Eclipse Aviation’s next two FAA conforming Eclipse 500 very light jets, N502EA and N504EA, have completed wing-mate and are standing on their own gear as they approach their first flight tests later this quarter. The two will join N503EA, which has been running flight tests since Dec. 31, to complete the Eclipse 500 FAA certification […]
Aerocomp jet joined by turboprop
Aircraft kit builder Aerocomp, not content to build an innovative single-engine jet, is introducing an equally innovative – and equally big – single engine turboprop. The Comp Air Jet completed more than 30 hours of flight testing at Titusville, Florida, during the winter, returning to the firm’s Merritt Island base in January. The jet was […]
GlobalFlyer launch date pushed up again
Launch date of the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer’s world-record attempt has been pushed up again. Weather conditions don’t look favorable until after Feb. 21 for Steve Fossett’s attempt at the first solo, non-stop, non-refueled around-the-world flight attempt.
AOPA awards Twin Comanche
A South Carolina pilot is the proud owner of a newly restored 1965 Piper Twin Comanche. Roy Wilbanks of Greenwood, S.C., is the grand prize winner in the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s 2004 Win-A-Twin Sweepstakes. Wilbanks, who is co-owner of a Piper J-3 Cub, also won initial multi-engine training from American Flyers and type-specific […]
CAP honored for hurricane work
Another recent award winner is the Civil Air Patrol, which received national recognition for its volunteer work following hurricanes Charley, Francis, Ivan and Jeanne last year. The 60,000-member all-volunteer CAP won a 2005 Award of Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). During last year’s hurricane season, CAP members responded to many requests […]
First to test new space regs
Among the first to test those new regs, no doubt, will be the SpaceShipOne Team, winners of the Ansari X-Prize. Headed by Burt Rutan, the team just added another accolade, winning the Robert J. Collier Trophy earlier this month. The trophy is awarded every year by the National Aeronautic Association “for the greatest achievement in […]
Ready for the final frontier?
Future commercial space passengers will need more than a ticket to board a flight, according to the FAA. They also will need a signed consent form, releasing the government and all others from liability, and a doctor’s OK. Don’t want to sit in the cabin? Future space pilots will need specialized training, a license and, […]
Galvin to train Vietnamese pilots
Galvin Flying Services of Seattle has partnered with American Pacific University (APU) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to provide flight training for Vietnamese pilots. Galvin also will provide instructor and technician training. Pilots training at Galvin will graduate into a first officer jet transition program at the Alteon Seattle Training center, where they will […]
Cessna delivers first airbag equipped aircraft
The first new Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 equipped with AmSafe airbags as standard equipment have been delivered to customers in Texas and California. The first 172 with AmSafe Aviation Inflatable Restraints was delivered to Midland College, where it will be used in the school’s professional pilot program. The first 182 with airbags was delivered […]