Volume 10, Number 04a -- January 19, 2004

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The Top Headlines From AVweb's Expanded, Illustrated News Coverage At AVweb's NewsWire.

A VERY BAD WEEK...
With CBS's big eye glaring last week at GA as a security risk, you'd think all pilots might be on their best behavior -- it doesn't appear to have worked out that way. When authorities finally arrested John Salamone after chasing him for four hours around Philadelphia-area skies, he was staggering, his eyes were bloodshot and his pants were undone, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Police told the Daily News Salamone blew .13 on a breathalyzer (the legal limit is .04) after he finally landed his Piper Cherokee at Limerick Airport about 10:30 p.m. The flight had originated there about 6:20 p.m. While in the air, Salamone allegedly barged through controlled airspace near Philadelphia International Airport as low as 100 feet AGL, forcing six airliners to abort landings. Authorities also said he circled the nuclear power plant ... which sits practically at the foot of the runway at Limerick (PTW). More...

...A COMMERCIAL FLIGHT LANDS AT THE WRONG AIRPORT...
A Shuttle America flight Friday was aiming for University Park Airport (UNV) in Pennsylvania, when it touched down at Mid-State Regional Airport (PSB). The airports are 11 nautical miles apart, offer identical runway orientation -- 16/34 and 6/24 -- with different layouts, and both fields are non-towered (a reminder to self-announce, listen AND look when operating near a non-towered field). The two airports also have a VOR situated roughly between them. "When the pilot walked in, he said 'Here's one for the news,'" airport worker Joanne Shields told the Centre Daily. The eight passengers had to wait on board, for security reasons, for about an hour until a van was dispatched to finish their journey. More...

...AND BIRD-FLIPPING PILOT RILES BRAZILIANS
Capt. Dale Robin Hersh discovered the Brazilian authorities' preferred level of etiquette after last Wednesday allegedly offering the middle-digit salute in response to Brazil's new requirement that American visitors submit to photographs and fingerprinting ... which is how Brazilians are welcomed to the U.S. under new security rules. Hersh's alleged gesture (maybe that's how he always holds things) landed him in a federal courthouse where formal charges awaited, but "Since this was a minor crime, I proposed that he be fined $12,750, which will be donated to a home for the elderly," Matheus Baraldi Magnani told the Associated Press. More...

DRAMATIC PHOTOS OF RUMORED NO-HYDRAULICS LANDING...
Although no one in officialdom has publicly confirmed it, the landing of a DHL Airbus at Baghdad Airport after being hit by at least one surface-to-air missile last Nov. 22 has been rumored as one of last year's most incredible feats of aviation. Extensive damage to the aircraft's left wing may have rendered the aircraft's three hydraulics systems useless, leaving the pilots with only differential engine thrust to control the aircraft. DHL has not publicly elaborated on the attack and the resulting heroism of the pilots (which stands, regardless of the true extent of damage). For those with a flair for the dramatic, AVweb has obtained a PowerPoint presentation of the incident that includes photos of the landing, the damage, and text that may give some insight into the specific nature of the damage. More...

...AND AIRCRAFT DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
The presentation is a new pairing of photos not widely distributed, with text previously available online through various sources. AVweb has repeatedly contacted DHL seeking confirmation of the details of the event (and an interview with the pilots) but thus far, the airline has politely refused all of our requests, citing the ongoing investigation -- there has been no official confirmation or denial of the "no-hydraulics landing." Our initial story on the event ran in December, and AVweb has been flooded with e-mails from people claiming to have first-hand knowledge of the incident and confirming the details we presented. At this time, we invite you to have a look for yourself at the latest material we received and enjoy it for what it's worth. More...

CARNAHAN JURY'S AWARD REFUTES NTSB FINDINGS?
Parker Hannifin Corp., maker of vacuum pumps on the Cessna 335 that crashed, killing a Missouri governor, has been ordered to pay a total of $4 million in damages to his family even though the NTSB's summary of the investigation says, "examination of the wreckage ... indicates [the pumps] were most likely functioning at the time of impact." Gov. Mel Carnahan, his son Randy, who was at the controls, and aide Chris Sifford died when the plane crashed near Hillsboro, Mo., on Oct. 16, 2000. Carnahan's family sued Parker Hannifin Corp. even though the NTSB's report cited spatial disorientation as a probable cause with a faulty attitude indicator as a contributing factor. Parker Hannifin says it's been vindicated by the verdict and doesn't plan to appeal. Sure, read that again. More...

