Avflash News

AVFLASH NEWS

AVweb Insider Blog: AOPA's Tampa Summit — Random Observations
November 7, 2009
Leading with: Should it be called that or something else? Big plusses, says Paul Bertorelli in his show-closing installment of the AVweb Insider blog, include the Inescapable Dave Hirschman, Joe Shepherd's Electra, and a lot more going on than you might have expected — not the least of which were the babes in the Dominican Republic booth.

Piper Names New President, VPs
November 6, 2009
By Russ Niles
Piper Aircraft has shuffled the front office after the resignation of former president John Becker. Current CEO Kevin Gould will assume the presidency and that, along with some promotions from the ranks, seem to be in line with the new owners' plan. "The expansion of Kevin's responsibilities and the augmentation of his management team directly reflect the strategic investments we're making in Piper's future," said Stephen W. Berger, Piper's Chairman and Managing Partner of Imprimis. "Kevin has an exciting and aggressive vision for the company.... We will deliver the breakthrough Piper Jet to the market and dramatically expand Piper's global market presence, especially in Asia. Kevin's team has the experience and commitment to deliver on this vision and help solidify a durable global leadership position for Piper. We are prepared to support that vision with substantial new capital."

GAMA Pushes Next-Gen Operator Incentives Before Subcommittee
November 5, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The general aviation industry, which each year contributes an average of $150 billion to the economy, lost 19,000 jobs over the past year and among the industry's biggest coming challenges is the implementation of NextGen -- financial incentives may help, says GAMA. The organization Thursday told a House Subcommittee on Aviation that steps necessary for putting NextGen in place "will be imperative in helping realize long-term safety, capacity, economic and environmental benefits," GAMA said. But user confidence is key, meaning, in the words of GAMA vice president of operations Jens Hennig, that "equipage will only take place when users are confident about the potential for benefits." Until then, GAMA supports financial incentives for operators. Meanwhile, the industry is pushing ahead with investments in NextGen avionics like Required Navigation Performance, data communications, and ADS-B. Those pieces of the puzzle not only help develop NextGen, but also stimulate economic growth and employment. There are potential bottlenecks.

FAA Tightens Rules On Pilot DUI
November 3, 2009
By Russ Niles
The FAA has tightened up its treatment of pilots convicted of alcohol-related driving offenses. In the latest issue (PDF) of the Federal Air Surgeon's Medical Bulletin, AMEs are advised that first-time DUI and DWI offenders don't necessarily escape the agency's scrutiny as they have in the past. As noted by Aero Legal ServicesUnder the new rules, anyone whose blood-alcohol content was measured at higher than .15 percent or who refused to provide a sample will automatically have their case referred by the AME to FAA headquarters. The FAA medics will then insist that the pilot applicant undergo a substance abuse assessment. Previously, on first offenses, AMEs had to review court records and make the call on whether the applicant had a problem. It's been suggested the tougher rules might tempt offenders to lie about it on their medical but that will likely make things worse.

USA Today: Small Airports Get Big Money
November 3, 2009
By Mary Grady
Small general aviation airports around the country have raked in $1.1 billion in federal "earmarks" since 2001, USA Today reported this week. The earmarks are funds requested by lawmakers to support specific projects. USA Today says corporate jets, private pilots, and cargo operators like UPS and FedEx have benefited at the expense of taxpayers and the traveling public. NBAA, EAA, and AOPA were quick to respond. "Unfortunately, the vital contributions provided by community airports, and the millions of people who rely on them, were completely missing from your coverage," NBAA President Ed Bolen wrote to the newspaper. EAA's Earl Lawrence, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs, also weighed in: "The continuing inference that the only airports that are worthy of support are those with commercial service is similar to saying the only roads worth maintaining are those used by passenger buses," he wrote. AOPA President Craig Fuller responded: "USA Today has done its readers a disservice by failing to present all the facts ... regarding aviation funding." Like most big companies, USA Today's parent company Gannett Co. Inc. has a corporate flight department, which includes a Falcon 2000 and fractional shares in other aircraft. AVweb has contacted Gannett to inquire about its use of general aviation airports and facilities and is expecting a response later today.

Midwest Airlines 'Legacy Flight' Lands At MKE
November 2, 2009
By Russ Niles
Although customers may not notice much besides lower prices and newer aircraft, there are some who are mourning the demise of Midwest Airlines as it was previously structured. Republic Airlines bought the carrier in July and on Monday the last "legacy flight" of a Midwest Boeing 717, with an original Midwest crew, landed at Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport. Midwest charged more for its flights than its competitors on the notion that passengers would pay for a superior level of service and wider seats. Its flight crews were also paid more than typical regional crews and both practices came to an end with the Monday flight. It's probably not a coincidence that Sunday marked the beginning of Southwest Airlines' service to MKE.

Garmin's New Touchscreen Portable GPS Arrives
November 2, 2009
By Paul Bertorelli

Click for more photos

Although Garmin debuted the premium priced GPSMap 696 only a year ago, it's rolling out yet another new portable navigator model line this week at AOPA Summit in Tampa, Florida. The new product line is called aera, and although its features and capabilities are similar to the popular GPSMap 396/496 series, the aera line will have something entirely new: a touchscreen interface. Gone are the page, enter, and rocker keys, replaced by what Garmin calls an intuitive touchscreen operating system. As with previous portables, the aera products will have a full range of navigation capability, plus XM WX weather, XM audio, Garmin's SafeTaxi ground awareness feature, and the AOPA Airport Directory. The new navigators will be dual purpose as well, with ground navigation capability provided as a standard feature.

