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Friday 20th November 2009

Top News
Although supplies are limited, Teledyne Continental said this week that it's beginning to ship replacement valve lifter units to replace several thousand faulty units installed in O-240, O-360, O-470, O-520 and O-550 engines.
Nov 20, 7:52pm UTC

More News
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last week hosted the first meeting of a new advisory committee on the future of the country's aviation industry.
Nov 18, 11:03pm UTC
When the 2010 Winter Olympics launch in Vancouver next February, it will keep many local GA operators grounded for up to eight weeks, with losses of up to $5 million, CanWest News reported on Tuesday.
Nov 18, 9:39pm UTC
Embraer and General Electric will flight-test a renewable jet fuel by early 2012, the companies said on Wednesday.
Nov 18, 9:44pm UTC
US Airways Capt. Chesley Sullenberger said the new book Fly By Wire, by William Langewiesche, "greatly overstates how much it mattered" that the Airbus A320 he ditched in the Hudson had some automated systems.
Nov 18, 10:59pm UTC
Cessna rolled out the first production CJ4 Monday, keeping a schedule that will see certification and first deliveries of the aircraft by early 2010.
Nov 17, 10:28pm UTC
On Monday, the FAA issued its final version of new flight rules for the VFR corridor above New York's Hudson River.
Nov 16, 11:44pm UTC
The Carter Copter folks have been developing their unique rotary aircraft technology for years, powering through setbacks and making slow progress, and this week they announced their first customer agreement.
Nov 17, 3:19pm UTC
Thursday, the FAA froze the issuance of new airworthiness certificates for Zodiac CH-601XL series aircraft; Friday the NTSB released news of another Zodiac in-flight break-up and made an example of its earlier recommendations to the FAA.
Nov 14, 6:29pm UTC
NextGen will move parts of the air traffic control system from the ground to the cockpit -- so who should pay for the acquisition and installation of that part of the system?
Nov 14, 6:14pm UTC
Solar Impulse, the solar powered aircraft whose developers hope to fly around the world has been getting out of the hangar recently and getting the juice flowing through its electric motors.
Nov 16, 3:38am UTC
Boeing announced Thursday that it has corrected the structural flaw located at the wing/fuselage joint that was discovered during testing, and applied the fix to the first of its 787 jetliners, but that doesn't mean the jet is ready for prime time.
Nov 14, 6:20pm UTC
A well-known Georgia pilot was arrested and jailed Wednesday after an incident at Griffin Spalding Airport near Atlanta. Griffin Police say Dan Gryder, whose DC-3 is a frequent performer at aviation events, has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one of obstruction.
Nov 12, 4:06pm UTC
If you're a regular reader of AVweb and our sister aviation publications, you know that safety is a thread through practically everything we do. That's why we're delighted to help AVweb readers gain access to the latest in flight safety information courtesy of the Advocates for Aviation Safety Foundation Inc. (AASF).
Nov 16, 4:44am UTC
 
The crew, a medical team, the patient and the patient's spouse aboard a medical evacuation flight from Samoa to Australia were uninjured after the Pel-Air Westwind jet ditched in the open ocean in weather that prompted the pilot to ditch rather than trying for the airport at Norfolk Island.
Nov 19, 4:11am UTC
Our inbox filled Tuesday with readers pointing out that Buffalo Airways does not operate the last C-46 Commandos as our Monday story on the Ice Pilots NWT television series incorrectly stated.
Nov 19, 12:31am UTC
Owners of older Mooneys now have a new option when it's time for an engine overhaul. Lycoming recently received the FAA OK to replace the original IO-360 Lycoming engine in Mooney M20E, M20F and M20J models with a new or remanufactured IO-390-A3A6 engine.
Nov 19, 12:00am UTC
The Transportation Security Administration has prepared new regulations governing security procedures at repair stations.
Nov 18, 1:10am UTC
The Dubai Air Show is under way and while it's a much different experience than the outpouring of cash that marked the 2007 show, organizers and exhibitors are reporting an upbeat atmosphere.
Nov 17, 9:48pm UTC
Anyone who's bought a new Continental engine, had theirs rebuilt or had top end work done since June 19, 2009 could be affected by an emergency AD requiring replacement of the hydraulic lifters installed in those engines.
Nov 17, 4:47am UTC
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said in a news conference Friday that the FAA had not contacted NORAD soon enough regarding wayward Northwest Flight 188 -- he also said things would change.
Nov 14, 6:34pm UTC
The ongoing saga of the Zodiac series took a new turn Thursday, November 12, as the FAA advised Designated Airworthiness Representatives that they could not issue new airworthiness certificates until the applicants could prove the aircraft had undergone modification.
Nov 13, 5:27pm UTC
The DOE intends to develop biofuels that can act as drop in replacements for diesel and gasoline and believes that domestic sources -- including both cellulosic ethanol and algae-based fuels -- can match almost 100 percent of the U.S. demand.
Nov 14, 6:23pm UTC
Between two and four Able Flight Scholarship recipients will next summer earn their Sport Pilot certificates in one month of training at Purdue University thanks to a new agreement.
Nov 16, 10:37am UTC
The arrest of a United pilot Monday, for allegedly drinking prior to his flight, has helped unearth statistics that, according to the Associated Press, show him to be "the third U.S. pilot arrested in 13 months" on similar charges, but FAA records may suggest the number should be higher.
Nov 14, 6:18pm UTC
Most people have heard about -40° and many have experienced it but not many have started a radial engine in it. For the folks at Buffalo Airways, it's all in a day's work and now the daily drama of the airline, charter and firefighting contractor based in Yellowknife, in Canada's Northwest Territory, is coming to living rooms in more comfortable climes.
Nov 15, 5:18pm UTC
Those drawn to flight at least in part because of the unique visual perspective it provides lost an advocate Tuesday in the passing of aerial photographer Robert Cameron, who died at the age of 98.
Nov 14, 6:31pm UTC

