I recently attended an ASTM meeting. This is for the standards that are used to “certify” Light-Sport Aircraft. Yes, it’s pretty dry stuff but it is the way such a staggering development of 128 new models of LSA has been possible in just seven years, an accomplishment not replicated anywhere in aviation, worldwide, since airplanes […]
Ameritech to sell ECi’s line of experimental engines
Engine Components International (ECI) of San Antonio, Texas, and Ameritech Industries, the parent company of Eagle Engines and American Propeller Service of Redding, Calif., have entered into a dealer sales agreement for the California company to sell the TITAN EXP experimental series factory assembled new engines. The TITAN EXP series include the OX-320, IO-320, OX-340 […]
Autopilot approved for WACO
WACO Classic Aircraft has won FAA approval of the S-TEC System 55X autopilot STC for installation in the WACO YMF-F5C and 5D. WACO will now be able to offer an autopilot installation in the aircraft, which will help improve the safety of flying and lessen the workload for the pilot by offering altitude preselector, flight […]
New filler cap for de-icer debuts
D.W.Davies has developed a new filler cap for the 1 gallon bottle and the 2-1/2 gallon bottle of TKS Fluid. The filler cap makes it easier to dispense the product into an aircraft with a self-burping spout and valve so as not to spill any, company officials said. Price: $14.95 each. For more information: Tim […]
First flight in 25 years, last flight ever
Aircraft: Maule M-5-180C. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Emory, Texas. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The pilot, age 80, had logged more than 1,300 hours, his son said he had not accumulated many hours in the Maule, and had limited experience flying the airplane from his airstrip. Prior to purchasing the airplane, the pilot had […]
GAO calls for GA to report flight hours, as well as data on recurrent training
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is calling for the FAA to start collecting flight hours for all general aviation aircraft, collect data on recurrent training, and set “specific safety improvement goals for individual industry segments using a data driven, risk management approach.” While the U.S. aviation system is one of the safest in the […]
SLSA #127: SAB Vulcan
SAB’s Vulcan isn’t entirely new. The design has existed in Europe and arrived in the USA more than two years ago, but stealthily avoided our radar as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft until the 2012 Midwest LSA Expo at the Mt. Vernon, Illinois airport. The secret is out now and Vulcan C-100 has been added to […]
Locals, CALPILOTS to fight hotel near CA airport
The City of Tehachapi has approved the building of a motel in the airport’s safety zone. Airport hangar owners, led by Ken Hetge, have filed an appeal. Thanks to California Pilots Association and Mitch Latting for bring this to our attention.
Embry-Riddle to test precision landing approaches for GA airports
A team of researchers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has received funding for a project to assess the performance of pilots when they land small airplanes at general aviation airports using an approach normally employed at airports with longer runways. The results could help shed light on the feasibility of letting GA aircraft use GPS-aided approaches […]