Aug 24, 2012 - Earlier this month, President Obama signed into law the Pilot’s Bill of Rights. The legislation guarantees pilots under investigation by the FAA access to investigative reports, air traffic control and flight service recordings, and it also requires the FAA to provide the evidence being used as the basis of enforcement at least 30 days in advance of action.

Aug 20, 2012 - During the Cold War, USAF pilots regularly flew MiG-21 combat fighters over the skies of Nevada. Retired Air Force Col. Gaillard Peck Jr., in a presentation at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, provided insight into the days of F-4 Phantoms and MiG-21 Fishbeds in mock combat.

"Peck said he felt this wasn't the best way to exploit the MiGs. The MiGs needed to be flown by American pilots in aggressive air-combat maneuvers, and other fighter pilots needed experience flying against the MiGs.

Aug 6, 2012 - 2012 CJAA Convention attendees may recall our hosts' crossed fingers that their base mission be expanded to F-35 training. It's official now, the F-35 is coming to Luke. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announced that Luke AFB has been chosen as the location of the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II pilot training center. The base will receive 72 aircraft for a total of three fighter squadrons.

Aug 1, 2012 - It's hard to believe our fourth (and last 2012) Jet Blast is only three weeks away. The undisputed King of Jet Blast locations, Wendover, is over 100nm from the nearest Class B airspace, features two 8,000 ft runways, and offers plenty of nearby practice areas. The best part is the FBO has promised great fuel prices. Recently it has been as low as $3.89/gal.

Jul 31, 2012 - Congratulations to CJAA members Rich "Mongoose" Hess and Scott "Gomez" Glaser, who were both elected to three-year National Directors in the Red Star Pilots Association (RPA). Similar to CJAA, the RPA mission is to "promote and preserve the safe operation, display and enjoyment of all aircraft -- jet to prop, aerobatic, sport, warbird and utility -- especially those originating in the current and former communist block nations."

Jul 30, 2012 - For over four years now, David Boyd has been regaling us in his stories, experiences and elbow grease expenditures of his F-86 restoration project. Following his nine forum pages, we've watched removal, stripping, painting, attaching and all the little surprises along the line. Yesterday he posted the following video of the first engine run. It's not as exciting as the first flight will be, but it's certainly worthy of a view!

Jul 29, 2012 - The National Championship Air Races are only six weeks away, and as in previous years, a large number of CJAA members will be following the Jet Class Racing - Matter of fact, a number of CJAA members will be racing or crewing on Jet Class teams.

The official sanctioning body for Jet Class racing is Racing Jets Incorporated (RJI), and they just updated their website to a more informative format, and between now and the races, should be one of the better sources of Jet Class racing information.

Jul 26, 2012 - The Associated Press is reporting today that "Nevada's tourism commission approved a $600,000 sponsorship Thursday of Reno's National Championship Air Races that organizers needed to meet soaring insurance costs and continue the annual event in September after a mass-casualty crash last year."

More details at Reno Gazette-Journal

Jul 18, 2012 - Rectifying an unfortunate airspace grab by by the Monterey Marine Sanctuary, the FAA and NOAA have reached an agreement benefiting pilots. While the airspace restrictions remain (1000 ft overflight mins), the FAA will be updating the Los Angeles and San Francisco sectional charts and terminal area charts to advise pilots of NOAA’s regulations and accurately display the sanctuary’s four overflight prohibition zones along the coast.

Jul 16, 2012 - FAA's Jul/Aug Safety Briefing ("Making flying FUN!")is now available on the FAA website. The magazine presents the wide world of flying and showcases many of the training and educational opportunities available in aviation. Articles highlight the benefits of seeking out and sharpening your general aviation skill set.

This particular issue focuses on weather - A challenge to flying regardless of where in the country you live. There are also regular sections on regulatory updates and aeromedical considerations. The magazine is published every other month.