Touring the country by air
Touring Israel by air might, at first thought, seem an unlikely activity. Much of what we hear or read about this country suggests a history of serious conflict sufficient to squelch activities like recreational flying. If network news has given you that impression, I’m pleased to report it is completely wrong.
Recreational aviation — flying for fun — is alive and thriving in Israel. I saw homebuilt projects (Dick VanGrunsven’s RV series is popular), light-sport aircraft, powered parachutes, and weight-shift trikes. All were owned by motivated pilots enjoying their sport planes.
What’s Not on the News
A trip to Israel from the United States starts with a long airline flight. My trip consumed eight hours to Amsterdam, an eight-hour layover at Schiphol airport, and four-plus hours to Israel. I left Minneapolis at 9 p.m. and arrived at 2 a.m. two days later.
The president of EAA Chapter 1346, Abraham Kimchi — he prefers simply “Kim” — met me in the wee hours of the morning.
Archives for March 2005
The Sport Pilot Rule
Increased benefits come with some costs and responsibility
Are you excited by the proposed sport pilot/lightsport aircraft (SP/LSA) rule? Many experts say the long-awaited rule will offer aviation its best growth opportunity since the 1940s. Do you wonder if any new regulation can be that helpful?
Some pilots remain apprehensive about SP/LSA. Naturally, those who will use the regulation to begin or expand their recreational flying welcome it. Some who don’t feel the need for government involvement are less sure.
Like most privileges, the new rule comes with some cost and additional requirements. Pilots of all stripes will grapple with those requirements, but it is important not to lose sight of what makes this a great piece of regulation. On this rare occasion, I find myself anticipating, even welcoming, a new federal rule.
The Costs
The proposed SP/LSA rule will reduce operating costs for many pilots, but ultralight pilots will experience some initial transition costs.
Europe’s Biggest Light Aircraft Show
Light-sport aircraft are a major part of Aero 2003
My first visit to the Aero show was in 2001. For years earlier, I’d been aware of this event in the far south of Germany, in the resort town of Friedrichshafen. After attending the show two years ago, I became aware of how important it would be to light-sport aircraft.
Because Aero runs on alternate years, like many air shows in Europe, I determined I was going again in 2003, no matter what. Once again it was a worthwhile trip.
Friedrichshafen sits on the northern shore of a giant lake called Bodensee or Lake Constance. Across the body of water to the south lies Switzerland. Bodensee’s eastern edge borders Austria. The tourist attractions generated by the big lake come with picturesque scenes in many directions.
Friedrichshafen is also home to the Zeppelin airship company. Famous for its creation of the Hindenburg, Zeppelin is the oldest continuously operating airship builder.