High Sierra Fly-In canceled its annual gathering of backcountry enthusiasts at Dead Cow Dry Lake in the remote Nevada desert because of pandemic distancing measures in Nevada and concerns about the optics of putting on the event. A short takeoff and landing competition, the STOL/Drag races, will be conducted, though with no spectators.
The National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) canceled its big bash in Orlando, which had been scheduled for early October. NBAA cited international travel restrictions for its decision to call off the event, which is one of the largest indoor events of any kind in the world. Around half of NBAA’s normal 1,000 exhibitors had backed out, citing concerns about the pandemic.
Boeing resumed flight testing of its beleaguered 737 Max airliner after a grounding that has lasted more than a year and that has cost the company billions.
Speaking of the 737 Max, members of Congress accused Boeing of knowingly misleading the FAA in the plane’s certification process, making changes after the controversial MCAS stability augmentation system after it had been approved by FAA personnel. MCAS is blamed for two tragic crashes of 737 Max planes that killed hundreds of passengers and crew after the pilots lost control.
Sporty’s launched what it is calling its first ever virtual airshow, to be hosted on Sportys.com and other social media platforms. The five-week fest will offer webinars, live events (via streaming, of course), contests and more.
Daher announced a comprehensive new Kodiak Care maintenance package for its Kodiak 100 utility turboprop. The French company, which manufactures the TBM pressurized turboprop single, has won numerous customer service awards and seems intent on upgrading the owner experience for Kodiak customers, as well. Daher purchased Kodiak maker Quest last year.
NBAA filed a comment panning FAA’s Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking that would give the agency wider access to the records of pilots other than those already covered. The association said the proposal was unnecessary and an overreach of Congressional intent.
Homebuilt aviation pioneer Robert L. Taylor died last week. Taylor founded the Antique Airplane Association in 1953, was an award winning restorer and hosted an annual fly-in featuring antique aircraft from across the country. Taylor was 95.
