What is the future for the value of pre-owned business jets? Newer is better, according to David Wyndham, VP and co-owner of Conklin & de Decker in the company’s latest AirReport. He notes: “Values for business jet aircraft built before mid-1990s are in dire straits — and they won’t likely recover. Even looking back at […]
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Samson Motors accepts first deposits for Switchblade flying motorcycle
Samson Motors, which is developing the Switchblade, a “multi-mode” vehicle (also called a flying motorcycle), began accepting deposits and assigning production numbers at this summer’s AirVenture in Oshkosh. “Nearly 3,000 people have expressed interest in the Switchblade Kit Aircraft. Our engineering progress finally reached the point where we felt it was appropriate to let the […]
AIRSHO features award-winning warbirds
The 2009 Commemorative Air Force (CAF) AIRSHO, slated for Oct. 10 and 11, will feature a selection of award-winning aircraft at Midland International Airport between Midland and Odessa, Texas. Appearing at AIRSHO for the first time in several years is the CAF’s P-51C Mustang “Tuskegee Airmen” (pictured). The P-51, restored by the CAF’s Red Tail […]
The fall-out from the Hudson midair
WASHINGTON. D.C. — The Aug. 8 collision between an airplane and a helicopter over the Hudson River, which resulted in nine deaths, has generated much public and media attention. On the same weekend this accident happened, two autos collided on a freeway near Los Angeles, killing seven people. Local media covered this tragedy, but it […]
FAA names new government affairs advisor
WASHINGTON – FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt has appointed Roderick D. Hall as the new FAA assistant administrator for government affairs. As the agency’s chief congressional liaison, Hall will serve as the advisor to the administrator and agency representative on matters concerning Congress and other government organizations. Hall spent the last nine years as a congressional […]
Passing grade expected for LSAs
The FAA is expected to soon release the findings from an internal review of the 26 Light Sport Aircraft manufacturers after upper management completes its review of the document, according to a report from Flight International, which notes: “Although the report will have recommendations, recent comments by FAA administrator Randy Babbitt at the AirVenture 2009 […]
Court stops attempt to grab airport land
The New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division on Aug. 20 reversed a trial judge’s ruling that would have allowed the town of Readington to take 625 acres of land surrounding the public-use, privately owned Solberg-Hunterdon Airport. According to a story at AOPA.org, the Solberg family, which owns the airport, has been at odds with the […]
Vintage planes have no place to go
The American Wings Air Museum at Anoka County-Blaine Airport in Minnesota has been closed, but 12 historic aircraft remain on airport property, with no place to go. According to a Pioneer Press story, the museum lost its lease this summer after it fell $50,000 behind on lease payments. Museum officials hoped to move the planes […]
Final policy on 51% Rule imminent
Members of the FAA’s Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on amateur-building have signed their final report for publishing in the Federal Register. The report includes recommendations for the FAA as it prepares to issue its final policy revisions regarding interpretation and enforcement of the amateur-built experimental aircraft rules, known as the 51% Rule. A post at […]