Mark Phelps

When the first HondaJets are delivered, planned for the fourth quarter of next year, FlightSafety International will train their pilots. FSI will establish a facility at Honda Aircraft headquarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, configured to accommodate two simulators provided by the training specialist. “We will consider adding additional simulators at other locations in the U.S. […]

In a series of public meetings, the FAA will investigate possible changes to policy rulemaking for aircraft certified under FAR Part 23. As well as certification standards, the review is expected to encompass maintenance and operations. The review comes on the heels of a two-year study, based on the fact that, “The last thorough review […]

Fallout from the Feb. 12, 2009, crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 continues. With the final report from the NTSB scheduled for Tuesday, the FAA announced last week an initiative to address what it considers prime contributors to the accident — pilot fatigue, lack of training and airline hiring practices. Flight time and duty rules […]

He started taking photos of airplanes at Floyd Bennett Field in the 1930s, and his work has graced the cover of Flying as well as the pages of countless other magazines, books and newspapers. Howard Levy died January 29 at the age of 88. He was buried at the Hebrew Benefit Society Cemetery in Freehold, […]

One of the industry’s oldest and strongest “type clubs” is readjusting its leadership. The American Bonanza Society has a new president and an interim executive director, effective the beginning of this month. Nancy Johnson is stepping down as executive director after 13 years in that position, replaced by Tom Turner, who has been the group’s […]

In the spring of 1944, Col. Don Blakeslee wanted P-51 Mustangs for his Fourth Fighter Group in England. But it would take weeks to transition the pilots from their huge radial-engine P-47 Thunderbolts into the sleek V-12-powered Mustangs. Blakeslee promised to have his pilots in combat within 24 hours of receiving the Mustangs – and […]

Earlier this week, Cirrus Aircraft announced that Purdue University’s Department of Aviation Technology agreed to purchase 16 new SR20s. Deliveries will begin in March and all 16 are expected to arrive by the end of July, replacing the program’s current fleet of Piper Warriors. One issue cited in the university’s decision to choose Cirrus was […]

Garmin took the stage at the Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, last week to announce a new engine information system and integrated autopilot interface for its G3X glass cockpit suite. The G3X is strictly for experimental and Light Sport aircraft, and the EIS will be available next month via a free software download. Sensor […]

Good weather combined with some hot news to make last week’s Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, a successful mid-winter show. The big news was Piper’s entry into the Light Sport trainer market with its PiperSport, a Czech-built, all-metal two-seater powered by a Rotax 912 engine. For photos and a description of the PiperSport, click […]

The PiperSport made its debut at the Light Sport Aircraft show in Sebring, Florida on Thursday, and the news has the industry buzzing louder than the little two-placer’s Rotax 912 engine (which can run on 100LL or unleaded auto fuel). With Cessna enjoying a fat order book for its Light Sport trainer, the SkyCatcher, Piper […]