Aircraft Models

I have a special place in my heart for Aeromexico—it’s a family legacy. That’s why the MD-80 Aeromexico model from MidwestModelStore.com immediately caught my eye (though I was tempted by the 777 model too). Aircraft models are a fantastic gift for any aviation enthusiast. They probably haven’t treated themselves to one, and these models are always well received. I can’t recommend MidwestModelStore.com enough—they’ve got everything from Falcon 7X to A350s.

Pricing: $40 and up

Aviation Merchandise

Ever thought about a phone case, T-shirt, or mouse pad customized with your home airport identifier or a sectional chart? Aeroswag has you covered. I’ve lost count of the hours I’ve spent browsing its custom gear. Gifts from here always get a great reaction for being personal and unique. Plus, they’ve got FLYING gear too. Check out its extensive collection.

Pricing: $10 and up

FLYING Magazine

Alright, a bit of a bias alert here since I had a hand in this. But honestly a FLYING Magazine subscription is an amazing gift for anyone who loves aviation. Each issue is like a little collectible, not just another magazine. If you love the idea of being thanked all year round, our holiday bundle is the way to go. It includes FLYING, Plane & Pilot, KITPLANES, and more. Plus, you snag a free T-shirt with each bundle. That was FLYING Media Group CEO Craig Fuller’s idea. Good thinking, Craig.

Bundle subscription (best value)

FLYING-only subscription

Flight Sim PC

If you’re into tech but don’t have the spare hours to build and spec out a gaming PC for Microsoft Flight Simulator, we’ve got you covered. We teamed up with DogHouse Systems to take the hassle out of the process. The result? A ready-to-go PC that’s tailor-made for your flight sim needs. It’s pretty much a plug-and-play deal—set it up and you’re ready to soar right from your home. Check it out here! 

Pricing: $4,995

Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro Smartwatch

If you’ve listened to Justin Siems from the Pilot to Pilot podcast, you’ve probably heard him go on and on about this watch. It’s got a built-in red and white flashlight, incredible battery life, and all the features a pilot could need. I reluctantly admit, Siems is right. This watch has been one of my best flying purchases—it’s like having a flight bag on your wrist.

Pricing: $1,399.99

Bose A30 Aviation Headset

I was a die-hard A20 fan until Bose rolled out the A30. I caved when I saw the free speaker promo and, man, no regrets. The A30s are a solid step up. Now, when I have company in the cockpit, they get to use my old A20s—a definite upgrade from my first PPL headset.

Pricing: $1,299

Flight Outfitters Lift 2.0 Bag

I’ve tried a ton of flight bags, but nothing beats the Lift Bag from Flight Outfitters. It’s the perfect size for all my gear and fits snugly in every plane I’ve flown. I even snagged another one as a gift for a pilot buddy. They’re seriously top notch.

Pricing: $99

Aircraft For Sale

Just for fun, have a look at this Cessna 150 and Cirrus SR22. They’re amazing deals. I’ve been debating the Cessna 150 myself; it’s an incredible find. I’ve been kind of gatekeeping it for myself, but the world needs to know about it. If you’re serious about these or other aircraft, FLYING Financial Group can assist. Chief commercial officer Preston Holland there is great help.

That’s all. Remember this  also can really just be a gift guide for the new stuff you buy for yourself. 

The post The Best Gifts for Pilots and Really Anyone Who Likes Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

PilotEdge has been proudly hosting SimVenture Oshkosh for four years now, and each time it only gets better. It’s a unique opportunity to emulate the flight procedures associated with the famous EAA AirVenture event. You’ll have the chance to fly into the virtual Oshkosh, guided by the actual Oshkosh air traffic controllers, using your very own flight simulator. Pretty neat, right?

Each year, the real-life Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, becomes a buzzing hub of more than 10,000 aircraft arriving for AirVenture. To handle this incredible influx of air traffic, the Experimental Aircraft Association collaborates with the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association to develop specific VFR arrival and departure procedures.

• READ MORE: Three Tips for New Owners Flying to EAA AirVenture

If you’re a real-world pilot, SimVenture represents a golden opportunity to brush up on your nonstandard VFR skills. Whether you’re a seasoned AirVenture attendee or new to the game, these procedures can be quite unique, and SimVenture offers a platform to practice and familiarize yourself with them, building confidence and contributing to safer real-world flights.

For flight simulator enthusiasts, SimVenture can make your dreams of flying into AirVenture come true, even if it’s in a virtual setting. This is your chance to experience the thrill of one of the most realistic flight simulations you’ve ever experienced.

The first SimVenture in 2020 was created as a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, offering aviation lovers an exciting activity they could safely enjoy from home. It quickly became a massive success, with more than 1,000 virtual arrivals into Oshkosh.

• READ MORE: Pilots Can Fly PilotEdge’s SimVenture Before Oshkosh

By 2021, the event transitioned to a more training-focused approach, allowing pilots to use SimVenture as a rehearsal for the actual AirVenture event happening just a week later. This strategy continued into 2022, recording well more than 2,000 arrivals throughout the event.

And now, here we are, gearing up for SimVenture 2023. We at FLYING are thrilled to be a part of this grand event with a virtual booth, joining you in exploring the virtual skies at SimVenture. So, mark the dates—July 13-16. Let’s celebrate our shared passion for aviation, learn, engage and, above all, have a great time. Can’t wait to see you there! Happy flying!

The post SimVenture 2023: Real Controllers, Real Procedures, Virtual Skies appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The response from Van’s Air Force was most inspiring, filled with incredible ideas and enthusiasm. We were ecstatic when an Experimental Aviation Association (EAA) chapter out of Toms River, New Jersey, led by Robert Newman, volunteered to take on the build. By June 2022, we received the first shipment of the Van’s Aircraft RV-10 tail, followed by the wings in October. Meeting the EAA Chapter 898 building team was a moment of profound gratitude.

Over the past 10 months, we have also worked with a team of engineering students from the University of Arizona who have designed modifications. These brilliant minds have crafted modifications for the airplane with diligence and ingenuity. Supporting them through their journey, attending their presentations and witnessing their dedication, I’ve come to appreciate their sleepless nights. Compared to these students, my college years looked more focused on socialization opportunities. The culmination of their efforts was proudly displayed at the university’s Engineering Design Day, showcasing their hard work to the public. Family members who came also talked about how hard they worked. I was proud of them.

• READ MORE: Why Representation Matters

The moment I tried the foot controls was a little overwhelming. Imagine slipping into a custom-made suit or dress for the first time, tailored to your exact measurements. The modifications on the RV-10 were my perfect fit. Living in a world designed for individuals with hands and arms, I often adapt and adjust. But with these modifications, I felt as if the airplane was built for me. It seemed special, and I perceived a unique sense of unity with the aircraft.

At first, I couldn’t keep the simulated airplane from crashing. I have never had to actuate the rudder(s) via a separare cockpit control.  Unlike my Ercoupe, where the rudder surfaces are interconnected with the ailerons, the RV-10 required learning a new axis of control. It was like relearning to fly. There were frustrations, and I made mistakes, like forgetting to lower the flaps before landing. Again, the Ercoupe doesn’t have flaps. So, that landing turned more into a bounce followed by a stall and a crash. But the most important part is I kept it airborne for a good, long while, and that is something to celebrate.

My thanks go out, as always, to everyone who supports the Impossible Airplane. But today, I offer a special thank you to students Simon Quang Minh Ly, Alejandro Lopez, Renatto Miguel Ramos, Zachary Thach, Sheehab Zaman, their college mentor, professor Doug May, and their adviser Dr. David Margolis.

As we proceed, our focus will be on refining these designs and crafting stronger replicas for display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. We eagerly invite anyone interested to try the controls with their feet or hands. Your feedback will be invaluable as we continue to refine our designs and incorporate modifications into the build happening in New Jersey. We are not just building an airplane— we are reimagining the possibilities of flight.

The post Simulated Testing Underway for World’s first Foot-Controlled Airplane appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Just about any time a new, groundbreaking technology takes off, comparisons to the internet are inevitable and seldom warranted. The smartphone industry, for example, could be considered a case of the latter.

But the modern mobility industry may be an even better comparison. 

Transportation companies are everywhere, and they’re growing their presence more and more each year. Mobility providers, including freight forwarders, supply chain managers, asset trackers and financial services providers across sea, land and air — and even in the warehouse — have collectively garnered 12 percent of all venture capital funding over the last decade.

In fact, mobility startups have received more than $375 billion in venture capital funding since 2013, and they’ve grown their VC funding value twenty-ninefold between then and 2021. For the same period, VC funding value for all firms grew about ninefold.

And that investment is taking place across a web of interrelated companies, including last-mile delivery firms, electric and autonomous vehicle makers, freight forwarding companies and advanced air mobility services, geared toward getting you anything you want anytime you want it — almost like a second internet.

“When I want to know something, I know it effectively for free with access to the internet,” remarked Cyrus Sigari, co-founder and managing partner at UP.Partners. “The future that we’re hoping for is that mobility becomes its own effective internet work. I want to have something, I have it. I want to be somewhere, I’m there with very low latency, low cost, low environmental impact.”

All of the venture capital funding data above comes from UP.Partners’ inaugural Moving World Report, an extensive look at the mobility industry’s past, present and future. 

The 123-page report, released Tuesday, is jam-packed with trends, insights and predictions for transportation and logistics companies, from the role of sustainability today to the emerging technologies that may power these industries decades into the future. 

Here are the key takeaways from the first edition of the Moving World Report:

Trouble Could Be in the Air for Aviation

The report identifies two massive problems to keep an eye on within the aviation space. 

The first: Right now, the world’s airlines have a shortage of about 18,000 pilots that will grow to around 65,000 by 2030, Oliver Wyman estimates. 

Autonomous cargo drones have picked up some of the slack, having completed 1.4 million deliveries of cargo like freight, parcels and medical supplies in 2022, compared with 482,000 in 2021 and 146,000 in 2020.

And they have sustainability benefits to boot: According to research by drone delivery firm Wing, it takes less energy to deliver a box of pasta via drone than it does to boil the water to cook it.

But if the global pilot shortage worsens, there will be even more slack to grab.

“It’s only going to get worse, and we’re just barely scratching the surface,” Sigari cautioned. “We need to make it easier to create pilots. We need to invest in technologies to reduce the cost, to make it safer.”

The second issue aviation will have to address is its environmental contributions. CO2 emissions from aviation in Europe are forecast to rise as much as 55 percent by 2050, an outlook the report describes as “catastrophic.”

One silver lining: According to McKinsey, 72 percent of aircraft OEMs are at least “minimally involved” in the future air mobility segment, which includes technologies like hydrogen propulsion, electric aircraft, and vertical takeoff and landing systems.

But many of these technologies are years or even decades away from widespread adoption. Electric aviation, for example, remains a budding sector without a commercial industry around it.

In the interim, most airlines have turned to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a biofuel similar to regular jet fuel but with a smaller carbon footprint. Per the International Air Transport Association, SAF is expected to account for around 65 percent of carbon emissions in aviation by 2050.

The problem, though, is that SAF doesn’t enable a net-zero future because it still returns carbon to the atmosphere through tailpipe emissions. Electric- and hydrogen-powered systems will theoretically be able to get the job done. But the industry will need to decrease its reliance on SAF sooner rather than later.

Mobility’s Biggest Challenge: Sustainability

It won’t come as a surprise to folks who work in transportation and logistics, but UP.Partners says reining in CO2 emissions presents the mobility industry’s greatest challenge ahead.

Since 2000, global emissions from transportation have risen by one-third, the International Energy Agency has said. And per the report, citing the Energy Information Administration, the transport sector accounted for an astounding 37 percent of all U.S. carbon emissions in 2022, the most of any industry.

The report also paints a worrying picture of the industry’s future contributions to global emissions. 

Worldwide, transport-related greenhouse gas emissions are projected to rise 11 percent by 2030, which may not sound like much — until you consider that the industry should be on pace to reduce them by 22 percent over that span in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, per the IEA.

“I don’t think we’re stuck,” Sigari opined. “I think there’s lots of areas to be hopeful and excited about. But it does take literal acts of Congress for the trend vector to change.”

To Sigari’s point, the Biden administration’s 2022 Inflation Reduction Act set aside more than $130 billion toward clean transportation and low-emission fuels like hydrogen or renewable batteries. At the same time, legislation like the Clean Air Act has helped nudge most major airlines to invest in cleaner fuel.

Regulators in Europe, meanwhile, are eyeing a bill that would allocate roughly $1 trillion toward energy initiatives.

Also promising is the amount of money pouring into climate tech startups — mobility firms received around 38 percent of all funding for that industry in 2021, UP.Partners determined based on data from Dealroom.

In fact, investment around mobility startups in general is red-hot.

Slight Dip in Mobility Investments 

As mentioned earlier, U.S. mobility startups have received over $375 billion in venture capital funding since 2013, significantly outpacing the average company. Last-mile delivery (26 percent) and EV companies (22 percent) have pulled in the greatest share of that money, per Pitchbook Data.