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Features & Columns

Letter of the Week: Whining Pilots

In a given week, my career responsibilities may take me to two or three cities across the US. On more than one occasion, I've seen both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on the same itinerary. Airline travel is not without annoyances, but in recent weeks, a particular thing has started working its way to the top of my list of travel peeves; whining airline pilots. I can guarantee with 95 percent certainty that if two or more people with white shirts and epaulettes are chatting together in an airline terminal, they're probably complaining about their jobs.

Airline flying is among the most respected of all professions, and the outwardly negative demeanor I see detracts tremendously from the well-earned image. As a private pilot who strives to maintain the utmost professionalism in my flying, I'm heretofore going to do my own part to restore prestige to the role of commanding the big iron. From now on, whenever I see pilots complaining in the terminal, their names and an account of their actions will be sent to airline customer service at my earliest convenience. I'd encourage the rest of my travel companions to do the same.

Airline pilots, I know the job ain't what it used to be, and it's not likely to change for the better. Ruminate all you want in private, but when wearing your uniform in view of passengers who entrust their lives to you, provide the modicum of professionalism the people expect. If that's too much to ask, please turn in your stripes and earn your pay on the ground like the rest of us.

Matthew Sawhill

Click through to read the rest of this week's letters.

 
Weather, ice, and keeping track of all those instruments can keep you pretty busy during a routine flight, eh? Imagine staying on top of the gauges in a 1940s-era cockpit, with the boys at the front lines of World War II relying on you to deliver supplies in even the most forbidding weather. The thought crossed Rick Durden's mind recently, and he knew just who to consult — a pilot who flew under those conditions day-in, day-out. Dave Hertel joins Rick in the latest installment of "The Pilot's Lounge" to reflect on challenges that might give you a few gray hairs just to read about.
What was it like training pilots to fly on instruments in the Link trainer during wartime? Here's an inside view, complete with the cheap tequila.
Brainteasers Seemingly insignificant regulations can bite. So bite back and defang the FAA's oft-overlooked regs by testing your grasp of the Code of Federal Regulations. (Think old-school FARs, if you like. We do.)
Take the quiz.

FULL INDEX OF FEATURES Browse Our Features Archive
FULL INDEX OF COLUMNS Browse Our Columns Archive

Podcasts and Video
Klaus Savier's modified Vari Eze, named "The Delaminator," won the Fuelventure 400 this year for the second time in a row, flying 207 mph on 45 mpg while carrying a 400-pound payload. The race, held annually at the Copperstate air show in Arizona, aims to motivate improvements in aircraft efficiency. Savier, who is president of Light Speed Engineering, talks about how he modified the airplane and what he has in the works for next year's competition.
Students of piston engine development will probably recall the Thunder engine, a big honking V-8 aircraft engine adapted from a GMC truck engine. The project floundered and was picked up by Canada's Orenda and eventually by a Texas company called Trace. In this podcast recorded at NBAA Orlando, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli got an update on the Trace engine from Kevin Brower.
There's still a big gap between the number of male and female pilots, but Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University makes sure all students are welcome and given every opportunity for success. AVweb's Mary Grady speaks with Susan Sharp, ERAU's program coordinator for aeronautical science and advisor for the campus chapter of Women in Aviation.
The credit market is still tight, but those who want to buy an airplane and have the financial credentials to match should have no trouble. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli talks with Jim Blessing of AirFleet Capital.
Lack of capital is slowing development of the Cirrus SF 50 jet, but progress is being made. AVweb's Mary Grady speaks with Cirrus Aircraft CEO Brent Wouters.
If you don't need all the bells and whistles, PS Engineering's new $995 certified audio panel might be what you're looking for. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli speaks with Gary Picou.
Expanding its services to members, AOPA is offering medical screenings at the AOPA Summit, provided by Cook Medical. Specifically, abdominal aneurysms are a concern for pilot medical issuances, according to AOPA's director of medical certification services, Gary Crump. At the Summit, Cook Medical has set up several private examination booths, and members can get their results before leaving the show. In this podcast, Crump tells AVweb about additional medical services being offered this year at the association's health section.
AOPA's annual meeting in Tampa has a fresh look, and it's challenged its presenters to come up with some fresh ideas on the future of general aviation. AVweb's Russ Niles spoke with AOPA President Craig Fuller.
 
