An Eclipse 500, the first flying, fully conforming very light jet, made its maiden public appearance at Sun ‘n Fun last month. Only days later, the company announced a firm order for 239 of its jets from DayJet Corp., a pioneer in what it calls “per-seat, on-demand” jet services. DayJet also took options on 70 […]
News
New visual warning system operational for D.C.
A new visual warning system (VWS) for the Washington, D.C. ADIZ becomes operational May 21. The VWS is a ground-based system that uses low-level beams of alternating red and green lasers designed to alert pilots that they have violated the ADIZ or flight restricted zone (FRZ). Pilots who see this signal should immediately contact ATC […]
A corporate jet with some assembly required
Imagine, if you can, an eight-place corporate jet kit plane. Imagine that it cruises at 400 mph, at nearly 30,000 feet, and will carry you 1,224 statute miles on its 480 gallons of Jet-A. Steve Young and Ron Lueck of Aerocomp not only imagined such a plane, they built it, they’ve flown it and they’ll […]
Liberty to lease facility at MLB
Diamond Aircraft will begin building its DA40 Diamond Star in China. “We are investing in Chinese domestic production as China is an important emerging GA market,” said Diamond CEO Christian Dries. The new facility is designed to employ as many as 1,700 workers and produce more than 600 aircraft a year, as the Chinese market […]
Epic’s impressive epic
The Epic LT turboprop is a phenomenon. Two years ago it was artwork on display stands. Fourteen months later it was an airplane, flying to the Oshkosh air show, where it was introduced. Last month, it was in the Homebuilt area at Sun ‘n Fun, fully fitted with a glass panel cockpit and luxurious interior. […]
Tiger to offer airbags
Tiger Aircraft now sport AmSafe Aviation’s inflatable restraints as standard equipment. The airbags will be fitted on all pilot and copilot seats and will be available as options on rear seats.
Lancair controls the weather
If luxury cars can have set-and-forget climate control, why not far more expensive airplanes? That question was raised by the people at The Lancair Co., whose answer was along the lines of “Why, indeed?” As a result, new Columbia 350 and 400 certified Lancairs now can be delivered with that option, a $22,500 add-on. It […]
NAA names ‘most memorable records’ of 2004
The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) recently announced its list of the Most Memorable Records of 2004. The “most memorable” are just a few of the dozens of records set last year and include: – Mike Keenum set a record for piston engine aircraft over a closed circuit of 100 kilometers (62 miles) without payload in […]
A last wish for ‘Memphis Belle’
It has been roughly a year since Col. Robert Morgan, the man who flew the B-17 “Memphis Belle” on 25 missions over Europe, died from complications after a fall. At Sun ‘n Fun in 2004, Col. Morgan had a booth where he signed copies of his book, photographs and artwork inspired by his famous B-17. […]