AVweb Insider Blog: Airplane as Pig Sty
November 1, 2009
Anyone who has ever flown a long cross-country in an airplane knows that the cabin turns into a disorganized mess of charts, water bottles, headsets and snack sacks. Paul Bertorelli and Kitplanes editor Marc Cook have the video footage to prove it — and they'd like to hear your best theories on why the cockpit gets so messy on a long flight. Head over to the AVweb Insider to watch their video blog and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Cirrus Owners Migrate To Dayton
November 1, 2009
By Russ Niles
For the first time in its eight-year history, the 2010 annual meeting of Cirrus aircraft owners will not be held at the company's headquarters in Duluth, Minn. Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association President Curtis Sanford announced to members that they will meet in Dayton, Ohio June 17-20. "We have had seven very successful Migrations in Duluth, and will be back," Sanford said. No reason was given for the change of venue (other than a change of scenery) but Sanford said the move has the support of Cirrus, which plans to exhibit in Dayton.

Little Hope Of Survivors From Midair
November 1, 2009
By Russ Niles
The Coast Guard Sunday called off the search for survivors of a midair collision between a Guard C-130 and a Marine AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter off San Clemente Island on the southern California coast. There were seven people on the Herc and two in the helicopter when they collided late Thursday in what witnesses reported was a ball of fire. "After an exhaustive effort with the intent to rescue, our hope has dimmed in finding any survivors," Petty Officer First Class Allyson Conroy, a spokeswoman for the Coast Guard in San Diego told the New York Times. "We are now concentrating on recovering anything out of the water, or anyone out of the water." Debris has been found but no bodies.

AVweb Insider Blog: Flight 60 vs. Flight 188 — The Art of Failure
November 1, 2009
Those poor sods over at Delta who landed their B767 (with 193 aboard) on (active) taxiway M at ATL after being cleared to land on runway 27R in the pre-dawn of October 19 sure had one thing going for them, says AVweb's Glenn Pew — what the pilots at Northwest were about to do on October 21 to trump them. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Glenn looks at the two high-profile mistakes that have commanded headlines for the last couple of weeks.

United Breaks Guitars (And Misplaces Luggage)
November 1, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Dave Carroll, YouTube's favorite musical advocate for the proper treatment of luggage (famous for his YouTube video "United Breaks Guitars") may have a new gripe -- again, with United. Last week, Carroll arrived at Denver International from Regina, Saskatchewan on a United Express flight operated by Skywest Airlines. He was told his luggage was delayed in its arrival. He was also told he would need to be on hand when it arrived. It turned up three days later. Thanks to Carroll's celebrity -- the YouTube buzz that eventually hit the 24-hour news networks -- Carroll now regularly has speaking engagements in which he discusses the importance of customer relations ... which explains why he was in Denver. It also means we know what happened to his bags. And that trip may be a song in itself.

FAA Issues Massive Proposed AD For Pipers
November 1, 2009
By Glenn Pew
"We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 41,928 airplanes in the U.S. registry," says the FAA in its move to prevent control wheels from coming loose of their control wheel shafts on certain Piper aircraft. Affected models are certain Piper PA-28, PA-32, PA-34 and PA-44 series aircraft -- all to be inspected at an estimated cost per aircraft of $40 (that's $1.67 million for the whole flock). The FAA has received two reports of control wheel shafts that were incorrectly assembled at Piper -- one that led to separation of the right wheel from the shaft and another that was discovered during a ground inspection. The agency has no way of knowing how many aircraft are affected, but has estimated the necessary repair/replacement cost to involve 16 hours of labor and a total cost of about $1430 per airplane.

Search On For Collision Survivors
October 31, 2009
By Russ Niles
Although it seems unlikely that there were any survivors among the nine people missing in the collision of a Coast Guard C-130 and a Marine Corps AH-1 Super Cobra helicopter Thursday, the search continued through Friday. "We will continue to search as long as there is a chance of survivors," Coast Guard Rear Adm. Joseph Castillo told reporters Friday. The tragedy may have just been pure bad luck. The Coast Guard crew was looking for a boater reported missing and the helicopter was one of a formation of four headed for night exercises at San Clemente Island. At about 7:10 p.m., another pilot in the area reported seeing a fireball.

"Certified Pre-owned" In The Light Sport Aircraft Market
October 30, 2009
By Glenn Pew
SportairUSA, distributor for Sting S3 and Sirius aircraft, announced Friday its new "certified pre-owned" light sport aircraft (LSA) program, offering used aircraft with a warranty, plus transition training. The company says the new program provides benefits for both sides of the buyer/seller coin. The seller, says SportairUSA, gets market exposure with SportairUSA standing behind the sale. Sellers also get free hangar space and, separately, deferred costs for maintenance and repairs until the aircraft is sold. Buyers get some assurance in that SportairUSA is putting its name behind the product in so far as the company will inspect the aircraft and make any necessary repairs with OEM parts. The aforementioned warranty is a "six month, 50 hour warranty." And then there's the training.

GAO Report On Safety Effects Of Age 65 Rule
October 30, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Two years ago, when The Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act extended federal age standards for pilots of large commercial aircraft from 60 to 65, it also mandated that the GAO report within 24 months on the effect the change had on aviation safety. There appears to be little to report. The GAO collected FAA accident and incident data, plus NTSB accident data, from December 2007 (when the act went live) through September 2009. They then pored over it for a month. The result: "We believe the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions" ... "that no accidents or incidents resulted from the health conditions of pilots 60 years or older." The results address what the FAA in 1960 established what came to be known as the age-60 rule, based on the belief "that certain important physiological and psychological functions progressively deteriorated with age," according to the GAO. The results of the GAO's study (PDF) say that's not so. There is one "but" ... .

F-35 JSF May Bring Bucks For Bases, Towns, States
October 30, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The $300 billion program that is the nation's coming fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters has military towns across the country vying for the economic boon of base modernization and infrastructure that will arrive wherever squadrons nest. The U.S. Air Force is considering sites in Vermont, Utah, Florida, Idaho and South Carolina for operating bases; and Florida, Idaho, New Mexico and Arizona for training, according to Reuters. But the selection process now moves to formal environmental impact analysis and the communities' opportunities to provide input. First-round decisions already have senators seeking to cement favor or reconsideration for their states. An Air Force spokesman told Reuters Thursday that it's too early to determine how much money might be spent to prepare sites to accommodate the aircraft.