In this video, veteran Reno Racer Thom Richard tells what it's like to wail around the pylons at Reno in a Formula 1 race aircraft. It's powered by a 100hp O-200, but Invictus — which was on display at AOPA Summit in Tampa this week — is still capable of nearly 250 MPH. It's hot, high-G work, but it's also six minutes of one of the biggest shots of adrenaline in aviation.
So what if new aircraft sales are in the tank? You can still fix up an older airframe to near new standards. Two companies at AOPA Summit were offering such upgrades, and a third, Premier Aircraft, is offering a premium upgrade to new Diamond DA40s that can include air conditioning, plus a second alternator and comfy upgraded leather seats. Nexair Avionics saw an opportunity in Avidyne's sophisticated Release 9 EFIS and is selling legacy Saratogas with this big glass upgrade. Sierra Industries is taking a similar tack, but they're using Garmin's G500 in their Super Centurion upgrade. This video offers a quick glimpse at products from all three companies.
Aspen is now shipping its new EFD 1000 companion MFD to the popular PFD. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli got a checkout with Aspen's Scott Smith prior to the AOPA Summit.
Lockheed 12 owner Joe Shepherd got the rarest of opportunities: His fully restored airplane was used in the film Amelia, now playing in cinemas across the country. Shepherd tells what it was like to play a small but important part in a major film.
Cessna moves ever closer to opening the spigot on LSA production. The company arrived at AOPA Summit with a confirming version of the 162 Skycatcher, and AVweb took a spin.
It burns 10 gallons an hour of auto gas and can do 150 knots. But is there a market for a Rotax-powered twin in the U.S.? AVweb's Jeff Van West takes a closer look at Tecnam's unique piston twin.
At AOPA Summit this week in Tampa, Florida, Garmin will roll out it's new touchscreen-based aera line of navigators. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli spent the last week wringing out a sample. Here's his video report.

FULL INDEX OF PODCASTS Find All Podcasts Of Interest

AVwebBiz: AVweb's Business Aviation Newsletter
Delivered every Wednesday morning, AVwebBiz focuses on the companies, the products and the industry leaders that make headlines in the business aviation industry, making it a must-read.

Add AVwebBiz to your free subscriptions today by clicking here and choosing "Update E-mail Subscriptions."
Jan 1, 10:14pm UTC

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Who's Where
Blair SullivanAndy Biller
Groom Aviation has created Groom Aviation Sales to enhance its Beechcraft-oriented business. King Air sales experts Blair Sullivan and Andy Biller have joined the new company, which will specialize in Beech products but handle all types of aircraft.

Nov 18, 2:35am UTC

FULL INDEX OF WHO'S WHERE STORIES Find Past Who's Where Stories Of Interest

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New Products at AOPA Summit

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

How big a security threat are repair stations?

The TSA has announced plans to impose stricter security requirements on FAA-certificated repair stations in the U.S. and in other countries. This week, we'd like readers to gauge the security threat posed by repair stations.


Share your Opinion »

PILOT RESOURCES

FBO OF THE WEEK

Our latest "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to the facilities at Kansas Air Center at Manhattan Regional Airport (KMHK) in Manhattan, Kansas.

AVweb reader Wade Logan explained how KAC exceeded his expectations from start to finish while he was in Manhattan:

As I pulled into the ramp, I was immediately greeted by three line technicians: The first parked me, the second cleaned my windscreen before I even was out of the plane, and the third had a placed a purple K-State Wildcat rug at my door. The facility was top-notch (exceptionally clean), and the fuel prices are the lowest I have come across in a long while. The founder/owner is extremely courteous, and I even saw him cleaning some windscreens himself!

Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.

AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!

Nominate an FBO »

SHORT FINAL...

Overheard in IFR Magazine's 'On the Air' Section
Overheard in IFR Magazine's "On the Air"

On a recent trip in my Cirrus from KSAV to KPDK, I had this exchange with Atlanta Approach. (This was right after the FL-GA football game where the Gators won ... again.)

ATL:
"N267CP, you are cleared to PDK via the TRBOW8 arrival. Proceed direct from present position to TRBOW."

N267CP (me) :
"N267CP cleared direct TRBOW for the TRBOW8. Are you sure that shouldn't be renamed TEBOW for the beating that your Bulldogs took?"

ATL:
"N267CP, one more remark about the beatdown, and I will amend your clearance to IAH, LAX direct PDK!"

N267CP "N267CP O.K. TRBOW8 it is!"

ATL:
"Smart man."

Steve King
via e-mail

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