Column: AOPA working to bust expensive FBO monopolies | Insurance company uses drones to assess Hurricane Michael damage | Pa. university christens new Diamond DA40 NG aircraft
Philip Greenspun writes that fixed-base operators often charge as much as they can get away with for general aviation pilots to access publicly funded airports. AOPA is working to bring some accountability to the system, and had some success when Signature, a big FBO chain, started to disclose fees on its website. AOPA is also encouraging airports to create and publicize public transient parking areas.
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State Farm is using drones to assess structural damage from Hurricane Michael, having received a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration allowing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles over people and beyond the pilot's line of sight. Drones can speed up the claims analysis process with inspections taking minutes, rather than hours.
Pennsylvania's St. Francis University on Tuesday held a blessing ceremony for its aviation program's new Diamond DA40 NG aircraft. The program is offered in partnership with Nulton Aviation and the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport Authority, and is designed to help address the national pilot shortage, promote general aviation and encourage regional economic development.
California's Van Nuys Airport will on Jan. 17 host the "Business Jets Fuel Green: A Step Toward Sustainability" event, designed to educate general aviation pilots on sustainable alternative jet fuel. All four of the airport's fixed-based operators will offer a Jet A biofuel blend during the event.
A converted Boeing 737 will be used to fight wildfires in Australia. The aircraft is one of six air tanker conversions commissioned by Coulson Aircrane.
On Oct. 11, Norma Evans enjoyed a flight in a 1942 Boeing Stearman biplane -- the second the spry 104-year-old has taken with the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. Evans is the oldest person to be taken up by the organization, which provides flights in vintage aircraft to seniors and US military veterans living in long-term care communities.
On the NBAA scene: Praetors arrive, Latitude scores
Cessna's Citation Latitude earns a major order, and Embraer unveils the Praetor 500 and 600 models as the National Business Aviation Association convenes its convention. Also this week, electric power in the spotlight, and shortages spell opportunity.
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About AOPA
As the world’s largest community of pilots, AOPA exists to protect and grow the
incredible experience called general aviation. Whether it is through educating
the public about the fun and the utility that aircraft can provide, preparing
resources and training material to enhance the skills of pilots everywhere, or
advocating for aviation within agencies at all levels of government—it is AOPA’s
job to maintain the strength and vitality of the flying community. To learn more
about general aviation and AOPA, go to
www.aopa.org.
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