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June 8, 2006
NewsWire Complete Issue
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
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 The SJ30-2 Is the World's
Fastest Light Business JetNot only is it fast; it has intercontinental range -- 560 mph and over 2800 sm range. The SJ30-2 is the most advanced light business jet in the sky
today -- the perfect package of speed, range, and good looks. Click here for details. |
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FAA's Contract To Be Imposed On
Controllers |
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"Under the terms of our statute, the FAA’s proposed change takes effect as of today, and we will begin the process of implementing our proposal," said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey on Monday, setting in motion a new era in the long history of FAA relations with its air traffic
controllers. Not since the days of the strike under President Reagan has the situation been so tense. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) wanted the FAA to wait until a bill in
Congress was voted on -- a bill that would have suspended the deadline and sent both parties back to the bargaining table. Last night that vote was held ... and fell short of the required two-thirds
tally by nine votes. Even if the bill had passed, quotes from the White House suggest President Bush would have vetoed it. "Legislative intervention now could increase the pay of federal workers who
are already on average the highest paid in government, increase pressure on the deficit, and displace funding for modernization of the air traffic control system," the Bush White House said in a
statement earlier this week, The Washington Post reported. The FAA also opposed the
legislative effort. "We do not support changing the rules in the 11th hour and we do not support taking away from Congress a decision that will have significant budget consequences for the agency,"
FAA spokesman Geoffrey Basye told AVweb on Tuesday. "This is why, in accordance with statute, we announced yesterday that we will move forward with implementing our last and best contract
offer, which will raise the current average salary and benefits from $165,900 to $187,000."
Despite last night's disappointment, NATCA President John Carr noted that "a clear bipartisan majority" of the U.S. representatives voted in favor of the union's position that the contract
negotiations should be reopened. "We hope the FAA has received that message," Carr said in a statement sent to AVweb last night. "NATCA will continue to pursue a legislative solution to this
critical problem. We remain encouraged by the expressions of support from both sides of the aisle and in both Houses and we are confident that additional legislative avenues remain open. We're looking
forward to pursuing all remaining avenues aggressively." Meanwhile, the FAA will move forward to impose the contract as it stands. New hires for ATC jobs will face a 30-percent lower pay scale than
current workers. The union's control over work rules and staffing levels will likely be substantially eroded. NATCA has been predicting mass retirements by weary workers who have nothing to gain by
staying. "The FAA has been prepared for retirements in the work force long before these negotiations even started," said Basye. "We have a comprehensive workforce plan that will ensure all of our
facilities are staffed in a manner that guarantees safety and ensures we have the level of controllers required to deal with the traffic in the system."
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 Aircraft Spruce Carries the Spinning RatchetA combination tool with ratcheting action for power and spinning action for speed. All types of accessories can be used with
this wrench, such as extensions on either end or flexible drives. Without the spinning handle attached, it is a very compact tool for restricted areas. The toll is a 3/8" drive. Use your socket
accessories. If you do not have a spinning handle, purchase one when you buy your new tool. Call 1-877-4-SPRUCE or visit Aircraft Spruce online. |
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With few recent mutterings regarding progress on its "Cirrus killer" design, Cessna is now (also?) studying the
feasibility of developing and producing a light sport aircraft (LSA). The company said Tuesday in a news release it will display a full-scale proof-of-concept aircraft at EAA
AirVenture next month at Oshkosh. "As the world's largest producer of single-engine piston airplanes, we believe we could bring unique capabilities to this exciting market," said Cessna CEO Jack
Pelton. "Our extensive sales and service network could provide an important market advantage, which, in concert with our design and manufacturing experience, could make this an attractive extension of
our product line," he said. No word yet on an attractive (or otherwise) pricing -- the decision to build, or not to build, will be made early in 2007. The company plans to unveil its LSA at a press
conference at the EAA show on July 24, and will survey visitors at the show to ensure a Cessna-designed LSA would be responsive to market preferences.
