Plane & Pilot March 2014

Spending time with Bob Hoover is an experience that’s forever treasured by anyone who has ever had the opportunity. Recently, we visited the legend at his home in Southern California, surrounded by awards, medals and historic photographs—each one with a completely amazing story of its own. We watched behind the scenes as filmmaker Dan Birman and his crew interviewed Hoover for an upcoming documentary film that will honor his many aviation accomplishments. It will premiere at Hollywood’s Paramount Studios in mid-February in conjunction with the launch of the “Bob Hoover Hall of Heroes.” In this issue, Marc Lee tells of our visit with Hoover, a day Marc will never forget. Our main pilot report this month is Aviat Aircraft’s CNG-powered Husky. James Wynbrandt flies the proof-of-concept aircraft, whose 200 hp…

Advice On Flying Lessons Recently, I inquired about taking flying lessons at a local small airport near my home. I chose to go there because its location, size and the rates for lessons make it the best place for me to take lessons. My goal is to get a sport-pilot license. I spoke to two out of the three instructors available. I related well to the first man with whom I spoke. I liked the guy right off. He teaches in a tri-gear LSA. That is the only plane available he will use for teaching (personal preference). I was pretty sure I would feel comfortable having him as my instructor, but I made no decision or commitment with him. I wanted to meet and talk with the other instructors before…

Cessna Aircraft received type certification of the all-composite TTx aircraft in Brazil from the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil. Deliveries to customers in Brazil commenced in November at Cessna’s facility in Independence, Kan. Jodi Noah, Cessna senior vice president for Single Engine/Propeller Aircraft, said: “The TTx is a testament to the innovation and commitment of the Cessna team responsible for delivering this exceptional aircraft to the market. International deliveries have already begun, and with this type certification awarded, the TTx will continue to be the standout choice for advanced pilots who demand luxury, progressive technology and jet-like performance.” The TTx has a range of 1,250 nm, capable of nonstop flight on routes such as Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires. Visit www.cessna.com. Aspen’s EA100 Receives FAA And EASA Approvals Aspen Avionics announced…

Island-Hopping It’s only a short 53 nm from Fort Lauderdale to the first of the island chains: Bimini. From there, you’ll almost always be within sight of land. The 2014 Pilot’s Guide To The Bahamas features updated airport data, procedures, customs and immigration information, aerial photos, accommodations and touristy listings and area maps. It covers all the Islands of the Bahamas. (For Caribbean destinations, purchase the Caribbean Pilot’s Guide separately.) The guide is available for the iPad. Contact: www.pilotpub.com. Turn Your iPhone Into A Wind Meter Vaavud’s wind meter turns your smartphone into a meteorological tool. Download the free app, and plug the wind meter into your ear phone jack. The app gives an overview of average, actual and maximum wind speed, as well as a real-time graph. The one-piece…

Van Nuys, Calif. | Moose Peterson On a stormy winter afternoon, two legendary Mustangs met up on the ramp at Van Nuys Airport in Southern California: the 1970 Reno Air Race Unlimited Champion, Clay Lacy’s Miss Van Nuys P-51D Mustang and Mark Chiolis’ gorgeous 1970 Boss 302 Mustang. It was a simple gathering of power, style and legend as the clouds clashed at sunset. The shoot was for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic Ford Mustang and 51st anniversary of the Reno Air Races. It was shot on the ramp in front of the Clay Lacy Aviation as jet clients were entertained by the classic view. Grumman J2F-6 Duck Lake Agnes, Fla. | Jake Peterson Gliding across the water’s surface is one of the last remaining airworthy Grumman…

Like many pilots who often consort with non-aviators, I’m frequently asked the same questions regarding general aviation, especially when people know I deliver airplanes internationally. “I understand you deliver little airplanes to Australia. How long does that take? Two days? I came back from Sydney on a Qantas 747 last year, and that was a real grind—13 hours nonstop.” Some of those folks are amazed when I tell them I rarely fly jets. My rides are more typically single-and twin-engine piston and turboprop aircraft that can require as long as a week to make the trip Down Under. Many can’t believe it’s possible to fly a single-engine piston airplane across an ocean. “Wouldn’t it be easier and safer to just put the airplane in a pallet and ship it? How…