Coast Guard C-130, Marine Corps Cobra Collide In Midair Off San Diego
October 30, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Lt. Josh Nelson spoke Thursday night for the Coast Guard, but would not specifically verify news reports that a Coast Guard C-130 with seven aboard collided with an AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter with two aboard, producing a fireball seen off the San Diego coast shortly after 7 p.m., Thursday. Nelson confirmed that the accident took place in clear skies, about 15 miles east of San Clemente Island, but would only identify the accident aircraft as "a Coast Guard fixed-wing" and "a DOD aircraft." Marine spokesman Maj. Jay Delarosa confirmed a Marine Cobra belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (based at Miramar, MCAS) and operating out of Camp Pendleton, north of San Diego, was the Marine aircraft involved in the incident. Multiple news outlets reported that the FAA identified the second aircraft as a Coast Guard C-130 with seven aboard. At least four Navy helicopters and multiple ships were deployed shortly after the accident and were searching for any survivors.

Paris Jet Revival In The Works
October 28, 2009
By Mary Grady
The type certificate for the MS760 Paris Jet, a four-seat twin-engine light jet originally certified in France, has been bought by new owners who will license it to MS760 Corp., based in Florida. The company plans to provide engineering, sales and other related services for the MS760 platform. MS760 Corp. has already acquired the manufacturer's drawings and tooling, spare parts and a fleet of over 30 MS760 aircraft. They plan to offer avionics upgrades, as well as a turbofan engine option. Additionally, a new two-ship airshow team, led by Capt. Dale "Snort" Snodgrass, USN (Ret), will showcase the aerobatic and precision flight capabilities of the MS760, which is certified in the U.S. in the "Utility" category. The Paris Jet was designed, manufactured and originally certified in France by aviation pioneer Morane-Saulnier (now Socata). The jet cruises at about 350 knots and has a range of 1,000 miles.

Union Defends Northwest Pilots
October 28, 2009
By Mary Grady
The Delta branch of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), the union that represents the pilots of Delta Air Lines, has issued a statement concerning the NTSB investigation into Northwest Flight 188, in which two pilots flew past their destination and did not respond to messages from ATC and dispatch. "To date, all crew statements related to this case have been voluntary," said Lee Moak, chairman of the Delta branch. "We are disappointed that these voluntary statements are being used without regard for the breach of trust and confidence their use will cause." Taking disciplinary action against the crew, Moak said, could cause pilots to question the integrity of voluntary safety programs. "The continued viability of these programs themselves will be placed at risk. That will, in turn, cause irreparable harm to the safety of our nation's aviation system," Moak said.

Piper Pushes Jet Production To Mid-2013
October 28, 2009
By Mary Grady
The first PiperJets should be rolling off the production line and into owners' hands around the middle of 2013, company spokesman Mark Miller told AVweb on Wednesday. The company had previously announced a target date of 2011 to 2012, but Miller said a new analysis has enabled the staff to better assess the market and pinpoint a completion date. PiperJet position holders were notified of the delay this week. (Sample letter in PDF format.) Miller said the project is healthy and the company's new owner, Imprimis, which took over in May, has been providing an influx of resources and capital for the jet. "We're in the process of hiring 50 new engineers to work on the project," Miller said. Piper had announced at NBAA last week that the jet will feature the new Garmin G3000 touchscreen-controlled three-screen integrated flight deck.

Flying Fun In Texas And Florida
October 28, 2009
By Mary Grady
Two unique events for pilots are coming up -- in Texas, the Flying Musicians Association hosts a fly-in music fest on Saturday, Nov. 7, and in Florida, Fantasy of Flight offers Roar 'n Soar, a weekend full of racing machines for land, sea, and air, Nov. 7 and 8. The MusicFest runs all day, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Spinks Airport (KFWS), in Fort Worth, Texas. Admission is free ($10 per carload for parking), and the event features five music venues with over 20 acts, a play area for kids, free Young Eagle flights, a pancake breakfast, "bodacious bbq" and an FAA Wings seminar. Performances range from jazz to country to folk to "open jam/anything goes." The Fantasy of Flight event will feature aerial demos of rare vintage aircraft from Kermit Weeks' unique collection, as well as speedboats, a car show, large-scale RC aircraft demos and tandem flights in hang gliders towed aloft by an ultralight.

NTSB: Controllers Contributed To Pilot's Poor Decisions
October 28, 2009
By Mary Grady
The NTSB this week found the pilot at fault in a fatal medevac flight in Maryland in September 2008, but cited a lack of help from air traffic controllers as a contributing factor. The Aerospatiale helicopter, operated by the Maryland State Police, descended too quickly while on a nonprecision instrument approach in fog, and hit the ground. The pilot, a paramedic, a volunteer, and one of the two teenage car-crash victims on board were killed. The safety board said inadequate handling by controllers at the Potomac Tracon and the Reagan National Airport tower contributed to an increased workload on the pilot. The flight had originated at night in VMC, but on the way to the hospital the pilot encountered IMC and diverted to Andrews Air Force Base. The board said the pilot likely became preoccupied with looking for the ground while on final approach, after failing to intercept the ILS glideslope. The pilot's limited recent instrument flight experience and a lack of adherence to effective risk management procedures of the Maryland State Police contributed to the crash, the NTSB said.

How's Your Aircraft Partnership Working Out?
November 5, 2009
By Paul Bertorelli

Aviation Consumer would like to know. We're most interested in hearing about successful long-term aircraft partnerships. What works for you? How have you sustained group ownership? And what effect has the current economic downturn had? Contact the editorial staff directly at avconsumer@comcast.net and we'll respond with our questions. (The results will appear in a future issue of Aviation Consumer. For subscription information, click here.)