AOPA says pilot numbers -- and new pilot starts -- are dwindling. The light sport aircraft category is the highest growth sector of general aviation, Cessna said. But that's not the only attraction of
the market. "An important part of our thought process in looking at LSA is the value in terms of new pilot starts," added Pelton. "Experience has shown that Cessna brand loyalty is a powerful force in
our success, and we believe this new category of aircraft could provide a conduit for new pilots to grow through the Cessna product line in the years ahead." Pelton said the company will evaluate
through the year a spectrum of issues associated with entering the sector to determine if there is a favorable business case.
An Elephant For LSA Mall
Tom Poberezny, EAA president, welcomed Cessna to the show, saying, "This is another step toward expanding the
light-sport aircraft marketplace." Cessna's mock-up will be displayed at the LSA Mall, alongside all the other aircraft already available under the new rule. For those manufacturers now in the market,
"This announcement is both exciting and more than a little scary," says marketing consultant Dan Johnson, who has worked to organize the Mall
for EAA. Cessna does seem to be playing catch-up, he said, noting their similar late entry into the VLJ market, after others had tested the waters. And "big companies are often less nimble than small
players," he added. In any case, Cessna's interest lends credibility to the LSA segment, Johnson said. Speaking on behalf of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, Johnson added that LAMA
"welcomes Cessna to the party." It's a "neat thing" that Cessna will have a presence at the LSA Mall, he told AVweb yesterday. And while some of the less-robust manufacturers may suffer from
the added competition, Johnson said, he thinks the stronger companies will in fact benefit from the added exposure.
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 Zuluworks Adds Three New Bags to Its
Line-Up!Introducing the Oryx Roller Office, the Topi Shoulder Pack, and the Mongoose Essentials Bag. Whether you're just going up for a quick spin or setting out on
a week-long adventure, Zuluworks has all your bag needs covered. Prices starting at $29.95. To see the complete line and order
direct, visit the Zuluworks web site. |
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FAA Sets Timetable For Return Of Capstone
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Next Thursday, air traffic controllers in Anchorage can resume the use of ADS-B information to separate traffic in the remote Bethel, Aniak, and St. Mary's areas of southern Alaska, the FAA says. The
service was discontinued last month while the FAA reviewed its separation standards. The FAA now says
ADS-B targets will be separated from each other by a minimum of five nautical miles. But non-radar separation standards will be applied between an ADS-B target and a radar target. That is, the
"procedural" methods now being used, as if there were no target on the scopes, will remain in place. On July 15, the FAA will begin an operational evaluation to determine what minimum separation
standard it will accept between an ADS-B target and a radar target. On or about Aug. 15, the FAA plans to expand the operational validation of mixed ADS-B and radar procedures to the Dillingham and
King Salmon areas. ADS-B has been deployed in Alaska as part of the Capstone project to provide radar-like services in areas where no
radar is available. The ADS-B signals appear on ATC scopes as different-colored targets, to distinguish them from true radar returns. The Capstone project has been credited for dramatic safety
improvements in Alaska, and the FAA has committed to expanding the use of the system in the lower 48.
Rick Thompson, NATCA's regional representative in Alaska, told AVweb that before last month, controllers had been working on the understanding that ADS-B and radar returns were to be treated
the same. But recent communications from the FAA had referred to a "mixed environment" and it became clear that not everyone was on the same page. Controllers asked for clarification, and that's when
the FAA made the decision to suspend the program pending a review of the standards. Safety advocate Felix Maguire expressed concern that due to structural changes in the FAA, decisions that affect
Alaska now are made in Seattle or L.A. or D.C. But the underlying problem "is a breakdown in the collaboration and collegiality that we established and fostered between the FAA and aviation industry
over the past 10 years," he told AVweb last week. "Prior to that, both sides were always at loggerheads. We changed that. It was out of this professional respect that Capstone was born and
thrived." A return to the pre-Capstone status quo is not acceptable, Maguire said. "I think the folks in D.C. are now getting to understand that."
