Polk State’s New Aviation Partner, Gun Toting Drones, and the Spruce Goose

7094477279_1648abe678_zOur friends over at Polk State University (of which our own Eric Crump is the Aerospace Program Director) are continuing to grow their program and announced a new flight training partner in Sunrise Aviation:

Polk State College Announces Sunrise Aviation as new flight training provider for the aerospace program.

Drones continue to be in the news a lot, and this week is not an exception. While drones can provide some great benefits to our society such as search and rescue, crop dusting, and national defense, this new technology can be dangerous in the wrong hands as this video shows.

Connecticut teen flies gun-toting drone. How is this legal? (+video)

Finally this week the Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes’ famous “flying boat” built during World War II as a prototype wooden cargo plane, will be staying in Oregon at The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum where it has been for over 20 years. The previous owners, the Aero Club of Southern California had a with dispute Evergreen over a final payment for the plane, which has been settled.

Oregon aviation museum reaches deal to take ownership of Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes’ airplane

SMAC101 Crossing the Continental Divide In A Vintage Aircraft with No Electricity

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Pre-Flight Checklist

30-yearsThe whole gang is here for a special interview with Matt VanDervort and discuss his crossing the Continental Divide in a vintage aircraft.

Victoria just got back from AirVenture and gave a little report and preview of the upcoming report in episode 102. Also, Turbo Learns to Fly is out and for sale!

Cruise Flight

Tonight’s show is a special interview with Matt VanDervort of Vans Flying Services. Matt repairs and restores many types of aircraft but specializes in antique and vintage.

  • Matt’s Grandfather got him started with flying, right after he was potty trained!
  • He acquired his recreational flight certificate when he was 17 in a Taylorcraft.
  • Matt’s Grandfather was an Auto Body Teacher and A&P Mechanic, and encouraged Matt to get his licenses.
  • Matt also delivers aircraft, and recently delivered a Piper J-5 Cub Cruiser, crossing the Continental Divide to do it.
  • Matt gave some great answers to questions about fabric airplanes including evaluating before purchase, a bit about how they work, and how to find someone to work on them.

After Landing Checklist

~Picks of the Week~

No picks of the week this week since this is an interview episode.