Pia Bergqvist

“Airspeed alive. Eighty knots. V1. Rotate,” I said as I rolled down Runway 18C at Memphis International Airport in HondaJet N420HB. Immediately after rotation — boom! One engine failed. “Lots of right rudder. Heading bug centered. Positive rate, gear up. Pitch for V2. Push FLC. Altitude check, autopilot on. Continue climb to 2,000 feet. Select […]

Using a Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) or Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) as a checklist is cumbersome and can damage these valuable documents that must be carried in the cockpit. To protect the books and for convenience, most pilots prefer to use a smaller checklist, which can be purchased from a third-party provider, downloaded from the […]

To satisfy the need for a growing workforce in what Alabama Governor Kay Ivey calls a growing “aerospace cluster,” the state has announced plans for a $6.5 million Alabama Aviation Education Center. The Alabama Aviation Education Center will feature classrooms, workshops and innovation rooms, providing aviation-themed activities and STEM-focused educational programs. The Alabama Governor’s Office […]

After weeks of turmoil in Chino, California, and only days before the scheduled date, the Planes of Fame Air Museum [planesoffame.org] announced that its annual air show will take place May 5-6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chino Airport (KCNO). And with the celebration of the museum’s 60th anniversary, this show promises […]

Advancements in avionics technology continue to evolve, providing pilots with increasing levels of detail on the aircraft panel to make flying safer in low-visibility conditions. A lightweight system from Astronics called Max-Viz 2300 enhanced-vision system has achieved certification, allowing for installation in more than 40 airplanes and helicopters for which it has an STC. The […]

The Airbus Perlan Mission II sailplane broke its own record this week, soaring to 30,615 feet out of the Minden-Tahoe Airport in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in western Nevada. The glider was flown by Perlan chief pilot Jim Payne and pilot and flight test engineer Miguel Iturmendi. The Perlan 2 team recently made modifications […]

A very different aircraft design powered by multiple electrically powered jets took off for the first time last week. The Lilium Jet has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities and this first flight was unmanned. However, the company’s vision is to use it as an air taxi platform. The proof-of-concept, named Eagle, has two seats. In […]

One of the most important assets you have as a pilot is your vision. Without good eyesight, you simply can’t fly. A website was launched recently to provide free information about some flying-specific considerations for your eyes. EyesThatFly.com gives tips on how best to protect your eyes in the cockpit and how to optimize your […]

Tens of thousands of people lined the San Diego bay to watch an action packed Red Bull Air Race, the second for the season. After windy conditions on Friday for the qualifying races, which resulted in several pylon hits, the weekend race rounds provided near perfect conditions with relatively light winds and clear blue skies. […]

In response to the United Airlines debacle from earlier this week, FlyOtto is offering one free flight to the beleaguered airline in an effort to highlight the convenience and efficiency of general aviation flying. “For the amount United was willing to compensate four passengers ($800 each, for a total of $3,200) to make room for […]