News

Lockheed Martin, which took over operation of all Flight Service Stations last October, has launched a new website, AFSS.com, that provides a feedback mechanism for GA pilots who use Automated Flight Service Station services. The site also includes contact information, general aviation information and other features useful to fliers. The website will be online until […]

Cessna Aircraft Co.’s first production Citation Mustang took flight June 15, two weeks ahead of schedule. Serial number 0003 will enter service this December as Cessna’s first Mustang demonstrator aircraft. It is the fourth Mustang produced, and the first one that will not be used for FAA flight testing. Mustangs 0004 through 0015 are currently […]

The Sport-Jet prototype crashed late last month during flight testing in Colorado Springs, Colo., leading the company to suspend work on the jet until the accident investigation is complete. During takeoff the plane suffered an uncommanded roll at low altitude, possibly induced by wake turbulence or a weather phenomenon such as a microburst, according to […]

Last year was a record year for aircraft sales and the trend is continuing this year. As sales boom, the American Society of Appraisers has highlighted some of summer’s hottest new trends in the aircraft industry, as well as tips for caring for aircraft. “Airplanes and other aircraft can be a huge investment for consumers […]

A freak hail storm in early June damaged more than 60 new Columbia airplanes parked outside the Columbia Aircraft factory in Oregon. While the composite planes show few visible signs of damage, use of reflected light showed that there were marks on the paint, according to Bing Lantis, president and CEO. The planes must be […]

Budding high school mechanics may find themselves working on old airplanes instead of cars thanks to a new agreement signed recently by the FAA and the Build A Plane organization. Under the agreement, the two will join forces to help give more students hands-on experience working on real airplanes. Each organization will use its unique […]

Extra Aircraft recently unveiled its newest design, the Extra 300SHP. Designed by company founder Walter Extra, in collaboration with airshow performer Michael Goulian, the “next generation” aircraft sports a new tail and cowling design. The airframe is 100 pounds lighter than Extra’s original 300S, which debuted in 1992. Powering the new aircraft is Lycoming’s new […]

Civil Air Patrol cadets get up-close look at aviation at Cessna summer program Twenty-one Civil Air Patrol cadets from throughout the country interested in a career in aviation recently spent a week in Independence, Kan., at Cessna Aircraft Co. Cessna’s Independence facility manufactures the company’s propeller aircraft — the 172 Skyhawk, 182 Skylane and 206 […]

Also suffering delays is Eclipse Aviation, which says certification of its Eclipse 500 jet is expected in a few weeks. The company had planned for certification by June 30, but supplier delays pushed the schedule back. The Eclipse is expected to be the first Very Light Jet to reach certification.