An estimated 700,000 people attended this year’s AirVenture in Oshkosh. While the highlight of the week was the arrival on opening day of White Knight and SpaceShipOne, this year’s big show was non-stop, with the Global Flyer making an appearance, as well as the debut of the new HondaJet and the unveiling of many new […]
Out of the closet: Honda’s jet
In the beginning, the HondaJet didn’t exist, according to those in North Carolina who, as it turned out, were building it. Then, when it was rolled out and flown late last year, it was shrugged off by Honda as strictly a technology exercise and a test-bed for the company’s HF-118 fanjet engine, also described as […]
The next Epic moment: a jet
“We seem to do this on a regular basis,” said Rick Schrameck as he unveiled his company’s Epic Jet mockup at Oshkosh. Indeed. Only two years ago the Epic LT turboprop was nothing more than a cardboard display. Last year it flew to Oshkosh. This year the first Epic customer flew his LT to the […]
Adam Aircraft moves toward full certification
Adam Aircraft now expects full production certification of its A500 in-line piston twin late this year. Type certification of the A700 twin jet will follow “sometime next year,” said CEO Rick Adam at this year’s Oshkosh AirVenture. The A500 has its type certification, but is limited to daytime VFR flight, three occupied seats and no […]
The need for speed — Flying the Columbia 400
Well, it took awhile. Ever since Sun ‘n Fun 2005, I had been lusting to fly the Columbia 400, touted as the fastest production recip available today. Problem is, they’re selling so fast that Aero Sport Inc., the Columbia dealer for the state of Florida, has difficulty keeping a demonstrator in inventory. In the end, […]
Mooney at full throttle
Mooney is back — and better than ever. The 60-year-old company, which emerged from bankruptcy just a few years ago, is “running at full throttle,” according to Gretchen Jahn, CEO of the Kerrville, Texas-based company, which is on target to more than double its 2004 sales. Last year, the company delivered 36 airplanes. Already this […]
Cub Crafters introduces Sport Cub
Cub Crafters introduced its new, ready to fly Sport Cub, which made its maiden flight just a week before the show. That same week the company made the first delivery of its certified Top Cub. The company, which started in 1980 rebuilding Super Cubs, holds numerous STCs and aftermarket kits for the venerable Cub.
BRS-6 new LSA parachute
Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) introduced its new BRS-6, an airplane parachute for the Light Sport Aircraft market. The new model, which is compliant with ASTM standards for LSA aircraft, has a larger rocket and has been redesigned to fit into more aircraft, according to BRS officials.
Lake auction unsuccessful
An attempt to auction the assets of moribund Lake Aircraft was unsuccessful. A first-ever auction during the air show drew a lot of spectators — and about 10 pre-qualified bidders who had to put up $100,000 for the right to bid — but no one actually bid on the company. Look for a full story […]