When most of us think of an airplane as certified, we mean full certification. However, before the FAA issues a full type certificate a manufacturer may apply for an interim, “provisional” certificate which, in essence, is design approval. It imposes certain time and operational limitations, but allows the manufacturer to begin pilot training, conduct demonstration […]
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World’s only flyable B-29 needs help to return to flight
The Commemorative Air Force’s B-29 “Fifi” – the world’s only flyable B-29 – has been temporarily grounded by engine problems. To return the rare airplane to flight, the B-29/B-24 Squadron (the group within the CAF tasked with the responsibility for maintaining and flying the plane) needs to raise at least $3 million to custom fit […]
Lindbergh Foundation, Lycoming award grants
The Lindbergh Foundation and Lycoming Engines have established a grant program for people whose research projects “will advance aviation technology and balance it with the care and protection of our environment,” the two organizations announced during AirVenture 2006. Lindbergh Grants are made in amounts up to $10,580 – the cost of building the “Spirit of […]
“We listened” Changes in medicals in spotlight as FAA adminstrator meets Oshkosh crowd
“We got to this place because when you spoke, we listened.” That was the message from FAA Administrator Marion Blakey during her annual “Meet the Administrator” forum at AirVenture last month. She was referring to last year’s forum, where she said she “took a lot of heat” when the subject turned to medicals. “Truth be […]
Fly Girl meets the next generation
“Hey, you want to meet a WASP?” The answer was a resounding yes from students involved in one of the many Aviation Career Education programs that visited AirVenture. While in the warbird area they had the opportunity to meet WASP Marty Wyall, class of 44-10. “Fly Girl is painted just like the ones we flew […]
Highlights from AirVenture 2006
From Light Sport Aircraft to Very Light Jets and all that lies between could be found at this year’s AirVenture. On the LSA end of the spectrum more than 30 manufacturers and importers displayed their models on the LSA Mall near AeroShell Square, while the VLJs dominated the exhibit areas surrounding AeroShell Square. For warbird […]
A flying coffin?
During World War II several aircraft were given the nickname The Flying Coffin. American soldiers referred to the CG-4A glider as the Flying Coffin not because it was inherently dangerous, but because several of the 15 companies that built them for Uncle Sam also were coffin manufacturers. The gliders were, after all, mostly made from […]
Long-time GA pilot tells security officials to answer questions
U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), a long-time general aviation pilot, says the FAA “must justify continuance of the Washington, D.C., ADIZ” before his Environment and Public Works Committee will reauthorize it. Inhofe told a gathering at AirVenture that he has called a Sept. 12 meeting which top FAA, Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security […]
Honda has established a wholly-owned subsidiary, named Honda Aircraft Co in North Carolina
Honda has established a wholly-owned subsidiary, named Honda Aircraft Co., which will be responsible for the further development and production of the HondaJet. The new company will be based at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, N.C., where the prototype HondaJet was assembled and flight tests have been carried out for more than three […]