FAA Revokes Certificates of NORDO Northwest Pilots
October 27, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA has revoked the certificates of two Northwest Airlines pilots who overflew their destination airport last week while en route from San Diego to Minneapolis, the agency announced on Tuesday. The pilots were out of contact with air traffic controllers for an extended period of time and told NTSB investigators they were distracted while the first officer was showing the captain how to use a new crew scheduling procedure on their laptops. Air traffic controllers and airline officials repeatedly tried to reach them through radio and data contact, without success.

NTSB: Northwest Pilots Distracted By Laptops
October 27, 2009
By Mary Grady
Two Northwest pilots who overflew their destination and went silent for over an hour last week were working on their laptops, in violation of company policy, the NTSB said on Monday. The first officer was showing the captain how to use a new crew flight scheduling procedure, and both pilots said they lost track of time. During their discussion, they did not monitor the airplane or notice calls from ATC. Neither pilot was wearing a headset, but both said they heard conversation on the radio. Also, neither pilot noticed messages that were sent by company dispatchers. Neither pilot was aware of the airplane's position until a flight attendant called about five minutes before they were scheduled to land and asked for an ETA. The captain said at that point, he looked at his primary flight display and realized they had passed their destination, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). They then made contact with ATC and were given vectors back to MSP. The flight had originated in San Diego.

Richard Whitcomb, Revolutionary Aircraft Designer, Dead At 88
October 27, 2009
By Mary Grady
Engineer Richard Whitcomb, whose innovative ideas are incorporated in the design of most aircraft flying today, died in Newport News, Va., on Oct. 13. Whitcomb "was the most important aerodynamic contributor in the second half of the century of flight," according to historian Tom Crouch, of the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Whitcomb won the Collier Trophy in 1954 for his development of the "transonic area rule," which reduces the shock wave drag that occurs near the speed of sound. "We built airplane models with Coke-bottle-shaped fuselages and lo and behold the drag of the wing just disappeared," said Whitcomb. "The wind tunnel showed it worked perfectly." In the 1960s, Whitcomb's supercritical wing design was revolutionary, according to NASA. The airfoil design was flatter on the top and rounder on the bottom with a downward curve on the trailing edge. That shape delayed the onset of drag, increasing the fuel efficiency of aircraft flying close to the speed of sound.

EAA In No Hurry To Pick President
October 25, 2009
By Russ Niles
The current president of the Experimental Aircraft Association says the process to pick his successor is progressing and no time line has been set for the recruitment. Tom Poberezny told AVweb in a podcast interview that the board of directors decided to hire a headhunting firm to find his replacement after an internal effort collapsed during AirVenture Oshkosh in July. Poberezny said the failed attempt over the summer generated debate among board members, whom he characterized as "strong-minded," but he said the process is continuing. There are now two headhunting consultants in the running to find the new president. He said the board is more concerned with getting the right person for the job than with setting a deadline for the passing of the gavel.

AVweb Insider Blog: Flight 188, Continued — Did the Security Apparatus Do It Right?
October 25, 2009
According to the Air National Guard, the F-16s stayed on the ground. If that's true, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli thinks it's good thing, showing a level of restraint that may mean things are going in the right direction with regard to aviation security. Read more of his thoughts in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog.

F-16 In Trouble Bombs Hill Air Force Base
October 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
No one was killed, but there were explosions after an F-16 dropped two external fuel tanks and munitions (including a 500-pound bomb) onto an unpopulated area of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, Thursday. The event took place just before 4 p.m. at Hill Air Force Base. The pilot later landed safely and the 500-pounder did not explode on impact, but other munitions that were supposedly unarmed did. As a result, a work shed near an ordnance facility was blown up as was a nearby transformer, which caused a brief base-wide power outage. The fuel tanks and bombs which fell on the base landed roughly 2,500 feet from Interstate 15, which was affected as officials accounted for the explosives. Some 500 gallons of jet fuel in the drop tanks leaked onto the grounds and, until Saturday, the 500-pound bomb was resting under 17 feet of earth.

China Tests (Relatively) Open Airspace For GA
October 24, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Airspace restrictions have kept the reins tight on China's general aviation industry but, as part of a pilot project, those restrictions -- for one Chinese province -- will be relaxed, according to China Daily. Airspace around the Shaanxi province industrial park will have relaxed military control of low altitude airspace, which means general aviation flights within the area don't need the air force's permission to fly. Hope is that this will stimulate growth in China's general aviation industry, which has been stifled by severely restricted airspace access

Video: Drug Violence Shoots Down Heli Near Olympic Stadium, Rio
October 24, 2009
By Glenn Pew

Video has emerged of the helicopter crash that one week ago, Saturday, killed three members of the Rio de Janeiro police after a group of alleged drug traffickers reportedly shot down the aircraft. The police helicopter and violence were just one mile from Maracana stadium, which will host the 2016 opening and closing Olympic ceremonies in Brazil. Six officers were aboard the helicopter, which flew on fire over the densely populated city to a soccer field where it crashed and burned. Three officers aboard the helicopter survived. Police say drug traffickers armed with at least one large-caliber weapon were engaged in a fire-fight with a rival gang when the police attempted to intervene with helicopters and ground personnel. The Associated Press has acquired video that shows the aircraft passing over police, trailing flames and smoke. (Video after the jump.)

