Laufer Wind has successfully demonstrated its Aircraft Detection Sight Solution (ADSS), the first-ever trial against a radar-activated obstruction lighting system on a wind farm in the U.S. The FAA and the Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) participated in the trial. The ADSS enables wind farms to keep FAA-required obstruction lights off at night, turning […]
First aviation mechanic display added to Air Force Museum
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force honored the first aviation mechanic, Charles E. Taylor, by unveiling a bronze bust of his likeness for permanent display during a ceremony in the museum’s Early Years Gallery July 21. A brilliant, self-taught man, Taylor began working in the Wrights’ bicycle business in 1896, and played an […]
Florida Aviation Network to raffle off flight in T-6 Texan
ORLANDO, Florida —The Florida Aviation Network , in partnership with Stallion 51 Corporation, is raffling off a chance to fly in the T-6 Texan “THANG.” Stallion 51 Corporation’s T-6 Texan was built at the end of 1944 and was eventually stationed in Hawaii after the war. It carries the nickname “THANG” because of the original […]
Pilot develops cockpit lighting system to prevent spatial disorientation
Australian pilot Russell Crane has received a provisional patent for the Green Orientation Light — or GO Light — a cockpit lighting system designed to solve the problem of spatial disorientation. “The GO Light is a system of light fixtures that will give pilots a constant reference point of the horizon in their peripheral vision, […]
Eclipse upgrade program sells out
Eclipse Aerospace reports that all 2014 Eclipse 500 PLUS upgrade positions have been sold. Since the program commenced March 12, more than 60 Eclipse Jet owners have selected the Eclipse 500 PLUS upgrade for their aircraft, company officials said. All of these upgrades will be completed in 2014. The Eclipse 500 PLUS program will remain open to […]
Piper runs out of fuel
Aircraft: Piper Comanche. Injuries: None. Location: Blacksburg, Va. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The accident happened during the approach to land. The pilot had the left fuel selector set to the left main tank and the right fuel selector was set to the right main tank. The engine began to lose power during the approach. The pilot […]
Subsonex JSX-2 makes first flights
OSHKOSH — Sonex Aircraft reports that the SubSonex Personal Jet model JSX-2 achieved first flight on Thursday, July 10, completing a series of initial flight tests through the remainder of the week. “Its flight characteristics can be summed up in two words,” remarks JSX-2 test pilot Bob Carlton, “fast and smooth. She handles great and climbs well.” The initial […]
SMO to be on November ballot
The Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters has ruled that the residents of the city of Santa Monica can vote Nov. 16 on an initiative requiring a vote from residents before the city can make any changes to land uses at Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO). According to a post at AOPA.org, nearly 16,000 Santa […]
Friday Harbor Fly-In set for July 26
If airport events conjure up big crowds on acres of concrete, you might be pleasantly surprised to learn that one of America’s quaint little islands is about to host its fifth annual Fly-In and Community Open House, Saturday, July 26. Friday Harbor Airport, on San Juan Island in Washington state, hosts a free day-long family friendly event, […]