Pia Bergqvist

I was sad to read an article in the Houston Chronicle this week reporting that a pilot died after colliding with another airplane near Lake Conroe outside of Houston, Texas. The report said the two airplanes were flying as part of a formation flight of seven homebuilt airplanes. While I have no knowledge of the […]

Taking a check ride for a new rating is always stressful, whether it is the Private Pilot License or an advanced rating. While there is a little room for error, some components are absolutely essential to get right both in the oral portion of the exam and during the flight test. And you can maximize […]

Cessna Aircraft and King Schools have developed the Cessna Instrument Pilot Course kit — a web-based instrument pilot course similar to the Cessna Sport/Private Pilot Course already in use at Cessna Pilot Centers. The course is scheduled to launch at the end of the month and will be accessible from any computer or iPad with […]

Lancair introduced an integrated, all-glass panel for its single-engine turboprop Evolution at AirVenture called EFC900X (Evolution Flight Control 900X), including Garmin’s GFC 7X autopilot. The GFC 7X is the first Garmin autopilot to be installed in an experimental airplane and is currently exclusive to the Evolution. “This is a huge vote of confidence from Garmin,” […]

Flight Design’s John Doman called the 2011 AirVenture “very successful” after dealers placed orders for 40 of the C4 airplanes, currently in the development process, and eight LSAs during the show. Some of these airplanes were sold to customers. Doman also said the company is strengthening its dealer network in the United States, which currently […]

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron introduced its Rise Above traveling exhibit at last week’s EAA AirVenture. For the next several months, the exhibit is set to travel around the country, visiting airshows, schools and youth organizations with the goal of inspiring children to reach for their goals – no matter how unobtainable […]

As a flight instructor, I find it particularly difficult to read about airplane accidents – fatal or not – that could have been prevented by better choices and, in some cases, better training. Flight instructors need to focus less on teaching their students to pass the FAA test and more on becoming good pilots that […]

Roy Beisswenger has been awarded Flying magazine’s 2011 Bax Seat Trophy. The trophy is awarded annually to an EAA member in honor of Flying magazine’s long-time columnist Gordon Baxter. Beisswenger was selected for his extensive grassroots aviation coverage, particularly in his weekly Powered Sport Flying Radio Show – a two-hour long show in which he […]

Parachute maker BRS Aerospace announced it is developing a new electronic ignition system for its airplane parachute system. BRS has yet to determine the location of the activation switch or what it may look like, but BRS president Larry Williams said the system will be designed to prevent inadvertent deployment of the parachute. Williams also […]

As the 2011 AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, hit the halfway mark, Icon Aircraft had received deposits for 65 Icon A5 airplanes during the show. Crowds filed into Icon’s dimly lit booth to watch the A5’s wings fold and unfold, and to place their $2,000 show special deposits. For each deposit accepted at the show, Icon […]