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 […]
Which airplane is the ‘best of the best?’ Six to be put to the vote at Oshkosh
Six of the world’s finest restored vintage aircraft will travel to Oshkosh in July to vie for top honors in the first National Aviation Hall of Fame’s “Best of the Best” People’s Choice Award competition. Visitors to AirVenture, slated for July 23-29, will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite from among the six […]
Peter Wright Sr dies at 90
Peter Wright Sr., in his time a Naval Aviator, Flying Tiger, helicopter pioneer and founder of the American Helicopter Museum, died June 1 at Bryn Mawr, Pa. He was 90 years old. Wright was best known as the founder and chairman emeritus of Keystone Helicopter, as a highly decorated combat airman from the famed American […]
Epic’s Victory Jet flies: Maiden flight puts jet on track to be at Oshkosh
Only six and a half months after design work began on a clean sheet of paper, the Epic Victory Jet made its maiden flight July 6 at Redmond, Oregon. The first flight keeps the Victory on track for its debut at EAA AirVenture this month, said Rick Schrameck, Epic’s CEO. From clean sheet to first […]
Environmentally friendly engine to be unveiled at AirVenture
One of the reasons pilots go to EAA AirVenture each year is to see the latest innovations. This month, Sonex Aircraft, LLC and AeroConversions Products will debut a new research and development initiative to explore viable alternative energies for powering sport aircraft. Details about the E-Flight Initiative will be unveiled during the week-long show, along […]