7000 Mile Trip Is Just A 'Test Flight'

With midnight just past, and while sitting safe and comfortable at my desk with a German Shepherd snoring away at my feet, I must admit to some serious jealousy over the adventure that is taking place a few thousand miles to the West. Yesterday, an intrepid aviator by the name of Bill Harrelson (shown here in his Lancair 320... built previously) departed Guam in a Lancair IV experimental that he crafted, himself, in order to seek a number of adventures. The 7000 mile journey is but a test flight for an even grander journey he has in mind and at the moment, he is cruising safely, doing about 200kts at a little over 15000 feet with the intention of making Jacksonville, Fl, later today. Pilot and ANN reader Jeff Edwa

Also: Farewell Doolittle Raider Tom Griffin, Zuccaro Speaks Truth, Phantom Eye, Austro Engines, Balloon Tragedy, Mars-Bound?

AOPA has confirmed a story first reported here on ANN that AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller is stepping down. Fuller took office on January 1, 2009 with a five year contract. Now as he nears the end of that agreement Fuller said in a statement that he is looking forward to new challenges and opportunities. The U.S. Air Force has selected the Embraer Super Tucano for its Light Air Support (LAS) aircraft. Embraer partnered with Nevada-based Sierra Nevada Corporation for its bid. ICAS – the International Council of Airshows

Boeing Say Extensive Testing Will Be Required Before Airplane Is Flying Again

While FAA Administrator Michael Huerta says that Boeing's proposed solution to the battery issues that have grounded the fleet of Dreamliners worldwide "looks to be very comprehensive," he still can not speculate as to when the long-awaited airliners will be flying again.

CA Dems Want FAA To Set Specific Flight Corridors For Non-Emergency Aircraft

Legislation requiring the FAA to set guidelines on flight paths and minimum altitudes used by helicopter operators in residential areas of Los Angeles County, CA, has been reintroduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-28-CA) and Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA), the Los Angeles Residential Helicopter Noise Relief Act would require the FAA administrator to exempt from their requirements helicopter operations related to emergency, law enforcement or military activities.

Made Several Attempts This Week But Could Not Break 10 Feet Of Altitude

The Gamera II team from the University of Maryland's Clark School of Engineering made several attempts this week to meet the requirements of the Sikorsky Prize, but were unable to reach more than six feet of altitude in the latest iteration of the human-powered quad-copter ... the Gamera II XR.

Most Workforce Cuts Coming From D-Jet Program

In a letter sent to Diamond Aircraft owners, operators, service centers, and distributors, president and CEO Peter Maurer said that the recent restructuring of the Canadian division of Diamond Aircraft Industries "will not impact our ability to meet our ongoing commitments to you."

Sets Strong Position For Flight Attendants In Merger With American Airlines

US Airways flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA), have ratified a single contract with double-digit pay increases, industry-leading job protections and work rules, and a seat at the table as full partners in the merger with American Airlines. The contract, reached with the assistance of the National Mediation Board, sets the stage for additional improvements, uniting both groups under one agreement and positioning flight attendants for future improvements.

Air Force II Won't Be Ferrying The Veep Home For Weekends

Vice President Joe Biden says that he'll once again be taking the train home to Delaware from Washington for the weekends now that the sequester has grounded Air Force II from weekend trips. But the Veep does not seem to be too upset about it.

Will Offer Enhanced Resources For Pilots Committed To Instrument Proficiency

The IMC Club and iFlightPlanner announced today a new strategic partnership that will result in the availability of enhanced resources for pilots who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of instrument flying proficiency.

Started Company When Original Kit Manufacturer Went Bankrupt

The founder of Bede-Micro aviation, Keith Tevis Hinshaw, passed away in January in Sun City West, AZ. Hinshaw was 85 years old. Keith was born in Eureka, CA to Ivo and Camila Hinshaw on December 14, 1927. He served as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force where he maintained North American Aviation P-51D Mustang aircraft.

"We ... we won’t allow the 787 to return to commercial service until we’re confident that any proposed solution has addressed the battery failure risks." Source: FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.

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