The FAA National Kit Evaluation Team (NKET) recently concluded its evaluation of the Kitfox Series 7 Super Sport Aircraft, noting it meets the 51% rule. In a letter dated July 21, Terry Allen, manager of the FAA Production and Airworthiness Division, stated that the Evaluation Team determined that the kit will “allow an amateur builder […]
Electric Cessna 172 begins taxi tests
Beyond Aviation, formerly Bye Energy, began initial taxi tests on its electric Cessna 172 last week at Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colo. The company’s goal is to develop a practical, cost-effective conversion to environmentally friendly electric propulsion systems as a replacement for internal combustion engines on aircraft requiring 150 to 200 hp, officials explained. “The […]
Memphis plans welcome back celebration for pilot
After 69 days and nearly 25,000 miles, Memphis businessman Wei Chen will be making his triumphant return home in just a few days after becoming the first Chinese citizen to circumnavigate the globe in a single-engine plane, a TBM 700. Chen, CEO and founder of Sunshine Enterprises in Memphis, said he is extremely eager to […]
#OSH11: Avidyne launches plug & play panel-mounted avionics
Avidyne introduced a line of panel-mounted, plug-and-play avionics for general aviation on opening day of AirVenture. The avionics stack includes the IFD540 FMS/GPS/ Navigation/Communication system with touch screen user interface, the AMX240 stereo Audio Panel with Marker Beacon, the AXP340 Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) Transponder, and the attitude-based DFC90 Digital Autopilot. Each of these […]
#OSH11: GE Aviation completes certification testing on H80 engine
GE Aviation officials said at AirVenture that the company has completed all engine certification testing for its new H80 turboprop engines. “The H80 engine has performed extremely well in ground certification testing at GE’s Prague facility in the Czech Republic. GE Aviation has accumulated more than 800 ground test hours and more than 10,000 cycles […]
JSfirm.com creates Job Distribution Network
JSfirm.com’s aviation jobs board has created a Job Distribution Network with more than 30 partners. Jeff Richards, JSfirm.com Sales Manager, said the Fort Worth-based company has partnered with select aviation websites, social and professional media, aviation organizations and aviation schools/alumni groups to attract “active and passive job seekers.” The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association is JSfirm.com’s […]
#OSH11: B&S hosts combat veteran at AirVenture booth
For a second straight year B& S Aircraft Parts & Accessories will offer a salute to wounded veterans at its exhibit at AirVenture. Marine Sergeant Jonathan Blank of Augusta, Kan., who was injured in October in Afghanistan, is the company’s guest during the week-long show. Sergeant Blank was injured in October 2010 in Helmand Province, […]
Warrior collides with wires
This July 2009 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: Piper Warrior. Injuries: 1 Serious. Location: Purcell, Okla. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The student pilot was practicing simulated loss of engine power. […]
Chester’s Jeep takes off
It’s a grand day when your aircraft project rolls out of the hangar ready for its first flight. It’s an even bigger day when you fly your creation to AirVenture for the first time. Lon Dienst from Poplar Grove, Ill., sort of skipped the first flight phase because he was in such a hurry to […]