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 […]
Experimental Aircraft
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 inks Canadian distribution agreeement
Belite Aircraft reports that Melody Aircraft, of Alberta, Canada, will exclusively distribute Belite’s aircraft and kits throughout Canada. “In order to meet the needs of the Canadian market, we’re upgrading our ProCub Lite model with a gross weight increase to 285KG (625 pounds), a larger 10 gallon fuel tank and a four stroke engine,” said James […]
Pipistrel’s new electric trainer makes first flight
WATTsUP, Pipistrel’s new two-seat electric trainer took its maiden flight Aug. 22. WATTsUP was developed in partnership with Siemens AG, which provided the electric main propulsion components. According to Pipistrel officials, every element of the aircraft has been refined to be lighter, more efficient and more reliable. The 85 kW electric motor weighs 14kg, while the 17 […]
Van’s names new Southern service center
Van’s Aircraft has tapped US Sport Planes of Denton, Texas, to provide factory authorized service for the RV12 SLSA Light-Sport aircraft. Servicing most the major LSA aircraft, US Sport Planes has been a Rotax Service Center for several years and have more than 20 A&P mechanics on staff. “We received good comments from our customers about US […]
One Week Wonder makes first flight
At approximately 11:07 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, the airplane thousands of Experimental Aircraft Association members had a hand in building during the One Week Wonder project at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 flew for the first time. With EAA’s Jeff Skiles at the controls, the Zenith CH 750 Cruzer N140WW departed Wittman Regional Airport’s Runway 9, quickly […]
Wright B Flyer launches new airplane project
DAYTON, Ohio — Wright “B” Flyer Inc., an all-volunteer organization that flies a lookalike of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane, has launched a project to replace its venerable flying machine. The not-for-profit organization has been flying Wright “B” Flyer No. 1, also known as the “Brown Bird” or “Iron Bird,” since 1982. The one-of-a-kind […]
Homebuilding okay in hangars
You probably know someone who is building an aircraft in a hangar at a publicly owned airport. It may surprise you to know that, until recently, the FAA considered that activity outside the appropriate use of a hangar. On July 22 the FAA released a proposed policy statement stating that the final assembly of homebuilt […]