briefs

The manufacturers of very light jets (VLJs) are taking a hard look at the unique risks that exist for their (future) products … and it’s a very long list. The National Business Aviation Association has compiled the list as part of its recommended training guidelines for VLJ pilots. Many of the anticipated risks occur because […]

With the FAA set to start hiring hundreds of air traffic controllers this year, the question arises, where will all those new hires come from? Part of the answer is, from the ranks of the U.S. military — which has some Air Force officials already starting to fret. “We’re certainly looking at it,” Sgt. Donald […]

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https://avweb.com/avmail/ Reader mail this week about the mid-air collision between an Air Force trainer and a crop duster, the FSS outsourcing contract, flying with alcohol and much more.

_______COLUMNS As the Beacon Turns #86: Taking Safety PersonallyHow many aircraft manufacturers do you know send out safety notices to owners with titles like, “Flying at Night Can Be Fatal,” and then provide company-subsidized safety classes to reduce accidents? AVweb’s Michael Maya Charles found one — Robinson Helicopter — and really appreciated the course.

The words prank and airplane never mix but a couple of wags in Arizona, who undoubtedly had the best of intentions, could pay a heavy price for their afternoon of fun. Joshua Parriott, 29, of Phoenix and his passenger James Klein, 42, of Chandler, face three misdemeanor charges and could face federal prosecution after they […]

It’s always nice to have a tailwind but when your destination is your departure point and you’re only flying in one direction, it’s pretty much necessary. Steve Fossett and the GlobalFlyer crew are awaiting more favorable weather to launch their around-the-world, solo nonstop flight. Earliest date will be Feb. 12 as they wait for a […]

A California man has assembled a vigilante air force and army to patrol an area of the Mexican border used frequently by illegal immigrants. James Gilchrist says that so far 16 pilots have offered themselves and their aircraft to help out the Minuteman Project, which he hopes will embarrass the government into stopping “the endless […]

While most of us could never imagine pulling an ejection handle, imagine what was going through Capt. Chuck Mallett’s mind when he reached for it and it wasn’t there. “I had time to think about my family and that I may never see them again,” Mallett told reporters in his first interview since surviving a […]