Edwin E. “Ed” Marquart died peacefully of natural causes early in the morning of July 4. He worked at historic Flabob Airport from 1955 until two weeks before his death, where he was among the most famous designers and builders of homebuilt aircraft. He was 85. During World War II, Marquart joined the Navy, where […]
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Glass cockpits: The benefits and challenges .New report says pilot training needs to evolve
“Glass cockpits” deliver many safety benefits to GA pilots and have fueled industry growth, but pilot training must still evolve to address the safety challenges posed by Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), according to a soon-to-be-released study by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. “TAA are neither as good as proponents say nor as bad as detractors […]
Cirrus unveils its jet
Cirrus Design Corp. unveiled a mock-up of its much anticipated jet during a June 28 ceremony for customers at the company headquarters in Duluth, Minn. So far approximately 150 people have put down $100,000 deposits for the new aircraft. “We’re calling it a ‘personal jet,’ not because of its size, but because it’s a natural […]
It’s official: Cessna moves ahead with LSA
It’s official. After a year of test flying a prototype and gathering data, Cessna Aircraft Co. officials have decided to go ahead with the company’s Light Sport Aircraft program. “After conducting extensive market research, it is clear to us there is a great need for this aircraft as we strive to drive down the cost […]
Sherpa Aircraft Co returns to U.S.
The Sherpa Aircraft Co. has returned its production operations to the United States. The company manufactures the K-650, a bush plane kit, described by some in the industry as a “Super Cub on steroids.” A Honeywell turbine engine powers the eight-place aircraft. Until recently Sherpa produced parts in a factory in Eastern Europe. “In 2000, […]
In the beginning…
If you can use it in an airplane or to enhance your aviation experience, chances are good that you can find it at Sporty’s Pilot Shop. Indeed, there are those who say that ordering something from the world-famous pilot supply store is a rite of passage in aviation. Sporty’s got its start when owner and […]
An easier way to first flight for homebuilts
Sometimes the best option for building a homebuilt aircraft is not building it at home at all. For some wanna-be homebuilders, the idea of having the project take over their hangars and garages — not to mention their lives — for years is unacceptable. They’d much rather expedite the building process and get on to […]
5000th Citation takes off
Cessna has delivered the 5,000th Citation business jet — a Citation X — accounting for nearly half of all jets delivered by U.S. manufacturers. “The 5,000th Citation is an exciting milestone to reach in our 80th year of business,” said Chairman, President and CEO Jack J. Pelton. Cessna entered the jet market in the late […]
Triple ace Robin Olds dies at 84
Triple ace and Air Force brigadier general Robin Olds, considered among the best fighter pilots of all time, died June 14 at his home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. He was 84 and suffered from congestive heart failure. A flamboyant aviation legend, Olds was a fighter pilot both in World War II and Vietnam. He shot […]