NO RATING, DEAD PASSENGER, ACQUITTED PILOT
A Kentucky pilot, who federal investigators say lacked a multi-engine rating, was acquitted of wanton endangerment charges indirectly related to the Aug. 1, 1998, crash of the twin-engine Cessna 340 he was flying. One of Kenneth Asher's passengers, Debra Zukhof, drowned after the plane stalled on takeoff from Meigs Field in Chicago and flipped over in Lake Michigan. Michigan authorities decided against prosecuting Asher for the accident. Instead, Kentucky authorities laid the endangerment charges for the Louisville-to-Chicago portion of the flight that preceded the accident. More...

TWO MIDAIRS, A CONTINENT APART
There are some startling coincidences in two midair collisions that occurred one day and 2,000 miles apart last week. The collisions occurred in Tehachapi, Calif., on Friday and Clearwater, Fla. on Saturday. In each case, a light twin and a single came together and in each accident the twin pilot was able to maintain control and land safely while the single did not. Pilots of both singles died. In the California crash, a Beech Baron flown by Robert Hollis Gates, of Bear Valley Springs, was in collision with a Cessna 180 flown by David Aaron Lazerson. In the Florida accident, a Twin Commanche, owned by John Collins, of Winter Haven, was trying to land at Clearwater Airpark when it came in contact with a Cessna 150 that was taking off. More...

FAA PLANS VIRTUAL MEETING ON SIGHTSEEING NPRM
The FAA should face the people it's planning to put out of business with a new set of regulations rather than hide in cyberspace, according to AOPA. The FAA has extended the comment period (from Jan. 20 to April 19) for a roundly criticized Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would set national standards for sightseeing and tour operations. The NPRM acknowledges that about 700 firms will likely be put out of the tour business by the tougher rules, which, among other things, would require that all such flights be operated under Part 121 or Part 135 rules. More than 1,100 comments have been received so far. AOPA has been demanding that the FAA set up a series of public meetings to hear directly from affected businesses but the FAA has opted for a high-tech alternative. More...

AIRPORT PLANS WORRY NEIGHBORS
A Maryland developer has come up with a novel approach to gaining approval for his plans to cover an airport in condos. Polm Companies Ltd. says that if it can't build 600 homes, it will instead turn the sleepy Suburban Airport into a major business and commuter facility. Suburban is now home to 65 airplanes and 37 hangars. Polm envisions 300 aircraft, 160 hangars, a flight school and heliport. Of course, if the local council prefers, the company could put in the nice, quiet condos, instead. However, Bruce Mundie, director of the Maryland Aviation Administration, has assured local residents that Polm's plans are pie-in-the-sky. More...

MICRO AIR VEHICLE ON DISPLAY
Part of the future of aviation might fit in the palm of your hand or on the head of a pin. Scientists are furiously working on Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs), tiny aircraft that can fly autonomously where human pilots can't (or shouldn't). Now scientists at Cranfield University in Britain have put the machine they are developing on display at the Thinktank Museum in Birmingham. The Cranfield MAV will mimic insect flight with wings that both oscillate and rotate, allowing it to hover and maneuver. The computer brain on board will allow it to navigate itself. The museum exhibit allows people to fly a computer-generated image of the machine around a virtual smoke-filled building in search of trapped people. More...

ON THE FLY...
All ten aboard a Cessna Caravan feared dead after Saturday crash in Lake Erie.
Hundreds of kites launched the Celebrating India festival in Mumbai last week.
The National Aeronautics Association is accepting nominations for its biggest honor. More...

NEW ARTICLES AND FEATURES ON AVWEB
CEO of the Cockpit #28: A Different Airline World
AVweb's CEO of the cockpit is back in recurrent training, trying to remember everything he forgot about 767s and 757s since the last time he was here a year ago. The security training session, however, prompted him to consider ways to really cut down on security problems. His airline might not like it, though ... More...

BUSINESS AVFLASH
HAVE YOU SIGNED UP yet for AVweb’s NO-COST twice monthly Business AVflash? Reporting on breaking news, Business AVflash also focuses on the companies, the products and the industry leaders that make headlines in the Business of Aviation. Business AVflash is a must read! Sign up today at http://www.avweb.com/profile/

More...

READER FEEDBACK ON AVWEB'S NEWS COVERAGE AND FEATURE ARTICLES
Reader mail this week about FSS privatization, CBS' investigation of GA safety and more. More...

SHORT FINAL...
Carrier 1234: Cape Approach, can we get direct Boston?

Approach: Your wish is my command...

Carrier 1234: Approach, got time for another wish?

Approach: Nope, you used up your wish.

Carrier 1234: I don't get three?

Approach: Carrier 1234, did you say Boston, or Austin?

