Garmin’s Smart Glide technology, a safety tool that helps pilots in loss of engine power emergencies by automating tasks to reduce pilot workload, is now available as a free software update for the G3X Touch and G5 electronic flight instrument in certified aircraft equipped with a GTN Xi series navigator. Experimental aircraft with G3X Touch and a G3X autopilot can also enable Smart Glide technology.
Pilots
Picture of the Day: A breakfast ritual
Sam Presley submitted this photo taken by Alan Ainley and note: “A little formation flying to Morrelton, Arkansas, for our Saturday morning breakfast ritual. Got to love the Aeroprakt airplanes — Kenny Davenport’s new plane. Our little breakfast group is affectionately referred to as the Breakfast Waffe.”
Spending on drones ‘set to explode’ in U.S.
The new study projects that the U.S. will integrate drones into the National Airspace System within the next decade. Worldwide, spending on civilian drones will top $121 billion in the next 10 years, the study predicts.
Call for nominations for the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame
You can nominate your favorite CFI — or yourself — through April 1, 2022.
New owner for Phoenix FBO
Jackson Jet Center is poised to take over operations at Swift Aviation at KPHX Jan. 26, 2022.
Deviation from normal operations results in engine losing power
“It is striking to me that there were three separate events deviating from my normal habits of operation: Inspect fuel immediately after fueling, do not re-start a pre-flight in the middle, never take off without dipping all four fillers. Had I conformed to my normal habits on any of the three, this would not have happened.”
Picture of the Day: Lonely plane
Gary Lanthrum submitted this photo and note: “I flew my Maule MX7-180C to the Alvord Desert to camp under the stars. After I arrived, a storm front moved in and I spent two nights in high winds, rain, and snow. During the day it would improve so I stayed two nights hoping the daytime improvements would last. There is no cell phone coverage here, so I couldn’t get weather updates. Despite the lousy weather, it is incredibly beautiful and hauntingly quiet here.”
Affordable aviation: Can you find an aircraft that meets your budget?
Can you really find an affordable aircraft? And where’s the best place to find one? Our LSA expert Dan Johnson says the answers to both of those questions are “yes,” and he gives you several examples of affordable flying machines to check out.
Video: Landing on a glacier
Reading through the latest “Fast Five” newsletter from Sporty’s Pilot Shop, the video of the week caught my eye: New behind-the-scenes footage from Sporty’s new Tailwheel Checkout Course of pilots from Talkeetna Air Taxi flying a deHavilland Canada DHC-3 and landing on a glacier in Denali National Park.