James R. Gannett, a retired Boeing test pilot who helped launch the jet age, died of a brain aneurism June 17 at his home in Redmond, Wash. He was 83. Gannett’s interest in aviation was sparked as a boy when his father gave him $1 to take an airplane ride. That ride led to a […]
GA focus of new master plan at FMS
With a new master plan in the final stages, Fort Smith Regional Airport (FMS) in Arkansas has renewed its support of GA. As part of the plan, new construction of a taxiway and general aviation ramp will be followed by construction of three 14-unit nested T-hangars and at least one 10-unit shadeport. Construction is due […]
First Diamond Brilliance Flight Center opens
Diamond Aircraft has opened its first Diamond Brilliance Flight Center in Naples, Fla., operated by Europe-American Aviation. Diamond Brilliance Flight Center operators are hand-picked by Diamond Aircraft to provide flight training and aircraft rental services. The centers use Diamond aircraft and flight training devices exclusively. The Europe-American Diamond Brilliance Flight Center’s fleet will consist of […]
An unwelcome passenger
“No matter what happens fly the airplane.” Pilot Monty Coles remembered that nugget of advice given to him by his flight instructor some 25 years ago when he discovered he had an uninvited passenger in the form of a 4-1/2-foot snake aboard his plane during a recent flight over the Ohio and West Virginia border. […]
Texas Fly-In moves to June 1-2, 2007
The EAA Southwest Regional Fly-In is moving its 2007 fly-in to June 1-2. Originally held in early May, the fly-in will now take place the first full weekend in June. This year’s fly-in was better attended than at any other time over the past 10 years. However, some EAA members thought attendance would have been […]
Jabiru-powered Legend Cub
American Legend Aircraft Co. now offers the Jabiru 120-horsepower engine as an option for its Legend Cub, a certified Light Sport Aircraft. The Jabiru offers performance benefits, according to company officials, including more useful load, shorter takeoff distance, and faster climb.
DayJet names ‘DayPorts’
DayJet, one of the first air taxi operations, recently named the first cities it will serve: Gainesville, Boca Raton, Lakeland, Pensacola and Tallahassee, all in Florida. The cities were selected for their strong business climates and limited transportation infrastructures, DayJet officials said. Within 12 months of its launch, the company plans to open an additional […]
Cirrus expands reassembly program
Cirrus has expanded its reassembly program to Australia. Sunland Aviation of Brisbane, Australia, will reassemble aircraft that are sold in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Rim. Earlier this year, Cirrus inked a deal with Britten-Norman in the United Kingdom to reassemble and deliver 100 airplanes a year for European customers.
Eclipse certification slips
Also suffering delays is Eclipse Aviation, which says certification of its Eclipse 500 jet is expected in a few weeks. The company had planned for certification by June 30, but supplier delays pushed the schedule back. The Eclipse is expected to be the first Very Light Jet to reach certification.