Citing Pitchbook Data again, however, in 2022 rising inflation and interest rates caused mobility tech stocks to lose 45 percent of their value, compared to 26 percent for the Nasdaq as a whole, in part due to the high number of SPAC companies in the space. Mobility firms also saw a 48 percent dip in VC funding value between 2021 and 2022, compared to 34 percent for all companies.

But Sigari and UP.Partners view that decline as more indicative of a flurry of activity in 2021 than a sign of weakness in 2022. Sigari pointed out that late-stage mobility deal sizes and valuations have regressed closer to 2020 levels, and early-stage valuations actually rose from 2021 to 2022.

“I think ’21 was not normal. It just wasn’t rational,” Sigari said. “And I think rather, what it did was create irrational behavior downstream. And so this is definitely reality jumping in, saying, ‘Hey, there’s companies that were being acquired or going public that just had no business doing that.’”

EVs Have an Uncertain Future

Electric vehicles are undoubtedly gaining traction, backed by government funding and a growing number of manufacturers. But in order for the U.S. — and the world — to reach mass adoption, a few things will need to change.

The first, and arguably the largest, will be addressing the industry’s massive lithium shortage. Lithium is a core ingredient in EV batteries, which are expected to see demand grow tenfold by the end of the decade.

• READ MORE: Cracking the Code for eVTOL Batteries

At the same time, lithium demand has just begun to eclipse supply, which has driven its price up 769 percent since the beginning of 2020, according to UP.Partners’ analysis of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence data. And it’s only going to get worse — by 2040, we could have a shortage of up to 4 million tons of lithium carbonate equivalent.

Underscoring the severity of the situation is the trend in EV battery costs. Battery prices have consistently fallen every year since 2010. But that trend reversed in 2022 primarily due to the lithium shortage, and a larger shortage could drive prices even higher.

Another problem EVs face is the demand they place on the electricity grid. Per the report, several states would project to see 40 percent or higher growth in electricity demand if every passenger vehicle were electric, and the grid simply isn’t prepared for it.

The report cites a study from energy economists at the University of Texas to illustrate this point: To enable a complete, overnight conversion to EVs, the state of California would require 47% more energy than what is consumed today.

And when it comes to electric trucks, which require even larger batteries and more energy to charge, these problems are even more pronounced. A significant portion of those heavy-duty EVs will also require specially designed charging stations, necessitating another level of infrastructure beyond what would be required for passenger EVs.

However, we could see a solution to at least one of these problems in the coming years.

New Frontiers Emerging

The final section of the Moving World Report examines technologies positioned to drive the future of mobility, including one that addresses a core issue facing EVs.

As adoption has grown, more and more startups have taken on the task of battery recycling, and a few have had success doing it.

Carson City, Nevada-based Redwood Materials, founded by former Tesla CTO J.B. Straubel, has developed a system that recycles and processes scrap from battery cell production and consumer electronics. Another firm founded by two former Tesla executives, Sweden-based battery maker Northvolt, obtains half of its raw materials from recycled batteries.

“The actual logistics of changing out a battery and then getting rid of it is a really, really complicated problem. But what’s exceptionally cool is that you can reclaim 99 percent of the raw material out of the battery and put it back into a new battery,” explained Sigari.

These companies could play a major role in making EV battery production more efficient. Lithium-ion batteries are expected to generate 2 million metric tons of waste per year by 2030, the report said, citing E-Waste Monitor. Yet currently, only around 5 percent of those batteries are recycled in the U.S. Instead of sending them to landfills, the industry could go circular.

Hypersonic Travel

The report also highlighted two other emerging technologies positioned to take mobility sky-high.

Hypersonic travel — or travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 at an altitude lower than around 295,000 feet — may be the first to emerge. The report focuses mainly on hypersonic passenger transport, predicting that we may soon see flights from L.A. to Tokyo as short as 2.3 hours.

But hypersonic technology is already being used by the U.S. military. Annual unclassified defense spending requests for hypersonic tech topped $3 billion in 2020 and are expected to reach $5.2 billion by 2025, UP.Partners said, based on an analysis of data from Deloitte, CNBC and JPMorgan.

“I’d offer to you that cargo is the primary near-term use for hypersonics. But what’s being delivered doesn’t come back, which is a bomb for defense purposes,” Sigari said.

Obviously, weapons delivery is far from the only application for hypersonic cargo transport. But it presents an interesting use case for a technology that UP.Partners believes “will ultimately become a reality in commercial aviation.”

Another futuristic technology that may pop up in a few decades is lunar mobility, or the transport of cargo between Earth and the moon. 

