Anyone in general aviation who is unaware of the user fee proposals currently being debated in Congress must be singularly disconnected from aviation media. What most of us do not realize is that we are not the only people being threatened by user fees and increased federal fuel taxes. Tucked away in the administration’s FY2008 […]
Piper offers G1000 on PA-32 aircraft: development of jet continues
Garmin’s G1000 is now available as optional equipment on the Saratoga II TC and Piper 6X. “We are fully focused on providing our customers with the best possible options technology has to offer our industry,” said James Bass, president and CEO. “We have a long and valued relationship with Garmin and have been working behind […]
South Carolina installs state-wide AWOS
The Aeronautics Division of South Carolina’s Department of Commerce recently inked a contract with Vaisala to install Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) at nine airports across the state, as well as update existing systems. The contract is worth more than $1 million. There’s no doubt the investment will pay off, says Michael O’Donnell, executive director […]
The man who started it all: EAA founder Paul Poberezny shares tales from the old days
Experimental Aircraft Association founder Paul Poberezny likes to tell people that he and his wife, Audrey, are millionaires, then sit back and watch the reactions. Many people are taken aback, until Poberezny finishes his thought: “We have a million friends and you can’t buy that with money.” Poberezny says that he uses that thought as […]
Sun ‘n Fun dedicates Scott Crossfield Way
Ribbon cuttings are, by their very nature, pretty boring affairs. A bunch of officials line up, some speeches are made and then the top-ranking official — usually the mayor — uses a giant pair of scissors to cut a ribbon and declare a building or a business officially open. At this year’s Sun ‘n Fun, […]
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 […]