New filings in bankruptcy court by Van’s Aircraft shows that one of the big unknowns is how many customers are willing to accept a 30% price increase on a kit they already ordered.
Experimental Aircraft
No flight experience proves fatal for kit airplane builder
The noncertificated pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane, which led to the airplane exceeding its critical angle-of-attack and subsequent aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a flight with no previous flight experience.
Looks like an egg, flies like a rocket
Richard Hodge, the force behind the YouTube channel Aircraft Adventures, which is for “those who tirelessly dig for the obscure, quaint, or downright bizarre in the aviation world,” recently posted a video about the tiny egg-shaped Questair Venture, designed by Jim Griswold, who designed the Piper Malibu and worked with Cirrus in later years.
Obstructed catalytic converter brings down experimental airplane
A partial loss of engine power due to an obstructed catalytic converter, which most likely resulted from the pilot’s failure to properly repair or replace it after it was likely damaged during a previous incident. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which led to an exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle-of-attack and an aerodynamic stall.
uAvionix updates AV-30-E software for experimental aircraft
One of the primary features of the update is support for the AV-APA (Analog Port Adapter), an accessory that connects the AV-30 to legacy installed autopilots, company officials noted.
Van’s Aircraft files bankruptcy
Van’s Aircraft will continue to operate as its reorganization makes its way through the Chapter 11 process.
Van’s suspends business as usual while dealing with ‘serious cash flow issues’
“During this period, shipments will be delayed, kit orders will not be processed, and refunds will not be issued. We will be unable to conduct factory tours and demo flights.”
Homebuilt fatal accidents drop 28%
While the rate of accidents based on flight hours will not be available until the FAA releases general aviation survey data in 2024, the total number of accidents over the past year in experimental aircraft was the lowest on record, EAA officials noted.
British Bulldog is inspired Oregon creation
“This thing takes off like a bat out of hell,” said Oregon’s Ed Storos, who took two decades to build his replica British Bulldog.