Features

NORAD Statement on VWS Testing »

By Michael D. Kucharek | January 12, 2005

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, is conducting a series of tests through Jan. 20 of a ground-based low-intensity Visual Warning System in the National Capital Region. More

This Landing Was the Pits: Image Gallery »

By The Editors of AVweb | January 10, 2005

A number of readers were unable to view the images associated with the destruction of a C-130 that touched down at night on a runway that was (unbeknownst to the crew) undergoing a facelift. So we've stripped out the images and made them available here, for the benefit of those readers who can't view them in their native format. More

2004 Year In Review »

By Mary Grady | January 2, 2005

Aviation's second hundred years began in 2004, and it was an interesting start, launching at least two vastly different new ventures that could change GA's future. The boosters of the Sport Pilot rule hope that it will open up sport flying to new generations, with a return to aviation's roots -- easy-to-fly and inexpensive -- while making the most of new materials and technology. On the far side of the flight spectrum, SpaceShipOne opened a new frontier of privately funded space travel for the (relatively well-heeled) masses. Plenty of other people and events affected the GA life in 2004; AVweb presents our year-end look at some of the highlights. More

FAA to Reduce Service at Select Airports ... ? »

By The Editors of AVweb | December 26, 2004

AVweb has obtained a list of 48 airports that could see reduced service or even off-peak tower closures as the FAA tries to put staff where it says it needs it and save money on airports that now have 24-hour controller services but see little or no traffic during certain time periods. More

The Wide, Wild Skies Of Alaska »

By Mary Grady | October 10, 2004

The vastness of Alaska presents both an enticement and a threat to the pilots who fly there. AVweb Newswriter Mary Grady visited Anchorage this summer and filed this report on how Alaska's aviation community is working to get the job done without getting killed in the process. More

SpaceShipOne, Ansari X Prize Winner »

October 4, 2004

Burning Nitrous Oxide and Rubber (and not rolling) to 367,442 MSL (according to the chief on-site X Prize judge), Mojave Aerospace Ventures led by Burt Rutan and funded by Paul Allen Monday earned the Ansari X Prize of $10 million. More

SpaceShipOne Makes Its First X-Prize Attempt »

By Glenn Pew | September 29, 2004

AVweb staffers were in the Mojave Desert bright and early Wednesday morning as SpaceShipOne made the first of three scheduled attempts at private spaceflight. Peer over our shoulders as we watch Burt Rutan, Mike Melvill, and crew take a shot at history -- without having to wake up at 3am! More