“I have what may be the most significant piece of paper in America today,” said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey to Eclipse Aviation President and CEO Vern Raburn at this year’s AirVenture. “It opens the way wide for the next generation in aviation.” That piece of paper was the provisional type certificate for the Eclipse 500. […]
LoPresti Fury to be built in New Mexico
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Curt LoPresti, “but we are delighted to announce that a location for the Fury factory has been selected.” The late Roy LoPresti, whose motto was “Life is short. Fly fast,” designed, engineered and built what he thought was the perfect airplane. He called it the Fury. When the […]
Long-time GA pilot tells security officials to answer questions
U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), a long-time general aviation pilot, says the FAA “must justify continuance of the Washington, D.C., ADIZ” before his Environment and Public Works Committee will reauthorize it. Inhofe told a gathering at AirVenture that he has called a Sept. 12 meeting which top FAA, Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security […]
Highlights from AirVenture 2006
From Light Sport Aircraft to Very Light Jets and all that lies between could be found at this year’s AirVenture. On the LSA end of the spectrum more than 30 manufacturers and importers displayed their models on the LSA Mall near AeroShell Square, while the VLJs dominated the exhibit areas surrounding AeroShell Square. For warbird […]
“We listened” Changes in medicals in spotlight as FAA adminstrator meets Oshkosh crowd
“We got to this place because when you spoke, we listened.” That was the message from FAA Administrator Marion Blakey during her annual “Meet the Administrator” forum at AirVenture last month. She was referring to last year’s forum, where she said she “took a lot of heat” when the subject turned to medicals. “Truth be […]
Lindbergh Foundation, Lycoming award grants
The Lindbergh Foundation and Lycoming Engines have established a grant program for people whose research projects “will advance aviation technology and balance it with the care and protection of our environment,” the two organizations announced during AirVenture 2006. Lindbergh Grants are made in amounts up to $10,580 – the cost of building the “Spirit of […]
World’s only flyable B-29 needs help to return to flight
The Commemorative Air Force’s B-29 “Fifi” – the world’s only flyable B-29 – has been temporarily grounded by engine problems. To return the rare airplane to flight, the B-29/B-24 Squadron (the group within the CAF tasked with the responsibility for maintaining and flying the plane) needs to raise at least $3 million to custom fit […]
What is provisional certification?
When most of us think of an airplane as certified, we mean full certification. However, before the FAA issues a full type certificate a manufacturer may apply for an interim, “provisional” certificate which, in essence, is design approval. It imposes certain time and operational limitations, but allows the manufacturer to begin pilot training, conduct demonstration […]
Other Oshkosh 2006 News: Sportplanes.com will sell Remo G-3 in US
Sportsplanes.com will sell the Remo G-3 in the U.S. Manufactured in Germany, the high-wing LSA is powered by a 100-hp Rotax 912S. For more information: