Just introduced to the U.S. is the Merlin PSA, a single-seat Personal Sport Aircraft. [Read more…]
Garmin introduces GAD 27
Garmin has introduced the GAD 27, a small, lightweight and solid state integrated controller that provides a solution to many of the typical airframe interfacing needs.
With the GAD 27, pilots are provided a consolidated system that would otherwise require multiple adapter modules, which streamlines configuration of experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light sport aircraft (LSA), company officials noted. [Read more…]
EAA unveils Founder’s Innovation Prize to spur new safety technology for homebuilts
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — At this week’s AirVenture, officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) introduced a new Founder’s Innovation Prize competition designed to encourage innovation to enhance safety in amateur-built aircraft.
It will use the best ideas from EAA members and chapters, with cash prizes for the best emerging technology. [Read more…]
Additional pilot now allowed on homebuilt first flights
The FAA recently released AC 90-116, the Additional Pilot Program (APP) for Phase I flight testing, of homebuilt aircraft, which allows homebuilders to have a qualified additional pilot on board during Phase I flights.
Before this program, builders were only permitted to have “required crew” aboard for initial flights, which usually meant that every Phase I experimental-amateur built (E-AB) aircraft was legally required to be flown solo, according to officials with the Experimental Aircraft Association.
CubCrafters updates Carbon Cub SS and Sport Cub
YAKIMA, Wash. — CubCrafters has unveiled a range of updates for the Carbon Cub SS (pictured) and Sport Cub S2 LSA aircraft for the 2014 model year.
Bearhawk ships LSA kits, adds second door to Patrol
Bearhawk Aircraft started delivering kits of the Bearhawk LSA (pictured below) in June.
“We offer the Bearhawk LSA as a quick build, a plans-built, and everything in between,” said Mark Goldberg, Bearhawk Aircraft’s owner.
Announced last August, the prototype of the Bob Barrows-designed two seater will be on display at AirVenture.
N6ZQ follows in N5ZQ footsteps
I met Bill Harrelson at the 2009 Copperstate Fly-In. Bill, an efficiency expert, sent me an email detailing the nearly non-stop flight home (Arizona to Virginia) in N5ZQ, a Lancair 320. That was more than three years and one N-number ago. In Thursday afternoon’s EAA e-Hotline I see that Bill is back at it. He flew from Guam to Florida (7,051 nm) non-stop (38 hours, 29 minutes) in N6ZQ, Lancair IV. Congratulations Bill.
NTSB: First flight of experimentals prone to accidents
WASHINGTON, DC – A National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) study found that in 2011, of the 102 crashes of experimental amateur-built aircraft built by their owners, 10 crashed on their first flights. The report also found that 14 of 125 aircraft that had been bought used and involved in accidents crashed on the new owner’s first flight.
Onex receives FAA nod
Sonex Aircraft reports that the FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) has approved and published amateur building checklists for the new Onex Single-Place, Folding-Wing Sport Pilot Aircraft.