R.J. Siegel hates wires. In fact, the retired Apple Computer executive, now vice president of operations at LoPresti Speed Merchants, hates wires so much he designed a wireless headset that not only allows you to talk to ATC and over the intercom, but also talk on your cell phone and enjoy music loaded onto your […]
Jeppesen lightens the load for students
Jeppesen and Diamond Aircraft have joined forces to deliver an online private pilot training course tailored to Diamond airplanes. Jeppesen’s private pilot kit, which comes packed into a flight bag, has been a best seller for years, according to Kert Thielen, manager, business programs, aviation training. The new online program is designed to enhance those […]
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 […]
Training, service take center stage at Flight Design
Priorities are shifting at Flight Design, the company that dominates the Light Sport Aircraft market in the U.S. “In the beginning, it’s easy to sell airplanes,” says Matthias Betsch, CEO of the Germany-based company. “Later, you have to make the customers happy.” Making those customers happy is the main component behind the company’s new service […]
Record number of British air cadets volunteer at Sun ‘n Fun
Cadets in the Royal Air Force Air Training Corps can solo in gliders before they can drive and many do, according to their leader at Sun ‘n Fun, Flight Lieutenant Richard Turner. The cadets have been an integral part of Sun ‘n Fun for the past 10 years. This year a record 42 cadets and […]
Comp Air debuts new turboprop
Just three days after its first flight, the Comp Air 12 turboprop arrived at Sun ‘n Fun in time for opening day. “Obviously it’s here. We told everyone it would be, and it is,” said a smiling Ron Lueck, the company’s president, who flew it in from the Comp Air plant at Merritt Island, Florida. […]
Enhanced vision pioneers team up
Forward Vision, a pioneer in low-cost infra-red night vision for small aircraft, has teamed with Max-Viz, the pioneer in (relatively) low cost night vision systems for the high end of general aviation, up to and including Boeing Business Jets. Sharing technologies, the two companies anticipate improved products and cost savings throughout their product lines, say […]
Book a flight…at Sharper Image?
Want to take a flight with Zero Gravity Corp. (ZERO-G), the first FAA-approved provider of commercial weightless flights? Then check out the newest Sharper Image catalog. Reservations for seats on a Zero-G flight — the only commercial opportunity on Earth for regular people to experience true “weightlessness” without going to space — now can be […]