Flight Safety

Pilot Charlie Schwenker and wingwalker Jane Wicker were killed when they crashed while performing on Saturday. The duo was performing at the Vectren Air Show near Dayton. The rest of the show was cancelled but resumed on Sunday. Spectator videos (graphic and disturbing images) show Wicker hanging upside down from the lower wing of the […]

The FAA said Friday that recommendations from an advisory panel that could lead to broader approved use of personal electronic devices aboard airliners have been delayed. Originally expected this summer, the FAA is now says it expects to receive the recommendations this September. Cellphone use is reportedly not within the scope of the panel’s focus. […]

Especially in military operations, it’s impossible to eliminate risk, but it can be minimized. Many of their risk-management techniques can apply to your flying. No matter what we do in an aircraft, we cannot eliminate risk entirely. Instead, we can manage that risk and take positive steps to mitigate or reduce it; in rare cases, […]

They’re aware that about 12 of their 400,000 members have been stopped and searched by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and AOPA Wednesday sent a letter to CBP seeking clarification regarding the authority for, and legal limits of, such searches. According to AOPA, none of its pilot members who have been stopped knew of any […]

A documentary film called TWA Flight 800 is attracting attention through its claims that the NTSB’s four-year investigation into the 1996 crash included intentionally falsified information and a phony conclusion, and that the case should be reopened — but some key players are, so far, unimpressed. Tom Stalcup, the documentary’s co-producer, says the movie does […]

Nominate an FBO |Rules |Tips |Questions |Winning FBOs 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. […]

Back in the ’70s, a Southern gentleman friend was an airline pilot who owned a C-182 that he called “Juan” – as in “Juan Eighty-Two.” His N-number ended in 4Q, and if he either wanted a laugh or didn’t like an ATC instruction, he acknowledged with, “Roger. Four Q.” Pronounced in that Southern-gentlemanly style that […]

A Silicon Valley company is tackling head-on one of the most-cited impediments to flight training (the time it takes) with an innovative flight training program. Visionary Airlines will teach its customers to fly while they’re on their way to destinations they select for business or pleasure trips. They’ll get real-world training while getting to their […]

Operation Migration says it’s found a way to satisfy the FAA and whooping cranes to continue leading young birds on a migration from Wisconsin to Florida each fall. Two years ago, when a former pilot complained to the FAA about the nature of the flying in the operation (he claimed improperly licensed pilots were flying […]

An Arizona-based company announced Thursday that it is now offering pilots emergency upset training in a two-seat version of the famed A-4 Skyhawk attack fighter. Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) says its new program is designed to offer first-hand experience in real high-performance aerobatic-capable jet trainers. Their upset training course includes high-altitude stalls, high-mach conditions and […]