The Mermaid amphibian had a problem. The problem was that it’s a Light Sport amphibian. Light Sport rules didn’t allow pilots to “reposition” landing gear in flight. Of course, the whole point of an amphibian is to allow a takeoff from land or water and a landing on the other, and that requires moving the […]
The games stays the same: “Compromise” FAA reauthorization bill still features fees
What has been touted by some as a “compromise” FAA budget reauthorization bill has turned out merely to shift proposed general aviation user fees onto owners of small turbine aircraft. The wording chosen by Senators Trent Lott and Jay Rockefeller of the Senate Commerce Committee does nothing to stop the FAA from imposing user fees […]
Sun ‘n Fun dedicates Scott Crossfield Way
Ribbon cuttings are, by their very nature, pretty boring affairs. A bunch of officials line up, some speeches are made and then the top-ranking official — usually the mayor — uses a giant pair of scissors to cut a ribbon and declare a building or a business officially open. At this year’s Sun ‘n Fun, […]
The man who started it all: EAA founder Paul Poberezny shares tales from the old days
Experimental Aircraft Association founder Paul Poberezny likes to tell people that he and his wife, Audrey, are millionaires, then sit back and watch the reactions. Many people are taken aback, until Poberezny finishes his thought: “We have a million friends and you can’t buy that with money.” Poberezny says that he uses that thought as […]
South Carolina installs state-wide AWOS
The Aeronautics Division of South Carolina’s Department of Commerce recently inked a contract with Vaisala to install Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) at nine airports across the state, as well as update existing systems. The contract is worth more than $1 million. There’s no doubt the investment will pay off, says Michael O’Donnell, executive director […]
Piper offers G1000 on PA-32 aircraft: development of jet continues
Garmin’s G1000 is now available as optional equipment on the Saratoga II TC and Piper 6X. “We are fully focused on providing our customers with the best possible options technology has to offer our industry,” said James Bass, president and CEO. “We have a long and valued relationship with Garmin and have been working behind […]
Cessna kicks off 80th anniversary celebration: Pelton provides updates on LSA and NGP
After 80 years in the airplane manufacturing business, the Cessna Aircraft Co. knows a thing or two about aircraft design development. For starters, it’s easier to develop a jet using wind tunnel tests. When it comes to piston-powered airplanes, however, you have to build a proof-of-concept model and get it in the air, says Cessna […]
Fighting fires with the FireBoss
What do you get when you combine an aircraft created specifically for agricultural work and amphibious floats designed specifically for firefighting operations? You get the FireBoss, which may be the most efficient firefighting aircraft in use today, or so says Charlie Wiplinger, director of research and development for FireBoss LLC. “We built the FireBoss based […]
Lose the light: A move to drop Light from Light Sport Aircraft
Sometimes it’s not so much the concept you are trying to sell as much as its presentation. That’s why some in the Light Sport Aircraft community want to drop the word “Light” from the description. One of the leaders of the movement is Michael Meirer, co-CEO of Remos Aircraft from Pasewalk, Germany. According to Meirer, […]