The first Eclipse 500 intended as a certification flight test aircraft rolled out of the factory Dec. 11. Its engines are the Pratt & Whitney Canada 610F turbofans that will power the Albuquerque, N.M.-based company’s production airplanes. As this issue was going to press, Eclipse employees would say only that the plane’s first flight would […]
GAO report praises GA airport security
A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report notes that “the small size, lack of fuel capacity, and minimal destructive power of most general aviation aircraft make them unattractive to terrorists.” Called “General Aviation Security: Increased Federal Oversight is Needed but Continued Partnership with the Private Sector is Critical to Long-Term Success,” the report concludes that […]
Travolta buys Zeppelin
Another actor, John Travolta, is also making headlines after buying a $10 million Zeppelin from the Neiman Marcus catalog. Travolta, who owns a Boeing 707 and a Gulfstream bizjet, was quoted as saying he “had to have one” of the Zeppelins.
Bruce Willis offers property for airport
Actor Bruce Willis is offering to donate a part of some property he owns in Camas County, Idaho, for construction of a new airport. Willis made the offer at a meeting of the Friedman Airport Authority last week, saying he’s concerned about safety at the current airport. It’s estimated a new airport will take about […]
Twin Star earns tech honor
Popular Science magazine has named Diamond Aircraft’s new DA42 Twin Star one of the top 100 tech innovations for 2004. Other selections include the 2005 Lotus Elise, the twin Mars Exploration rovers and the AGM-158 joint air-to-surface standoff missile.
BRS names Williams president and CEO
Ballistic Recovery Systems has named Larry E. Williams president and CEO. For the past four years, Williams was vice president of business development for AmSafe Aviation, which manufactures restraints, including air bags for airplanes.
NASA offers icing guide
Worried about winter flying? NASA now offers “A Pilot’s Guide to In-Flight Icing,” a free, on-line course intended for the GA pilot. The course provides tools pilots can use to deal with in-flight icing. Emphasis is on avoidance, detection and exit, as well as the effects of ice accretion on performance and handling and the […]
From boxes to flying in less than 3 months, with Glasairs help
Want to build your own aircraft, but don’t want to wait years to fly? New Builder Assist Centers are popping up for all manufacturers, including Glasair Aviation. The Arlington, Wash.-based company’s Customer Assembly Center makes it possible for a pilot to build an aircraft in less than three months. The program is “intense,” according to […]
Lancair discounts builder assist program
On the kit-side of the house, Lancair is offering a $3,000 discount on a kit and one week of Builders Assist for free if four weeks are purchased— if you pay by Dec. 31.