Aviation News

The governor of Hawaii signed a bill removing criminal penalties for many airport violations last week. Prior to the bill’s passing, Hawaii was the only state where violations unrelated to airport security could result in criminal misdemeanor charges. Many local and national pilot groups have been working toward decriminalization legislation, with AOPA calling it the […]

This week, AVweb’s news roundup found reports of a new aerobatics show at Oshkosh, the purchase of four simulators by Kent State University, a facility upgrade for Pro Star Aviation and new authorized dealers for Whelen Engineering aircraft lighting products. With AirVenture 2018 right around the corner, Aero Sport Power has announced that aerobatic performer […]

A government report says a longtime FAA inspector allowed unqualified pilots to fly for the U.S.’s largest airline. The report issued by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Transportation says that the 28-year veteran “seems to have been affected by his relationship with [American Airlines].” The safety concerns—which only involved maintenance […]

After nine years of covert development and testing, California-based Opener Inc. revealed what it is calling the world’s first ultralight fixed-wing, all-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft on Thursday. According to the company, the amphibious BlackFly has already completed more than 1,000 flights and flown over 10,000 miles. As an ultralight, the single-seat aircraft […]

I’m one of those guys who believes that most people in government are trying to do a good job and trying to help the country, the state, the city or the local water board. I fear what many of them don’t understand is that they hold the common sense of the nation in their collective […]

The Reno Air Racing Association (RARA) and National Aviation Heritage Invitational (NAHI) LLC have announced that the NAHI competition for vintage aircraft will be returning to the National Championship Air Races. The competition hasn’t been held in Reno since 2015. To celebrate its return, the organizations plan to host a vintage aircraft display at the […]

The FAA issued a statement on Wednesday warning drone owners to steer clear of people and companies offering to help register their drones with the agency. According to the FAA, it “neither regulates these entities nor will speculate on their legitimacy” and cautions that some of the vendors offering these services have made attempts to […]

Norwegian amphibian manufacturer Equator Aircraft has completed its first runway hop of the P2 Xcursion electric amphib prototype. The aircraft was flown by test pilot Eskil Amdal. The aircraft reached a speed of 100 knots and was flown at about 30 feet above a runway before being landed again. Amdal reported the aircraft to be […]

My friend and fellow blogger Paul Berge revealed what a sheltered life he has led when he confessed in last week’s blog to not knowing the significance of Sidney, New York. At the expense of appearing a boorish know it all—as opposed to just a boor—I can say that I most certainly did know the […]

Mixed News On Refurb Trainers I think the key issue is what you said in your next to last paragraph: The cost of replacement parts is out of control. I can’t speak for Piper, but Cessna parts have skyrocketed in the past 5-6 years, making a full 172 refurb prohibitively expensive. Add to that, the […]