The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009 (H.R. 915) on March 5. The funding bill now moves to the next committee. “This is an important first step, and we strongly support this bill,” said AOPA President Craig L. Fuller immediately after the vote, “but with the Obama administration’s call […]
There’s competition for Eclipse assets
A Delaware bankruptcy judge approved – at least verbally – a motion to convert Eclipse Aviation‘s bankruptcy from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7, during a March 5 hearing. His approval, if written and signed, means the company’s assets probably will be auctioned. Phil Friedman, CEO of Wichita-based Harlow Aerostructures, already has formed New Eclipse Acquisition […]
Financing still available for training
Leading Edge Aviation, a Bend, Ore.-based helicopter company, reports it has maintained its ability to get private student loans even in these tough credit market. The company’s helicopter program offers flight training. It also is affiliated with Central Oregon Community College, which gives students additional options for financing, according to company officials. Veterans also have […]
Reel Stuff Film Festival lands North American premier of ‘Der Rote Baron’
The National Aviation Hall of Fame’s Second Annual Reel Stuff Film Festival of Aviation will host the North American premier of a World War One epic, “Der Rote Baron,” released in Europe last year but not yet screened for American theater audiences. The German feature film brings to life the tale of legendary World War […]
Autopilots DVD released
Sporty’s latest video release is “Pilot’s Guide to Modern Autopilots.” Featuring the Garmin GFC-700 in a Cessna 182 and the S-TEC 55X in a Cirrus SR-22, “Pilot’s Guide to Modern Autopilots” demonstrates preflight and set-up procedures a pilot should do on every flight. Scenario-based training in both VFR and IFR conditions will help a pilot […]
Hartzell props available for RVs
Van’s Aircraft now offers Hartzell Propeller’s new ASC-II advanced composite constant speed propellers on its current line. Van’s RV models powered by Lycoming -360 engines will accept the new Hartzell two-blade ASC-II composite props, while the RV-10 (pictured) with Lycoming -540 powerplants can use the new three-blade composite propeller. Builders can order the propellers direct […]
Rotax conversion kit debuts
Bully Hawk Aero Performance Inc. has developed a Turbo Conversion Kit that company officials say turns the 80-hp Rotax 912 series engine into a turbocharged equivalent of the Rotax 914. It is available either as a kit for $8,495 or through Bully Hawk’s conversion centers. For more information: BullyHawk.ca
Gear collapses on CT
This March 2007 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: Flight Design CT. Location: Albuquerque. Injuries: 2 Minor. Aircraft damage: Substantial. What reportedly happened: The company’s chief pilot and pilot receiving instruction had performed […]
Gulfstream cuts production, balances 2009-2010 deliveries
General Dynamics said on March 5 that, as a result of deterioration in its Gulfstream order backlog, particularly during the month of February, and continued weak demand, Gulfstream Aerospace has decided to cut large-cabin aircraft production and green-aircraft deliveries from a projected 94 to 73 in 2009. Gulfstream plans to reduce production of its mid-size […]