While out west on business, I had the chance to fly the latest SLSA on the list, the South African Sling. Earlier I’ve written about the all-metal LSA’s round-the-world flight, but now this low-wing design is being made available for sale to Americans. On a gorgeous Southern California day, Matt Litnaitzky and his associate Ryan […]
An Aviator’s Last Father’s Day
There’s a wonderful story at EAA.org by John M. Allen, Brig Gen (ret), who is director, FAA Flight Standards Service, about how his father inspired not only his passion for aviation, but for others as well. It’s well worth the time to read but — spoiler alert — you will probably finish up the story […]
Kit manufacturers form new association
Aircraft kit manufacturers have formed a new association that aims to increase flight safety, promote experimental aircraft, and defend the freedom of individuals to build their own airplanes. According to a report at AOPA.org, Richard VanGrunsven, founder of Vans Aircraft, is the group’s president; John Monnett, designer of the Sonex line, is vice president; and […]
Avidyne adds to plug-and-play avionics stack
Avidyne Corp. has introduced the IFD440 FMS/GPS/NAV/COM system with touch screen user interface, adding to its line of plug-and-play avionics. As a plug-and-play replacement for legacy GNS430-series navigators, the IFD440 can reduce installation cost and downtime for customers looking to add touch screen, or who are upgrading their aircraft to meet the higher-precision requirements for […]
Dock at Cobble Beach marks new destination for seaplanes on Georgian Bay
Cobble Beach Golf Links & Resort in Grey Bruce, Ontario, now has 260 feet of direct waterfront access, marking a new destination for seaplanes on Ontario’s Georgian Bay. Cobble Beach’s golf course, designed by Doug Carrick, is now accessible by seaplane with the launch of a new floating day dock. “This is one of the […]
Camp gives kids behind-the-scenes look at aviation
High school students’ interest soared during the annual Lewis University Aviation Summer Camp on the university’s main campus in Romeoville, Ill. Participants piloted a general aviation aircraft and trained in an FAA-approved-flight simulator, among other activities. The students experienced travel with a flight instructor and enjoyed access to the Lewis University fleet of planes. A […]
Sporty’s releases free AirVenture app
Sporty’s has released the official AirVenture 2012 app for iPad, iPhone and Android. The free app contains all the maps, times, places and schedules for the big show, slated to begin July 23. “AirVenture is way too big to arrive without a plan. There’s no way you can see and do everything just strolling around,” […]
New book on herioc airmen to be released in September
Lord Ashcroft’s new book, “Heroes of the Skies,” will be published by Headline Review on Sept. 13. The book tells the stories behind the world’s largest collection of medals for gallantry in the air that were awarded to more than 80 British, Commonwealth and other Allied airmen. Heroes of the Skies uses new material from […]
Low-level aerobatics kill two
This July 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others. Aircraft: North American AT-6. Injuries: 2 Fatal. Location: Destin, Fla. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The pilot, who had logged more than 1,920 hours, […]