Meanwhile, ADS-B is also being used in Australia, a place similar to Alaska in its dependence on small aircraft for transport across huge, empty areas. But Dick Smith, a prominent businessman and
former chairman of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, has raised questions about the security of the system. Smith said that a hacker using inexpensive gear could create false aircraft returns to
appear on a controller's screen, creating "total chaos in the air traffic control system," The Australian reported on Tuesday. Smith said he learned about the susceptibility from FAA officials. FAA spokeswoman Tammy Jones told AVweb on Tuesday that the Washington
office had given out no such information. Transport Minister Warren Truss recently met with Smith, and a spokeswoman told The Australian that his concerns are "being considered" and "and we would
point out that no decision about [expanding] ADS-B has been made, nor is a decision imminent."
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 Give
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Just in time for summer, it's Batman meets James Bond ... not at the movies, but up in the skies. A German company, ESG,
introduced its prototype of a jet-powered wing that will enable parachutists to fly over 100 miles from the airplane to a landing site. Designed for the military, the system enables paratroopers with
a new degree of versatility. The wing is now being tested sans jet engines, but still has a glide distance of about 25 miles with jumps from 32,000 feet. It also enables jumpers to operate at night
and in bad weather, using a stabilization system to deal with adverse wind conditions, ESG said. And the next version of the system will have even more capability. The jet-equipped wing, which will
weigh about 66 pounds, will have a cargo compartment. The jumper would have to be supplied with oxygen and thermal clothing. Of course, no new gizmo is without predecessors. Swiss pilot Yves Rossy jumped with a similar contraption in 2004, and flew horizontally for over four minutes at about 100 knots, using small jet packs
for power.
Jack Francis, 61, was flying his Cessna 185 with his wife and another couple on board on Sunday afternoon, heading home to Park Valley, Utah, from Jackpot, Nev., when his heart began to fail. He was
still 80 miles from his destination airport and knew he physically couldn't make it. So Francis put the Cessna down safely on a highway. The aircraft ran off the pavement and hit a fence, but the
three passengers were unhurt. Francis died later that day. "He basically saved these other three peoples' lives by landing the plane on the highway," Utah Highway Patrol spokesman Derek Jensen told
the Salt Lake Tribune.
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 Hear the Difference with a
LightSPEED Headset"The audio quality exceeds any headset I've tried," states Bing Lantis, President of Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing. The Mach 1 integrates tiny
high-fidelity speakers, giving pilots the best quality sound. Get the rich sound of a concert hall with the Mach 1 or the Thirty 3G. Fly with crystal clarity and full sound, plus improved
intelligibility of radio and intercom audio. To order, contact a LightSPEED dealer or call (800) 332-2421 (PST business hours). View the 60-second video clip! |
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The safety record of general aviation in New Zealand has come under scrutiny, with questions raised about the 2003 crash of a Piper Chieftain that killed eight people, including the pilot. Two others
were seriously hurt. The official report on the accident was completed by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission
last year, and concluded that pilot error was the most likely cause. But a report filed last week by coroner
Richard McElrea cited the Civil Aviation Authority's inadequate oversight of the small charter company as a major factor. "One man, one aircraft and one part-time assistant were not a safe critical
mass and the safety process of the CAA should have detected that and prevented the flight in question," McElrea said. The pilot had been cited in 20 prior incidents. On Tuesday, CAA chairman Ron Tannock vowed that the report would be heeded and changes are in the works. When the coroner's
report was released last week, families of the deceased said they had no faith its findings would be heeded. Tannock said the CAA will adopt all the safety recommendations in McElrea's report. "In
practice, there has been shown to be a shortfall and the lessons of the crash ... not only in terms of pilot conduct, but in terms of the regulator's role, are apparent and must be addressed," McElrea
said.
It's the largest peacetime airlift in the world, according to Cessna. Coming up July 1, 400 Citation jets from
around the country will fly into the Des Moines International Airport, carrying athletes and coaches to the 2006 Special Olympics USA
National Games. A Citation will land or take off every 60 to 90 seconds during a 12-hour period. "All the work leads up to that moment when a Citation door opens and an athlete steps out smiling
from ear to ear," said Jack Pelton, Cessna CEO. The fleet will return on July 8 to carry the Olympians home. The first Citation Special Olympics Airlift took place in 1987 with about 130 jets. Similar
airlifts took place for the games in 1991, 1995, and 1999, but this year's is the biggest. Corporations and individual Citation owners and operators donate the aircraft, pilots and fuel for the
event.
