SAM LS Designer Thierry Zibi and I met at Sandpiper Aviation at Meacham Airport in Fort Worth during October’s AOPA Summit. We chatted for about an hour prior to climbing aboard the tandem two-seater — named for Zibi’s son — for a flight around the area. Thierry told me SAM LS prototype we were going […]
News
FAA reports on drones and NextGen
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has made some strides in moving towards modernization, but is behind schedule and not fully geared for some other important issues, a Congressional committee discovered Wednesday, Feb. 5, in a hearing designed to check on the FAA’s progress in the two years since reauthorization. Rep. Frank LeBiondo, chairman of the […]
Collier Trophy competitors revealed
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) has unveiled the names of the nine aviation and aerospace projects that will compete for the 2013 Robert J. Collier Trophy. For 102 years the Collier Trophy has been the benchmark of aviation and aerospace achievement, NAA officials say. Awarded annually “…for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or […]
SUN ’n FUN Radio celebrates milestone
The annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-in & Expo is hitting a benchmark April 1-6. Also hitting a milestone this year is SUN ’n FUN Radio. Twenty years ago, as the SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-in & Expo feted its 20th year, a media volunteer launched a new communications service for guests at the fly-in. […]
Chasing Reno Gold
An air racing symposium will be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, Calif. It will feature top winning race pilots, who will share some of the best air racing stories from the last five decades, museum officials promise. The event is based on the “Chasing Reno Gold” DVD that […]
NavWorx ADS600-B tested successfully at 95,000 feet
NavWorx recently participated in near-space balloon tests with the successful use of its ADS600-B UAT (Universal Access Transceiver) at 95,000 feet. The tests were designed to validate the application of ADS-B technology on satellite-based delivery stations. Tests were performed by Near Space Corp. of Tillamook, Ore., with the support of NASA and FAA. The ADS600-B […]
Embry-Riddle to offer UAS workshop
Those looking to gain a better understanding of the emerging unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry can take advantage of a two-day course being offered in Las Vegas Feb. 27-28 by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. Topics to be discussed include: Introduction and impact of UAS; UAS designs; legislation, certification and regulation; industry concerns; applications; operational profiles; business […]
SAM LS takes off
“Wow! What….is…that?” That was the most common reaction when people first set eyes on the SAM LS at AirVenture 2013. The round-cowl Light-Sport Aircraft made its American debut at the annual event. The combination of a round cowl, tear-drop shaped wheel-pants and a side-hinged folding canopy give the airplane a decidedly classic look. To many people, the […]
FAA clears path for AOA installation in GA aircraft
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The FAA has simplified the design approval requirements for angle of attack (AOA) indicator in general aviation aircraft. Under the new policy, manufacturers must build AOA indicator systems according to standards from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) and apply for FAA approval for the design via a letter certifying […]