WASHINGTON, D.C. — With 14 electric motors turning propellers and all of them integrated into a uniquely-designed wing, NASA will test new propulsion technology using an experimental airplane now designated the X-57 and nicknamed “Maxwell.” NASA Administrator Charles Bolden highlighted the agency’s first X-plane designation in a decade during a keynote speech at the American Institute […]
Contest finds oldest certified Rotax aircraft engine still in operation
GUNSKIRCHEN, Austria — Last year, as part of the 40-year celebration of BRP’s Rotax brand of aircraft engines, the company launched a contest to find the oldest certified Rotax aircraft engine in operation. The winner was Kenneth Gates from Colorado, who owns a Super Dimona equipped with a Rotax 912 A certified engine. His aircraft engine with […]
KTYQ gets first full-time airport director
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. — The Hamilton County Airport Authority Board of Directors has named Brad Cozza the first full-time director of the Indianapolis Executive Airport (KTYQ). He will oversee the daily operations and maintenance, infrastructure development, and marketing initiatives for the general aviation airport. Cozza holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aviation Technology from Purdue University. He […]
NATA names acting president
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At its annual membership meeting in June, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced the Marty Hiller, owner of Marathon Jet Center in Marathon, Florida, will become the association’s acting president Sept. 1. Current president Thomas Hendricks will leave his position Aug. 31. “Though Tom Hendricks is departing at the end of […]
Nominations sought for Texas Aviation Hall of Fame
HOUSTON — Nominations are now being accepted for the Class of 2017 for the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. Those selected will be announced in September and will be inducted during the Lone Star Flight Museum’s annual gala in May 2017. To be selected as an inductee into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, one must be […]
Check-out flight ends fatally
According to a friend of the airplane’s owner, the purpose of the flight was for the owner to check out another pilot in the Liberty Aerospace XL-2. Review of uncorrelated radar data indicated that the flight departed and maneuvered in the local area for about 26 minutes before the accident occurred. One witness stated that […]
Pictures of the day: AOPA Photo Contest winners
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) recently revealed the winners of this year’s AOPA Photo Contest. AOPA received more than 750 entries for three categories. AOPA Photographer Chris Rose, Senior Art Director Jill Benton, and Editor Ian J. Twombly selected the finalists and the winners were chosen by online voting. Winners will each receive a […]
Taking a break from the regular routine
Typically, I write this column from an office in my home. My writing space used to be a single-car garage. But since single-car garages are generally too narrow and shallow to actually park a car in them, I converted mine into two rooms. The larger of the two is my office. The other is a […]
FreeFlight Systems launches $500 bridge rebate program for ADS-B
WACO, Texas — FreeFlight Systems is now offering a $500 rebate on its ADS-B and WAAS/GPS solutions. FreeFlight Systems’ Bridge Rebate Program offers customers cost savings on these products today, allowing them to take advantage of ADS-B benefits immediately, instead of waiting for the FAA’s ADS-B Rebate Program, company officials note. FreeFlight Systems’ Bridge Rebate Program covers […]