Garmin's new GTN Avionics - Will You Upgrade?

Submitted by Jason on Wed, 05/04/2011 - 15:57

Garmin has been very busy telling the world about their new GTN series avionics, intended to replace the GNS 430/530 series panel-mount IFR GPS systems. The new GTN 650 and 750 truly are impressive. They take everything that was good about the 430/530, all the good features of Garmin's handheld touchscreen Aera series GPS units, and many of the features available in the G1000 suite...then combine them all into a neat little package.

Cirrus Now Owned by Chinese Investors - So What?

Submitted by Jason on Fri, 04/22/2011 - 11:00

As mentioned in a Cirrus Press Release and on AVweb, a Chinese company called China Aviation Industry General Aircraft Co., Ltd. (CAIGA) purchased Cirrus Industries Inc. at the end of February. There have been some mixed feelings about this deal, and we're still waiting to see if it's going to cause any major changes in the company.

Fifi Back in the Air

Submitted by Jason on Wed, 04/20/2011 - 07:55

"FIFI" First Flight with New Engines from Hangar Workshop Productions on Vimeo.

It isn't the most recent news, but I couldn't resist re-posting this video. It shows the Commemorative Air Force's B-29, Fifi, getting back into the air after being grounded with engine trouble. It's a great footage of a beautiful aircraft. I hope you enjoy.

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Surprise, Surprise: Boeing Wins Tanker Contract This Time

Submitted by Jason on Fri, 02/25/2011 - 06:32

Boeing has started proudly announcing their victory in the latest iteration of the USAF's air refueling tanker competition. An analyst named Richard Aboulafia from the Teal Group said the decision was a big surprise. I'm not sure how he thought the competition would go after Boeing successfully contested the last decision, but I didn't expect our politicians to allow any other outcome.

Though I'm not proud of the course the competition has run, I am glad to see that this decision was reached somewhat quickly and that the KC-135 can finally look forward to a firm retirement date.

Why is JCM Farming so Scared of Balloons?

Submitted by Jason on Sun, 02/06/2011 - 05:42

Ballooning has to be one of the most picturesque and adventurous ways we have of flying. As far as displays of aviation beauty go, it's pretty difficult to top a fleet of multi-colored aircraft floating over the countryside on a clear day. As a glider pilot, I take a lot of pride in my ability to read the air and keep my plane aloft by working in harmony with the environment. I have to give more credit to balloonists though. They truly have to understand and work with the conditions around them to navigate safely, let alone getting somewhere on purpose.

I have to wonder why such a benign form of aviation scares JCM Farming so much that they've used lawsuits to put 13 ballooning companies out of business and are continuing to use legal scare tactics to bully aviators and neighbors in California's Coachella Valley.

Southern Pines, N.C., May Have More Smarts than Santa Monica, CA

Submitted by Jason on Wed, 02/02/2011 - 20:53

Just a few days after writing about the ongoing drama in Santa Monica brought on by a negligent city planning, I came across an AOPA article that gives me some hope. It appears that the municipal planning board of Southern Pines, N.C., recently voted to not allow a plan to put over 200 apartments and a large retail area directly off the approach end end of Moore County Airport's runway 5.

Is Your Representative a Member of the GA Caucus?

Submitted by Jason on Mon, 01/31/2011 - 21:55

I just got a note from the AOPA mentioning that with the start of the new Congress, it's necessary for the General Aviation Caucus to be re-established. Congressmen Sam Graves (R-MO) and John Barrow (D-GA) are leading this effort. The AOPA message suggested that I contact my Congressman, Representative Jeff Miller from Florida's 1st district, and urge him to join this effort.

I figured that was a great idea, so I decided to write him. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it took all of about 5 minutes to send him a message and get a reply confirming that my message had been received.

Aviation Wins Again in Santa Monica

Submitted by Jason on Sat, 01/29/2011 - 22:05

The city of Santa Monica, CA, has spent the past few years trying to enact a ban of large (Class C and D) aircraft at the Santa Monica airport (KSMO.) In 2009 the FAA rejected the city's ban and enacted a restraining order that allowed those jets to continue to use the airport. The city tried to appeal the FAA's actions, but their appeal was recently rejected by the US District Court of Appeals for Washington DC.

Make no mistake: this is a win for aviation and a caution to cities that choose to allow development in areas that should be reserved as safety zones around airports.

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