Some space technology companies, like NASA, are looking to build moon bases for voyages to Mars, while others are more interested in exporting raw lunar materials to Earth. Either way, those missions will require a space logistics and transportation network, and the groundwork is already being laid for one.

Per PwC, in an optimistic scenario, the cumulative global lunar transportation market size will reach $102 billion over the next 20 years, with the U.S. expected to represent between half and two-thirds of that market.

That’s because the cost to take things into space has declined precipitously. In the three decades leading up to 2021, the payload cost of major space flights to low Earth orbit has fallen 96%. Today’s cheapest option is SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy at around $1,400 per kilogram.

But soon, SpaceX’s Starship aircraft is projected to bring that price down to just $10 per kilogram, making lunar cargo transport a real possibility.

A Path Forward

As awesome as the prospect of space travel may be, it isn’t the only thing that’s up in the air when it comes to the future of mobility.

Transportation and logistics companies will need to grapple with the massive amount of emissions they produce while contending with shortages of materials, rising costs and supply chain disruptions.

These problems have no easy answers. But what they do have is a massive ecosystem of transportation and logistics companies, backed by billions of dollars in funding, dedicated to solving them.

“A great number of challenges lie ahead,” Moving World Report researchers wrote in the study’s introduction. “We like to think of them as opportunities.”

For more coverage on air cargo, go to FreightWaves.com.

The post UP.Partners’ Moving World Report Highlights Aviation Trends, Insights appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Sales by the Numbers

The Fourth Quarter IADA Market Report for accredited dealers and certified brokers reported 1,399 used aircraft sales transactions that closed in 2022, which is a 2 percent increase year over year from 2021, which saw sales of 1,370 jets.

IADA adds that the resale volume represents $9.3 billion, or roughly $8 million per transaction, with December being the busiest month of the year, with 259 sales reported.

While it was nice to end the year on a high note, industry officials predict the market will likely level out over the first half of 2023.

IADA executive director Wayne Starling reported IADA members “have slightly more modest expectations than they did a year ago for the aircraft resales market over the next six months.”

Austin Bass, market research manager for accredited dealer OgaraJets in Atlanta, concurred, stating, “Over the next six months, I believe we will continue to see market normalization. I anticipate a more balanced market, with the majority of aircraft beginning to depreciate at slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels,” Bass added, “Pricing for high-time and legacy aircraft will likely fall the most, while pricing for newly delivered aircraft will likely benefit from OEM backlogs.”

IADA members predict that the next six months should bring a slight increase in inventory and stable outlooks for supply for all business aircraft segments, including turboprops, light jets, mid-size jets, and large and ultralong-range business jets.

IADA is a professional trade association formed more than 30 years ago to promote the growth and public understanding of the aircraft resale industry. IADA’s dealers consist of the top 12 percent of the world’s experts who handle 46 percent of used business aircraft sales.

The post Business Jet Sales Up in 2022, IADA Reports appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

I thought it was common practice to review logbooks before you rent an aircraft? Or should I just trust that the school knows what they are doing?

Answer: This sounds like the person behind the counter heard the word “books” and missed the word “log,” so they thought you were asking for the financial records of the school. 

Maintenance logbooks are a completely different entity, and you are correct, reviewing them before you take up an airplane is good practice because it is part of the determination of airworthiness. If an inspection is overdue or an AD not complied with, that makes the aircraft unairworthy and if you are pilot in command, you are responsible for determining airworthiness. Always check the logbooks before you fly something for the first time if you can, and periodically before check rides or after major maintenance.

• READ MORE: What Can You Do To Avoid an Incident or Accident?

I am puzzled by the insistence that the business owner has to be there during the process, unless he or she is the only person who has the keys to the safe or office where the logbooks are kept. It is not uncommon for the flight school to want one of their employees to oversee the process—those logbooks are valuable, but the check shouldn’t take you more than an hour, so it usually isn’t too expensive if you have to pay for the employee’s time.

Do you have a question about aviation that’s been bugging you? Ask us anything you’ve ever wanted to know about aviation. Our experts in general aviation, flight training, aircraft, avionics, and more may attempt to answer your question in a future article.

The post Am I Allowed To Review the Aircraft Logbooks Before I Rent? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The event, which will be hosted by aviator and actor John Travolta, will be held on Friday January 20, 2023, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. 

Living Legends of Aviation are described as “remarkable people of extraordinary accomplishment in aviation and aerospace. Among their ranks are entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, record breakers, pilots who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become pilots.

