Cessna Caravan pilots now have a detailed cold-weather training program they can use to enhance their understanding of how the airplane handles winter weather. The new program is a direct result of a months-long joint effort involving the Cessna Aircraft Co., the FAA and the Regional Air Cargo Carriers Association (RACCA). In response to operating […]
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Dwindling numbers
Ten years ago, the number of U.S. pilots totaled 639,184. By the end of last year, the figure had dropped to 609,737, according to figures from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. Though those numbers are declining, a higher percentage of pilots is seeking commercial flying careers. The number of Airline Transport Pilot licenses grew from […]
The Buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that other Meigs Field was named after some kin.” — Houston pilot Doug Meigs, who is developing a new airpark in Texas called Meigs Field Airport. “Aviation is a great motivational hook to teach kids all kinds of things.” — Lyn Freeman, founder, Build A Plane, which gives donated planes […]
Bankrupt: Tiger and Symphony close doors
The end of January was not a good one for two GA manufacturers. The companies, Tiger Aircraft and Symphony Aircraft Industries, entered bankruptcy. Both companies have been shut down and their assets will be liquidated to pay off creditors. Tiger Aircraft, based in Martinsburg, W.Va., filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy Jan. 16. The company listed […]
CarterGyro achieves vertical takefoff
During flight testing of a new gyro prototype just before the New Year, Carter Aviation Technologies test pilot George Mitchell executed several vertical takeoffs. The aircraft was able to jump more than 150 feet straight up into the air, according to Mitchell. “It was phenomenal,” he said, “but it took a little getting used to. […]
Cirrus adds safety checklist: ‘Risk Assessment Tool’ includes self-assessment
Cirrus Design Corp. has upgraded the Avidyne Entegra Multi-Function Displays in its SR20 and SR22 aircraft to include a safety checklist. Similar to electronic checklists found on airliners, the MFD displays three pages of information and queries for the pilot when the plane is started. Questions range from performance issues to a self-assessment for the […]
From LSA’s to VLJ’s: What’s new with Second Century Aircraft?
IndUS Aviation offered a sneak peek of some of the components that will make up the all-new Thorpedo LP at this month’s U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Fla. (Look for a full report on the Expo in the next issue). Dallas-based IndUS plans to debut the new Light Sport Aircraft at this year’s Sun […]
FAA has granted APIS approval to Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corp
The FAA has granted APIS approval to Sino Swearingen Aircraft Corp. for its SJ30 production line. APIS, which stands for Approved Production Inspection System, allows Sino Swearingen to inspect its own products under a system approved by the FAA. “We have been working towards APIS approval since receiving our type certificate with both of our […]
The Evektor SportStar now boasts a 55 lbs. weight increase
The Evektor SportStar now boasts a 55 lbs. weight increase. The increased gross weight SportStar is called the “SportStar Plus.” The weight increase will give the SportStar Plus a maximum takeoff weight of 1,268 lbs., up from the original 1,213 lbs. “The increase in gross weight is a great improvement to the SportStar,” said Jeff […]