Eclipse continued its now-traditional flurry of news announcements this year at Oshkosh. Not least of them concerned a service called Jet Complete, which takes care of everything but fuel and tires for a basic $115 per flight hour fee, which covers all scheduled maintenance. For an additional $94 an hour, unscheduled maintenance can be included. […]
New Lycoming leadership making changes
“We want to be the premier aviation engine company,” Lycoming’s new CEO, Ian Walsh, told a gathering at the company’s Oshkosh display July 26. Walsh announced an advanced research and development program with its own, dedicated space, which is working on a number of long-range projects. Closer to fruition are 11 models in a kit […]
Beech unveils new C-90, glass cockpits
The Beech Aircraft division of Raytheon announced four new products and a sharper focus on products support at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. Most visible was the C-90GT, described as “a luxury sport utility vehicle.” The C-90 airframe looks no different except for the cowlings, which house big PT6-A-135A engines, flat-rated at 550 hp each to […]
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 […]
Viva Italia! Vulcanair set to take off in the U.S.
You may have seen it when it arrived on these shores back in the early 1970s. Then again, maybe not, other than as a picture in a trade journal. After all, to date there are only 70 examples registered in America. Strange, because it has beautiful lines, respectable performance, twin engine reliability, is certified for […]
An appreciation of an extraordinary man
Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale was a Naval aviator, a prisoner of war who earned the Medal of Honor for his heroism, an outstanding leader and teacher, and a reluctant vice presidential candidate. He died July 5 at the age of 81, after an unsuccessful battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Jim Stockdale was both a warrior […]
Build your own airplane — from a Coke can
One of the classic crafts you will see at an air show or fly-in is a model airplane built from a beverage can. You may think to yourself, “I wonder if I could do that?” Those of you who would like to try it can get plans and even a detailed instructional video, for a […]