Flight Safety

Digging out after a snowstorm to go flying can be well worth the work, but taxiing around on snow and ice presents unique challenges. Still, it can be done safely if you keep a few things in mind. view on YouTube

A new study suggests pilots hit by lasers in flight don’t suffer any lasting eye damage from the attacks. Researchers at the University of Calgary said they looked at the medical records of 58 male and three female pilots who were examined shortly after reporting a laser strike between April of 2012 and November of […]

Over the weekend at the dropzone, I had a conversation with my friend TK, who runs the place. He asked me if I had really been riding motorcycles for 40 years and yes, I really have, although not continuously. He told me he was thinking about a bike, but at 55, was considering himself a […]

One of the highest uses for a general aviation airplane is to take your family someplace enjoyable. Done right, the trip is much faster than in the family car and a heck of a lot more fun for all involved. I won’t even comment about the joys of family travel on the airlines, baggage fees […]

Canadian GA and business aircraft can again take shortcuts over U.S. airspace on their way to Canadian destinations. The FAA has amended a NOTAMissued a couple of weeks ago that made such overflights illegal without special security measures. As we reported last week, the NOTAM, apparently issued at the request of the TSA, cancelled the […]

ForeFlight has acquired JetFuelX, a Web-based fuel card management service for turbine aircraft operators. The service allows users to manage multiple aircraft and fueling locations on one site and features quick-search pricing and fuel management tools. ForeFlight says the acquisition enhances its flight planning app with a unique feature. “We are thrilled to announce this […]

There is still no sign of survivors of what may have been midair collision between two Marine Corps CH-53 helicopters in Hawaii. Early reports saidthat search teams spotted a fire and debris near the island of Oahu. The transport helicopters, each with six Marines on board, were reported missing around 4 a.m. EST on Friday. […]

Readers of this blog know—or should know—that I have, from time to time, complained about GA’s tendency to incessantly blame and whine about the government’s poor treatment of the industry. Such diatribes tend to be too pat, lack any creative impulse and are boringly, depressingly predictable. So I try to restrain myself. So when this […]

In its annual list of most-wanted safety improvements for aviation, the NTSB on Wednesday reiterated last year’s choice for general aviation — loss-of-control accidents. GA pilots should take advantage of training opportunities and new technologies, such as angle-of-attack indicators, and practice “vigilant situational awareness” to help reduce the number of LOC accidents, the board said. […]

A familiar growl will return to the skies over Yellowknife in Canada’s Northwest Territories Wednesday as the iconic Buffalo Airways returns to the air. The cargo and passenger carrier, made famous by the reality TV series Ice Pilots NWT, was grounded six weeks ago by Transport Canada over safety and administrative concerns. Transport Canada restored […]