The $96 million verdict of a Texas jury against Textron Lycoming has left two Dallas lawyers crowing, Lycoming in dead silence, and much of the aviation industry wondering how 12 country folk came to know so much about engineering. The case concerned a back-and-forth legal battle between Lycoming and Interstate Southwest Ltd., supplier of the […]
News
Former gang members open restoration shop
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – What began as an experiment has turned into a profitable venture for four former gang members who were introduced to aviation through the Wathen Foundation and Polyfiber. Two years ago, as the result of a Federal Youth Opportunity Grant administered by the Wathen Foundation, the four were part of an original group […]
Navajo back away from Utilicraft deal
The Navajo Nation withdrew its previously announced financial support of the Utilicraft twin turboprop cargo plane in mid-February. The Navajo Economic Development Committee made the decision on the advice of two New Mexico state agencies, one of which, the state’s Economic Development Department, had brought the two parties together in the first place. However, according […]
Raytheon adds Aircell Satcom to King Airs
LOUISVILLE, Colo. — The Beechcraft King Air 350 now features the AirCell ST 3100 Satellite Telecommunications System as standard equipment. The system also is a factory option on the King Air B200. In addition to its telephone capability, the ST 3100 system acts as a global communications link, providing in-flight services such as graphical weather, […]
Aviator, writer and editor Edwards Park dies
Edwards Park, best known to pilots for his contributions to “Air & Space” magazine and for his book about flying a P-39 in World War II New Guinea, died Feb. 12 from complications following a fall. He was 87. Park was a founding editor of “Smithsonian” magazine. Including his frequent contributions to Smithsonian publications after […]
Collings Foundation’s ‘Witchcraft’ to make its debut in Tallahassee
To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Collings Foundation’s Wings of Freedom Tour will make its way across the South this month and the next. Recreating the “barnstormer” idea used in the golden age of aviation, the foundation’s B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator will eventually travel to more […]
Ready for the final frontier?
Future commercial space passengers will need more than a ticket to board a flight, according to the FAA. They also will need a signed consent form, releasing the government and all others from liability, and a doctor’s OK. Don’t want to sit in the cabin? Future space pilots will need specialized training, a license and, […]
Virginia lawmakers look at diverting airport improvement funds
The Virginia General Assembly is considering a bill that would take $5 million a year “off the top” of the Commonwealth Airport Fund to use as incentives for airline service at “non-hub and small hub” airports. House Bill 1603, assigned to a House finance subcommittee Jan. 12, seeks to amend a portion of the Code […]
First to test new space regs
Among the first to test those new regs, no doubt, will be the SpaceShipOne Team, winners of the Ansari X-Prize. Headed by Burt Rutan, the team just added another accolade, winning the Robert J. Collier Trophy earlier this month. The trophy is awarded every year by the National Aeronautic Association “for the greatest achievement in […]