In 2005, NASA teamed with the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency (CAFE) Foundation to host the Personal Air Vehicle Centennial Challenge (PAV CC), a $250,000 annual flight competition for small aircraft. “PAV CC is modeled after the ‘X Prize’ and embodies NASA’s commitment to the first ‘A’ in NASA: Aeronautics,” explained CAFE President Brien Seeley. As […]
Boeing plans flight tests for airplane powered by fuel cell
Boeing researchers plan to conduct tests this year on a single-seat airplane powered only by a fuel cell and batteries. The systems integration phase of the Fuel Cell Demonstrator Airplane research project, under way since 2003 at Boeing Research and Technology-Europe (BR&TE), recently was completed. Thorough systems integration testing is now underway in preparation for […]
Aaron Tippin to perform at Sun ‘n Fun
Country music star Aaron Tippin, who is also a pilot and longtime aviation enthusiast, will perform at this year’s Sun ‘n Fun. Tippin will perform Saturday, April 21, at 7 p.m. The concert is included in Sun ‘n Fun’s daily admission price. The concert is a first for Sun ‘n Fun, according to John Burton, […]
Save our Airports: GA is under fire
The battle against user fees is just beginning, but we’ve been fighting a battle for generations against politicians and developers who see our airports as nothing more than playgrounds for rich “fat cats” — and as potential gold mines for themselves. As housing developments replace runways, everyone involved in GA must get involved to ensure […]
Young pilot launches “Inspiration” flight
Attempting to land in the record books as the youngest pilot – and the first person of African descent – to complete a solo circumnavigation of the globe, Barrington Irving, 23, took off from his hometown of Miami March 23 in a Columbia 400 he calls “Inspiration.” Between now and April 30, he will fly 21,509 […]
Czech Aircraft Works expands factory
An increase in factory space has led to an increase in production at Czech Aircraft Works (CAW), which produces several Light Sport Aircraft, including the Mermaid, the Parrot and the SportCruiser. Over the winter, the company expanded its factory in the Czech Republic so that it now occupies a 120,000-square-foot facility. That extra room is […]
Commander expects to begin new airplane production by end of year
The FAA has granted Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) to Commander Premier Aircraft Corp. (CPAC). This means the company can begin producing new aircraft at its Cape Girardeau, Mo., location. “This is an important milestone for CPAC,” said Joel Hartstone, president and CEO. “It’s like a birthday. With this grant, CPAC begins life as an FAA […]
See ya in the funny papers…
In the 1930s and ’40s the newspaper comic pages were filled with the exploits of daring aviators. Although fictitious, these characters became role models for kids interested in flying. Most of the heroes were men with flashy nicknames who flew technologically advanced aircraft with skill and daring — and always, always got the girl. One […]
the buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
“Once fees start up for airlines and business jets, then they will creep to piston planes or planes flying IFR. Once we establish user fees, it will filter down to all of us.” — AOPA President Phil Boyer “Corporate executives, entertainers, real estate moguls and other fat cats have been getting a free ride from […]