While chatting with the folks working on B-17 firebombers at the Mesa, Arizona, airport on a brisk winter day in 1980, someone said I needed to meet Max Biegert, the man responsible for getting the B-17F registered N17W out of a city park in Arkansas and returning it to flight as a large sprayer and air tanker. That B-17 now holds a place of honor in the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
Pilots
Got some suggestions for the new home of the Reno Air Races?
“We’re looking for a new home for the National Championship Air Races and want ideas from our air race family and beyond to help make it possible,” Reno Air Race officials said.
President signs legislation to modernize NOTAM system
The new law requires the FAA to set up a task force made up of all representatives of the aviation industry, including general aviation, the review the NOTAM system. The agency is also required to implement a back-up system to deter another system-wide crash like the one that happened in January 2023.
Picture of the Day: Summer finally arrives in Alaska
David Baldwin submitted this photo and note: “Checking out all the colors that are popping up with summer finally here in Alaska over Cook Inlet in my Kitfox near Eklutna on Memorial Holiday weekend.”
SouthWings: Conservation through aviation
In 2022, volunteer pilots flew 102 flights for SouthWings. Flying with strangers over remote areas, these pilots absorb the fuel costs and their time. Why? Because they want to make a difference.
Museum plans fly-in barbecue
The annual Father’s Day weekend fly-in will include a BBQ lunch, the chance to see a student-built RV-12, and the re-emergence of the “Rob Holland Experience,” a virtual reality exhibit that allows you to see what it’s like to perform aerobatics from the view of air show star Rob Holland.
Airforms now offers baffles for all Cessna 152s
The new baffles, which have undergone individual PMA approval, can be purchased as standalone units or as a complete set, according to officials with McFarlane Aviation, Airforms parent company.
Baron’s left engine begins destroying itself mid-flight
It is rather unsettling that the left engine on the aircraft was actively destroying itself and the resulting vibration was mostly imperceptible. I assumed that “thrown rod” incidents would always include a loud bang and a cacophony of noise and vibration.
Pictures of the Day: Gliding through a Maine sunset
Karissa Davan submitted this photo and note: “Pilot Ken Crowe is enjoying a sunset flight at Brunswick Executive Airport (KBXM) in Maine in his powered paraglider (PPG). In January 2021 Ken completed his PPG2-level training at Aviator PPG in Lake Wales, Florida. Proper training like the two-week course in Florida is the safe way to enter the sport. Ken is still refining his intermediate level skills by flying local flights. He carries an airband radio to safely share the skies with GA pilots. He even sports small strobe lights to aid in visual separation.”