Designed to accommodate both high- and low-wing aircraft, the Flight Gear Pull-Down Tie-Down Kit includes two ropes, measuring 10 feet each, and one rope, measuring 6 feet, for the aircraft tail. All ropes are 3/8-inches in diameter, “providing ample strength for a secure hold, even in gusty conditions,” Sporty’s officials said.
Pilots
Attempt at soft field takeoff lands Cessna 182 in canal
The pilot’s failure to attain a proper soft field takeoff pitch attitude during takeoff that resulted in a runway excursion and subsequent impact with a canal.
Picture of the Day: East Bay Sunrise
William Spencer submitted this photo and note: “I was flying my Vashon Ranger in the East Bay of San Francisco in early February 2024. The rains were expected later that day so I went up early. When I noticed the beautiful sunrise I held up my phone and snapped one picture then put the phone back down. After landing I checked the photo, and wish I had taken more. (That’s a GoPro mounted on the tie-down).”
Unleaded fuels and exhaust valve recession
What needs to happen to move forward towards an unleaded future for general aviation?
Mixed results for airplane deliveries in first quarter 2024
During the first three months of 2024, deliveries were flat for piston airplanes and piston helicopters, down for turboprops and turbine helicopters, and up for business jets, according to the First Quarter 2024 General Aviation Aircraft Shipment and Billing Report from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). However, total aircraft billings were up 3.2% to $4.7 billion.
Partnership created to streamline aircraft maintenance and pre-buy inspections
Wingform, a digital platform for aircraft transaction management, has partnered with MRO Insider, a network for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
New owner for FBO chain
Luxaviation Group, a business aircraft and helicopter operator headquartered in Luxembourg, has acquired FBO network Paragon Aviation Group.
New owner’s first flight goes awry
The pre-purchase inspection revealed oil leaks and compression leaking past the rings, however when speaking to one of the previous owners immediately prior to departure “oil consumption was negligible” and “it blows the top quarts off if it’s full.”
Picture of the Day: Ready to fly
Peter DeLoof submitted this photo and note: “The RV-4 owned by Peter DeLoof outside its hangar at Tecumseh Mills Airport (22T) near Tecumseh, Michigan, and about to go flying. The military livery was done by the prior owner to honor his father who was a crew chief on a P-51 in World War II.”