EAA Chapter 983 at Pecan Plantation Airpark (0TX1) in Texas just set a record: 31 of its members received Master Pilot Awards at a ceremony Nov. 11, 2023, while another received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award.
Aircraft
STC approved for new prop for Piper PA-23s
MT-Propeller has received an FAA STC for its 3-blade propeller on Piper PA-23-235s, PA-E23-250s, PA-23-250s powered by Lycoming O-540-A-series engines, Lycoming IO-540-C-series engines, or Lycoming O-540-B-series engines.
Picture of the Day: Hanging out in the EAA Chapter 25 hangar
John Schmidt submitted this photo and note: “Some members of EAA Chapter 25 meeting at the chapter hangar in Airlake Airport (KLVN) in Lakeville, Minnesota, at 7 p.m. on a warm Wednesday night in September 2023. A Pietenpol, a Gusty, a Hatz biplane, and a model of Bert Sisler’s trimotor design, the “6-Pack” (one of his last designs), are visible. The photo was taken by Ken Tuvman, the presenter that night, who shared stories of his father’s B-17 World War II service.”
Here comes the night
For a pilot the early sunset is a gift. Or at least it can be. Especially for flight students and CFIs who need to log a specific amount of night flying to qualify for a certificate.
Accidents up in 2021, but increase in flight hours creates downward trend
The report notes an increase in total accidents from 1,050 in 2020 to 1,124 in 2021, including 202 fatal accidents. However, 4 million additional flight hours — compared to the previous year — helped offset the increase in accidents, according to AOPA officials.
FAA tackles ATC shortage
“Aviation is safe because we are continuously looking for ways to improve,” said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. “The independent safety review team made some excellent recommendations and we are adopting some of them immediately.”
Picture of the Day: Sunrise flight
Neal Wright sent in this photo his wife, Rose, took, with this note: “My neighbor, John Bouyea, and me taxiing for takeoff on Sept. 17, 2023, for a flight in my Piper Comanche from Olinger Airpark (OR81) in Oregon to Brookings Regional Airport (KBKX) in South Dakota.”
Video: The Myth of Multitasking
A distracted pilot is a dangerous pilot.
EAA inducts five into Halls of Fame
Five individuals who contributed to recreational aviation were inducted into the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame during a November 2023 ceremony.