“As I understand the English language, light is not necessarily a good adjective one could say about anything. Light beer is not real beer and a light cigarette is not a real cigarette. The impression could be that a light airplane may not be a real airplane.” — Michael Meirer, co-CEO of Remos Aircraft “We […]
‘Top Gun’ takes top honors: But is it really thegreatest aviation movie of all time?
What’s the greatest aviation movie of all time? “Top Gun,” according to a poll conducted by the Experimental Aircraft Association. The 1986 blockbuster, which starred EAA member Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Tom Skerritt, Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards, is a drama loosely based on the U.S. Navy’s “Top Gun” fighter training school. The movie, which […]
The games stays the same: “Compromise” FAA reauthorization bill still features fees
What has been touted by some as a “compromise” FAA budget reauthorization bill has turned out merely to shift proposed general aviation user fees onto owners of small turbine aircraft. The wording chosen by Senators Trent Lott and Jay Rockefeller of the Senate Commerce Committee does nothing to stop the FAA from imposing user fees […]
The little Mermaid: A Light Sport amphibiant hat’s pretty as a picture
The Mermaid amphibian had a problem. The problem was that it’s a Light Sport amphibian. Light Sport rules didn’t allow pilots to “reposition” landing gear in flight. Of course, the whole point of an amphibian is to allow a takeoff from land or water and a landing on the other, and that requires moving the […]
Xenon takes gyroplanes to a new level
If you’ve ever hankered for rotary wings but couldn’t see yourself flying the typical birdcage gyroplane – or affording a helicopter – take a look at the handsome Xenon. Looking as though a multi-million dollar Agusta helicopter had given birth to a pup, the Xenon is the inspired design of Raphael Celier, whose idea was […]
LoCamp kit ready to fly: Charming flying machines with souls as standard equipment
Aerolab, the Italian company that introduced its beautiful LoCamp kit at Sun ‘n Fun last year, has announced that the kits are in production and being shipped. A new Light Sport Aircraft, the LoCamp looks for all the world like an airplane from the early years of aviation, sporting two open cockpits, fabric covering and […]
Tuskegee Airmen receive Congressional Gold Medal
Sixty years after earning fame for their feats in World War II, Congress has bestowed its Gold Medal on the surviving Tuskegee Airmen. “This means that we have recognition at the national level, even 60 years later, that we accomplished something important,” said William Broadwater, 81, of Clinton, Maryland, a bombardier and former Tuskegee Airmen […]
Young Eagles surpasses 1.3 million kids
On St. Patrick’s Day, Paul Rachels of Yuma, Ariz., flew 13-year-old Arlene Martinez on the 1.3 millionth Young Eagles flight since the program was started 15 years ago. Rachels is one of more than 40,000 pilots who have participated in the program, which gives kids their first flights in GA airplanes. “Some volunteers have flown […]
Columbia puts its airframe through punishing test: New CEO donatesLindbergh’s plane to science center
In his first air show appearance as CEO of Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corp., Wan Abd Majid turned over the keys of “The New Spirit of St. Louis,” the Columbia 300 Erik Lindbergh used to recreate his grandfather’s historic flight, to the St. Louis Science Center, at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun. “We’re so happy that […]