SATSAir Shuts Down
October 24, 2009
By Russ Niles
SATSAir, regarded as a bright light in the air taxi field, abruptly stopped service late Friday and isn't guaranteeing customers that it will be back. A message on the Greenville, S.C. company's main number apologizes for the inconvenience caused passengers who have already booked flights. "A combination of circumstances will preclude us from providing scheduled flights on Oct. 24, 25 and 26 and beyond," it says. "You will be notified if any circumstances allow us to return to service. SATSAir used a fleet of Cirrus SR22 aircraft on short-hop flights around the Southeast and Cirrus Aircraft was a major investor. Passengers could soon have alernatives, however as at least three similar types of operations, OpenAir, Skyway Air Taxi and ImagineAir are willing to help fill the void.

Older Missouri Survey Backs GA Benefits
October 23, 2009
By Glenn Pew
A 2004 study of 114 airports in Missouri is being used to support the notion that federal funds are well spent to bolster general aviation -- to the tune of $1.1 billion. The survey was performed by South Carolina-based Wilbur Smith & Associates for the MIssouri Department of Transportation. The big number reflects the sum that small general aviation airports are estimated by the survey to have generated via economic activity within the state. But it also breaks down to smaller, more personal, numbers. These airports, according to the survey, employ roughly 11,000 people, representing $364 million in paying jobs, mostly in smaller communities throughout the state. And the airports may not just keeping jobs, they may be bringing them. Quoted by the Springfield Business Journal, one local pilot stated, "people coming to this town who are going to build factories and bring corporate business ... are not coming in to that airline terminal across the field. They're coming into the GA facility."

Flight 188 Pilots Meet NTSB
October 23, 2009
By Russ Niles
The pilots of the Northwest Airlines that overshot their destination of Minneapolis last week met with federal investigators Sunday but there was no word of what transpired there by our deadline. Capt. Timothy Cheney and FO Richard Cole have consistently said that they were distracted by a conversation in the cockpit and simply lost track of time and where they were when their radio went silent for 75 minutes on the last part of the flight from San Diego. There seems to be gradual acceptance of that version of events in both the mainstream and aviation media, which widely speculated they'd both fallen asleep. However, Cole has since spoken twice to the media, insisting both pilots remained awake as they flew over the Twin Cities and headed east across Wisconsin for about 150 miles. The cockpit voice recorder aboard the A320 is an older one with a 30-minute loop so there may be no way to prove or disprove the pilots' claim. However, it was revealed Friday that radio contact with the aircraft was finally accomplished using the Denver Center frequency.

AVweb Insider Blog: We'd Prefer You Were Sleeping, Actually
October 23, 2009
The crew of Northwest Airlines Flight 188 said it got into a discussion about airline policy that was so engaging that they, well, goshdurn flew 150 miles past the destination airport. On the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli argues that it would be better for all concerned if they were actually sleeping.

Distracted Northwest Crew Overshoots Destination
October 23, 2009
By Paul Bertorelli
The FAA and NTSB are investigating a bizarre incident in which a Northwest Airlines Airbus 320 overshot its intended destination by 150 miles on Wednesday evening. The crew went NORDO for 78 minutes before finally acknowledging blind calls from Minneapolis Center and reversing course back to the destination. When queried later, the crew claimed it lost situational awareness during a spirited discussion about airline policy. Center controllers became so concerned about the comm loss that they considered asking for Air National Guard fighters to intercept and investigate the wayward flight.

House Bill Addresses Pro Pilot Training
October 23, 2009
By Glenn Pew
A bill passed the House on Wednesday requires that commercial airline pilots to have a minimum of 1500 hours flight time, their ATP rating, and it describes "minimum contents of study" for pilot academic training. It also calls for the Administrator to initiate a study of the effects of commuting on pilot fatigue. If the bill makes it through the Senate unchanged carriers will also have to display on passenger's tickets any separate carrier contracted for the flight. The bill was inspired by the crash of a Continental Connect flight (operated by Colgan Air as Flight 3407) near Buffalo, NY, in February that killed all 49 aboard, plus one on the ground. The captain of that flight had 3379 total hours, with more than 3000 hours of turbine time, and 110 logged in type (the accident aircraft was a Dash 8). He also held an ATP rating, but had been originally disapproved for his initial instrument, commercial single engine, commercial multi-engine, and ATP ratings.

'Earhart' Star Swank To Complete Pilot Training
October 21, 2009
By Russ Niles
The mystery of Amelia Earhart's disappearance over the Pacific in 1937 is a familiar story, but outside of aviation circles, her other accomplishments are less well known. A new film that opens Friday, Amelia, starring Hilary Swank, explores Earhart's life as a pilot, leading up to that famous final flight. The Ninety-Nines, the women's pilot association that Earhart helped to launch, is holding events around the country to celebrate the opening of the film, in hopes that it will help spark interest in general aviation. Swank spent about 19 hours learning to fly after she agreed to take on the role and said last week that she hopes to complete her private pilot training. "It takes all of your senses; you're completely immersed," she said at a news conference last week in New Jersey, where she met with pilots from the Ninety-Nines and displayed one of the Lockheed Electras that flew in the film. "It was exciting to learn something new that really was challenging." Click here to view the trailer.

Airport Spared Compost
October 21, 2009
By Russ Niles
The FAA says an airport is a rotten place to put a composting facility, and Palo Alto, Calif. officials have grudgingly agreed. Last Monday, Palo Alto city council voted 6-3 to rethink plans to use four acres of airport land as a processing site for the area's kitchen scraps and lawn clippings. However, it wasn't until the FAA told council that the facility would run afoul of agreements regarding the federal money that has been spent at the airport over the years that the city decided to look for greener pastures. Local pilots had also rallied to fight the proposal.

Drunk Pilots Escape Discipline
October 21, 2009
By Russ Niles
An Indian newspaper, the Mail Today, is quoting an unnamed retired airline pilot as saying that senior airline pilots commonly turn up for work drunk and almost never get disciplined because they are too "precious." The newspaper points out that there is no law against flying drunk in India, although pilots suspected of drinking are prevented from getting into the cockpit. An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York was delayed Monday when one of the four pilots checked in tipsy. A replacement was found, and the flight took off 45 minutes late. The unnamed source told the newspaper the pilot will will probably be back in the left seat as soon as he sobers up.

