News

Lockheed Martin and the F-22 Raptor team have won the 2006 Robert J. Collier Trophy from the National Aeronautic Association. Created in 1911, the trophy is considered to be one of the most prestigious aviation awards. It is granted each year “for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America during the preceding year.” […]

The LoPresti Fury, Roy LoPresti’s last and most-admired design, now has the iPod fully integrated into its systems. “It would be very nearsighted to think of the iPod as merely an entertainment device,” said RJ Siegel, vice president of operations at Vero Beach, Fla.-based LoPresti Speed Merchants, the airplane’s manufacturer. Rather, it is “a watershed […]

Even if the FAA’s current proposal to allow the use of personal computer flight simulators to maintain currency doesn’t make it into the FAR/AIM, you can still use Microsoft Flight Simulator to develop your pilot skills. Bruce Williams, a Seattle-based flight instructor, tells you how in “Microsoft Flight Simulator as a Training Aid.” The book […]

“They are attempting an end-around Congress to put the world’s safest, most efficient and largest air traffic control system into the hands of airline barons who’ve flown their own businesses into bankruptcy.” — AOPA President Phil Boyer on user fees “Caution: Cape does not enable user to fly.” — Warning label on Batman Halloween costume […]

From Howard Hughes to the WASP program of World War II to today, the history of William P. Hobby Airport includes many riveting stories. The airport that made Houston an international travel destination is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.  Hobby Airport brought the beginnings of commercial aviation to Houston when it was opened in 1927 […]

Does age affect a pilot’s ability to fly? That question was asked of scientists at several clinical research centers in California. Their answer, after three years of study, was reported in the Feb. 27 issue of Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Their findings showed that older pilots performed better than younger […]

Shipments of every type of general aviation airplane increased in 2006, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, which is dubbing 2006 a “banner year” for GA. The strong numbers have led to another record high in industry billings, reaching $18.8 billion, a 24% increase over 2005. Year-end, worldwide shipments of general aviation airplanes totaled […]

CubCrafters, manufacturer of the Top Cub and Sport Cub, has been awarded a Production Certificate from the FAA. Receiving the certificate, only the second ever issued in the state of Washington, is a milestone for the company, according to Earl Barnes, director of quality assurance. “While we are not yet quite as large as our […]

Cirrus Design Corp. was one of those companies setting records in 2006, delivering 721 airplanes, up 20% from a year ago. The company also posted record sales of 760 planes. About 25% of the company’s deliveries were to international markets, according to Cirrus officials, who note that Brazil was the company’s largest export market.