Event Highlights

Among those to be recognized at the event is actor William Shatner, who will receive the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award. Shatner, 91, is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk from the Star Trek franchise and for being the oldest person to go to space. 

• READ MORE: Beam Me Up, Scotty! William Shatner’s Heading to Space

In October 2021,  Shatner—then 90—was one of four crew members aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin Rocket. The flight, which lasted 10 minutes 17 seconds, had a profound impact on Shatner, who, after landing, was very emotional as he struggled to put his feelings into words. In a subsequently released book, “Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder,” Shatner explained how the view of the earth from the edge of space made the actor realize how fragile the planet is.

Other Award Winners

Other Legends honorees include:

• Mike Silvestro, the CEO of Flexjet, who receives the “Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award” for his work in the fractional private jet industry.
• Tim Ellis, who received the “Eren Ozmen Entrepreneur of the Year Award” for the founding of Relativity Space, a company that invented a new approach to design, print and fly its own rockets, starting with the world’s first 3D printed rocket.
• Daniel Drohan, the owner of several aviation companies and the founder of Solairus, private jet and aircraft management, will receive the “Kenn Ricci Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award.’’
• Max Lyons, philanthropist and dual rated pilot in both helicopters and airplanes and the owner of Hillsboro Aviation will receive the “Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award.” 
• Mack Rutherford, who holds the Guinness Book of World Record for being the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a small aircraft, will receive the “Barron Hilton Aviation Inspiration Award.” Rutherford completed the flight in August of 2022 at the age of 17. His sister, Zara, did her own global flight in January at age 19, and currently holds the record for the youngest female to fly solo around the world.

New Living Legends

The Living Legends will also welcome new inductees to their ranks:

• Greg Evans, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and lifetime advocate for the business aviation industry. He is the Chairman of the Board of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., the first company providing complete mission management services for business aviation.
• Alan Eustace, a pilot and Google executive who performed the highest human free-fall, jumping from 135,890 feet up in the stratosphere.
• Tom Haines, former editor-in-chief with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He has flown more than 100 models of general aviation airplanes.
• Jared Isaacman, American entrepreneur, pilot, philanthropist, and commercial astronaut who led the first all-private citizen crew into orbit. He is also the founder of Draken International, a private air force provider and Shift4 Payments, a payment processor.
• HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman is a former Royal Saudi Air Force pilot who flew aboard the American STS-51-G Space Shuttle as a payload specialist. He is the first member of a royal family to fly in space and the youngest person ever to fly on the Space Shuttle. In 2018, he was appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Space Commission at the rank of minister.

Remembering Those No Longer With Us

As is tradition, the Legends will also pay tribute to seven Legends who have “flown west” since the Legends’ last gathering. These include:

• Sigi Angerer, the chief pilot of The Flying Bulls, a vintage aircraft fleet based in Europe.
• Joe Kittinger, who as a U.S. Air Force Captain set the record for the highest parachute jump and longest free fall when he ascended to 102,800 feet above earth in a helium-balloon-tethered gondola and jumped, free falling for 4 minutes and 36 seconds
• Dietrich Mateschitz, Global businessman and Red Bull co-owner who created the Formula One team.
• Major General Carl McNair, who served for 32 years with the U.S. Army. McNair was the first Branch Chief of Army Aviation. He also held many leadership roles in the aviation community, including the American Helicopter Society.
• Frank Robinson, aeronautical engineer and founder of Robinson Helicopter Company.
• Lou Turpen, who spent his life in aviation and is known for his development of San Francisco International Airport (KSFO), which became a blueprint for other airports across the world.
• Tom Poberezny, champion aerobatics pilot and long-time leader of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

The event is sponsored by Ducommun, a global provider of manufacturing solutions for the aerospace and defense industries, Sierra Nevada, focused on technology and engineering for the aerospace industry, and Williams International, a world leader in the development, manufacture, and support of gas turbine engines used by the aerospace industry.

Details

The “Living Legends of Aviation Awards” are produced by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to educate children about and spark their interest in aviation.

The post Shatner To Be Recognized as Aviation Inspiration at Living Legends appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The NAHF, founded in 1962, is the only Congressionally chartered aviation hall of fame in the United States. Each year, the NAHF Board of Nominations, a body of more than 130 aviation professionals nationwide, select class members from the world of aviation and aerospace. The selectees are drawn from air and space pioneers, both living and posthumously. Thus far 254 people have been honored.

The Class of 2023 is composed of both living and posthumous inductees.

