Nobody who is seriously involved in aviation is unaware of the concern that student pilot starts are down and student pilot completions are down. At the same time, aviation has become a critical part of the global economy. Ideas abound for how the industry might combat this trend and hopefully reverse it. You may have […]
Opinion
Pure Adventure: An epic journey home
By IVY McIVER. The distance from Paducah, Kentucky, to Seattle, Washington, is 1,845 statute miles as the crow flies. My recent journey in an American Champion Citabria 7GCBC totaled 2,123 statute miles due to weather deviations and fuel stops. Though this particular leg started in Paducah, the journey really began about a year ago when […]
Internationally awesome
Last week I spent some time in Washington D.C. I had business in the area, but like most of us, when I get in the vicinity of the Mall, the monuments, and the Capital building, I find myself wanting to browse the wares of our country. There is art to peruse and documents to consider. […]
Possible terrorist threats keep GA vigilant
WASHINGTON, D.C. — When conditions in the Middle East erupted and President Obama unleashed air power on the Islamic State, officials at many general aviation organizations here became jittery over ISIL threats to retaliate on American soil. If there is retaliation, would aircraft be used? Would the escalation of tensions raise the level of concern […]
Six movie companies given OK to fly drones
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The drones are coming. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta revealed at a news conference Sept. 25 that six aerial and video companies have been granted permission to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the United States, with a seventh company in line for approval. The regulatory exemptions are the […]
The Black Hole Departure disaster
A dark cloud has recently settled on the general aviation community from the fatal airplane crash of Babar and Haris Suleman. They were a father and son pilot team who were attempting to fly around the world. They had become popular through social media. Followers of their journey wonder what happened that their Beechcraft could […]
An Alaskan adventure
By IVY McIVER. “It’s like a magic carpet!” This is how my friend Wilma described the Cirrus SR22T on a recent trip from Seattle to Anchorage and back. A few weeks prior to my departure, I was talking about my upcoming flight to Anchorage and Wilma asked if she could ride along since I would be […]
On choices, options, and being a cheapskate
News flash: I have just finished eating a $16 bowl of oatmeal for breakfast. That’s nothing. Last night I feasted on a $25 hamburger. Neither meal was unique, memorable, or impressive in any way other than the price. I feel an analogy coming on. With the price of a single engine Cessna creeping up into […]
Third-class medical reform caught in government maze
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It started two-and-a-half years ago and there is still no clear end in sight. It’s another example of apparent government slow — or no — action. In March 2012, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) petitioned the FAA to reduce the requirements for a third-class medical […]