While it is a common assumption that non-towered airports are inherently less safe than those with a tower, a deep dive into a decade of NTSB collision data reveals what general aviation pilots have always known: When pilots communicate effectively and follow established procedures, non-towered airports continue to provide a remarkably safe environment for general aviation.
Guest Editorial
Proposed ADS-B bill will protect general aviation
The Pilot and Aircraft Privacy Act will do nothing to harm aviation. It will, however, safeguard a pilot’s privacy while ensuring that ADS-B — a safety tool required by the FAA for aircraft operating in controlled airspace and funded by pilots — is used for its intended purpose and not for economic gain.
Is it legal for two planes to be on the same runway at the same time?
Not every facet of non-towered airports operations has been addressed by the FAA. That leaves some things in a solid gray area and open to interpretation. One of these gray areas: Can two planes legally occupy the same runway at the same time?
If only…
Get-home-itis was the biggest link to the faulty judgment in this tragedy. It is a powerful force, so powerful that both men aboard were willing to risk single-engine flying over unlit mountainous terrain. In the middle of the night. Without an instrument rating. In smoke, clouds, and turbulence. With the moon adding all sorts of visual illusions — and with embedded thunderstorms along their route.
Sharing is the future of general aviation
If 10% of the estimated 200,000 private plane owners chose to share their planes with one of the estimated 400,000 pilots without planes, it could revitalize general aviation.
Alaskan airpark is being railroaded
Flying Crown Airpark defending itself in court against a land grab by the Alaska Railroad Corporation. If it loses, it could set an unsettling precedent for all property owners along the railroad line, as well as hunters, hikers, and others who enjoy Alaska’s recreational bounty.
A measure we can all get behind
The bottom line is that the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation will fill a pressing need that current efforts simply can’t.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems hold tremendous potential
By MICHAEL TOSCANO From Amazon to Google to Domino’s Pizza, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) have been drawing significant attention in recent months. Amazon plans to launch a “Prime Air” delivery system, while Google aims to use UAS to bring internet to the developing world. Before we know it, even your pizza may be delivered by UAS. […]
Banding together to grow GA’s brand
By CARMINE MOWBRAY Montana has more cows than people, and in cattle country, unbranded calves are called “mavericks.” In people terms, we think of a maverick as being a loner, without ties or loyalties. And alone, a person — no matter how passionate — can only accomplish so much. Partnerships that match folks with common […]