briefs

OK, so hes more capable and perhaps a little more driven than your average nine-year-old (or 39-year-old for that matter), but the fact remains that Samaj Booker got through several layers of security and came within one flight of reaching his destination of Dallas from his starting point at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last week. According […]

Birds may be prettier, but bats have all the moves when it comes to maneuverability and aerodynamic efficiency, according to a study by Brown University researchers. Using sophisticated video gear, the study team found that while birds can rotate and retract their wings in flight, bats have much more flexibility in the articulating membrane they […]

Despite aggressive action — including a whole new certificate classification — to attract more people to flying, the number of certificated pilots in the U.S. dropped to 597,109, according to year-end preliminary stats released by the FAA. Rather than attract new pilots, the new Sport Pilot certificate appears to be extending the flying activity of […]

The flying pilot in the crash of Comair Flight 5191 noted the runway was “weird with no lights” as he rolled the aircraft down the wrong runway. The cockpit voice recorder transcripts released by the NTSB also show co-pilot James Polehinke and captain Jefferey Clay talked about their kids and their dogs as they taxied […]

FocusFAA, the FAAs internal newsletter, says the online publication of the report of a committee looking at the contentious mandatory retirement of airline pilots at age 60 means FAA Administrator Marion Blakey is close to making a decision. And if we’re reading between the lines correctly, it would appear Blakey is prepared to fall in […]

If you thought flying your own aircraft was a way to avoid the scrutiny of the Transportation Safety Administration, think again. While youll likely be able to keep your shoes on, dont be surprised if a TSA official checks out you and your plane at any of the hundreds of U.S. airports with scheduled airline […]

AVweb posts audio news on Mondays, plus a new in-depth interview each Friday. In last Friday’s podcast, you’ll find an interview with AOPA’s Kathleen Vascouselos. And AVweb’s podcast index includes interviews with Maule Air’s Mikel Boorom; Professsional Aviation Maintenance Association president Brian Finnegan; aviation forecaster Richard Aboulafia; NORAD; Bill Lear, Jr.; NATA President Jim Coyne; […]

AVweb sat down with AOPA spokeswoman Kathleen Vascouselos to talk about the disturbing downward trend of the U.S. pilot population, which the FAA recently said has dipped below the 600,000 mark. Click here to listen. Bonus Audio from Aviation Consumer At Oshkosh last July, Garmin unveiled the G600, which looked like a pale offshoot of […]

Columbia Aircraft, of Bend, Ore., delivered a record 185 aircraft last year, the company said on Wednesday, despite delays certifying the Garmin G1000 glass panel and a summer hailstorm that affected more than 60 aircraft. The aircraft weren’t significantly damaged but all had to be refinished. No doubt, we endured more than our fair share […]

Aircraft owners who live in Ohio now must sign a declaration stating they are not involved in terrorist activity when they renew their annual aircraft registration. Owners of other vehicles are not required to do this by the state Department of Transportation, only owners of aircraft. AOPA said on Tuesday it is “extremely displeased at […]