Have you noticed a rapid turnover of CFIs at your airport lately? When airlines are hiring — as they are now — many CFIs who are strictly building time disappear as soon as they meet the minimum requirements for the airlines. Many “time-builder” CFIs are less than committed to teaching flying. They do little more […]
Rather build than spend time record keeping? Then check out this free website just for homebulders
These days almost every aircraft project begins with research on the Internet. That’s the first place that Rob Riggen of Essex Junction, Vermont, went in 2001 when he and his wife Paula decided to build a Van’s RV-7. There was a lot of information there, he recalls, but he had to go all over the […]
An easier way to first flight for homebuilts
Sometimes the best option for building a homebuilt aircraft is not building it at home at all. For some wanna-be homebuilders, the idea of having the project take over their hangars and garages — not to mention their lives — for years is unacceptable. They’d much rather expedite the building process and get on to […]
Sherpa Aircraft Co returns to U.S.
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 […]