Cessna delivered the first Cessna 162 Skycatcher today. The aircraft was delivered during a ceremony at Yingling Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas – Cessna’s corporate headquarters. The first aircraft was delivered to Rose Pelton, the wife of Cessna CEO Jack Pelton.

The Skycatcher marks Cessna’s first foray into the new Light Sport Aircraft category which defines LSA’s as an aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 1,320 pounds and a top speed of 120 knots. Like all modern Cessna aircraft, the 162 features a fully integrated glass cockpit.

Cessna launched its Skycatcher program at EAA Airventure 2007 and has since amassed more than 1,000 orders for the light sport aircraft.

This one’s been circulating around the web for a week now. On May 31, a piston twin ran off the 2,100 foot runway in St. Barthelemy Airport (SBH) in the Carribean. What makes this video so interesting, aside from the surfer-dude commentary, is that the pilot opted not to go around even after floating for nearly three fourths of the runway.

When should you execute a go around? As one of my first flight instructors said: go missed anytime the approach does not look perfect. Seriously now, increase power and go around if there is any doubt in your mind as to the safety of your upcoming landing. Continue on to the video.

NPR’s Talk of the Nation raises questions on the quality of airline pilot training and support made available to newer pilots. Topics discussed in this thirty minute show include Captain Chesley Sullenberger’s handling of US Airways flight 1549, airline schedules, crew rest periods, and flight safety. Airline pilots call in and discuss the state of the airline industry, advancements in technology, and raise questions on the quality of airline training programs.

Guests include Matt Wald, aviation safety reporter for the New York Times and John Nance, a former captain for Alaska Airlines and prominent aviation author. 

Ferry Boats Rescue Passengers of US1549

Nance makes a great point about the importance of cockpit standardization and its effect on safety. He breaks it down into Star Trek terms to say that the airlines have “fired Captain Kirk and hired Captain Picard.” He also discusses the differences between the pre-standardization days and drops the bombshell that it was not uncommon for checklists to go unused in the past. Furthermore, Nance discusses the advancement of crew resource management and the importance that captains create an open environment and encourage feedback from the rest of the crew.

One Chicago based first officer (presumably from American Eagle), provides his insight on the importance of experience and its importance to aeronautical decision making by highlighting his ever changing perception of aviation as he accumulates more hours.

“Experience is excellent, but an experienced pilot can make a mistake too,” responded Nance. He cited the military’s ability to train pilots to land on carriers with only 400 to 500 hours of experience.

Nance focuses on airline training and cockpit procedures. Not wanting to take away from Sully Sullenberger’s deeds, Nance claims that well established procedures may have made the key difference in the Hudson River crash by unloading the flight crew’s mind and providing “a bubble of time … to make a decision.”

A corporate pilot called in and questioned the movement towards “heads down” flying and reliance on automation as opposed to stick and rudder skills.

Related:

Read the full story at NPR.org
Transcript of US Flight 1549

Legendary rock group The Doobie Brothers will perform live July 27, 2009 at EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The event takes place at Aeroshell Square on Airventure’s opening night, right after the afternoon airshow.

Presented by Ford Motor Company, the performance will be free of charge to Aeroshell guests that day.

“Like EAA AirVenture, the Doobie Brothers are known the world over and have attracted multiple generations of fans. Led by co-founding members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons, the Doobies have accumulated Grammy awards, gold and platinum records. They are currently working on a new album of original material scheduled for release this year.”

The Doobie Brothers

“The Doobie Brothers’ unique style defies a single definition, but has left its unquestioned mark on music history. From their first top 40 hit in 1972, “Listen To The Music,” through No. 1 hits such as “Black Water” and “What A Fool Believes”, and classic songs such as “China Grove” and “Minute By Minute,” the Doobie Brothers have created an instantly identifiable American sound that continues to thrill longtime fans and welcome a new generation to their music.”

Doobie Brothers hits include Listen to the Music and Black Water, among others.

Further details at www.airventure.org and the band’s official website: www.doobiebros.com.

In what might be one of the coolest lodging ventures ever, Jumbo Hostel unveiled the world’s first jumbo jet hostel.

Entrepreneur Oscar Diös spent the last four months acquiring and refurbrishing the retired Boeing 747-200.

The hostel features 25 rooms and a total of 85 beds ranging from a ‘cockpit suite,’ to personal dorms complete with shared bathrooms.

Pricing varies from €35 to €40 per night, that’s about $45.

Sources: Jumbo Hostel, CNN, Reuters