The New Piper Aircraft Inc. has a new boss, James K. Bass. Bass replaces Chuck Suma, who has joined the company’s board as vice chairman. Bass joins Piper after leading a financial turnaround at Suntron Corp., a Phoenix high-tech company.
Eclipse completes static testing
The Eclipse 500 has completed the airframe static testing required for its FAA certification. The FAA cleared the Eclipse for an initial 10,000 hour lifetime, significantly more than is typically approved so early. “All tests were completed successfully without failure, eliminating the need for any redesign or retesting,” company officials said.
FlightSafety to train Mustang pilots
FlightSafety International has been tapped by Cessna to provide training for the new Mustang jet — not a big surprise since FlightSafety has been Cessna’s official training organization since 1977. Training will begin at FlightSafety’s Cessna Learning Center in Wichita in the fourth quarter of this year.
Bonnie Dunbar new head of Seattle’s Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight in Seattle has named astronaut Bonnie Dunbar as its new president and CEO. Dunbar is a native of Washington and a veteran of several space shuttle missions.
‘Insuring’ student pilots’ conduct
Insurance company Avemco is sponsoring production of “The Student Pilots” Model Code of Conduct.” Avemco is mailing the code, which is fashioned after the more-comprehensive “Aviators” Model Code of Conduct,” to every new student pilot in the U.S.
Extra Aircraft heads for the West Coast
Extra Aircraft is continuing to grow its U.S. dealer network with the expansion of one of its current dealers, USAero of Denver, to Long Beach, Calif. The 12,500-square-foot sales center is a sales, delivery and business center for Extra, Diamond and Mooney customers. USAero will have an EA-300 inventory, and demo rides will be available […]
MT-Propeller now available for Super Cubs
Professional Pilots Inc. has received STC approval for the installation of the lightweight, composite MT-Propeller on Piper Super Cubs with 150, 160 or 180 hp engines. The propeller allows the engine to reach its maximum rated horsepower immediately upon throttle advancement, yet only weighs a few pounds more than the standard fixed pitch model. Takeoff […]
LoPresti Speed Merchants unveils performance enhancements for Piper Saratogas and Cherokees
LoPresti Speed Merchants has introduced a line of high performance wheel pants for Piper models PA28s and PA32s. LoPresti “Speed Spats” are designed to lower drag, enhance appearance and simplify routine maintenance. This new design provides simplified access, so servicing the brakes and tires is now accomplished with ease. To complement these new “Speed Spats” […]
New hangars begin going up at San Marcos, Texas, airport
Officer’s Club AeroVentures has begun construction of a private, master-planned hangar facility at San Marcos Municipal Airport (HYI) in San Marcos, Texas. When complete, the first two phases of the development will feature 13 individual condo-style hangars totaling approximately 31,500 square feet, designed to house everything from single-engine aircraft to mid-size business jets in hangars […]