Avidyne Corp. premiered a new feature called “FMS Preview” for its award-winning Entegra Release 9 Integrated Flight Deck (R9) avionics system at this week’s Sun ‘n Fun. FMS Preview allows pilots to see a graphical presentation on the split-screen map as they scroll through the list of available departures, airways, transitions, and approach procedures in […]
Belite unveils avionics line
Belite Aircraft, which last year introduced the use of lightweight carbon fiber structural components into its FAR Part 103 aircraft, unveiled at Sun ‘n Fun a line of lightweight, solid state avionics designed especially for experimental and Part 103 aircraft. Marketed under Belite Electronics, Patch Flyer instruments include: Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI), Air Speed Indicator […]
Build A Plane launches online courses
Build A Plane will now offer AeroScholars, two online aviation courses developed specifically for high school students. The two courses, “Fundamentals of Aviation Science” and “Advanced Aviation Science, “were written in accordance with NSTA national teaching standards. Students who complete the online courses can receive high school credit that counts toward graduation. Both programs were […]
VFR flight into IMC proves fatal
This April 2008 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: Glasair III. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Cheyenne, Wyo. Aircraft damage: Destroyed. What reportedly happened: The private pilot, who did not have an instrument rating, […]
Discovering common ground
Airshow season has begun. At least it has in Florida, where the Sun ‘n Fun International Fly-In and Expo is in full bloom. The skies are blue, the winds are brisk, and the rain is at least a time zone away. All in all, the conditions are perfect for the central focus of this auspicious […]
Central Florida Aerospace academy receives $7.5 million grant
Officials from Sun ‘n Fun and the Polk County School Board broke ground Thursday on a new $7.5 million building that will house the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA), an aviation-oriented career academy that is already located on the Sun ‘n Fun campus. The new 58,000-square-foot facility, which will house up to 500 high school […]
Next Step helps grow pilot population
Hal Shevers, founder of Sporty‘s, has no doubt what his mission in life is. “When I was 25 years old, I thought I was put on this Earth to make every woman happy and burn as much avgas as possible,” he joked Thursday at Sun ‘n Fun. “50 years later, I know my purpose is […]
Privateer amphib debuts
A few years ago, John Meekins decided he wanted a seaplane. An industrial real estate developer who lives on a lake in the Seattle area, he didn’t want to have to drive to the airport to fly his plane. He tried out a Lake and a Seawind, but found they just weren’t right for him. […]
Safety Stand Down Saturday
The FAA will conduct a national Safety Stand Down Saturday, April 17, with programs at Sun ‘n Fun and locations in all 50 states. The Stand Down will focus on four areas: Owner-performed maintenance; approach and landing; runway safety; and risk management, according to Bryan Neville, who is on the national staff of the FAA […]