Search Results

1 through 20 of about 727 matches.

OpenAirplane Expands Nationwide, Adds Checkouts

AVweb Flash - October 2013
OpenAirplane, a service that aims to make it easier for pilots to rent airplanes when away from home, has been growing since its launch this summer, co-founder Rod Rakic told AVweb in an interview at AOPA Summit on Saturday. The system now has 80 aircraft available in 22 cities, and more than 4,100 pilots have signed up at the company's website. Using the system, pilots can take a "universal checkout" at home, and then rent a plane from participating FBOs while traveling. "Our goal is to make renting an airplane as easy as renting a car," Rakic said. The system so far provides checkouts mostly in single-engine Cessnas, but Rakic said they are now expanding those options -- they are adding more variety in the fleet, plus offering a multi-engine checkout and a mountain checkout for flying from elevations above 5,500 feet.

Guest Blog: Shutdown Hits Flight Training

AVweb Insider - October 2013
The government's partial shutdown may be having a minor effect on pilot training and certification, but it's likely to snowball rapidly as applications backup and training grinds to a halt.

Mogas: The Great Missed Opportunity

AVweb Insider - October 2013
Our recent survey showed that more owners are interested in burning mogas and those that already are have no complaints. What's it going to take to get this stuff wider distribution?

Avgas Survey: Slightly Higher Confidence in Supplies; Mogas Gains Favor

AVweb Flash - October 2013
Compared to two years ago, aircraft owners and operators say they’re more confident in future supplies of 100-octane gasoline of some kind—no thanks to the FAA-- and fewer owners are delaying purchases or upgrades due to worries about fuel supplies. Owners are also casting a more favorable eye on mogas, even though it's available at only about 115 U.S. airports.

OpenAirplane: Maximizing Your Pilot's License

AVweb Features - August 2013
For those who don’t own an airplane, the pilot certificate often turns off when the pilot is away from their home base because the process of renting an aircraft while away from home can be a hassle. OpenAirplane hopes to change this.

Aircraft Detailing: More than a Wash

AVweb Features - August 2013
Hiring a professional detailing service can create a starting point for rejuvenating the aircraft paint finish, while making routine post-flight cleaning easier. Detailing work is pricey, but might be paid during resale.

A Visit to Zulu

AVweb Insider - July 2013
A year into the program, Continental's innovative flight training program is making headway.

FBO of the Week: Cullman Regional Airport (K3A1)

AVweb Flash - July 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.01 (down 1˘ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.41 (no change from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's latest blue ribbon goes to the FBO at Cullman Regional Airport (Folsom Field/K3A1) in Vinemont, Alabama.AVweb reader Christopher Leonard brought Cullman to our attention:This is a great airport! Ben Harrison, the assistant airport manager, was out in front to greet us when we arrived. That doesn't happen very often elsewhere.In addition, I had an experience where they really shined in terms of customer service: I inadvertently left my iPad in a rental car there and called the next morning when I realized it was missing. The person I spoke with at the front desk immediately went and tracked it down, and then Ben took it over to the UPS Store for me, got me in touch with the person at the store while he waited so I could arrange shipping back to me, and then stayed to ensure that everything was all set with the package before leaving. This is fantastic service!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!

FBO of the Week: Advanced Aviation Jet Center (New Century AirCenter, KS)

AVweb Flash - June 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.01 (down 1˘ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.41 (no change from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Advanced Aviation Jet Center at New Century AirCenter Airport (KIXD) in Johnson, Kansas (near Olathe/New Century).AVweb reader John Keller called Advanced Aviation "a great stop south of the Kansas City area that is worth a visit":A planned flight into Olathe was delayed 12 hours due to severe weather en route. Jonathon had previously made hotel and rental auto reservations for our arrival but was able to cancel the hotel — without a charge. The rental auto was a 24-hour rental so it was planeside when we arrived. Fuel pricing was due to the CAA Program, but their regular prices are very reasonable, also. Anything we needed at the time they were able to answer or provide in a competent and friendly manner. Excellent customer service all around!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!