Delta 767 Lands On Taxiway
October 21, 2009
By Russ Niles
A couple of Delta Airlines pilots have been suspended after the Boeing 767 they were flying from Rio de Janeiro landed on a taxiway at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport early Monday morning. The FAA reported there were no other aircraft on the taxiway and the landing and rollout were normal. Spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen said the crew was dealing with a medical emergency on board and had been cleared for Runway 27R.

Mainstream Jet Bashing Continues
October 21, 2009
By Russ Niles
As the leadership and membership of the National Business Aviation Association talked about the progress being made in fighting the stigma of business aircraft use, the rest of the world was heaping scorn on their use by executives of banks that received federal bailouts. Business jet (usually termed private jet) use by the bankers was described by the Washington Post as the number one perk handed out to execs in lieu of bonuses that the feds are vigorously discouraging the banks from issuing with taxpayer money. But the stigma of business aircraft use has spread far beyond the boardrooms in New York, as country music star Garth Brooks found out on Tuesday.

AVweb Insider Blog: VLJ? The Industry Would Prefer to Forget That Term
October 21, 2009
Such is the damage done by Eclipse to the credibility of light jets, the industry would like to press the reset button and call these things entry-level jets. Good idea, says Paul Bertorelli in his latest blog from the NBAA Convention in Orlando, because the idea of cheap, fast and economical was a loser from the start.

AVweb Insider Blog: NBAA — Somber, Resigned
October 20, 2009
Editorial Director Paul Bertorelli checks in from the 2009 NBAA Convention in Orlando, Florida in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog. No question the show is smaller, but in the face of the worst downturn the modern industry has ever seen, that's no surprise. The uptick will come, says Paul, but it probably won't happen in 2010.

Sean Tucker Scheduled For Oprah Thursday
October 20, 2009
By Russ Niles
Those of you who don't regularly tune into the Oprah Winfrey show in the middle of your work day might want to set the DVR for whatever time it is she's on Thursday. AVweb has learned that aerobatic master Sean D. Tucker is appearing on a show Winfrey has dedicated to the "best" of various aspects of society. Tucker has some competition for airtime, though. One of the items she's featuring is a pair of jeans she says fits her well. ...

AVweb Insider Blog: Media Frenzy, GA Opportunity?
October 16, 2009
AVweb's Mary Grady had some thoughts on "balloon boy" and the media reaction, too — although, to be fair, Mary's attention was more focused on next week's opening of Amelia and the opportunities we have to put a positive spin on the world of aviation for our ground-bound friends and colleagues.

AVweb Insider Blog: Balloon Boy's Media Frenzy
October 16, 2009
Yes, we covered the now-infamous boy-in-a-runaway-balloon story and even sent out an AVwebAlert to make sure you were following it, too. On the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli explains that much as we hate to admit it, when a six-year-old is drifting towards Denver's Class B in a runaway balloon, that's news. Even if it turns out that something much stranger is actually happening.

Balloon Boy Hoax Confirmed
October 18, 2009
By Russ Niles
Colorado officials say they have evidence that shows the launch of a helium-filled balloon from Fort Collins last Thursday was a publicity stunt. Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden told a news conference Sunday that Richard and Mayumi Henne cooked up the hoax, in which their six-year-old son Falcon was initially reported to be on board the flimsy structure, to launch a reality TV series. Falcon was allegedly in a box in the attic of the family's garage throughout the drama, which dominated world-wide media attention for most of Thursday. Alderden said he expects to file charges of conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and attempting to influence a public official — all felony charges. The charges could result in up to six years in jail on each charge. A misdemeanor charge of filing a false report is also likely, he said. The charges have not been filed. Alderden said his staff needs to "regroup" after a busy weekend gathering evidence in the eye of a media storm. Alderden said evidence they've gathered indicates the hoax was planned for at least two weeks. The sheriff's office is also investigating whether some unnamed media outlets were complicit in the hoax.

Survey Shows BizAv Hard At Work
October 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Business jets aren't the toys of playboy CEOs who bathe in gold coins, but the tools of mid- and small-business managers and mid-level employees, according to a survey conducted by GAMA and NBAA and Harris Interactive, a market research firm. The two aviation advocacy groups surveyed 350 pilots, flight department managers and directors of aviation business aircraft, plus 289 business aircraft passengers "in an ongoing effort to educate policymakers" about "the value of business aviation." Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO, said the survey's conclusions "stand in stark contrast to recent mischaracterizations of business aviation operators." Among the groups' findings reported last week, the vast majority (80 percent) of trips made by business aircraft are flown into airports with little or no scheduled service. Those trips are operated by companies, 75 percent of which fly only one turbine-powered aircraft and 59 percent of which have fewer than 500 employees.

Bear vs. Cub vs. Man
October 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew

Click for more photos

Everyone who lives or travels in bear country knows that to leave food in a vehicle is to risk the consequences, as the owner of this Piper evidently learned the hard way. Although we're unable to confirm the details, an e-mail accompanying these photos states that the pilot of the hapless aircraft left it parked in a remote field in Alaska, but failed to observe a golden rule of Alaskan flying: Always remember to clean out the inside of your aircraft after a fishing trip. The message suggests the pilot did have a second rule, however: find some duct tape and fix it.

NTSB Says Controllers Should Have Emergency Powers
October 16, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The NTSB is using the US Airways flight 1549 Hudson River ditching to allow air traffic controllers to independently label an aircraft's discrete transponder code as an emergency code, regardless of the crew's actions. (Link to PDF.) Capt. Chesley Sullenberger and FO Jeff Skiles, famous for their safe handling of an Airbus A320 as it glided into the Hudson, did not set their transponder to 7700. The NTSB does not fault them for that. But it does recognize that when an emergency code is selected, the full data block associated with the aircraft is provided to the displays of more controllers. And that, the NTSB hopes, could improve airspace handling, teamwork and a safe outcome during complicated emergency situations. The NTSB safety recommendation gained support from controllers.

