NEWS

• New AOPA Regional Representative

Soloflights' CFI, Richard Amor was appointed the Regional rep for the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) after Mel Stewart moved to Gatwick to join CAA International Ltd. Richard is available to advise members with many aspects of aviation and can be contacted on at Soloflight

• Celebrate 100 years of licensed women pilots
  

It started in 1784, when only 8 months after the first manned balloon flight, Count Jean-Baptiste de Laurencin got cold feet and gave his spot for a balloon flight to Marie Élisabeth Thible, a French opera singer. She dressed as a Roman goddess and sang "La Belle Arsène", a celebrated opera of the time, as the balloon ascended to 1500 meters. She is was the first woman ever to fly.

A few years later, riding along was not good enough for women anymore. Jeanne Labrosse was the first woman to fly solo in an aircraft. It is no surprise that just a few years after the airplane was invented, women were taking on the new challenge. Raymonde de Laroche, an experienced French balloonist became the first woman to earn a pilot license.

Over the last century, women have continued to actively take part in aviation regardless of the set backs they sometimes faced. Bessie Coleman, the first black woman to earn a pilot license, had to learn French and travel to what was at the time far away lands just to learn to fly airplanes. Elena Caragiani-Stoenescu, Roumania, was denied her application for a pilot license in her country and traveled to France to earn her pilot license. Upon her return, her country refused to let her participate to airshows. Many countries refused to let women use their piloting skills to defend their countries in wartime.

All the hard earned breakthroughs would not have been possible without their strong will power and the open mindedness of those men who supported their efforts. As we, today's women pilots, stands in receipt of this legacy, let's gracefully pay it forward to the next generation of women pilots. Let's introduce a record number of women to aviation. Ladies, start your engines!

Click HERE to find out how you can become involved GENTS welcome!!

• Video guide to flying the London TMA

Video guides to flying round the TMA and London Heli routes now online HERE

• GAPAN Scholarship Panel

The Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators (www.gapan.org) have appointed Mel Stewart onto the selection panel to help select the winners of their PPL scholarships. Sifting of the initial applications is followed by interviewing the candidates at the Guild offices in London.

• The J N Somers ATPL Scholarship

The J N Somers scholarship covers all direct training and examination costs, any associated travel costs and accomodation costs for the successful candidate as they achieve their ATPL. 

Shortlisted candidates attend Morrisby Testing in July (in London) and final aptitude testing and interviews take place at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire in August.  The successful candidate commences training early the following year.

Information about other scholarships available on our scholarships page

• RAeS Advisory Group

Soloflight's Mel Stewart readily accepted the Royal Aeronautical Society's invitation to join their Women in Aviation & Aerospace Committee. Recognising that women bring a wealth of skills, creativity and commitment to their jobs, but are severely under-represented in the critical job functions within all sectors of aviation and aerospace, the Royal Aeronautical Society made public in October 2008 its commitment to encourage more women into aviation and aerospace by signing the CEO Charter, which is awarded by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC), the lead body working on behalf of women in these sectors. By signing the CEO Charter, the Society committed to: 

• Actively support the aim of increasing the participation, at all levels, of women in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET).

• Develop and communicate the business case for gender equality within their organisation, their supply chain and their wider networks.

• Promote and showcase their organisation’s approach and examples of best practice at relevant events and forums.

• Develop clearly defined strategies and implement practices which encourage women to enter and progress in, or return to, SET careers. 

A few months later, the Society underpinned this commitment by establishing the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Advisory Group, tasked with researching the role of women in the industry and addressing the problem of how to attract more females into all sectors.  

The Society was also concerned that women represented too low a percentage of its membership and that a large majority of women were in the lowest membership categories. As a result, it also asked the Advisory Group to recommend how RAeS could attract more women members, increase female membership in the senior categories such as Member and Fellow, and how it could encourage female members to play a more active role in all the Society’s activities, committees and groups.

As a result of the Advisory Group's recommendations and following the presentation of its report to the Society’s Council in June 2009, the Women in Aviation and Aerospace Committee was established as a more permanent group, the first in the UK to represent women working in all sectors of the industry and employed in a wide variety of jobs.

• Defence cuts could ground the Battle of Britain flight

By IAN DRURY
- Daily Mail

Senior RAF sources have warned that the flight could be cut on 'cost grounds' as the MoD is forced to make drastic savings in the next defence review.