FBO of the Week: Atlantic Aviation (KAUS, Austin, Texas)

AVweb Flash - June 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.02 (no change from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.41 (no change from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Atlantic Aviation at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) in Austin, Texas.AVweb reader Diane Myers let us know about their outstanding service:We always park at Atlantic in Austin. Large airport means more expensive fuel, but their service is outstanding. Two years ago, we needed maintenance on Sunday after Thanksgiving. They called out a mechanic. He was out of town but called his co-worker to drive out to the airport to fix our problem. Great service!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!

FBO of the Week: Signature Flight Support (KRST, Rochester, MN)

AVweb Flash - June 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.02 (no change from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.41 (up 1˘ from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->"FBO of the Week" readers know the smallest things can make a big difference. AVweb reader Terry L. Martin provides the case study as he tells us about a recent visit to Signature Flight Support at Rochester International Airport (KRST) in Rochester, Minnesota:Very friendly faces and a desire to help. Prompt service and courtesy. In the little gift shop, they displayed a t-shirt that caught my eye. I asked if they had one in smaller children's sizes (grandchildren sizes). They did not. However, the gentleman behind the counter aksed if he could have my contact information and he would check with the supplier for avilability and let me know. I know it's not much, but sometimes it's the little things that cause someone to notice. I've been to this FBO numerous times over the last few years, and I receive top-notch treatment every time.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!

FBO of the Week: Base Operations (Page Field Airport, Ft. Myers, FL)

AVweb Flash - June 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.02 (down 1˘ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.40 (down 3˘ from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Base Operations at Page Field Airport (KFMY) in Fort Myers.AVweb reader Frank Ladd recommended the FBO:I have been to this FBO many times in the past on our yearly jaunts to Sanibel Island. I have always had excellent service with Scott and Debra at the Page Airport. This year, they excelled themselves. Their line personnel are very accommodating and most helpful. We were delayed due to weather on May 1, but they still accommodated us and our four-hour late arrival. Fuel prices are very competitive, too. The line guys had my car waiting and were helpful in loading our luggage. This FBO will get my business again.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!

FBO of the Week: Copeca Jet Center (TJBQ, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico)

AVweb Flash - May 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.03 (up 1˘ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.43 (no change from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Copeca Jet Center at Rafael Hernandez Airport (TJBQ) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.AVweb reader Bruce Huester told us about the FBO:Copeca Jet Center is a well-run, family-owned and operated FBO on the northwest end of Puerto Rico. We have stopped there several times for fuel and customs. The customs folks are friendly, courteous, and quick! We park right outside the customs office and are typically processed in less than ten minutes. We had a pressurization issue after departure, and when we returned, Copeca was very helpful with lining up a mechanic, arranging accommodations, and providing transportation. I highly recommend Copeca for a tech stop or overnight.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!

Aviation Group Provides Aid To Tornado Victims

AVweb Flash - May 2013
Sky Hope Network, a nonprofit organization, is raising money through June 1 to support members of the aviation community affected by the destructive tornado that hit near Oklahoma City on Monday. "FAA personnel, staffers, escrow agents, and airport and FBO support workers in the OKC region are victim to a range of personal losses," says the Network at their website. "They need immediate assistance from the wider aviation business community." All funds collected will go directly to the victims, the group said. Aerobridge, a nonprofit that coordinates general-aviation relief efforts, told AOPA no pilot volunteers are needed since the affected areas are accessible by road.

FBO of the Week: St. Clair County Airport (KPLR, Pell City, Alabama)

AVweb Flash - May 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.02 (down 2˘ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.43 (down 6˘ from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to St. Clair County Airport (KPLR) in Pell City, Alabama.AVweb reader Mike Grossberg got the royal treatment there recently:The service is "over the top" at this beautiful country airport. The airport manager, Larry, answered my airport advisory request and offered to meet me on the ramp with the rental car as I taxied in from landing. Larry escorted us to the transient hangar, helped push the plane in, and gave us directions. This lovely airport even has a shady gazebo for watching the airplanes come and go. Real Southern hospitality at its best.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!

