News

Robinson Helicopter Co. recently delivered its 6,000th helicopter. Ship S/N 10699, an R44 Raven II, was presented to John Wadlow of Airborne Energy Solutions of Alberta, Canada, for use in the company’s charter fleet. The company, which now has 1,200 employees, is increasing production from 15 to 20 helicopters a week to meet growing demand.

The 6th Annual Vertical Challenge Helicopter Air Show takes off June 18 at the San Carlos Airport and Hiller Aviation Museum in California. Solely dedicated to helicopters, it is the largest show of its kind in the nation.

The FAA issued a Type Certificate May 11 for the Adam Aircraft A500 centerline twin. The A500, built of high-performance Toray carbon fiber material, is powered by twin Teledyne Continental TSIO-550 engines. Inside the cabin, the plane features side-stick controls, airbags at the crew stations and a flight deck with large Avidyne flat screen displays […]

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 […]

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 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.

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]