The Parrot, an all-metal design from Czech Aircraft Works, also has received Special-LSA certification. The plane, imported by Sport Aircraft Works of Palm City, Fla., was introduced at this year’s AirVenture. Deliveries of the quick-build Experimental or the finished, factory-built, ready-to-fly airplane will begin early next year.
Superior receives Production Certificate for 180-hp Vantage Engine
The FAA has issued a full Production Certificate to Superior Air Parts for its new 180-horsepower Vantage Engine. “Now that we have full production approval in hand, we get down to the business of building and delivering this truly advanced engine to our OEM customers,” said Tim Archer, president and CEO. The first engines will […]
RANS delivers S-LSA version of Courier
RANS Aircraft entered the Light Sport Aircraft market by delivering a Special-LSA version of its Courier to a customer in Montana. Known as the S-7LS, this ready-to-fly version of the popular kit plane carries a price tag of $75,000 and comes equipped with a Rotax 912S 100 hp engine and choice of King or Garmin […]
Blakey wants mediator to assist NATCA negotiations
FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey has called for federal mediation to help reach a voluntary contract agreement with the air traffic controllers union. The FAA’s request comes after four-and-a-half months of negotiations. Officials at the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) say the request is a “publicity stunt.” The FAA’s contract proposal maintains the base-pay […]
FAA gets $13.8B for 2006
FAA funding for 2006 was recently approved by Congress. The $13.8 billion approved is $276 million higher than this year’s allocation and more than $1.1 billion higher than President Bush’s request. It includes $25 million to hire and train 595 new air traffic controllers.
Eclipse 500 receives Type Inspection Authorization
Eclipse Aviation has received its first FAA Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) on the Eclipse 500 very light jet. FAA personnel will now begin performing on-board aircraft testing for certification. TIAs are issued when the technical data required for Type Certification reach a point where it appears the item will meet FAA regulations. Over the coming […]
Will Mickey Mouse tag along?
Steve Wood, who last July became the first British pilot to fly around the four corners of America in a homebuilt aircraft, now plans a record setting solo flight around the world, promoting British American trade, travel, culture and the Royal International Air Tattoo. The flight also is intended to support Flying Scholarships for the […]
Largest tethered helium balloon in the world lands at Disneyland
The largest tethered helium balloon in the world is, where else?, at Disneyland Resort in Paris. The balloon, called PanoraMagique, is made with 16,000 square feet of fabric. It is 75 feet in diameter, 118 feet tall, and has a circumference of 240 feet. It was launched earlier this year to commemorate the opening of the […]
A ramp rat visits the House of Mouse
Why is it that some people love amusement park rides that produce a physical force that mimics flying but are afraid to fly in a small airplane? One of my closest friends is a roller coaster fanatic, but he refuses to ride in a small airplane. And it’s not just because I am the PIC. […]