DAHER-SOCATA has delivered the first TBM 700 with a Garmin G600/GTN 750 new-generation glass cockpit avionics retrofits. The Garmin G600 is an instrument panel upgrade that pairs a liquid-crystal primary flight display (PFD) and multi-function display (MFD) in a single 10-inch bezel. Capabilities include Synthetic Vision Technology, providing a “virtual reality” perspective view along the aircraft’s […]
Aircraft
Additional pilot now allowed on homebuilt first flights
The FAA recently released AC 90-116, the Additional Pilot Program (APP) for Phase I flight testing, of homebuilt aircraft, which allows homebuilders to have a qualified additional pilot on board during Phase I flights. Before this program, builders were only permitted to have “required crew” aboard for initial flights, which usually meant that every Phase […]
ULtimate Grand Caravan makes first flight
ENID, Oklahoma — First flight of the Aircraft Structures International Corp. (ASIC) ULtimate Grand Caravan occurred Wednesday, Oct. 1, with the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6A-140 turboprop (867 HP) engine installed. The production configured ULtimate Grand Caravan went through its planned checklist of tests and provided a glimpse of the added performance customers will […]
CubCrafters introduces Aerocet floats for Carbon Cub and Sport Cub
YAKIMA, Wash. — CubCrafters has partnered with Aerocet to offer amphibious floats specifically designed for CubCrafters’ CC11 airframes, which include the Carbon Cub SS, Sport Cub S2 and Carbon Cub EX kit models. Aerocet’s Model 1500 Amphibious Floats represent an entirely new design approach for the company and feature an all-carbon fiber hull for light weight (only 245 […]
Sun Flyer enters next phase of development
DENVER, Colorado — Aero Electric Aircraft Corp. (AEAC) has entered the next phase of development for its solar-electric training aircraft called “Sun Flyer.” AEAC, in conjunction with its development partner, Bye Aerospace, is performing initial R&D flight tests with the solar-electric technology demonstrator at Centennial Airport near Denver. The single-seat technology demonstrator, which is the basis […]
Wright B Flyer project receives challenge grant
DAYTON, Ohio — Wright “B” Flyer Inc. has received another major gift to fund a new flying lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane. The new Wright Model B lookalike will replace Wright “B” Flyer No. 1, also known as the “Brown Bird” or “Iron Bird,” which has been flying since 1982. The new […]
First flight: Belite Sealite
Belite’s James Wiebe recently flew the Belite Sealite amphibious ultralight off the water for the first time. “Even with difficult conditions for a seaplane — light winds, 90+ temps, 3,800 foot density altitude — it performed really well,” he reported. “The Sealite took around 20 seconds (maybe a little less) to get airborne off the water. Of […]
Belite’s Sealite gets wet
Belite Aircraft founder James Wiebe flew the new Sealite Amphibious ultralight off the water on Wednesday. He also landed safely. Not once, but five times.
Garmin autopilot OK’d for Quest KODIAK
Quest Aircraft Co. has received final approval from the FAA for the integration of the Garmin GFC 700 Automatic Fight Control System (AFCS) in the KODIAK. The GFC 700 is an attitude-based autopilot that integrates with the G1000 avionics systems, company officials said. Deliveries of KODIAKs equipped with the Garmin GFC 700 will begin in the […]