(The late) Velta Benn

Benn is an aviation pioneer who began as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP), class 44-W-7, and went on to fly for more than 63 years, amassing 55,000 flying hours as a CFI, FAA examiner, and safety expert. In 1983 she was inducted into the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. Benn flew West in December 2010 at the age of 93.

(The late) Cornelius Coffey

Coffey is an aviation pioneer who, despite many racial barriers, became a pilot and mechanic. He opened a flight school that trained more than 1,500 students, including hundreds of Tuskegee Airmen. In the 1930s, Coffey was an automobile mechanic who dreamed of becoming a pilot. In 1931 he brought together a group of black air enthusiasts to study at the Curtiss-Wright Aeronautical School. Segregation at the time excluded them from local airports, so local aviators of color built their own facility in Robbins, Illinois, and the Coffery School of Aeronautics was born. Coffey’s school was one those selected in World Was II for the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP).

(The late) Ed Stimpson

Stimpson was a founding member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), an organization he led for many years. He was also the U.S. representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the chairman of the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF).

In 1994, when the general aviation industry was floundering because of lawsuits targeting aircraft manufacturers, Stimpson helped champion the General Aviation Revitalization Act (GARA), which was credited with helping revive the industry by limiting manufacturers’ product liability to 18 years.

Angela Gittens

Gittens is known for her work with Airport Council International (ACI) World. Gittens has been the Director General of ACI World since 2008. She was formerly airport CEO for Miami and Atlanta and Deputy at San Francisco International Airport, where she helped shape airport security and policy.

Fred Haise

Haise joined the aviation world in 1952 as a naval aviation cadet. He served as a U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot from 1954-1956 and later became a test pilot for NASA. Haise was selected for the manned space program in 1966. In 1970, Haise was the Lunar Module Pilot for the Apollo 13 mission in which the intended moon landing was canceled because of a rupture in a fuel-cell oxygen tank. Haise was also part of the space shuttle program then went on to an executive position with the Northrop Grumman Corporation. Haise is also an author; his book, Never Panic Early, an Apollo 13 Astronauts Journey, was released in hardcover in April of this year.

Elon Musk

Musk is an entrepreneur and leader in the commercial aerospace. Musk is the founder of SpaceX, the first private company to put crewed spacecraft into orbit and dock with the International Space Station. Musk is known as a major influencer in the technology and aerospace industry.

NAHF Board of Nominations Chair Tom Lodge revealed the Class of 2023 at the 2022 Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony in Dayton, Ohio.

“We believe that this is an excellent class and we are already looking forward to their induction in Washington, D.C.,” Lodge said. “From pioneers Benn and Coffey to visionaries Gittens, Stimpson, and Musk, and to aerospace hero Haise, the NAHF’s Class of 2023 represents the best in aviation. We applaud the Board of Nominations for their challenging and thorough work.”

The post Astronaut, Aviation Pioneers Inducted into NAHF Class of 2023 appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Here are some gift ideas and holiday deals compiled by the FLYING crew:

Sporty’s Pilot Shop

This holiday, Sporty’s Pilot Shop is knocking $80 off the ForeFlight Sentry Plus ADS-B Receiver, as well as offering a $50 discount on its Leather Original Flight Gear Bag. Those in the market for Sporty’s Multiengine Training Course can also snag a $20 discount. Other discounts are also available for Garmin watches, Flight Gear LED flashlights and more. 

Pilot Institute

Pilot Institute is offering up to 50 percent off its airplane and drone courses. Some of the course offerings include Private Pilot Made Easy Online Ground School for $175, Instrument Rating Made Easy for $175 and Checkride Made Easy for $49. More information may be found here.

• READ MORE: Staging a Black Friday Fly-In: Airports Near Shopping Malls 

Wright Brothers Catalog

If it can be worn, displayed, flown in the backyard, used for interior decorating or carrying pilot gear and making you look like a fighter pilot or astronaut while you do it, you can probably find it in the Wright Brothers Catalog from Sporty’s Pilot Shop. The WBC specializes in ‘giftables’ for aviation enthusiasts. One of the more popular items is the inflatable 8-foot Santa in an airplane. Put it on the front lawn and let the neighbors know a pilot lives there. Find WBC’s Black Friday deals here.

Give an Electronic Flight Bag

Seattle Avionics FlyQ EFB (Electronic Flight Bag) pretty much covers every informational need a pilot has in the cockpit, from weather procurement to flight planning. Load the app and you have digital maps on your iPad or iPhone and away you go.