Evicted Airport Tenants File Complaint With FAA
October 16, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The change of ownership at an FBO in Southern California led Wednesday to former tenants filing a formal complaint with the FAA against the airport and ultimately could form precedent regarding airports that attempt to limit access. When the former FBO operator, Sailplane Enterprises Inc. glider school, decided to end operations at Hemet-Ryan Airport in Southern California, the airport decided it would ban, calling unsafe, the glider operations that called the airport their home for decades. The glider pilots' formal complaint hopes to ultimately regain access to the airport and begin flying there again. But airport operators do have certain rights.

Bill Hopes To Boost General Aviation Sales
October 16, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Republican Congressman Todd Tiahrt of Kansas Thursday introduced the General Aviation Jobs Act, designed to buoy small aircraft sales by extending bonus depreciation and more. The bill would extend the existing bonus depreciation allowance for two more years but would also shorten from five to three years the recovery period for property listed as non-commercial aircraft. Tiahrt's motivation behind the bill is to further stimulate sales of general aviation aircraft by reducing the purchase's financial impact on companies and to add an economic boost to Kansas economies. Currently, the tax provision that provides bonus depreciation allowance is set to expire by year-end.

Balloon Boy — Some Math Behind The Story
October 16, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Was it ever even possible that a 20' x 5' helium balloon could lift the weight of a six-year-old to 8,000 feet MSL? Let's take a look at some numbers. Taking Falcon Heene's father at his reported word, the balloon that news helicopters followed for two hours Thursday (because they thought Falcon was aboard) was 20 feet by five feet. We don't know if that included the compartment at the bottom — so let's be conservative and assume it did not. The volume of such a shape is 1,047.2 cubic feet. The lifting capacity of helium, at standard atmosphere, is 28.2 grams per cubic foot. So, at best, the balloon had a lifting capacity of about 65 pounds with which to lift itself (we'll assume mylar), the gondola-esque structure beneath it (cardboard and wires?), some tethers (not serving as such) and a six-year-old boy (not inside). Speaking of the six-year-old, an average one of those should weigh in at about 45 to 50 pounds (PDF). (The higher end assumes he didn't turn six yesterday.) Ideally, that leaves 15 to 20 pounds of lifting force. But this situation in Colorado was hardly "ideal."

Boy (Not) In Runaway Helium Balloon, Found
October 15, 2009
By Glenn Pew
A home-made helium balloon landed in a Colorado field, Thursday afternoon without a small boy in side ... and that was a surprise. For the preceding two hours, 24-hour news networks followed news helicopter footage of a 20x5-foot mylar homebuilt helium balloon that flew for two hours over Colorado, Thursday, because they believed there was a six-year-old boy, named Falcon, inside. The child, Falcon Heese, was actually inside his parents home the entire time, but that's not what the parents, who we now know witnessed the launch (see video), said they believed. Meanwhile, the balloon -- referred to by some major media outlets as an "experimental aircraft" -- landed in a field, rather gently, after a flight that may have taken it to 10,000 MSL, flying at wind speeds of approximately 25 mph. Rescuers who were on scene at the time of the landing accurately found no child inside and concerns then shifted toward the notion that the boy had been inside a box originally attached to but not found with the balloon. The box, apparently, was inside the Heese's attic (along with the boy) all along.

Las Vegas Launches Lighter-Than-Air Tourist Attraction
October 14, 2009
By Mary Grady
Las Vegas visitors now can fly in a tethered helium balloon to enjoy a view 500 feet above the Strip. The new business, called Cloud Nine, launched last Thursday, and claims to operate the largest balloon of its kind in the world. The 70-foot-tall balloon can carry up to 30 passengers at a time, at about $25 each for a 10-minute flight. The Las Vegas Sun, in its report on the new venture, noted that the company has some tough competition -- an observation deck at the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is 460 feet high and charges just $10, and the Stratosphere hotel has a deck at 1,149 feet for just a $16 admission. A blimp operator that offered tours around the city about 10 years ago was unable to make a go of it, according to the Sun. But Cloud Nine CEO Kevin Michaels seems confident. "We've got 40 million people that come here on an annual basis. I thought it was a great opportunity for the visitors and the 2 million locals, alike," he told the Sun.

Aerion Reports Progress In Partnership Talks
October 14, 2009
By Mary Grady
Aerion remains determined to be first to market with a supersonic business jet, company chairman Robert Bass said in a news release this week. Armed with an order book worth $4 billion, Bass has been shopping around for an OEM partner to take on the project. "I said at EBACE earlier this year that I am committed to the Aerion program as long as we see progress in our discussions with OEMs," said Bass. "We are seeing progress. In fact, we are quite encouraged by our discussions. There is no question that the economic impact on the industry has slowed their decision-making progress, but it has not lessened interest in this program." He said the Aerion design is practical, because no regulatory changes are required for the jet to operate efficiently, and the supersonic natural laminar flow wing design is well proven. "There are no barriers to success," said Aerion Senior Advisor John Holding. "Technical risks are low, and the development of the jet is well within the capability of several manufacturers."