This year is the Battle of Britain's 70th anniversary and yesterday MPs and veterans' groups described the threat to the flight as a 'crying shame' and an insult to the fighter pilots - 'The Few' - who defended Britain against the German Luftwaffe.

Evocative: The Lancaster (left) escorted by a Spitfire and a Hurricane (top right) during the RAF's Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Every year hundreds of thousands of Britons watch the flypasts held around the country.

The displays include one of the world's two working Lancaster bombers, as well as Spitfires and Hurricanes - the two principal British fighter types involved in the Battle of Britain.

An RAF Wing Commander said: 'Under the defence review now being conducted, the display teams could be cut. This is part of a cost benefit analysis going on in all MoD departments.'

If the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight was to continue to operate as it currently does, it is feared it would need to attract private finance.'

The MoD has already made clear that the BBMF would not be allowed to be funded by private sponsorship or donations. Based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, it costs the RAF up to £3million a year to run.

Last night Tory defence spokesman Gerald Howarth expressed concern about funding cuts affecting the BBMF.

'Celebrations like the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight are an important reminder of the heroic role of The Few who gave their lives for our freedom, as well as a tremendous recruiting tool for the RAF,' he said.

'I would be surprised if the Government endangered such a national treasure in the year of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.' 

Much-loved: The Red Arrows could also be at risk as the MoD is forced to make cuts

The MoD has admitted that nothing has been ruled out of spending cuts for the financial year of 2011-12.

One source said there could be 'no sacred cows' in the spending reviews - suggesting that other much-loved displays such as the Red Arrows could also be at risk.

The £3million cost of the BBMF is a drop in the ocean compared to the MoD's £36.9billion budget - less than 0.1 per cent. It represents only one per cent of the £300million paid in bonuses to civil servants at the Whitehall ministry.

Meanwhile, defence chiefs have squandered a fortune by botching the purchase of equipment.

The BBMF fleet consists of 11 working aircraft - which include two Hurricanes and a Douglas Dakota - which take to the skies for more than 600 displays and parachute drops each year across Britain and Europe. The events include Second World War anniversaries and State occasions.

Last night Douglas Radcliffe, the secretary of the Bomber Command Association and a former Lancaster Bomber pilot, said: 'It would be disastrous if funding was cut from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

'It is something special which captures the imagination of the British public. They also do fantastic fund-raising work.'

An MoD spokesman said that no cuts to the BBMF would take place this year.

However, he added: 'We routinely review all spending to balance our resources and focus on the highest priority - operations in Afghanistan.'

Click HERE to sign the Downing St petition

• New Training Advisor to the Air League Educational Trust
  

Soloflight is pleased to announce that Mel Stewart has been appointed Training Advisor to the Air League Educational Trust. The Board of Trustees met on Thursday and approved the appointment as proposed by the Director or the Air League, Andrew Brookes MPhil MBA FRAeS FRUSI.

The Air League’s aim and mission is to promote the cause of British aviation firstly by providing opportunities for their members to discuss aviation matters with government and parliamentarians and by liaising with Government, Parliament, the Armed Services, local authorities and the press.

The Air League Educational Trust also offers flying, gliding and engineering scholarships, flying bursaries - and careers advice - to encourage young people to follow a career in aviation. Mel will be part of the team who will assess and award these scholarships and bursaries to young people. Closing date for bursaries is the end of February. Click HERE for more information.

The Air League's Patron HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh said:

“In 1909, when The Air League was founded, aviation was in its infancy, but the founders had the vision to recognise its potential for civil and military use. The Air League has never lost that vision and is as active as ever in promoting an interest in aviation among young people through the offer of Flying Scholarships and Bursaries; in supporting the development of effective military aviation; in stimulating internationally competitive aircraft manufacturing and air transport industries and in encouraging general aviation in this country.”

• Paper FAA Pilot Certificates Expired March 31, 2010

Pilots cannot now exercise the privileges of their PAPER pilot certificates since March 31, 2010.
Certificates issued under 14 CFR Part 63 and 65 expired March 31, 2013. Visit our FAA page for information about how to change your certificate or call Mel on 07770 210688

• Soloflight's Mel Stewart invited to join the AOPA Members working group

AOPA's CEO Martin Robinson invited our Mel Stewart to join the AOPA Members working group. The group meets quarterly and discusses all aspects of licencing and regulation for pilots, airfields and aircraft, as well as issues which are effecting all it's members. One of the main topics of the meeting is the future of the IMC Rating and alternatives and the new AOPA Mentoring scheme which should be launched later this year.

