Aviation Archives - DJ Products

Harrison Ford Shares Flying with 2 Millionth Young Eagle Winner

Sharing the Love of Flight

Imagine taking a ride in a private jet piloted by none other than “Star Wars” Han Solo. 16-year-old Jodie Gawthrop of Westchester, IL enjoyed that experience as the two-millionth member of Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) Young Eagles program.

America’s Next Generation of Aviators

Young Eagles, founded in 1992, is a unique program with a mission to provide youths between the ages of 8 and 17 with their first free airplane ride. Members of the EAA network volunteer their services as pilots and ground crew.

Actor Harrison Ford, a noted aviation enthusiast, served as chairman of Young Eagles between 2004 and 2009. The flight departed and landed at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, WI.

Ms. Gawthrop is a high school junior who first became interested in flying in 2013 as a participant in the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet orientation program. She enjoyed it so much that her future plans include a career in aviation.

Onward and Upward

It didn’t take EAA long to surpass the two-million mark. The next flight, with 11-year-old passenger Annalee Wrolsted of Oshkosh, was piloted by Fred Stadler, an EAA member who holds the record for Young Eagles flights at 6,500.

Jack Pelton, chairman and CEO of EAA, is proud of the organization’s commitment to pass a love of flying on to upcoming generations. He now looks forward to the occasion of Young Eagles’ three-millionth flight.

Lighten the Load with a Small Aircraft Tugger

Spend more time in the air and less time in the hangar with a small aircraft tugger from DJ Products. Call 800.686.2651 to learn more from our friendly and knowledgeable sales engineers.

Highlighting the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug For Towing Small Aircraft

Lindbergh Aircraft Tug

Anyone who works with small aircraft knows that towing and moving planes can be difficult and taxing without the right equipment. The Lindbergh Aircraft Tug uses advanced technology to produce a simple, one-person solution with incredible and reliable performance. When you need to park aircraft in a cramped hangar or tow the plane across bumpy terrain, the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug gets it done for you.

Unlike gas-powered devices, the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug relies on powerful 12V batteries for smooth acceleration and braking. The long-lasting battery powers a day’s work and quickly recharges in any standard 110V outlet. Premium features like the heavy-duty steel frame and non-marking tires bring great value in terms of both performance and durability.

Operating your aircraft tow tug requires little more than walking alongside it and slowly, gently maneuvering it in and out of your hangar. The same technology used to bring comfort and safety to the rigorous work of warehouse material handling inspired the comfortable and easy-to-use grip and handlebars on the AircraftCaddy. The twist grip even works for righties and lefties alike. When it’s time to fly, you can pack up the handlebar system for easy storage.

The AircraftCaddy provides everything you need for simple, powerful performance:

Tow aircraft in inclement weather or across harsh terrain
Available in weight-rated sizes ranging from the 4K Jr. to the 35K model
Quiet motor ensures safety and easy communications on the ground
Operates smoothly at speeds of 0–2 mph

Make life easier in and around the hangar with an aircraft tow tug that works the way you need it to. Talk to a Sales Engineer at 1-800-686-2651 to discuss ordering and custom options for any size aircraft designed for small owner/operators, up to corporate FBO’s.

New Aircraft Designs Aim to Decrease Fuel Usage

Back in 2010, many people thought changing the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) law to improve the average car fuel economy from 27.5 mpg to 37.8 mpg by 2016 was an ambitious proposal. That was a 37 percent improvement. The Tech Journal reports that researchers from MIT, with the help of a NASA grant, have developed an aircraft design that will improve the fuel efficiency of planes by 70 percent.

Moving aircraft efficiently in the air

NASA established a $2.1 million dollar research contract for the development of a new generation of subsonic passenger planes. NASA provided different grants to Lockheed Martin and Boeing for designing supersonic planes. Researchers at MIT developed a “double bubble” concept for their subsonic aircraft proposal. It features a dual fuselage design with these compartments being side by side and resembling two bubbles that have fused with one another. This shorter and wider fuselage with a tail-mounted engine provides more seating capacity and improves the loading and unloading process for passengers.

Moving aircraft efficiently on the ground

While the MIT researchers may have come up with an aircraft design that reduces emissions, can take off on shorter runways, and cuts down on noise pollution, you already have the most efficient method of towing small aircraft available with the Lindbergh Aircraft Tug Company’s family of aircraft tugs. We have electric aircraft tugs that allow a single person to quietly move planes weighing from 4,000 pounds to as much as 15,000 pounds.

For more information on these low-maintenance and economical aircraft tugs, visit DJProducts.com, and visit our blog for other tips and industry news.

Celebrating 90 Meacham Airport is Ready to Grow

In the early days of American aviation, Meacham Airport of Fort Worth, Texas opened for operations in 1925. Almost a century later, the airport has recently announced new municipal funding of $17.5 million for terminal renovations and new hangars.

Meacham’s rich history was recently spotlighted by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

Opened in 1925 to continue aviation in Fort Worth after the U.S. Army ceased its local flight operations.

Named for Fort Worth mayor Henry Clay Meacham, who donated money to build living quarters for the airport manager.

U.S. mail flew from Fort Worth to Chicago out of Meacham beginning in 1926. Passenger travel began in 1928.

World War II planes stopped at Meacham en route to the Pacific from New England.

American Airways (now American Airlines) opened regional headquarters in 1933.

Since 1953, Meacham has served corporate and private aviation.

The history and future growth of Meacham Airport show how dynamic small and regional airports have become. With increasing interest in private jets and flight schools, Meacham stands to expand and thrive.

All this growth has been made possible largely by new technology. We at DJ Products serve the small and private plane industry with aircraft tugs that help maneuver planes around tight hangars and across airport grounds. Instead of the old style of aircraft tugs built on lawn mower engines, we have innovated with powerful and reliable machinery adapted from the industrial material handling sector.

Aircraft tugs from DJ Products are available for weight classes of 4k, 8k, 15k, and 35k pounds as well as helicopters. For more information about aircraft towing and tuggers, visit DJProducts.com.

Summer Small Aircraft Reminder Guide

Hot weather brings special considerations for flying. Your small aircraft has to contend with hot temperatures on the ground and chilly temperatures at altitude. Be prepared with proper summer maintenance and smart planning for each trip.

Tips for Summer Flying

Summer weather brings opportunities for vacations and plenty of great weather, but hot weather has its pitfalls. Some important reminders for summer flying:

When flying from a colder area in the north to a warmer location, make sure you have removed any winterization kits.
Just in case an unexpected stop becomes necessary, the Business Aircraft Jet Center reminds pilots and passengers to pack and prepare for varying weather and conditions. Summer flights often cover ground with mild weather and extremely hot and humid conditions.
Long summer days create more daylight flying hours, so pilots should be extra careful to stay rested and hydrated.
Engines, batteries, and various parts can overheat. Make use of small aircraft tuggers and take planes out for inspection and maintenance throughout the summer.
Hot and humid weather can affect visibility and flight conditions. A route that you have previously frozen in the winter may feel very differently in the summer.

Be sure to keep your aircraft safe and maintained throughout the summer to avoid damage from the hot weather. Small aircraft tuggers help you efficiently examine planes, even in tight hangars. Better to spot problems early to avoid surprises when it’s time to fly.

Lindbergh’s AircraftCaddy provides smooth towing for planes up to 35,000 pounds, and we have smaller models for ultralight aircraft. Contact us for more info about small aircraft tuggers to simplify your aviation.

Tag: Aviation