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Stop Squirming in Your Seat -- Upgrade to First Class!Oregon Aero, Inc. has the solution to
uncomfortable seating for any aircraft -- Portable Universal SoftSeatTM Cushion Systems. The cushion design shifts your hips and pelvis into the proper,
pain-free position. Visco-elastic foam "reads" body temperature and pressure to prevent painful hot spots. Select the Portable SoftSeatTM Cushion to fit your
aircraft online at Oregon Aero or call (800) 888-6910.
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2020 is not that far off, only 14 years away, and air traffic above Europe is expected to double by then. Eurocontrol, the agency that manages
Europe's airspace, is working on plans to cope. Those plans include not only upgrades to hardware and software, but a rethinking of the system's administrative structure. A Single-Sky vision mandates
that airspace sectors will be determined by traffic flows rather than international borders. The change would create additional capacity and improve efficiency, Eurocontrol says. The Europeans also
are experimenting with ADS-B technology. By 2020, the system should be able to operate with fewer ATC centers, according to Defense Daily. Machines would "talk" to each other, so pilots and controllers would
need to communicate only if deviating from the plan. Most flights would proceed from start to finish without a need for that kind of handling. Europe now has close to 8.5 million flights per year and
up to 28,000 flights on the busiest days, according to Eurocontrol.
When the idea of fractional ownership for single-engine piston aircraft was introduced, it was greeted with plenty of skepticism. But now it's an accepted part of the GA landscape, and continuing to
grow. Aviation Consumer's June issue analyzed the financial difference between single ownership and
fractional, and found that for pilots who fly from about 50 to 250 hours per year, fractional plans can work. Pilots also appreciate having fewer worries. "The number one benefit we heard from
fractional owners was the pleasure of not dealing with the details of ownership," the article said. Of course, the big operators like AirShares
Elite and OurPlane aren't the only option for the part-time owner. Flying clubs have been around for decades, and AOPA recently added a flying-club section to its Web site. The section features information about starting a flying club, finding an
aircraft, club operations, costs, taxes, and insurance. There are also tips on how to manage relationships with the FBO and other club members and how to effectively promote the club. And at the
sport-flying end of the spectrum, Let's Fly has organized over 200 cooperatives with buy-in costs as low as $2,900.
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Download Voyager FreeFlight Now!Voyager FreeFlight is a completely no-cost yet powerful and
easy-to-use flight planner based on the award-winning Voyager Flight Software System. Voyager FreeFlight works whether connected to the internet or not; it shows flight over terrain; it
automatically downloads current weather, NavData, and TFRs; and it comes complete with more than 160 aircraft profiles. Compare it to other non-cost flight planners, and you will be amazed! Voyager
FreeFlight can be downloaded from the Seattle Avionics web site.
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Cirrus owners raised $105,000 to support the Red Tail Project during their fourth annual migration to the factory in
Duluth, Minn. The project aims to bring the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to school kids across the U.S....
Air traffic controllers in Opa Locka, Fla., must climb a ladder 33 feet to go to work in their temporary control tower in a converted trailer. The controllers were moved out of their
dilapidated old tower, but a new one might take three years to construct. The Miami Herald said controllers can't
see the whole field from the trailer and it would be dangerous in a storm...
The Sky Arrow 600 Light Sport Aircraft is now available in a disabled-pilot version. Brakes and rudder can be operated by hand
controls. The airplane can also be flown with rudder pedals. The Sky Arrow is built in Italy...
This year's Latin American Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition, set for Sao Paulo, Brazil, in August, has been cancelled due to
construction delays at the airport. A new date will be set soon...
AirCell has won an exclusive right to provide air-to-ground wireless broadband services in the U.S. Expect
rollout for airliners and bizjets sometime next year.
Check AVweb.com tomorrow for the podcast link at the top of the page.
Online Now: Exclusive interviews featuring New Piper's Jim Bass, Excel Jet's Bob Bornhofen, Adam Aircraft's Joe Walker, FAA administrator Marion Blakey, Cirrus Design's Alan Klapmeier and more.
