re-opened with two new hangars at Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD). Dulles Jet Center is scheduled to complete construction on the final two hangars next month. “We took an […]
FAA dedicates new tower at MEM
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt today dedicated the new $72.6 million air traffic control tower and radar approach control at Memphis International Airport (MEM). “This tower is a symbol of the FAA’s commitment to aviation safety and modernization of the air traffic control system,” said Babbitt. “Our future success depends on keeping our airport infrastructure healthy […]
Fourth title in ‘Clair Bear’ series released
Powder Puff Pilot has released “Claire Bear Flies to Oshkosh,” the latest in a series of full-color picture books starring Claire Bear, a pink-clad aerobatic performer and mentor for aspiring young pilots. In her fourth aviation picture book, author Sue Hughes describes a visit a to EAA’s AirVenture, “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” held every […]
Recreational Aviation Foundation names executive director
Following a nationwide search, the board of directors of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) have named Carl Hicks as its first executive director. Truly a recreational pilot, Hicks, 58, of Gig Harbor, Wash., received his private pilot license in August 1975, and has several thousand hours of flight experience. After retiring from his first career […]