The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association is asking all pilots of Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) to participate in the 34th annual General Aviation (GA) and Part 135 Activity Survey, which is used to assess aviation safety. Because of the newness of LSA, it is essential to improve the statistics, LAMA officials said, noting more participation will “reinforce […]
Aircraft
The cost of certification
Again, I repeat, the preceding is merely a discussion, but one with many plot twists. It will certainly be interesting to watch how the FAA rules on either exemption mentioned above and how companies and organizations pursue their goals. More importantly, how will the market — that is, you pilots — demand each kind of certification? Only time will tell.
Electric! Gorgeous! Freedom!…4th generation ULS
Randall Fishman virtually invented the electric aircraft. That’s a rather big statement, yet I stand behind it. Randall first showed a functional electric trike at Oshkosh 2007. He’s been on a tear ever since and his ULS is his present state-of-the-art, his fourth generation of electric aircraft design. I use three words to describe ULS […]
CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS evolves
After three years in production and a fleet of more than 100 aircraft, the CubCrafters Carbon Cub SS Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA) is evolving for 2013. Changes include a new cowling design, an improved cabin heat system, a new starter, and a new system voltage monitor, company officials said. New options are also being introduced, including […]
FAA delays decision on Icon weight increase
FAA officials have informed Icon Aircraft that a decision on the company’s request for an exemption to the Light-Sport Aircraft weight limitations for its amphibious Icon A5 won’t be made until the end of the year, according to a report at AOPA.org. Icon Aircraft founder Kirk Hawkins asked for an exemption in May to increase […]
Jus’ Buzzng Round
Spotted while walking through the vintage aircraft area at this summer’s Oshkosh was a 1947 Navion sporting military colors. Why wasn’t it parked in the Warbird area? Because owner Robert Gaines of Nashville wanted to park close to his friends. During a quick chat at the show, he noted that the Navion’s previous owner get […]
Tecnam lights up the sky at the London Paralympics
Millions of TV viewers around the world who tuned in to the opening ceremony of the 2012 Paralympics in London saw that flying a general aviation airplane is an achievable dream for everyone. The opening act of the ceremonies included a fly-by by a Tecnam P2006T adapted to put on a pyrotechnic show. The airplane […]
Bearhawk LSA debuts
Bearhawk designer Bob Barrows — who designed the four-place Bearhawk and the two-place Bearhawk Patrol — has turned his attention to his next creation, the Bearhawk Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA). Barrows, who unveiled his new LSA at AirVenture in Oshkosh this year, said the response was overwhelming, adding plans sales are going well. Even though the […]
Twin Commander debuts Rudder Pedal Seals
Twin Commander Aircraft has developed a kit that ensures good results in an area that can be difficult to protect from pressurization leaks — the rudder-pedal horns. Leaks in the boots that enclose the rudder-pedal horns can result in noticeable loss of pressure differential, which means a higher cabin altitude at cruise, company officials explain. […]