Experiencing sticker shock at the avgas pump these days? Beyond cruising at reduced power settings to conserve fuel, what else can be done? Perhaps Power Flow Systems (PFS) of Daytona Beach, Fla. has the answer, providing more speed for the same fuel consumption or the same speed you now enjoy at a reduced burn. No […]
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Flying the SparrowHawk
A gyroplane looks like a cross between an airplane and a helicopter. First developed in the 1920s, the gyroplane is one of the oldest forms of aviation technology. However, gyroplanes are not very common in the general aviation world, perhaps because of a reputation for being difficult or dangerous to fly. It’s an undeserved reputation, […]
Czeching out the Allegro 2000
The Allegro 2000 is no Johnny-come lately, except in the U.S. Certified by the FAA in May as a Special-Light Sport Aircraft, the Allegro 2000 has been flying for about 12 years and can be found in 16 countries. So far, about 1,200 have been delivered. Built by Fantasy Air in Pisek, Czech Republic, you […]
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, […]
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 […]
German Precision: Remos G-3 is a top LSA entry
When the FAA awarded the first two Special Light Sport Aircraft Airworthiness Certificates at Sun ‘n Fun 2005, many — who had been waiting years — found cause for celebration. The award of the first two certificates to Evektor’s SportStar and Flight Design’s CT signaled the beginning of a very interesting race. One design competing […]
Velocity XL-5
With five years the generally accepted norm as to whether a company survives or goes out of business, it seems safe to say that Duane Swing, chairman and owner of Velocity Aircraft, has found the magic formula. Migrating from Ohio to Sebastian, Fla., in 1992, Swing had a dream: to purchase the assets of Velocity […]
New Glasair Sportsman- Putting it all together
When some people buy a kit plane, they grossly underestimate how long it will take to build their dream machine. They spend hours building jigs and doing prep work for a few precious minutes of assembly. Then there’s the cleanup process, which takes even more time. “And you feel like you are not getting anywhere,” […]
Progress continues on first RV-10
Jean and Ken Barto, proud owners of the first RV-10 kit to be delivered, report they are making excellent progress on construction of their aircraft. The Bartos took possession of the kit in the fall of 2004 and have been providing General Aviation News with regular updates on their progress. When we last heard from […]