• New NPPL Revalidation Requirements

REVISED REVALIDATION REQUIREMENTS POST 31 JANUARY 2008
As from your next revalidation (which must be completed before 30 June 2009), all Class Ratings on NPPLs will have a 24 month validity period. In this period, a total of at least 12 hours flight time, including 8 hours as PIC must be completed in order to revalidate by experience.
1. Holder of a licence with one class rating (SSEA* or SLMG or Microlight): Complete on the class of aeroplanes held:
(a) within the period of validity of the rating have flown as pilot: • at least 12 hours flight time including 8 hours PIC. • at least 12 take-offs and landings. • at least 1 hour training flight with an instructor. If this flight has not been completed, the rating will be endorsed ‘Single seat only’.
(b) Within the 12 months preceding the expiry date of the rating, have flown as pilot: • at least 6 hours flight time.
2. Holder of a licence with 2 or 3 ratings (SSEA/SLMG/Microlight):
(a) Within the period of validity of the rating on any of the classes of aeroplanes held, have flown as pilot: • at least a total of 12 hours including 8 hours PIC • at least 12 take-offs and landings
• at least 1 hour training flight with an instructor. If this flight has not been completed all ratings will be endorsed ‘Single seat only’.
(b) Within the 12 months preceding the expiry date of the ratings held have flown, as pilot on any of the class ratings held: • at least 6 hours flight time.
(c) Within the period of validity of each class rating held, have flown as pilot: • at least 1 hour PIC on each class held; or • undertaken at least 1 hour of flying training on each class held with an instructor entitled to give instruction on aeroplanes of those classes.
If (c) has not been fully completed, you will be required to renew the relevant Class Rating(s) by GST.
* NOTE: After 31 January 2008, Microlight/SLMG privileges may not be exercised on an SSEA Rating. However, a general exemption applies to anyone currently exercising such privileges and the relevant Class Rating(s) will be added to the licence upon revalidation.

• Wedding Celebration

Congratulations to Soloflight member Nigel Thornhill (pictured right in the photograph) who married long time sweetheart Fran on the 5th September in Harrogte. Best man was Shawn Lewis, another Soloflight member who flies regularly with Nigel all over Europe. 

The reception was held in Nigel and Fran's home town of Knaresborough and was followed by a two week honeymoon in the Scilly Isles.

• Soloflight's Mel Stewart appointed AOPA rep for Humberside

The Aircraft Owners & Pilot's Association (AOPA) sought local representatives to assist members. Soloflight's Mel Stewart immediately volunteered and was accepted for Humberside. Various leaflets, application forms and a notice board with information about AOPA can be found in the entrance to Soloflight. Membership is FREE to students and there is a Wings Awards scheme for encouraging the improvement of your skills as a pilot.
Should you have any questions, Mel can be contacted by emailing humberside@aopa.co.uk or via telephone to Soloflight.

• Dave "Ridders" Ridley passes his IMC Rating

Dave pictured right with Mel Stewart, passed his IMC test with local examiner John Vickers. Dave is based at Goodwood airfield in Sussex with his Bulldog aircraft and completed his rating in the minimum time.

• Rising Star Lee Jackson completes his Private Pilot Licence at age 17
  

Soloflight congratulates Lee Jackson on successfully completing his PPL training, having passed his General Flight Skills test after a comprehensive training course of 48 hours flying, which began with a flying lesson with Soloflight at Humberside Airport, as a gift for his 14^th birthday.

Lee's ambition started on his first flight as a 6 year old travelling on holiday to Gran Canaria. He says "Ever since I first went on holiday on a plane to Gran Canaria when I was 6, I have wanted to be a pilot and when I took a trial flight with Richard at Soloflight, I just knew it was for me."

Lee passed his Flight Test in a 4 seater Piper Warrior aircraft under the watchful eye of local Examiner John Vickers who said “Lee was very good – an above average pilot”

Lee’s Private Pilots Licence allows him to take passengers flying without an instructor despite having only just applied for his Provisional Driving Licence. His first flight as a Qualified Pilot will be to take his dad over Spurn Point and up to the Humber Bridge.

