The NASA Innovative Partnerships Program and the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency (CAFE) Foundation recently unveiled the Green Flight Challenge, a flight efficiency competition for aircraft that can average at least 100 mph on a 200-mile flight while achieving greater than 200 passenger mpg. The prize for the aircraft with the best performance is $1.5 million. […]
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Debate heats up over Sport Pilot training
Sport Pilot training cannot be applied to meet the dual instruction requirements for a private pilot certificate, a recent letter of interpretation from the FAA chief counsel states. Alphabet groups are objecting to the rule, according to a story at AOPA.org: “This rule as written requires student pilots who want to transition from seeking a […]
Diamond’s Austro engine gets FAA nod
The FAA recently certified Diamond Aircraft’s Austro Engine AE300. The jet-fuel burning, 170-hp turbo-diesel piston engine offers single lever thrust control, electronic engine management and monitoring, and independence from leaded fuels, Diamond officials said. The engine, developed by Austro Engine in collaboration with MB Technology GmbH (Mercedes Benz) and Bosch General Aviation Technology GmbH, features […]
Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame lands Kershner library
The family of the late William K. “Bill” Kershner has donated his personal library to the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame, according to a story by Mike Collins at AOPA.org. Kershner, a Naval aviator, flight instructor, author and lecturer, was known as “the spin doctor” because of his research into spins and dedication to spin […]
Demand for crop-dusters soars
In a tough job market for the aviation industry, demand for one niche is booming: crop-dusting, according to a story in the Wall Street Journal. The story notes: Pilots are drawn to crop-dusting not only for the money, but also for the chance to be their own bosses and to do the kind of low-altitude […]
‘Max Trescott GPS Guides’ for iPhone
Half of GPS users surveyed said they have difficulty getting a GPS to do what they want. Using flight plans and finding infrequently used pages were the most common issues. Author Max Trescott has launched “Max Trescott GPS Guides” for the iPhone. In partnership with Hilton Software, the initial release includes applications for the Garmin […]
NPR hatchet job
The National Public Radio show All Things Considered discussed uncontrolled airspace following the Hudson River midair from last weekend. (Read transcript or listen to FAA: Midair Collision Mirrors Other Near-Misses from Monday, August 10). Author Frank James wrote on “the two-way blog“ to follow up the radio interview. To say it was less-than-stellar is an […]
Midwest LSA Expo gathers more positive press
The Mt. Vernon (Illinois) Register-News reports planning for the October 1-3 Midwest LSA Expo is proceeding nicely. The Expo is a collaborative effort that has brought together several disparate area organizations. [Chris] Collins [Mt. Vernon Outland Airport airport manager] said the Expo, which will be held Oct. 1 through 3, has been a joint effort […]
C-210 upgrade from Sierra Industries
The Sierra Super Centurion (SSC) combines state-of-the-art avionics with, Sierra’s R/STOL, gear door conversion and a custom single-piece panel, to offer a complete 21st century transformation of the classic Centurion. Sierra’s “Fly-Thru” maintenance program can help minimize down time by providing a loaner aircraft while the SSC modifications are performed. Depending on aircraft condition, typical […]