The Transportation Security Administration put out an advisory April 20 warning aircraft owners about a message, posted in Arabic on a Web forum, that explained how to identify private American airplanes. “Destroy private American aircraft…We call upon all Muslims to follow and identify private civilian American aircrafts (sic) in all airports of the world…It is […]
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Historic agreement on land use around airports signed
The FAA and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) recently signed an historic joint initiative on land use planning around the nation’s airports. On March 28, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey signed the agreement on behalf of FAA, while NASAO Chairman Richard Turner of Vermont signed for the 50 states. Late last year, Blakey […]
Flying machines with souls
The very newest thing in Light Sport Aircraft looks for all the world like an airplane from the early years of aviation. It’s the Aerolab LoCamp from Italy, sporting two open cockpits, fabric covering, a fine wood instrument panel and a radial engine – but it’s so new that it has yet to achieve LSA […]
Mermaid receives S-LSA certificate
The FAA has granted Czech Aircraft Works an exemption for certification of the amphibious Mermaid Light Sport. The exemption means that the Mermaid now has full S-LSA approval, including permission for operation of its retractable gear, in flight, by a properly trained sport pilot. The FAA exemption covers only the Mermaid and no other amphibious […]
Stewart wins first round of eXtreme Airshow challenge
Skip Stewart carried away first place in the inaugural weekend of the eXtreme Airshow Challenge. “I flew my best and fortunately the judges liked what they saw,” Stewart said. “There was some awesome flying out there from everyone today, and I think I will really have to keep my game sharp if I have any […]
Sensenich adds composites to classic wood propellers
Sensenich Propellers, among the oldest in the aviation business, showed the newest of propeller technology at Sun ‘n Fun this year. Famous for its elegant wooden propellers – things of beauty as well as function – Sensenich featured its new composite props at its fly-in display. The ground-adjustable blades are built of carbon fiber and […]
Liberty receives production certificate
Liberty Aerospace, manufacturer of the IFR-certified Liberty XL2, received its production certificate May 1 from the FAA. The Melbourne, Fla.-based company also entered the European general aviation market in April. As the XL2 is based on the Europa, a British light aircraft, the XL2 is “returning to its European roots,” according to Liberty President Tony […]
Kitfox off the endangered list
You can take the Kitfox, the popular, sporty, highwing experimental aircraft, off the endangered species list. John and Debra McBean, former SkyStar employees and owners of Sport Plane LLC, an Idaho-based builder’s assist center, have purchased the assets of SkyStar Aircraft Corp., the makers of the Kitfox. SkyStar declared bankruptcy in October 2005, leaving hundreds […]
It’s a flying motorcycle — really
Futurists have been writing about flying cars for at least 70 years. Larry Neal has been working on one for 12 years and his first version – the Super Sky Cycle – went on sale at Sun ‘n Fun in April. It is the first time in history that a truly roadworthy aircraft – one […]