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EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2021 OFFERS REMOTE PILOT PROFICIENCY CENTER TRAINING SESSIONS
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021 is expanding its reach this year, as it is offering its high-quality simulation exercises and scenarios even for those who can’t be at Oshkosh in-person.
Two For One: Dual AirVenture Air Show Performances Promote Social Distancing
An innovative air show format to promote social distancing will be part of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, as the afternoon air show will at times feature a split performance area that accommodates two acts flying at the same time.
Skies to Stars: The Galactic Fly-in
By Ed Downs
As some readers may know, this writer is a great fan of amateur astronomy and astrophysics, occasionally penning this column titled “Skies to Stars.” The column’s theme is to relate astronomy with flying, as they have much in common. The purpose of an airplane is, after all, to enable travel. Aviation has opened the airman’s world to wonderful cross-countries and globe circling adventures. It is no wonder that this writer’s childhood desire to see far off places would result in an aviation career and lasting interest in astronomy and space travel. You see, astronomy offers the greatest cross-country adventure one can experience and still be earthbound. While the average aviator flies for hours to see different sights, the telescope traveler can overcome lightyears in a matter of minutes to see billions of years back in time, or perhaps just hover 700 miles above the Moon’s surface, admiring the mountains, valleys and lava “seas.” July was an exciting travel month for many atmospheric dependent aviators, with both the Arlington Fly-in and EAA AirVenture within just days of each other. The excitement, comradery and just plain fun of a fly-in is hard to beat. This writer missed these two great shows but did attend a truly fun event, which brought aviation and astronomy even closer together, a “fly-in” experience that was unexpected and tremendously satisfying. Allow me to share.
Editorial: Support Your Local Lobbyist
By Ed Downs
Seriously, support lobbyists? You mean like the cartoon dudes made famous by the likes of political cartoonist, Tom Nast, often portrayed as fat, ugly, and bombastic, with money sticking out of their pockets, ready to buy favors and influence? You mean that kind of lobbyist? Well, yes, depending on whom you are talking about… but let me back up just a bit and explain where this thought is coming from. First, a disclaimer: These are the opinions of this writer, and as such, are written in the first person. Please do not get mad at the good folks who publish this great magazine. If this editorial opinion sparks your need to respond, please go to www.inflightusa.com, scroll to the end of this editorial, and utilize our interface options to add your thoughts.
You will be reading this editorial in the July issue of In Flight USA, an important month in this country’s history. Three important events take place in the last weeks of July 2016. The first event is one that we all enjoy. It is very relevant to our passion for flying and fully supports the diversity of GA businesses and aviation interests. This is, of course, EAA AirVenture, 2016.
SkyCraft Declares Light Sport Compliance, Purchases New Factory in Utah
Skies to Stars - July 2012
By Ed Downs
(NASA/JPL-Caltech)Many reading this column may be relaxing under a shade tree at EAA AirVenture 2012, looking at award-winning flying machines and wondering how a feature on astronomy can figure into the picture. Okay. Let’s go with the flow and talk about award-winning flying machines, like the one that should take grand prize in the Contemporary category, but could not make it to the show. You see, the flying machine in question is in use and has “flown” more hours and miles than all other Contemporary contestants, combined! The aerial device in question is in perfect condition, still operational and being piloted by a NASA team at JPL. Actually, it may not be fair to call this craft an “airplane” (although it was for about three minutes), or even a spacecraft. You see, NASA’s Voyager 1 is about to become mankind’s first real “Starship.”
AOPA Offers First AirVenture Photos
Sport Flying With In Flight USA - August 2010
LSA’s Sprout Technology
By Ed Downs
Most readers of this column know by now that the S-LSA category of airplane evolved from the low tech world of ultra light designs. Some 6 years after the birth of LSA, one has to look hard to see the simplicity of its origin. Airframes have become increasingly sophisticated, and avionics packages are beginning to challenge big buck machines. A first timer renting or buying the typical S-LSA will be surprised upon entering a cockpit that looks more like an F-22 than single engine sport plane. Now, that sounds pretty exciting, but let’s take a look at who that “first timer” might actually be.