Microsoft recently announced the return of Flight Simulator, once one of the best-selling games on computers. Well, in truth, it’s no longer called Flight Simulator, rather simply “Flight.” In 2009 Microsoft abruptly dropped Flight Sim, leaving only the techy X-Plane for digital joystick jockeys. It’s way above my pay grade to understand why the Microsoft […]
Splog
Tecnam’s design juggernaut: Do these guys sleep?
Tecnam already released news about its new Sea-Sky Hydroplane option of straight or four-wheel composite amphibious floats for the Echo Classic or Eaglet models. For the Echo, also known as the P92 (referencing 1992), this represents the sixth generation of that model. The in-house-designed Sea-Sky Hydroplanes (pictured) should be present for Sun ’n Fun, according […]
Sebring breaks records
The eighth running of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, just finished and a resounding success it was on nearly all counts. Smiles were broad from most attending or exhibiting at Sebring 2012. The weather was the best ever with temperatures hitting 80° and every day sunny and pleasant. We can look at […]
CubCrafters’ LSAs flying high
For the past 31 years, the name CubCrafters has been synonymous with Super Cubs. But with its entry a few years ago into the world of Light-Sport Aircraft, its name now is tied to one of the most successful LSAs on the market. The Yakima, Wash., company was founded by Jim Richmond, a Super Cub […]
Sebring’s record crowds, brisk sales & sunny skies
The eighth running of Sebring just finished and a resounding success it was on nearly all counts. A few dour faces noted exhibitors were off a rather modest 5% (according to officials) but in every other category, smiles were broad from most attending or exhibiting at Sebring 2012. Read my full run-down of the show […]
U.S. Sport Aircraft debuts SportCruiser Classic
In the year following Piper’s departure from the LSA market, you may have expected a big slow-down for importer U.S. Sport Aircraft (USSA). Many believed the removal of the Piper brand would cause a loss of loyalty and that sales would flat line. Those people may have forgotten how well the SportCruiser did before Piper […]
Like LSA seaplanes?
Life is good if you like LSA seaplanes. Here’s a quick look at five that are either on the market or in development. Today SeaRey reigns as far and away the most successful and proven design, with nearly 600 flying. While SeaRey (pictured below) has been an Experimental Amateur Built (EAB) model, the company, Progressive […]
Questions erupt over EAA/AOPA medical plan
“I’m of mixed feelings over this,” express many LSA industry participants who have caused my phone to ring regularly since late September. That’s when EAA and AOPA came together to address requests from some members for a driver’s license “medical,” which would allow aviators with certificates beyond Sport Pilot to fly GA aircraft with clearly […]
Looking ahead to a better year
Happy New Year! Everyone in aviation from hang gliders to jets is hoping for a year of improvement in 2012. Certainly it’s been a tough four years since 2008’s tumble. Many see hope and promise in the arrival of a new year and that mood is powerfully amplified by the Sebring LSA Expo in January. […]