The Sherpa Aircraft Co. has returned its production operations to the United States. The company manufactures the K-650, a bush plane kit, described by some in the industry as a “Super Cub on steroids.” A Honeywell turbine engine powers the eight-place aircraft. Until recently Sherpa produced parts in a factory in Eastern Europe. “In 2000, […]
It’s official: Cessna moves ahead with LSA
It’s official. After a year of test flying a prototype and gathering data, Cessna Aircraft Co. officials have decided to go ahead with the company’s Light Sport Aircraft program. “After conducting extensive market research, it is clear to us there is a great need for this aircraft as we strive to drive down the cost […]
Cirrus unveils its jet
Cirrus Design Corp. unveiled a mock-up of its much anticipated jet during a June 28 ceremony for customers at the company headquarters in Duluth, Minn. So far approximately 150 people have put down $100,000 deposits for the new aircraft. “We’re calling it a ‘personal jet,’ not because of its size, but because it’s a natural […]
Glass cockpits: The benefits and challenges .New report says pilot training needs to evolve
“Glass cockpits” deliver many safety benefits to GA pilots and have fueled industry growth, but pilot training must still evolve to address the safety challenges posed by Technologically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), according to a soon-to-be-released study by the AOPA Air Safety Foundation. “TAA are neither as good as proponents say nor as bad as detractors […]
Ed Marquart, Flabab Airport pioneer dies
Edwin E. “Ed” Marquart died peacefully of natural causes early in the morning of July 4. He worked at historic Flabob Airport from 1955 until two weeks before his death, where he was among the most famous designers and builders of homebuilt aircraft. He was 85. During World War II, Marquart joined the Navy, where […]
Four named to Arizona Hall of Fame
Four aviation pioneers have been named to the Arizona Aerospace Foundation’s Hall of Fame: Cheryl A. Stearns, Fred J. Cone, Roger K. Parrish and Elgin Roy Newell. Stearns, a pilot for US Airways, was the first woman member of the Army’s “Golden Knights” parachute team. Cone, a Marine pilot since 1958, flew 21 different types […]
Tim Archer named head of start-up engine manufacturer in England: Industry veteran to guide development of Gemini engine
Powerplant Developments Limited of West Sussex, England, has named aviation industry veteran Timothy T. Archer president and CEO of the new company. “Having someone with Tim’s reputation, integrity and experience leading our team certainly puts us way ahead in many of our certification and marketing efforts,” said Derek Graham, chairman and co-founder of PPD. “Tim […]
Build A Plane project begins in remote Alaskan village
The first five boxes containing components of a Thorp T-211 that will be built and flown by high school students has reached Hooper Bay, Alaska. Sponsored by Build a Plane, the Thomas W. Wathen Foundation, IndUS Aviation and the FAA, the Build A Plane project at Hooper Bay High School is the first in a […]
A faster Hummingbird helo
Maximum speed for the Hummingbird helicopter has been raised to 115 knots, or 132 mph, indicated airspeed, according to an early July announcement from Vertical Aviation Technologies. For those with “the need for speed,” this modification also reduces fuel consumption, engine oil temperature and vibration at the tail rotor, said Brad Clark, president of the […]