AVweb's Podcast index, is available online -- pick and choose your pleasure, or subscribe free to AVweb's podcasts and receive them automatically for listening on your computer, iPod, or while
traveling with any MP3 player. You'll hear things you won't find anywhere else.
Drop us a line. If it caught your attention, it will probably interest someone else, too. Submit news tips via email to
newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best
part.
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Garmin 396 vs. Flight Cheetah with XM Weather ComparisonHow does the Garmin 396 really compare to the Flight
Cheetah with XM Weather? Check out this link to find out. (866) 443-3342
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COLUMNS
The Savvy Aviator #32: 2006 Aging GA Aircraft Summit
The average GA airplane is now more than 35 years old. The FAA believes this represents a significant threat to safety, but most owner associations and type clubs disagree.
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. Watch for a Business AVflash regular feature, TSA WATCH: GA IN THE "SPOTLIGHT". Sign up today at http://www.avweb.com/profile/
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FAA Enforcement Actions Are on the Rise!Legal claims for airspace incursions have increased over
150% -- all requiring legal counsel. The AOPA Legal Services Plan provides protection in a variety of situations where you might need legal support. Plus, the Plan gives you unlimited
consultation on most aviation matters covered by the Plan, annual review of key aviation documents, and one no-cost half-hour consultation with an AOPA Legal Services Plan panel attorney regarding
aviation-related matters not otherwise covered. Spend $29 today and get aviation legal protection on your side all year. Call (800) USA-AOPA [ (800) 872-8672] or go online.
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Nominate an FBO
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Rules
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Tips
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Questions
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Winning FBOs
AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to LEBANON AVIATION SERVICES at KLBO, Lebanon, MO.
RON BAAKE wrote in to tell us, "THEY ARE FRIENDLY, THEY HAVE A VERY CLEAN FACILITY WITH FREE FOOD AND DRINKS. THEY ARE WILLING TO HELP YOU OUT WITHOUT QUESTION. THEY HAVE CONVENIENT
HOURS."
Keep those nominations coming. Click here to nominate your favorite FBO and here for complete contest rules
AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBO's in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!
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Avidyne Introduces Large-Format Version of MHAS6000Avidyne has a large-format version of the MHAS6000
Multi-Hazard Avoidance System featuring the Avidyne FlightMax (R) EX5000 Multi-Function Display (MFD) and TAS600 Series active surveillance traffic system. It joins the
FlightMax EX500 version as a comprehensive situational awareness package available immediately for retrofit installation in most general aviation aircraft with savings of up to $3,000 over individual
system purchases. For complete details, go online.
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*** PREVIOUS RESULTS ***
Last week, AVweb reported that the Cessna 172S that lost its
propeller in the skies over St. Augustine, Florida at the end of May
had experienced a crankshaft failure — and that the crankshaft was a
Lycoming. In light of recent crankshaft developments, we asked
our readers if this was a cause for concern, especially where
Lycoming is concerned.
Your responses were split across the entire spectrum of possible
answers:
21% of those who responded were not concerned with the
crankshaft failure, agreeing with our statement This doesn't
necessarily have anything to do with Lycoming parts or its
manufacturing process. This segment was the largest of
those who have replied to our poll at press time — but only by a
thin margin.
18% were at the other end of the spectrum, saying this incident
made you extremely concerned about Lycoming's ability to produce
a reliable engine.
Another 18% cited the fact that this crankshaft failure was
different than those mentioned in Lycoming's recalls. (It
occurred at a different place on the crankshaft.) This, our
readers said, made them more concerned, not less concerned.
17% of respondents said they were very concerned about
Lycoming and left it at that.
13% admitted to us that they fly older airplanes or ones that
aren't affected by the Lycoming crankshaft issue.
And 12% said they were not particularly concerned, because
this failure wasn't one of those behind the recent Lycoming recalls.
For real-time results of last week's question,
click here.
*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***
2006 has been full of exciting announcements, innovations, and
power struggles. This week, AVweb wants to know which of the hottest
happenings in general aviation is at the top of your watch list.
