Mark Phelps

Yesterday was ‘Aviation Saves’ day at Centennial Airport near Denver, organized by the Colorado Aviation Business Association (CABA). The ramps and hangars at X Jet and Signature FBOs were chock-a-block with aircraft representing the public service mission served by GA. Displays included aircraft and service providers representing aeromedical, patient transfer, law enforcement, newsgathering, firefighting, community […]

On May 19-21, Aviation Week magazine is sponsoring “NextGen Ahead 2010,” a look at air traffic modernization. Topics include: how concepts for modernizing the National Airspace System are being developed and researched; how the FAA is leveraging cross-agency practices in developing communications, navigation and surveillance capabilities; the FAA approval process for nav procedures; reviewing practical […]

I’m a lucky guy. When I ask someone to fly along with me to hone my procedures, I can turn to Flying contributing editor Tom Benenson. Tom is one of the most experienced pilots you’ll find, and has made a career seeking out detailed strategies for flying in the IFR system, so his input is […]

Reports from European general aviation operators did not have the same dire content as those of the airlines. With days worth of canceled flights, air carriers were criticized as overcautious in the wake of the Iceland volcano eruption and the subsequent plume of volcanic ash spreading throughout the continent. Tentative test flights launched early this […]

The FAA has certified the Tecnam P2006T twin for VFR and analog IFR. Its Garmin G1000 suite is certified for IFR in Europe with FAA compliance expected later this year. Power comes from a pair of Rotax 912S3s rated at 98 horsepower each. Performance figures list maximum cruising speed at 148 knots, with a 53-knot […]

In the April 9, 2010, issue of the Federal Register, the FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) affecting certification of light turbine aircraft. The new rule would require “real-world” function and reliability testing — previously mandated for larger aircraft, but not required for those weighing less than 6,000 pounds. The NPRM states, in […]

At last week’s Sun ‘n Fun event, Erik Lindbergh promoted his foundation’s electric aircraft prize. The aim of the award is to promote electric aircraft technology. This will be the first time for the grant, which will be announced and presented at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh July 26 – Aug. 1. Awards will go in four […]

Midway through next month, general aviation pilots are called upon to do their part to promote personal flying on International Learn to Fly Day. May 15 was chosen as the day to focus on generating interest in learning to fly. As suggested by the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, here […]

It’s a part of the airport experience. When spring starts to thaw the air and buds begin to sprout on the trees and flowers, the birds begin their annual mating ritual. You can see them flitting around the hangars and pairing off. Of course, for aircraft owners — especially those of us who moor to […]

It wasn’t until I was flying home from Sun ‘n Fun yesterday that I finally did the simple math. My last visit to this event was 1990; and that’s 20 years. A nice round number, though a slightly scary realization. Back then, there were no light sport aircraft, glass panels or electric airplanes. Even GPS […]