Agency Probes Mysterious Red Marks

Shortly after takeoff at night from the Mobile Downtown Airport, in Mobile (AL) the airplane was level northeast bound at 3000 feet and initiated a descent. At 2400 feet, radar contact was lost. The airplane crashed about one-half to 1 mile south of the radar track. The commercial pilot sustained fatal injuries and the airplane was destroyed.

FAA: Plane Was On Course

Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher's staff says his aircraft was on course and in touch with controllers when it apparently prompted the evacuation of the US Capitol and Supreme Court Wednesday. It looks for all the world like someone at the FAA didn't communicate the governor's clearance to security officials.

The blue-and-white presidential jet that brought the flag-draped coffin of former President Ronald Reagan to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., on June 9 is an aircraft he ordered before he left office – but this was his first ride in it. Reagan ordered two identical Boeing 747s to replace the aging presidential Boeing 707s he traveled in as president. First lady Nancy Reagan designed the interior decor of the planes in a style reminiscent of the desert Southwest.

First Come The Bonanzas, Then The Mooneys...

EAA's AirVenture event, the world's largest annual aviation gathering, will once again welcome the mass arrivals of Piper Comanche, Beech Bonanza, Mooney and Stinson aircraft in 2004. EAA's 52nd annual event will be held July 27-Aug 2, at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

Klyde Has Some More Fun With His Ol' Buddy Mayor Daley

Lawyer Wins Bid For Security Clearance

Harry Schmidt's march toward court-martial is underway again. The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces in Washington (DC) this week lifted the stay in the case of United States vs. Harry Schmidt.

US To Start Sharing Pax Data With EU

The US will next year begin sharing personal data about airline passengers with foreign security services. That word came Wednesday from the G-8 summit meeting in Sea Island (GA). The exchange of information will reportedly go far beyond what is now shared between the US and the European Union.

...And Even Adds Another Day

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the Aviation Festival is returning to Wichita (KS).

More Than Two Weeks After Disaster

Recovery teams have finally brought back the bodies of three people killed last month when their Mooney slammed into one of the highest mountains in Wyoming. Rod Lashley, his wife and a friend are finally going home to Nebraska.

Will Build Rudder For 7E7 Dreamliner

Boeing signed a deal Thursday with China Aviation Industry Corporation I (AVIC I) and China Aviation Industry Corporation II (AVIC II), to provide parts and assemblies for Boeing airplanes, including the rudder for the Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner. The signing celebration at the Boeing China office marked the first announcement of Chinese suppliers selected for Boeing 7E7 opportunities.

New York Nuke Drill Includes Plane Crash Into Reactor

When New York state and federal officials staged a disaster drill at the Indian Point nuclear power plant, the scenario Wednesday included the crash of an aircraft into the plant's containment building.

Scott Says Airlines Are "Excited" About Company's New Program

Is there any reason Bombardier shouldn't build a new 110- to 135 passenger airliner? Heck, Gary Scott can't think of one.

NOTAM: 4/5182 Issued: 06/09/2004 17:56 Effective: 06/11/2004 14:30 - 06/11/2004 19:45 State: WA Facility: ZDC - WASHINGTON (ARTCC),DC. Type: VIP Description: WASHINGTON DC, JUNE 11, 2004.

"You have one minute to impact." Source: Security announcement at the US Capitol Wednesday, as lawmakers and citizens who came to attend the state funeral for former President Ronald Reagan were hustled out of the building. The US Supreme Court was also evacuated because of a (temporarily) unidentified aircraft approaching. It turned out the aircraft was a Beechcraft King Air 200 carrying Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher and his staff to the Reagan funeral ceremonies. The aircraft, which apparently lost the use of its transponder shortly after take-off, was in communication with controllers, who apparently failed to pass the word of the arrival on to security forces on alert for the funeral.

Will Address July 30th Moth Dinner

Gustavus (Gus) McLeod now has two dates at this year's AirVenture in Oshkosh (WI). In addition to talking about his next pole-to-pole, 'round-the-world venture, McLeod will also address this year's Moth Dinner at Oshkosh, Friday July 30, 6:30 PM at the Pioneer Inn.

Amid Change, Navy SAR Team Finishes Eval Top Of Pack

The annual search and rescue evaluation at Patuxent River Naval Air Station (MD) is a little like a tax audit -– if, that is, after reviewing your returns the auditors make you do pull-ups or jump out of a helicopter into a river.

In Chicago, Hong Kong And Seattle

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has three Business Aviation Regional Forums planned for this summer -- including its first international forum -- in Chicago, Hong Kong and Seattle. NBAA's Regional Forums bring together business aircraft owners, operators, manufacturers, customers and other industry personnel for networking and information sharing at some of the best airports and FBOs worldwide. All business aviation industry personnel, potential and present, are invited to attend.