Click here
to tell us which story (from our short list) has you most excited.
Have an idea for a new QOTW? Send your suggestions to
qotw@avweb.com. NOTE:
This address is
only for suggested QOTW questions, and not for QOTW answers or
comments.
Use
this form to send QOTW comments to our AVmail Editor.
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Savvy Owner Seminar Comes to Sporty's Pilot Shop, Batavia, Ohio!If you live within flying distance to Clermont County
Airport (I-69 in Batavia, Ohio), plan to attend Mike Busch's Savvy Owner Seminar on June 24-25. In addition to the usual information-packed syllabus,
you'll have a chance to shop at Sporty's and meet its founder, Hal Shevers. Go online for more information and a complete
schedule.
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Submit a Photo |
Rules |
Tips |
Questions
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Past POTW Winners We'd like to kick off this installment of
"Picture of the Week" with a hearty thank you to all those who
took time to re-submit their pictures after last week's server issues.
Many of you mentioned re-submitting in your comments, and some photos we
recognized from the mangled remnants of your first attempt.
Between the new submissions and re-submits, we received well over 100 "POTW"
entries this week. Choosing a winner was tough, and it became even
tougher once we narrowed it down to the Top Three. An eye-catching pic from Ralph Finch
and Dan Kluepfel of
Davis, California eventually emerged as our top pick — but only after we
changed our minds 30 or 40 times
carefully considered all the candidates.
As this week's winning contributors, Ralph and Dan will receive official
AVweb baseball caps — sporting the site's logo — to shade their eyes
this summer. We'd love to see your photos — and maybe even send
you a hat of your own. To enter the weekly contest,
submit
your photos here.
*** THIS WEEK'S WINNERS ***
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copyright © Dan
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Used with permission
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"Ercoupe over Golden Gate"
Dan Kluepfel and
Ralph Finch of Davis, California
took to the skies for this amazing shot of an Ercoupe soaring above San
Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. After all those X-Men 3
commercials, it's nice to see the famous landmark in all its serene
(intact) majesty.
Credit where it's due department:
Dan Kluepful took the shot, while Ralph Finch did the flying. The
pilot of the Ercoupe is Dan Hall of Aliso Viejo. |
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AVweb continues to receive a large number of excellent images for
our POTW contest. Here are some of the runners-up. Due to privacy issues,
AVweb does not publish e-mail addresses of
readers who submit photos. |
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copyright © the
photographer
name withheld by request |
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"Beats Workin' for a Living"
An AVweb reader who wishes to remain anonymous
sends greetings from the back of a C-130 "somewhere in the Pacific."
We loved the photo and very nearly named it our "Picture of the Week."
In hindsight, maybe it's best we didn't — an AVweb hat might wreak havoc
with our mysterious submitter's secret identity.
Regarding Anonymous Submissions:
We can and will honor requests to withhold your personal information
(such as your name or home town), but you must include those details
with your
submission. It's nothing sinister — we don't use the
information for marketing and don't sell it to third parties — but we do
need to verify that you are a real person if we ever need to contact you
about your photo submission. |
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"Riding with the Warbirds"
Dave Bier of La Grange, Illinois
writes, "I had the extreme good fortune of riding in a WWII Corsair recently
(back where the radio equip used to be) and snapped this picture as we
formed up with a B-25, an SBD Dauntless, a Wildcat, and a Bearcat (not
pictured off our right wing). The planes were in town for an airshow. Incredible experience!" |
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"Victory"
E.J. Gonzalez of Portsmouth,
Virginia was on-hand when billionaire record-setter Steve Fossett
stepped out of Virgin Atlantic's much-celebrated Global Flyer.
E.J. reports that Fossett received a well-earned round of applause as he
touched ground for the first time. |
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Used with
permission of
Thomas W. Sawyer |
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"Florida Fire Control"
This time of year always sees a hefty rise in the number of
fire-fighting photos submitted to our "Picture of the Week" contest.
Not that we're complaining — fire-fighting machines like this Boeing 107
lend themselves to some really exciting photos.
