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FAA Estimates “Grossly” Incorrect, ARSA Says… Dismayed by the FAA’s newest plan to expand drug-testing programs for aviation maintenance workers, the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) launched an industry survey last week to try to gather more information about the impact of the FAA proposal. ARSA said the FAA is “grossly understating both the number […]

For the Southwest, the fire season is already peaking and will likely be over before any of the big tankers fly again. “The replacement planes and helicopters won’t be enough,” said Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) last week. “We must get these air tankers back in service.” The Southwest fire season usually ends when rains arrive […]

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting to get those 33 tankers back in the air. “While the safe operations of these aircraft is of paramount importance, we cannot lose sight of the fact that lives on the ground are also at risk,” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said at a Senate hearing on the matter last Wednesday. The […]

More Helicopters, Single-Engine Tankers Coming… With the fire season already under way in the Western states (and 33 heavy water bombers grounded), the U.S. Forest Service last Wednesday said it is “reconfiguring” its firefighting fleet. The agency will contract with private companies for 139 additional aircraft, in an effort to make up for the 33 […]

During an air show on Saturday, pilot Don Hinz was performing a fly-by in a Commemorative Air Force (CAF) P-51C Mustang when he reported a problem. Unable to return to the field, Hinz managed to avoid nearby houses and power lines, but the aircraft hit the ground hard, and both wings were torn off. Hinz […]

South African Ultralight Pilot Dies In China On Round-The-World Trip… While the X PRIZE celebrates the urge to explore, a few stories this week remind us all that aerial adventures come with real risk … and sometimes a terrible price is paid. South African pilot Alan Honeyborne, 34, who was flying around the world in […]

Scaled.com lists extensive details of what the public can expect at the Mojave Civilian Aerospace Test Center on June 21. “White Knight [the carrier aircraft], with SpaceShipOne slung underneath, will taxi by right in front of the public viewing area. A few minutes later, you will see it take off.” The kids might want earplugs […]

And You’re Invited (Just Don’t Fly)… Burt Rutan plans to launch SpaceShipOne on its highest flight yet on June 21, and in an unusual twist for the once-secretive project (and generally secretive company), not only is the launch being announced in advance … but you’re invited to come to Mojave and see it for yourself. […]

“This [sale] will allow us to achieve our business plan, and should remove all doubts about Mooney’s financial stability,” Barry Hodkin, MAC’s chief operating officer, said in a news release Tuesday. The three-year business plan, approved last month, calls for Mooney to sell more than 70 airplanes in 2004 (we didn’t really need one, but […]

New Owners Take Over… Allen Holding Finance Ltd. has paid $4 million to buy the stock of Mooney Airplane Company (MAC) from its parent company, Mooney Aerospace Group Ltd. (MASG), MASG announced on Tuesday. MASG President J. Nelson Happy said the sale took place because MASG’s secured debenture holders declared their notes in default. “As […]