During World War II several aircraft were given the nickname The Flying Coffin. American soldiers referred to the CG-4A glider as the Flying Coffin not because it was inherently dangerous, but because several of the 15 companies that built them for Uncle Sam also were coffin manufacturers. The gliders were, after all, mostly made from […]
Klein Tools introduces Multi-Pocket Tool Totes
Klein Tools recently expanded its Tool Tote line with two new multi-pocket tote bags – a 17-pocket Tool Tote with a shoulder strap and a seven-pocket Tool Tote. Constructed of rugged, 600 x 300 denier polyester, the new bags are designed to withstand wear and tear. They also are water-resistant to avoid the buildup of […]
Long-time GA pilot tells security officials to answer questions
U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), a long-time general aviation pilot, says the FAA “must justify continuance of the Washington, D.C., ADIZ” before his Environment and Public Works Committee will reauthorize it. Inhofe told a gathering at AirVenture that he has called a Sept. 12 meeting which top FAA, Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security […]
LoPresti Fury to be built in New Mexico
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Curt LoPresti, “but we are delighted to announce that a location for the Fury factory has been selected.” The late Roy LoPresti, whose motto was “Life is short. Fly fast,” designed, engineered and built what he thought was the perfect airplane. He called it the Fury. When the […]
Eclipse gets pioneer VLJ certification
“I have what may be the most significant piece of paper in America today,” said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey to Eclipse Aviation President and CEO Vern Raburn at this year’s AirVenture. “It opens the way wide for the next generation in aviation.” That piece of paper was the provisional type certificate for the Eclipse 500. […]
Play like a pro: Pilots get a special invitation to Pinehurst
Ever wish you could play on the same golf course as the professionals? You can, at North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort, site of the 2005 U.S. Open Championship. The 2,000-acre resort, which boasts eight championship golf courses, is just one of three U.S. Open sites open to the public, according to Janeen Driscoll, communications manager. And […]
Cessna Unveils its LSA, surprises crowd with “next generation” aircraft
Cessna Aircraft Co. opened this year’s AirVenture with a buzz, showing off its proof-of-concept Light Sport Aircraft, then wowing the crowd with a fly-by of its Next Generation Piston aircraft. The much-anticipated unveiling of the Cessna LSA took place at AeroShell Square, attracting hundreds of onlookers, including many industry insiders who spent the minutes before […]
Diamond Aircraft’s new D-Jet makes debut at Oshkosh
Diamond Aircraft’s new D-Jet made its public debut July 26 at AirVenture. The jet made its dramatic entrance to AeroShell Square after performing several fly-bys for the crowd. “Is this an elegant plane or what?” asked Marion Blakey, FAA adminstrator. The jet, which has been flying for about 30 hours, is powered by a single […]
Pacific Coast Avionics to support Glasair quick-build program
Pacific Coast Avionics has reached an agreement with Glasair Aviation LLC to support the new Glasair Sportsman “Two Weeks To Taxi” Program through the design and fabrication of optional kit panels. Under the program, customers for the Glasair Sportsman aircraft will come to the factory for an intense two-week period of aircraft kit assembly with […]