Pilots who are fond of their airplanes often speak about them in dulcet tones, using endearing phrases that are usually reserved for wives or girlfriends. Roy Prugh of Peoria, Ill., is one of these pilots. He owns a 1959 Ercoupe he named “Kate.” The Ercoupe, said Prugh, is one of the more enduring designs in […]
News
The National Air Force Museum of Canada
If you plan to visit Ontario, Canada, and have an interest in military aviation, writer Jason Gray tells us you won’t want to miss The National Air Force Museum. On the grounds of Canadian Forces Base Trenton, it “houses one of the finest collections of military aircraft, uniforms and art in the world,” Gray wrote […]
General aviation aircraft shipments down
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association stated on May 5 that, in the first three months of 2009, deliveries of general aviation airplanes totaled 462 units, a 41.1% drop from the same period last year, with industry billings falling 18.2% to $4.34 billion. “This is an extremely difficult time for our industry,” said GAMA President and […]
Viper Aircraft focuses on fuel efficiency
Viper Aircraft Corporation said on May 5 that the latest addition to its Viperjet line – the Viperjet LXR – utilizes the certified Pratt & Whitney JT15D-1A, 2200 lbs static thrust turbofan engine to increase range, decrease emissions and lower fuel consumption. “Without sacrificing performance, we have achieved our company goal of offering customers a […]
American Capital gains $31 million on Piper sale
American Capital Ltd. realized a gain of $31 million from its sale of Piper Aircraft to Imprimis, “subject to post closing adjustments,” according to a May 1 news release from the company. American Capital’s total gain over the years of its Piper investment was $48 million and its compounded annual rate of return, including interest […]
Samson Motors unveils ‘Switchblade’
At last year’s AirVenture, Samson Motors debuted its SkyBike flying motorcycle. This year at Sun ‘n Fun, the company showcased a proof-of-concept model of its “Switchblade,” the redesigned version of its flying motorcycle. Working in collaboration with Swift Engineering, the company drew inspiration for the new design from the responses to a survey in its […]
Phenom 100 makes its Sun ‘n Fun debut
For the last three years, Embraer has had a mock-up of the Phenom 100 jet at its exhibit at Sun ‘n Fun. This year, an actual jet was at the show. Deliveries of the Phenom 100, which was certified by the FAA in December 2008, have just begun. So far, 12 jets have been delivered, […]
Lightning strikes light sport
Arion Aircraft has entered the crowded Light Sport Aircraft market with an S-LSA dubbed the Lightning LS-1. The LSA was awarded its S-LSA certification April 15. The LS-1 is rooted in Arion’s experimental Lightning, which got its start when Pete Krotje and Nick Ottenback decided to build an airplane around the Jabiru engine. The pair […]
Departure into storm proves fatal
This May 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: Zenith Zodiac 601 XL. Location: Canadian, Texas. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The pilot, who held a Sport Pilot certificate, […]