When aviation was developing, one of the greatest challenges was finding a way to make it appealing to the masses as a means of travel. Airlines and aircraft manufacturers spent a good deal of time and money creating advertising campaigns to woo customers. “Fly Now!” is a peek at the National Air and Space Museum’s […]
Sirius, latest in high-wing LSA’s makes it debut
Are you in the market for a Light Sport Aircraft? Do you prefer high-wing designs? You soon will have another option. SportairUSA LC, the North American distributor of the TL 2000 StingSport S-LSA, will preview a cabin model of the high-wing TL 3000 Sirius at EAA AirVenture 2007 this month. The Sirius, manufactured by TL-Ultralight […]
After years of restoration: Arrows stop airshow crowds
Many early aircraft manufacturers didn’t survive the Great Depression, leaving behind a flock of few-of-a-kind airplanes and memories. It is a treat to find one of these orphaned beauties at a fly-in. Finding two of them is a died-and-gone-to-heaven moment. Such was the case during Sun ‘n Fun 2007 when we encountered two Arrow Sports. […]
Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum prepares for grand opening
You can fly only one airplane at a time, and drive only one car or motorcycle at a time, so what do you do when you have a large collection of motorized antiques? Open a museum, of course. At least, that’s the thought process behind creation of the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum in […]
Why can’t you find a CFI? As airlines start hiring again, CFI’s become a scarce commodity
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 […]