FBO of the Week: Sonoma Jet Center (Santa Rosa, California)

AVweb Flash - May 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.04 (up 3˘ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.49 (no change from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Sonoma Jet Center at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (KSTS) in Santa Rosa, California.AVweb reader Austin Kalb told us about the FBO:Wow. Either I'm really a VIP, or the people at the Sonoma Jet Center in Santa Rosa, California just made me feel that way. When I arrived in my Mooney, I was immediately swarmed by staff unpacking my luggage, loading the rental car (that was brought to the airplane), hooking up a tow, [and] handing us some cold waters. Then Josh said hello. He owns the place — and when I found out he was a Mooney driver, I stepped out of the airplane to chat. A couple of minutes later, I was offered hangar space with the big guys. Nice! That night, my rental car experienced a flat tire. [The rental company] was less than helpful — they left me pretty much on my own. I called the FBO. They simply took care of the issue. I left my car at the B&B in the morning, and when I returned later that day, a new rental was sitting where the old one was. When we left Santa Rosa, Josh showed up again to see us off. Last time I visited Santa Rosa, Joyce at the front desk was exceptional. Now I get why — it starts at the top. Great job, guys!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!

FBO of the Week: Honaker Aviation (KJVY, Sellersburg, IN)

AVweb Flash - May 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.01 (down 1˘ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.49 (down 1˘ from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Honaker Aviation at Clark Regional Airport (KJVY) in Sellersburg, Indiana.AVweb reader Charles Black recommended the FBO:Kevin Happel and crew proactively removed a bird nest from the engine compartment. It could have led to an in-flight engine fire. I never suspected it was there. Profuse thanks for noticing the bird activity.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!

FBO of the Week: Harrison Aviation (KGKY, Arlington, Texas)

AVweb Flash - April 2013
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $6.03 (no change from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.51 (down 4˘ from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's latest "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Harrison Aviation at Arlington Municipal Airport (KGKY) in Arlington, Texas.AVweb reader Carol Goldberg found warm Texan hospitality awaiting her here on a recent diversion:Due to weather, we diverted to Arlington, Texas on our way home from Las Vegas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The entire staff went out of their way to assist us in obtaining hotel reservations, driving us to the hotel, recommending a dinner place, assuring us the jetprop would be hangared if the winds increased, and having snacks and hot drinks.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!

AVmail: April 22, 2013

AVweb Features - April 2013
Letter of the Week: Managing the MessageI planned an FAA Safety Team seminar on the subject of non-towered operations at towers closed by sequestration. The speakers listed would be FAA Safety Team members, local ATC controllers, and FSDO inspectors.The document was released to 8,000-plus pilots in the Tampa Bay area by FAASafety.gov around April 1. On April 3, I got a phone call from FAA Safety Team management advising me to revise the notice and remove any mention of FAA involvement. I expressed my extreme displeasure with that direction, but I revised the notice. Two days later I got a call from the same manager telling me that FAA HQ wanted me to change the title and remove any mention of the word "sequestration." In addition, I was advised to not discuss budgetary items or sequestration with pilots.I cannot detail here what I said to the manager because a censor would redact them. I refused to change the title. I also threatened to resign as a Lead Team Rep (been one for 25 years) because I will not let the FAA trample on my First Amendment rights. The manager asked me not to resign, especially when I told him the next call I was making would be to the media.The FAA is not paying a penny for the countless hours I have devoted to the FAA Safety Program. I refuse to be intimidated by faceless Washington HQ types who cannot stand the heat brought on by their total disregard for aviation safety.The title of the seminar was revised without me. It was held last week with 66 pilots attending. We discussed everything that the FAA told me not to discuss.This attempt by FAA HQ to manage the story cannot be tolerated. That's why I am writing this letter.Jack TunstillClick here to read the rest of this week's letters.