Thomas W. Sawyer of Ocklawaha,
Florida
tells us this helicopter works fire control in the Ocala National
Forest — and was on its way to another mission when he snapped the
photo. |
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"The Go/No-Go Decision"
Based on this photo from Jeff Brooks of Flushing, Michigan,
it looks like the decision's already been made.
Jeff writes, "After tying down all the aircraft on Western Michigan University's
ramp, I decided to get some pictures of the incoming storm and, to my
surprise, caught a beautiful shot of Mother Nature at its finest." |
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| Kids in the Cockpit
Long-time "POTW" readers know we can't resist pointing out the
trends in our weekly submissions — and this week's photos featured
a surprisingly high number of cockpit photos. (Eighteen, to
be exact.) Of those, we had three great-looking "kids in the
cockpit" photos.
Now, there are two kinds of "POTW" reader (according to the
letters we receive) — those who are about to shout "Oh, cute!
Honey, come here and look at this!" and those who will go, "Oh,
no, three pictures with no airplanes in them."
You can both consider yourselves warned. |
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"Future Captain"
Tina Nelson of San Carlos,
California put her niece, Julia Dellenbach, at the stick of a 747 at
KSQL's Hiller Aviation
Museum — and this the result. |
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"Where to, Captain?"
Another Tina (Tina Madovoy of Clarksville,
Tennessee) had the same idea this week. This is her 7-month-old
son "taking his first ride in a Cessna 152." |
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"Aviators in the Making"
Rajeev Pandey of Corvallis, Oregon
is taking things a bit slower with his two sons, ages 3 and 5 years old.
Not only did he wait until they'd mastered walking and talking to begin
their training, but he also started them out on a cockpit
familiarization trainer at Oregon's
Evergreen Air
Museum (home of the Spruce Goose). |
To enter next week's contest,
click here.
A Reminder About Copyrights: Please take a moment to consider the
source of your image before submitting to our "Picture of the Week" contest.
If you did not take the photo yourself, ask yourself if you are indeed
authorized to release publication rights to AVweb. If you're uncertain,
consult the
POTW
Rules or
send us an e-mail.
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AVWEB APPRECIATES YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS,
WHO BRING YOU TODAY'S NEWS AND FEATURES AT NO COST TO
YOU
Tired of the High Cost of Fuel? GAMIjectors Are the Answer!
Don't be grounded by sky-high gas prices. Install GAMIjectors, and you could see up to a 20%
cut in your aircraft's fuel bill. Balanced fuel/air ratios make your aircraft's engine run smoother, cooler, and more efficiently. Call 888-FLY-GAMI, or order a kit online for your Continental or Lycoming engine.
Attention, Piper Owners and Pilots!
The Piper Flyer Association (PFA) provides parts locating, tech support, a monthly member magazine, online
forums, national and regional events, an annual convention, seminars, and more. With a one-year membership for $39, access the needed information to expand your knowledge and get more enjoyment from
owning and flying your Piper aircraft. The PFA is located on the Waupaca Municipal Airport in Wisconsin, just 35 miles NW of Oshkosh. For more information, and to request a sample copy of the
magazine, click here.
Worried About Busting A Reg? You Should Be!
It's all too easy with today's tightened rules and enforcement. Join the smart pilots who trust Aviation
Safety to keep them aware and in the air. Discover this informative, instructive monthly that sharpens your savvy and air readiness. For big savings from the regular rate, subscribe now.
Gas Prices Keeping You Grounded? Share Expenses on Your Next Flight!
Join PilotShareTheRide.com. This unique site is offered at no cost to pilots AND
those who love to fly and don't have access to an aircraft. You can share costs on your next flight! Pilot Share The Ride is supported by advertisers, just like AVweb, so there are no membership
costs. Check out PilotShareTheRide.com.
Flying's June Issue Takes Flight in the TBM 850
Flying editors say nothing goes as fast and as far for the money as the TBM 850. Also
covered in this issue: a walk through Sporty's immense catalog; Bonanza vs. Baron; training for rescue; and much more. Order your
subscription at an online savings.
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AVwebFlash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service.
Today's issue was written by news writer Mary Grady (bio).
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