GA News Today
RunwayFinder to shut down citing costs
A free online digital charting service launched in 2005 is calling it quits, with founder Dave Parsons citing pending digital chart fees, and licensing fees as the primary reason.
Suppliers chosen for speedy Sikorsky Raider
Sikorsky has invited 35 companies to help it build two scout-attack helicopters for evaluation by the Pentagon. The helicopter, called the Raider, will cruise at 220 knots and have a dash speed of 240 kt. The prototype X2 has already surpassed those speeds.
In engine out, ATC ‘there when you need them’
Vermont Rep. Janice Peaslee said she doesn't leave home without flight following. On Oct. 9, the precaution paid off.
NBAA asks lawmakers to extend depreciation rule
A valuable tax incentive for business aircraft owners has scaled back for 2012, and a coalition of manufacturing groups led by the National Business Aviation Association is urging Congress to keep "bonus depreciation" intact.
FAA marks GPS approach milestone
A milestone for the nation's transition to satellite navigation was celebrated Feb. 9 in an FAA office in Silver Spring, Md. - and in cockpits equipped with GPS around the country.
Aviation turns students' horror into passion
An Arizona community traumatized by a 2010 aircraft crashing into the local high school began to heal recently. First Flight Education and pilots helped inspire aviation enthusiasm in middle school children who once ducked whenever an aircraft would fly overhead. Now, they want to be pilots.
Flying into the Big Game
"Welcome to Indy. You're the first piston we've seen all weekend," the van driver said as he drove two pilots across the ramp to Million Air's welcome hangar, complete with a red carpet and enclosed canopy for Super Bowl weekend.
Innovative GA concepts earn award nominations
Two pioneering general aviation aircraft designs, and two advances at the other end of the aircraft spectrum, have been nominated for the National Aeronautic Association's 2011 Robert J. Collier Trophy.
Hawker Beechcraft protests trainer contract
After Embraer's A-29 Super Tucano won a bidding contest worth $355 million over Hawker Beechcraft's AT-6, HBC was stunned. The company launched an all-out effort to review and reverse the decision, but Sierra Nevada Corp., which partnered with Embraer for the Super Tucano bid, says the Air Force got it right.
Walking sharks, komodo dragons: Pilatus tours Indonesia
Submerged in the dark waters around the Raja Ampat Islands, pilot Richard Wood watched the region's elusive "walking shark" - some of the vast biodiversity that makes the archipelago what Wood calls "some kind of Mecca" among scuba divers. Wood, his wife and daughter, and another couple saw the bottom-dwelling wobbegong shark and enormous manta rays in the area during a 4,500-nautical-mile trip across Indonesia in a Pilatus PC-12.
Analyst: Helicopter sales to require greater justification
Aerospace analyst Brian Foley says future helicopter sales will receive greater scrutiny by accounting departments, and require a strong business case to be made. Still, there are strong sales to be had.
Product News
Continental offers baffle kit with Bonanza/Baron upgrade
From Jan. 2 to Feb. 28, Beechcraft Baron and Bonanza owners who purchase a factory engine upgrade from Continental Motors Inc. will receive a free D'Shannon Baffle Kit, the company announced. Certain upgrades of 470- and 520-model engines are eligible for the offer, which requires the purchase of a D'Shannon engine supplemental type certificate. Details and restrictions are available by phone at 800/326-0089.
