Posts by Andy Wilson
Saving General Aviation
General Aviation News recently published the following guest editorial from the newest CalPilots’ board members, Jolie Lucas and Mitch Latting…Editor Recently a critic of ours said that we “fly around the country acting like they are the saviors of general aviation.” As we thought about this criticism, we had to admit there is some truth…
Read MoreCAMP PENDLETON EXERCISE Effective 10,12-13 SEPTEMBER 2012
FAA Advises Pilots to Protect Rights
From AvWeb
By Mary Grady, Contributing editor
Under the recently passed Pilot’s Bill of Rights, airmen under investigation by the FAA have the right to request air traffic data such as recordings from control towers and flight service stations, and the FAA said this week it has posted information and links online to facilitate that process. Since air traffic data are stored for only short periods — usually about 5 to 45 days — it’s important for airmen to submit their request “expeditiously,” the FAA said. The FAA website provides details and an email address that airmen can use to make the request.
Read MoreSan Bernardino County Approves Ontario Airport Joint Powers Plan
Mojave – XCOR Announces Cockpit Manufacturer
Mojave, CA – XCOR Aerospace announced Tuesday that the Lynx Mark I suborbital reusable launch vehicle (RLV) carbon fiber cockpit will be manufactured by AdamWorks of Centennial, Colorado. Read more about one of the companies that you will get a chance to tour if you attend CalPilot’s Annual Meeting – Meet Us in Mojave!
Read MoreWatsonville – Props Takes Off as Airport Restaurant
The new restaurant is going gangbusters without so much as announcing its opening.
AB 511 Signed – Forces Federal Safety Standards for Ag-Flying Aircraft
Governor Signs Yamada Bill That Strengthens Protections For Agricultural Pilots – AB 511 requires wind energy companies to conform to federal safety standards for low-flying aircraft
Read MoreSanta Monica's Tactics to Close Airport Continue
More Recommendations for Reducing Santa Monica Airport’s Impact (the insanity continues in Santa Moncia)….
Read MoreGeneral Aviation Goes To Political Conventions
For the first time, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the National Business Aviation Association teamed to hold events at the two national party conventions. The goal: Schmoozing politicos to hold high the flag of general aviation.
I attended the first, at the Republican National Convention in Tampa on Tuesday, Aug. 28, to see if AOPA held to its long-time non-partisanship — and to see if anyone would show up!
Boy did they. By 6 p.m., the place was packed. AOPA officials were thrilled with a turnout that included several members of Congress. AOPA members in Florida had also been invited to see their association in action. A pleasant (and valuable) surprise was the strong participation of AOPA members from other states who were, in fact, convention delegates. Event sponsors thought they had made their mark.
Building young minds, building confidence, building a biplane
STOCKTON – Stephen Foster stood beside the skeletal wood frame of a single-seat airplane Thursday afternoon in the auto shop at Weber Institute of Technology in downtown Stockton. A dozen students stood nearby, watching intently and listening as their teacher discussed the parts of the plane and the functions of the various gauges on the instrument panel.
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