OSHKOSH — More than 600 single-engine turboprop TBM700 and TBM850 (pictured below) in the global fleet have amassed nearly 1 million flight hours, Daher-Socata‘s Senior Vice President Nicholas Chabbert said Tuesday at AirVenture. In addition to the fleet milestone, officials reported the TBM850 Elite was certified. The Elite, which took just six months of certification work, is […]
Aircraft
Two new Sky Arrows introduced at Oshkosh
OSHKOSH — Magnaghi Aeronautica, the Italian aerospace group that manufactures the Sky Arrow aircraft series, introduced an updated Sky Arrow light-sport aircraft (LSA) Tuesday at AirVenture. Enhancements include new extended wing tanks, modified aerodynamics on the stabilizer, and a new, streamlined leaf-spring landing gear. Other new components include Beringer wheels and brakes and a 10-inch […]
Factory-approved Searey training takes off
OSHKOSH — Chesapeake Sport Pilot in Maryland has been granted FAA authorization to provide factory-approved Searey transition training, officials reported Tuesday at AirVenture. The flight school is the first in the nation to receive a letter of deviation authority (LODA)from the FAA specifically for Searey training, said Helen Woods, chief flight instructor of Chespeake Sport […]
RV-1 #1 donated to EAA
OSHKOSH — Richard “Van” VanGrunsven’s first RV-1 was donated to the EAA at a ceremony on Phillips 66 Plaza on Monday at AirVenture. “The RV-1 had a tremendous impact on the industry,” said Rod Hightower, EAA President. “It and subsequent models became the most successful kit aircraft in the country.” The community of Van’s Aircraft […]
Xtreme Decathlon unveiled at Oshkosh
OSHKOSH — Powered by the new 210-horse Lycoming AEIO-390-A1B6, American Champion Aircraft‘s Xtreme Decathlon was unveiled on opening day of AirVenture 2012. Still tagged with an experimental sticker, flight testing will begin immediately following AirVenture. “We expect an October 2012 certification,” stated Jerry Mehlhaff, Jr. The engine is paired with a 76-inch MT Propeller. “We […]
Wipaire debuts LSA float
OSHKOSH — Wipaire rolled out its new Wipline 1450 amphibious float on opening day at AirVenture 2012. The float will be approved under ASTM standards for light-sport aircraft and eventually certified under TSO for CAR 3 and Part 23 installations. “We have invited a number of LSA manufacturers to take a look at the float,” […]
Skycatcher moving from LSA category
OSHKOSH — Cessna will move the 162 Skycatcher from the Light Sport Aircraft category to Part 21 to aid in certification in countries around the world that do not recognize the LSA category. In the U.S., sport pilots will still be able to fly as an LSA, according to Cessna officials. “The Skycatcher will be […]
Chinese company acquires Glasair
OSHKOSH — Airplane kit manufacturer Glasair Aviation has been acquired by Fang Tieji, chairman of Jilin Hanxing Group Co. Glasair manufactures the Glasair, Glastar and Sportsman aircraft, having delivered approximately 3,000 planes which are being built and/or flown all over the world. Fang has formed Glasair Aviation USA as the new operating entity for Glasair’s […]
Skylane powered by Jet A takes off
OSHKOSH — Cessna debuted its Skylane Turbo 182 NXT on opening day of AirVenture, powered by an SMA engine that runs on Jet A. “Cessna’s Turbo 182 NXT delivers a solution that the marketplace has been asking for,” said Jeff Umscheid, Cessna 172, 182, 206 business leader. “The 230 horsepower Jet A engine offers customers […]