A NASA investigative board has found that an “elementary design flaw” is the most likely reason for the loss of the Genesis, which smashed into the Utah desert Sept. 8. Four switches, intended to signal the capsule to open its parachutes, were installed upside down, according to the board’s preliminary report. The parachutes didn’t deploy […]
Aviation pioneer Joe Funk dies at 94
In a simpler time, when a young man could bring dreams to life with imagination, drive and a little cash, twin brothers Joe and Howard Funk dreamed of flying. They realized those dreams in a succession of gliders and powered aircraft that many now consider classics. Joseph B. Funk died peacefully early in the morning […]
Evergreen Field sale in progress
The New Year may bring the end of Evergreen Field (59S), a family owned public use airport in Vancouver, Wash. Cheryl Olson, the owner of the airport, confirmed that the property is in the process of being sold. “There is no closing date,” Olson said. “We have been talking to a development company and they […]
Lifesaver attitude indicator has built-in battery backup
Six original equipment manufacturers, including Adam, Diamond, Lancair, Piper, Mooney and Raytheon, now offer the Lifesaver from Mid-Continent Instruments, the only attitude indicator with a built-in battery backup. The Lifesaver provides up to one hour of emergency attitude reference, even if every other system in an aircraft’s avionics panel fails. Antireflective glass and internal emergency […]
LightSpeed debuts ultra-lightweight headset
LightSpeed Aviation, Inc. has entered the ultra-lightweight headset market with its new LightFlight Series headset. The first offering, the L-1, weighs in at only .5 ounces, attenuates 35-45dB of noise and has the same standard features as the company’s premium headsets – cell/satellite phone jack, music input, hi-fi stereo speakers and dual volume controls. In […]
Chelton digital autopilot approved for Cherokee Six and Cessna 210
The FAA has granted Chelton Aviation STC approval for installation of its new digital AP-3C autopilot in Cherokee Six and Cessna 210 aircraft. This follows STCs for the Cessna 172, 182, 177 and 310, Beechcraft’s Baron and Travel Air, and the Piper Cherokee family (Warrior, Archer, Arrow, etc.), along with the Apache and Aztec. STC […]
Flight Explorer launches Version 5.0
Flight Explorer has released Version 5.0 of its Flight Explorer Professional, which allows users to track aircraft anywhere in the world over the Internet. Aircraft are tracked through a variety of methods, including IFR in the U.S., Canada, and UK; more extensively in New Zealand and the Pacific Oceanic region; and any aircraft worldwide via […]
Replacement cylinder introduced
Engine Components, Inc. (ECi) introduces the fi rst FAA-PMA replacement cylinder for Continental’s GTSIO-520 geared engines. The cross-fl ow heads are eligible for installation on many 550 series engines. ECi added many features to the Titan Cross-Flow Cylinders, including marking the engine type model in anti-scuff coating on the piston skirt and enhancing the spark […]
SA-1: An oldie but a goodie
By PETER M. BOWERS. In the last issue, we looked at the SA-1 (Ship’s Aeroplane) developed by the U.S. Naval Aircraft Factory at the end of World War I. Although an oldie with many features that were outdated even for 1919, it deserves more attention, as it has many features that are applicable to today’s […]