Mel Stewart (pictured right), widow of Soloflight founder Glen Stewart said, “Lee is a dedicated and enthusiastic flier who has been determined to complete his licence since taking his first flight 3 years ago. He has passed most of his exams at Soloflight with marks above 95% at the same time as studying for his AS levels” 

A pupil at Caistor Grammar School, Lee achieved A’s in maths, further maths and General Studies, as well as B’s in physics and German at AS level. He plans are to spend another year at school to finish his A-levels and then work towards a career as an airline pilot.  

Caistor Grammar's head of 6^th Form, Terry McTernan agreed that “it is an outstanding achievement and reflected a very impressive initiative on Lee’s part. It has demonstrated his resourcefulness and his willingness to explore wider opportunities. Caistor Grammar School is very proud of Lee.”

 

Sue Jackson, Lee’s mum said "We are very proud of Lee and delighted with his achievement. We are very grateful to Sandra and Soloflight for the huge amount of help. Instructor Stuart’s firm but fair teaching methods enabled Lee to achieve so much so quickly."

Lee took a job in a pub to help fund his lessons and friends joked about the cost of a flying lesson being the same as the cost of a good night out. They now look forward to cross country flights to other airfields with Lee as he builds his hours towards his Commercial Pilots Licence.

 

Pictured below is Lee Jackson holding his new Pilot Licence with the Soloflight aircraft that he learned to fly.

• Metropolitan Police thank Soloflight Team

Commander Peter Spindler of the Specialist Crime Directorate, Covert Policing, personally wrote to Sandra and the team to thank them for their assistance with a counter terrorism scenario last year.

Commander Spindler thanked Soloflight for their advice and help with training their staff to combat the real threat of International terrorism.

• New Aircraft for sale

Ever seen a Hornet Moth?  There's one for sale on the Extras page.

Watch the video HERE

• International Flying Rotarian Visits

Soloflight welcomed yet another international flying rotarian, Warren "Rocky" Miller from Houston, Texas who flew RL round Britain accompanied by another 16 aircraft. Rocky's 6 day trip included Kirkbride, Perranporth, Goodwood and Cambridge along with a number of other airfields en-route. At home Rocky normally flies his own Cessna Conquest, unless he chooses his PA32-260 Cherokee 6 and thoroughly enjoyed his 15 hours in our PA28, passing on some useful information to other US visiting pilots.

• GAPAN Trophies & Awards Banquet

The 2008 event for 650 members and guests was again held at the Guildhall in London. The annual banquet was hosted by the Master of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators, Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards CBE AFC FRAeS FCIM

Soloflight's Mel Stewart was one of his guests.

The Guild’s constitutionally stated objectives are:

·        to establish and maintain the highest standards of air safety through the promotion of good airmanship among pilots and navigators.

·        to maintain a liaison with all authorities connected with licensing, training and legislation affecting pilot or navigator whether private, professional, civil or military.

·        to constitute a body of experienced airmen available for advice and consultation and to facilitate the exchange of information.

·        to strive to enhance the status of air pilots and air navigators.

·        to assist air pilots and air navigators in need through the Benevolent Fund.

• Take a Virtual Tour round an A380 Cockpit

This is better than reading the manual! Click HERE

• High Flyers

And another High Flier is Keith Kane. He passed his Instrument Rating. Well done Keith.

Congratulations to Angela Hickling (left) who has passed her FAA Instrument Rating and to David Plange who passed his FAA Commercial written exam.

• First Solo's

Congratulations to Gareth Wilson (left) and Lee Jackson (right) who both  achieved their first Solo flight in the Piper PA28 warrior four seat aircraft at Humberside Airport.

• RAF Cranwell Visit - postponed
  

This visit has had to be postponed as Central Flying School are moving premises. The new date will be confirmed after their move.

The provisional program for our afternoon visit to Central Flying School has been set:

Welcome tea and coffee

Brief on Central Flying School

Brief on flying training/RAF Instruction

Look around the Squadron set up and flightline

Possible Tutor display

Possible formation fly through

Bar for a drink!

There is no cost for this visit, but we will make a donation to the station charity.

Flying in is possible, landing fees are not cheap (confirmation of how much will follow).

