What better way to decorate for an event where aircraft are the guests of honor than with furniture made from aircraft? MotoArt, a Torrance, Calif.-based company that takes parts from derelict airplanes and turns them into high-end sculptures and furniture, can provide the decorations. However, since MotoArt’s pieces are limited editions, they tend to be […]
Amphibious ambitions?
When the FAA stalled on the idea of granting Special-Light Sport Aircraft certification to the amphibious Czech Aircraft Works Mermaid, the company asked its customers to sign a petition to press an exemption to the new rule. The company wanted the FAA to understand that many people want the aircraft certified as an S-LSA. “The […]
Volunteer pilots continue hurricane missions
When Fred Quarles organized a cadre of volunteer pilots to help victims of hurricanes Rita and Katrina, he had no idea he’d encounter the wrath of people who didn’t like the relocation of pet reptiles. It wasn’t that the critters — two alligators and two caymans — were difficult passengers, said Quarles. “They are small,” […]
First flight of Adam A700 s/n 002
Adam Aircraft’s first A700 AdamJet designated for use in FAA certification flight testing made its maiden voyage Feb. 6. The jet, which carries serial number 002, is the first of three A700s that will be used for certification testing. The flight took place at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colo. The aircraft, piloted by Bill […]
Do you know? Which B-17 was first to complete 25 missions during World War II
Quick test: Which B-17 was the first to complete 25 missions during World War II? If you answered “Memphis Belle,” you would be incorrect. The first B-17 to hit the magic number was “Hell’s Angels,” a B-17F of the 358th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group. The name of the airplane came from the Howard Hughes […]
Share a plane, without all the hassle
There comes a time when rental airplanes no longer satisfy your needs. You’d like to buy something, but since the cost of a well-equipped new airplane is about the same as a three-bedroom house, you just can’t afford both. Finding partners to go in on a plane can be tricky. Then there are the challenges […]
The Cub that saved Smokey
Reunions are a part of EAA AirVenture. Meeting up with an old friend is part of the experience. It’s especially sweet when that old friend is an airplane. Justin Moore, a General Aviation News photographer, and I just happened to wander into the vintage aircraft camping area when one of those reunions was taking place. […]
Flying on a budget
Flying will never truly be inexpensive, but there are ways to curb the costs. Here are some suggestions: – Operate at a lower power setting in cruise flight when safely able. It will take longer to get where you are going, but you will save fuel — and money — getting there. It will also […]
Save money – and the environment
With the price of avgas pushing $5 a gallon in some places, it’s no wonder pilots are looking for a way to save every drop of fuel. It’s painful to toss that sumped sample into a recycle bucket or onto the pavement. Many budget and environmentally conscious pilots opt to use a Gats Jar fuel […]