The Gift of Books

Aviation books are always a good choice. For the World War II buff, you might try a recent release from the U.K.: Bomb Group: The Eighth Air Force’s 381st and The Allied Air Offensive Over Europe, by Paul Bingley and Mike Peters.

The book tells the story of the men of the 381st Bombardment Group, based in England, who flew dangerous bomber missions over Europe during World War II. The book was written by Paul Bingley, the chairman of the 381st Ridgewell Airfield Museum Bingley and aviation historian Mike Peters.

“The book took about two years to write (due to full-time jobs and COVID),” Bingley told FLYING. “However, it is the culmination of almost two decades of research on my side. It is a narrative history of the 381st, from establishment to deactivation. It is told largely through the stories of several individuals, including the group’s chaplain, James Good Brown.”

The book is available from Amazon or through Casemate Publishers.

READ MORE: Remembering the Mighty Men of the 381st Bomb Group

Give the Gift of FLYING

If you haven’t subscribed to FLYING yet, now is an ideal time. FLYING is offering Black Friday deal that will save you up to $50. Find more information here.

Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our guide to the Best Gifts for Pilots under $100

Do you know of a special aviation deal or gift idea for this holiday season? Drop up a line at editorial@flying.media and tell us about it!

The post Black Friday, Aviation Style appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

• READ MORE: Discover Kiawah Island

All the Gear: Pilatus PC-12 NGX

If you just can’t bear to leave any gear at home—but you still need more speed than a Cessna Caravan would offer—you might choose the Pilatus PC-12 NGX. The PC-12’s Pratt & Whitney PT6E-67XP turboprop powerplant pulls the aircraft’s max gross weight of 10,450 pounds through the air at speeds up to 290 ktas.

With an up to 2,236-pound payload, the PC-12 can either carry a lot of people—up to 10 plus a pilot—or a lot of stuff, or a combination of both. The large cargo door accommodates things like motorbikes, or a 1,000-pound pallet plus 400 more pounds of cargo with a single pilot on board.

The PC-12 can accommodate a takeoff distance of as little as 2,485 feet under certain conditions, and a 2,170-foot landing distance as well. With a 1,803 nm range (with four passengers) or 1,568 nm (with six people), you can strike for Kiawah from pretty far away—and at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet.

• READ MORE: Flying to Kiawah Island? Try These Airports on for Size

The updated Honeywell-based integrated flight deck has been branded the Advanced Cockpit Environment by Pilatus, and it features four 10.4-inch displays hosting synthetic vision, weather radar, and other pilot-friendly features. With the Innovative Solutions & Support ThrustSense autothrottle integrated into the power quadrant, engine management is streamlined and efficient as well. When you pull up to the flightline to unload your gear at Charleston, folks will stop to watch what you take out of that big door.

Speed & Style: Daher TBM 960

You may feel the need for speed—and the latest in the line of TBMs from Daher can serve that up for you. With a max cruise of 326 ktas at 28,000 feet, burning roughly 64.9 gph—assuming max gross weight at 7,300 pounds and ISA conditions—the TBM 960 keeps its sweet spot intact for single-engine turboprops.

With the newest model, there’s a significant change up front. The Pratt & Whitney PT6E-66XT engine rated at 895 shp has seen an uptick in its thermodynamic power rating to 1,844 hp. You can seek better economy by pulling the airplane back to 308 ktas at 28,000 feet—the 960 burns roughly 57 gph at this reduced power setting. And the range extends out to 1,730 nm at 252 ktas. Minimum takeoff distance is 2,535 feet under standard conditions, with landing distance roughly the same.

The updated powerplant is managed via a FADEC-style, dual-channel digital engine and propeller electronic control system (EPECS) combined with an autothrottle for ease of engine start and in-flight monitoring.

On the flight deck, the Garmin G3000 avionics suite hosts the HomeSafe autoland system among its safety features, which allows a passenger to initiate an emergency landing function in the event the pilot becomes incapacitated. Underspeed protection and emergency descent management add to the envelope protection available to the pilot.

With a maximum takeoff weight of up to 7,615 pounds, the 960 can carry from 220 to 396 pounds within the pressurized cargo compartment in the cabin—giving loading flexibility for those things you just don’t want to throw in the baggage hold—and up to 1,446 pounds of payload. All of this comes wrapped in a sleek profile that will turn heads on a ramp packed with the snazziest bizjets.

This article was first published in the 2022 Southeast Adventure Guide of FLYING Magazine.

The post Aircraft for Your Escape to Kiawah Island appeared first on FLYING Magazine.