Please register your interest with Sandra as soon as possible as places are limited.

• RAF Cranwell & Brize Norton report
  

Soloflight's Mel Stewart and 20 other selected guests were invited to join Rick Peacock-Edwards, Master of the Guild of Air Pilots & Air Navigators at RAF Cranwell and RAF Brize Norton, the largest base that the RAF control.

The invitation to RAF Cranwell included a tour and briefing about the Aptitude testing at OASC, a guided tour of College Hall with lunch and an air display in the afternoon. The weather  delayed some of the flying, but the Spitfire, Typhoon, Kingair,  Grob Tutor and the Red Arrows managed to show their abilities. The skies cleared to enable the Red Arrows to perform their full 2008 display. Photos available HERE

The Brize Norton visit involved a flight in the VC10 Air to Air refuelling aircraft. After an introduction by the station Commander and a full briefing regarding the history and future of Brize Norton, everyone boarded the bus to go round the base and board the aircraft.

The plan for the flight was to go to the Area 5 refuelling area off the coast of Teesside to meet four Typhoons to be refuelled Air to Air. The next destination was Area 8 off the Norfolk coast to refuel two M2 Mirage fighters and  four GR7 Harriers along with anyone else who was around. Unfortunately, the Typhoons cancelled their flight out of Coningsby so we headed south for an approach into Waddington en route for Area 8. A call on the Radio then diverted us north again as two Mig 29 fighters were inbound from Russia to have a nose around north of Scotland and the two Tornados scrambled out of RAF Leuchars would require refuellling whilst they intercepted the "visiting" aircraft and "encouraged" them to go home.

Whilst we flew north, lunch was served.

We flew the towline pattern and one of the Tornados joined alongside so the Captain could see him. He then dropped down and came up behind to refuel. Whilst it was difficult to see the process because of the angle from inside the VC10, the Flight Engineer had a screen so he could see everything. After refuelling he flew back to rejoin the interception.

The second Tornado then joined, but struggled to latch onto the line. He was very low on fuel and the search and rescue was already on its way because of a possible ditching becoming necessary. However, the pilot succeeded after the fourth attempt, taking on 7.3 tonnes, having capacity for only 8 in full. A short video of one of his attempts is available HERE.

The return to Brize Norton via Glasgow and Gloucester was uneventful and the flight which was going to be only a couple of hours had extended into five. A tour of 101 Squadron and a talk about it's history and the future of Air to Air refuelling followed the flight and ended a unique day. Photos HERE

• Mark Nelson took part in the Bridlington to Blackpool Charity Bike Ride

............. on 20/06/2008 to raise money for three charities and would really welcome your support after this gruelling two day challenge.Mark has raised £1630 so far but please take a moment to sponsor him and support these charities. It's really easy - you can donate online by credit or debit card at the following address:

• Pilot still flying at 101

Ernest Trent is not your ordinary pilot. For starters, he’s 101 years old and still in the left seat. Add to that a flying history that includes training aircrews to fly B-25s during World War II and ownership of 13 different aircraft.

• Soloflights' North Weald Fly-In report.

Soloflight Members attended the Spirit of North Weald Airfield Open Day & Fly-In on Sunday 18th May. New photos of the event have been added to the gallery. Click HERE to go straight to the Aircraft Gallery.

Visiting aircraft came and went throughout the day and joined a selection of home based veteran aircraft from the airfields historic collections and aviation tenants. All proceeds from the Nominal £2 entry fee went to the  Airfield Gate Guardian Project. The Dakota aircraft of the RAF Memorial Flight, was also on static display.
There was a ceremonial roll out and unveiling of the airfields new gate guardian, a full sized replica of a Hawker Hurricane fighter aircraft that flew from North Weald in September 1940. Symbolizing The Spirit of North Weald Airfield and its Community since flying began there in 1916, the "aircraft" will be mounted in a realistic flying position at the airfield entrance later in the year. 

The unveiling was carried out by Wing Commander Tom "Ginger" Neil DFC* AFC, who flew the depicted aircraft from North Weald during the Battle of Britain. The RAF National Servicemens Association will be hosted a member's reunion in a private area at the eastern end of The Squadron site throughout the day - .exRAF National Servicemen were invited to call in for a chat. 

