The Terrafugia Transition Roadable Aircraft Proof of Concept successfully completed its first flight at New York’s Plattsburgh International Airport March 5. The first flight was conducted within the runway environment and demonstrated the aircraft’s stability and controllability, according to company officials. After 37 seconds, the test pilot executed a smooth landing and taxied safely to […]
Air taxi company bucks the trend
SATSair, a Greenville, S.C.-based air taxi company, has reported record revenues for 2008, along with milestones reached in consecutive hours of operation. SATSair ended the year with more than 11 million revenue passenger miles flown since the company’s inception in November 2004, flying more than 14,000 flights and landing at more than 500 airports in […]
Corporate Angel Network hits milestone
Winston Churchill, the grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, and Susan Polan, another cancer patient, flew home to Florida from treatment at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston on Corporate Angel Network’s 31,000th and 31,001st patient flights. Polan, who had just returned from a course of chemotherapy, observed “Chemo was exhausting. I was in no condition to […]
Safety expert joins Baldwin Aviation
Dr. Dave Huntzinger, who has led a variety of safety and security programs at airlines and aerospace companies throughout his 30-plus years in aviation, has joined Baldwin Aviation. A noted author and speaker, he has served as a vice president of safety, security and compliance for two airlines – Korean Air and America West – […]
Re-engined Twin Star gets EASA certification
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has certified the Diamond DA42 NG, powered by Diamond’s own 170-horsepower Austor diesel. Thielert, whose engines powered first generation Twin Stars, became insolvent less than a year ago, resulting in serious maintenance issues for DA42 owners, although Diamond had started Austor development before the Thielert bankruptcy. EASA certification means […]
Another group to bid for Eclipse assets
Eclipse 500 owner Mike Press and deposit-holder Mason Holland have launched a new company called Eclipse Jet, yet another planning to bid for the assets of bankrupt Eclipse Aviation, restore Eclipse 500 product support and eventually return the very light jet to production. Two groups already had announced their hopes to acquire the assets of […]
TSA expanding scrutiny of GA airports
The Transportation Security Administration is revising its “Operation Playbook” security program, which affects general aviation operators at airports used by airlines. The “Playbook” is a security protocol intended to keep terrorists guessing at security tactics. The “Playbook” pilot program got off to a bad start last year, because of questionable TSA inspections at FBOs. According […]
Cessna Columbus certification delayed
Cessna Aircraft CEO Jack Pelton sent e-mail messages to employees on March 13, telling them that development of the company’s large-cabin Columbus will be delayed by “at least six months.” The e-mail also told of further reductions in the work force, this time taking the form or furloughs. Cessna already had laid off roughly 13% […]
Brady debuts repair kits
Brady Corp. has introduced its Wire & Cable Marking Repair Kits, specifically designed to assist mechanics and crews at aviation maintenance centers to easily apply identification markings on newly repaired wires and cables. Having all of the needed materials – a variety of printers, software, ribbons, sleeving, and label materials in one complete package – […]