Carrier 1234: ...I'll take that as a "No." More...

SHOPPING DEALS

WIN A PAIR OF SCHEYDENS, AVIATION'S FINEST EYEWEAR
A pair of Scheydens will be given away every other week to a lucky AVweb winner, a retail value up to $395! The unique flip up design has become the choice of pilots who demand quality and function in every aspect of aviation. Handmade titanium frames, quality lenses, a Rosewood case, plush micro fiber bag and cloth are standard equipment on all styles. For more information and to register to win go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/scheyden.

"TEST DRIVE" A B-737/300 AT CONTINENTAL'S IAH PILOT TRAINING CENTER!
The "Airline Training Orientation Program" (ATOP) is a two-day 737/300 familiarization course designed for *any* U.S. pilot, especially those interested in airline careers. Presented exclusively by ATOP Inc., the course features 12 hours' ground school, one hour in the 737/300 FTD, and two hours in the 737/300 full-motion simulator. Earn the optional "High Altitude Endorsement," too! Register for any class by February 1 and get a $40 discount off the $435.00 course fee by mentioning AVweb! For details go online at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/atop.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2004 GREAT LAKES INTERNATIONAL AVIATION CONFERENCE
Phil Boyer and Lane Wallace are among the many prominent speakers slated to address the Great Lakes International Aviation Conference, February 6 to 8 in Lansing, Michigan. In addition, there will be over 150 breakout sessions for pilots, mechanics, FBOs and aviation enthusiasts. IA renewal and FAA Wings program are available for those who qualify. The exhibit area will be filled with the latest products and technologies. For more information call 248 348-6942 and mention this AVflash, or visit http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/gliac.

ALL PHOTON MICROLIGHTS ON SALE! SALE ENDS JANUARY 31
These small high powered lights are perfect for your flight bag, glove compartment,purse, and briefcase. There's a model and color for every pilot, camper, sportsman, and person on the planet! Save now at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/photon.

TAKE ANY VEHICLE FOR A SPIN WITH THE CARPROP!
Carprop is a free spinning propeller mounted on the front of a vehicle indicating the driver's enthusiasm for flying. As the vehicle moves the propeller spins. Carprop's design allows the propeller to park in a horizontal position when the vehicle stops and doesn't interfere with the license plate numbers. For the pilot who has everything this is perfect! Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/carprop.

SAVE TIME WITH SUMMIT AVIATION'S COMPUTERIZED AVIATION REFERENCE LIBRARY
FARs can change on any government working day. Many handbooks and advisory circulars are updated at predetermined intervals, others are updated irregularly; and others are rarely changed. Summit Aviation keeps track of all of this for you with the Computerized Aviation Reference Library. The Library is a collection of hundreds of FAA publications and other vital information on a single CD-ROM that organizes, formats and makes information accessible! Updates are available from twice a year to every two weeks. Order at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/summit.

SPONSOR NEWS

AVIATION CONSUMER'S FEBRUARY ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:
"Garmin's Bold Stroke", the G1000 and not a retrofit for older Garmin systems any time soon; "Roll Your Own Oxygen"; "Where is that AD?", in search of ADs; "Budget ANR Headsets"; "Datalink Hell"; "Used Aircraft Guide: Cessna 340"; and "What Cylinders Ya Got, Sport?". Aviation Consumer will shortly conduct a survey on owner experiences with new cylinders. They will look at all brands. If you've bought an overhaul during the past five years and want to participate, send an e-mail to mailto:avconsumer@comcast.net?subject=AVConsumer Cylinder Survey (referred from AVflash), and they'll forward a survey form. To order your personal subscription to Aviation Consumer go to http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/belvoir/avcon.

CARBON MONOXIDE KILLS! SAFETY IS CO GUARDIAN'S CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
CO Guardian has models from portable units to panel-mount units with solid-state sensors and temperature sensors, EMI-shielded to prevent radio interference, are built in the USA, and FAA certified. Go online for the CO Guardian model right for your aircraft at http://www.avweb.com/sponsors/cog.

AVflash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest aviation news, articles, products, features and events featured on AVweb, the Internet's Aviation Magazine and News Service. http://www.avweb.com

Letters to the editor intended for publication in AVmail should be sent to mailto:editor@avweb.com.com. Have a comment or question? Send it to mailto:newsteam@avweb.com.

Today's issue written by News Writer Russ Niles:
http://www.avweb.com/contact/authors.html#rniles
AVweb's editorial team: http://avweb.com/contact/authors.html.

Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on marketing? Send it to AVweb's sales team: mailto:sales@avweb.com.

Let's all be careful out there, okay?

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