StalIs and Displays by a wide variety of community, leisure and aviation based organisations, including Epping Forest District and North Weald Bassett Parish Councils, Veteran cars, WW11 Military vehicles and an RAF re-enactment group, plus a selection of children's rides and amusements kept everyone well entertained throughout the day.

Hot and cold Refreshments were on sale throughout the day, with a BBQ and pay bar for non drivers and non-flyers.

The flying action was started by the Missing Man Formation Flypast by Bulldog aircraft of North Wealds own SkyHawk formation team after the unveiling of the Spirit of North Weald. Peter Teichman of Hangar 11 and long time friend of Soloflights’ Mel Stewart, then put his unique Spitfire through its paces.

Pete’s spitfire was followed by a fly - by demo by two North Weald based "Red Arrow" Gnat aircraft of Area 51 was followed by fly pasts by Hurricane and Spitfire of RAF Memorial Flight. The finale of the flying display was a series of fly-bys of representative military aircraft that have onwards flown from RAF North Weald, along with other visiting and airfield based veterans.

The next North Weald event is the Air Britain Fly-In on June 21st and 22nd, this year commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Air Britain.

• High Flyer

Andrew Miller completed his Private Pilot Licence on fixed wing aeroplanes. Andrew already holds a Private Pilot Licence on helicopters. Well done.

• FAA Flight Tests
  

Our UK resident FAA Examiner is now able to conduct Flight Tests on G-registered aircraft as well as all other registrations.

• Vulcan Update
  

The Vulcan bomber with the registration of XH558 restored by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust completed a successful test flight on 16th April,  at RAF Cottesmore.
Please make a donation now to ensure the Trust is able to keep XH558 flying.
See the Vulcan fly HERE

• Flights resume after airport sale

Shoreham Airport in West Sussex has reopened after being sold off to a related company.

The Erinaceous Group which had owned the airport went into administration on Monday 14th April, with debts of a quarter of a billion pounds.

Flights were grounded because of fears the insurance might no longer be valid.

Albemarle Shoreham Airport Limited, which bought the Erinaceous Group's interest on Tuesday, said it was committed to regenerating the airport.

The firm, which already owns the commercial buildings at Shoreham, said the acquisition reunited the airport into single control.

A spokesman added: "Albemarle remains committed to the regeneration of the airport in accordance with the vision of the joint owning councils, when the airport was originally sold in June 2006.

"The airport reopens for business immediately and we are delighted this has taken place within one day of it going into administration."

Flights to Cannes and Deauville in Normandy left Shoreham at 1445 BST and 1500 BST on Tuesday.

The Erinaceous Group appointed KPMG administrators and trading on the stock exchange was suspended on Monday.

About 30 businesses operate from the airport site, including SkySouth airline, flight training schools, small private jets and some commercial transport.

• Prince William is awarded his RAF Wings - April 14th

• Three young pilots flew.......
  

..... a Cessna Mustang in a round-the-world speed record attempt and raised nearly $50,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. Jared Isaacman, 25; Douglas Demko, 26; and Shaun Leach, 27, didn't manage a new record, but still had a successful journey.
Jared's support team have unofficially determined that the total flight time was 84 hours and 5 minutes.  That means they missed the record by 1 hour and 11 minutes for the 22,000 mile trip through some 15 countries. The flight was hampered by the Russians who closed the Anadyr airport early and the Spanish and Belgium Air Traffic Controllers sorting out a "technical glitch."

More information about the Cessna Mustang can be found on our Aircraft page

• Boeing Flies Fuel Cell Aircraft

Boeing has successfully flown the world’s first fuel-cell-powered aircraft and it took its time announcing it. The Diamond Dimona motorglider has flown three times since February out of an airfield at Ocana, south of Madrid. The aircraft took off on a combination of battery power and the fuel cell but used the fuel cell alone to cruise at 3,300 feet and about 55 knots for 20 minutes. “Boeing is actively working to develop new technologies for environmentally progressive aerospace products," said Francisco Escarti, Boeing Research & Technology Europe (BR&TE) managing director. "We are proud of our pioneering work during the past five years on the Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane project. It is a tangible example of how we are exploring future leaps in environmental performance." Click HERE to watch the YouTube video

• New links in Scholarships/Careers
  

• New Destinations & Info in Flying Visits
  

• New Additions on the Extras Page 4th April:

* Free Piper Cub - yes it's true.    

* Pilots and future pilots, go to the Extras page to see some amazing pictures that the ultimate pilot could have taken. You have to see them to believe them ...... Click F11 on your keyboard to see them full screen.

* Fly a Helicopter - it's not as easy as you think!

Thunderstorm Encounters - IFR Pilots need to actively maintain awareness of severe weather long their route of flight. Read more HERE
Controlled Flight into Terrain in Visual Conditions - Night time Visual Flight Operations are resulting in Avoidable Accidents. Read more HERE          

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• FAA "English Proficiency" DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL MARCH 2009

Effective March 5, 2008, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires the following certificate holders who operate internationally to have a certificate stating that the holder is proficient in the use of the English language:

• Private, commercial, and airline transport pilots with powered aircraft ratings
• Flight engineers and flight navigators
• Control tower operators

The ability to read, speak, write, and understand English is already a U.S. regulatory eligibility requirement; the FAA Registry began issuing all new certificates with this endorsement on February 11, 2008. The U.S. has notified ICAO that it filed a difference that will extend the U.S. compliance date until March 5, 2009, in order to provide sufficient time for all affected U.S. airman certificate holders to comply with the ICAO Language Proficiency airman certificate endorsement requirements.

Certificates that are ordered as regular replacement certificates will include the endorsement. You can order a replacement certificate on-line or by mail. You will be asked to register with Online Services if you don't already have an on-line account. Note that there is a $2 fee for replacement airmen certificates.

Airmen who request temporary authority or verification of their airman certificate will not have the English proficiency endorsement until the replacement certificate has been requested and the $2 fee paid. If you have questions, you may contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch on 001-866-878-2498.

For more information regarding ICAO English proficiency, refer to Information for Operators (InFO) 08012 at the FAA All InFOs page.

By US AOPA Correspondent - Alyssa J. Miller

Ronald Crews was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release on March 20 after pleading guilty in 2007 to four counts of making false statements to a federal agency, according to the District of Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office. Crews had made false statements to the FAA about his diabetes and dependence on insulin injections.

The charges resulted from an investigation into a February 2002 incident in which Crews suffered a diabetic seizure while conducting an air taxi flight from Vineyard, Mass., to Hyannis for Massachusetts-based Cape Air. One of the four passengers on board the twin-engine Cessna 402 air taxi flight was a student pilot, who subsequently took control of the aircraft, according to the FAA’s aviation safety information and analysis sharing brief report.

The student pilot, Melanie Oswalt, had the other three passengers restrain Crews, who was incoherent and had pushed her aside while she tried to move into the co-pilot seat. Oswalt landed gear up at Provincetown Municipal Airport in Provincetown, Mass. No one was injured, and the airplane sustained minimal damage.

After the February Cape Air incident, two more were attributed to Crews’ medical condition, and he was fired and lost his pilot certificate, according to the Cape Cod Times.

“It is imperative that pilots not lie on their medical application or continue flying when they know they aren’t fit for flight,” said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. “While this incident is extremely rare, it is a strong warning to all pilots.”

While this case involved an air taxi pilot, general aviation pilots can learn some valuable lessons.

The FAA medical application form warns pilots about the consequences of falsifying information: “Whoever in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and wilfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or who makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or entry, may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.”

Had Crews disclosed his medical condition to the FAA, he would not have been able to receive a first or second class medical certificate. Those who control their diabetes with insulin injections can only get a special issuance third class medical certificate and fly as a student, recreational, or private pilot. Pilots who control their diabetes with diet or oral medication can get a first, second, or third class special issuance medical certificate.

“Don’t try to hide a medical condition from the FAA. It’s illegal, can end your pilot privileges, and result in a hefty fine or jail time,” said Gary Crump, AOPA director of medical certification. “There is hope that you can continue flying—legally—if you have a serious illness that is safely controlled. The FAA is issuing special issuance certificates for more previously disqualifying medical conditions than ever.”

As AOPA has previously reported, a pilot who had a heart transplant is back in the air, and a pilot with multiple sclerosis still has her wings

“Each year we help thousands of AOPA members with serious illnesses, even cancer, get back in the air legally,” said Crump. “Before you give up on flying or go to your next flight physical, talk to our medical specialists. We can help.”

Cancer Research UK, the UK's leading charity dedicated to cancer reasearch