NTSB Finds Pilots At Fault In Citation Crash
October 14, 2009
By Mary Grady

The NTSB met on Wednesday to discuss the results of its investigation into the crash of a Cessna Citation 550 in June 2007 and laid the blame squarely in the lap of the pilots. The jet had just taken off from Milwaukee, carrying a medical team with a human organ for transplant. Shortly after takeoff, the captain had trouble controlling the airplane, and the crew was trying to return to the airport when the jet crashed into Lake Michigan, killing all six on board. The safety board investigators said they didn't have enough information to say for sure what happened -- it might have been a runaway trim or the inadvertent engagement of the autopilot, rather than the yaw damper, at takeoff -- but in either case, the crew's failure to respond adequately was the cause of the accident. "Regardless of the initiating event, if the pilots had simply maintained a reduced airspeed while they responded to the situation, the aerodynamic forces on the airplane would not have increased significantly; at reduced airspeeds, the pilots should have been able to maintain control of the airplane long enough to either successfully troubleshoot and resolve the problem or return safely to the airport," the board said in its synopsis. The NTSB released an animation of the crash sequence.

China Hosts GA Convention This Week
October 14, 2009
By Mary Grady
For manufacturers of GA aircraft that have been eagerly awaiting the opening-up of Asian markets, this weekend's China International General Aviation Convention, in the northwestern city of Xi'an, is a good sign. More than 80,000 visitors from around the world are expected, according to China Daily. The convention will feature several airshows, a static exhibit with more than 100 aircraft, talks and forums. To promote the event, a new series of postage stamps has been released that features images of GA aircraft built by Cirrus, Diamond, Cessna, and Flight Design. "When Chinese citizens can buy Mercedes automobiles in large numbers, they demonstrate they can also afford light aircraft," said Matthias Betsch, CEO of Flight Design. "We are very honored to be included with these famous brands [in the stamp series] as China opens its doors to general aviation." In other news from China, Yuneec Intl. announced recently that it flew its electric-powered trike for one hour 16 minutes near its facility in Shanghai, and hopes to stretch that to an hour and half by the end of this month.

Michael Moore, NY Times Address Pilot Pay
October 14, 2009
By Mary Grady
In the first post of a new blog on his Web site, filmmaker Michael Moore this week addressed the issue of pilot pay, and The New York Times also explored the topic in a lengthy Page One story on Wednesday. "I have a whole section in my new movie [Capitalism: A Love Story] about how pilots are treated," Moore writes. "In the movie I interview a pilot for a major airline who made $17,000 last year. For four months he was eligible [for] -- and received -- food stamps. Another pilot in the film has a second job as a dog walker." The Times story focuses on Bryan Lawlor, a pilot for ExpressJet who was one of 130 captains downgraded to first officer in a cost-cutting measure. He took a 50-percent pay cut, to $34,000 per year. Click here for the full NYT story, or here for an audio slideshow. Moore's movie features interviews with several pilots and excerpts from Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's testimony before Congress in February, when he talked about the pay cuts and pension reductions taken by pilots. Click here for an audio podcast of Sullenberger's testimony.

Stratos Finds First Customer, Will Bring Cabin Mock-up To NBAA
October 13, 2009
By Mary Grady
Stratos Aircraft, of Bend, Ore., announced this week it has received the first deposit for a Stratos 714 Very Light Personal Jet. The company also said it will display its full-scale cabin mock-up at next week's NBAA Annual Meeting & Convention in Orlando, Fla., for the first time at that event. "The need for speed, performance and value drew me to Stratos," said Verson Pandian, the first buyer to take advantage of the Stratos fully refundable deposit program. Pandian is the owner of Cascade Air Charter, in Bend, and plans to use the jet in his business. "Knowing that I am not at risk with my deposit made me feel like the Stratos team really understands my perspective," he said. The Stratos single-engine jet will fly 1,500 nm at 400 knots carrying four people plus baggage, the company says. "We are excited to bring the 714 mock-up to this year's NBAA convention, especially since there is a focus on the light business aircraft owner," said Stratos Chairman Michael Lemaire. "We look forward to a great show."

Can Wichita Weather The Storm?
October 13, 2009
By Mary Grady
Wichita, Kan., has been the hub of the U.S. aircraft manufacturing industry since the 1920s, when the companies that would become Hawker Beechcraft, Cessna, and Boeing all had their roots there. But the current downturn has hit the city hard, with about a quarter of the aviation workforce laid off. According to a story in Monday's Wall Street Journal, the city may never recover those jobs. Many manufacturers had started work on new production facilities in China, Mexico, and elsewhere to increase capacity during the boom times, and when orders do start to pick up again, the work might go there, rather than back to Kansas. Company officials told the WSJ it's unlikely that they would expand their Wichita operations beyond today's level. Any future growth would probably happen abroad. "We're going out and trying to recruit new businesses here to diversify what we have," Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer told the WSJ. But some of those new businesses might still be in the aviation sector, he added.

Eclipse Offers Upgrades
October 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Eclipse Aerospace has announced it will soon begin modifying existing EA500 very light jets. The company is offering FIKI and AvioNG 1.5 upgrades (performed only together, not separately) at a cost to owners of $149,000. The new company has also invited former Eclipse suppliers to attend an Oct. 27 meeting at Eclipse's Albuquerque headquarters to help Eclipse begin to sort out a workable supply chain for parts. Eclipse Aerospace does not yet have plans to resume manufacturing operations in Albuquerque, and won't make a decision on starting up production for at least six months. The company does have commitments to service centers at Albuquerque's Sunport International and Chicago's Executive Airport (formerly Palwaukee). Upgrade work is so far being performed in Chicago, but in a memo obtained by the Albuquerque Journal, Eclipse says it is "committed to the ABQ community and the city of ABQ."

Pilot Sacked Over Cockpit Gunfire Reinstated
October 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
An arbitrator has ruled the US Airways pilot whose government-issue gun accidentally went off in flight can have his job back. Jim Langenhahn was fired after the 2008 incident and his union is welcoming the arbitration decision. "The company overreacted," union spokesman James Ray told CBC news. "Captain Langenhahn has had a distinguished and untarnished record in his time at US Airways." Langenhahn's pistol shot a hole through the aircraft's fuselage, but the Department of Homeland Security helped his case when it faulted the design of the captain's holster. However, the Transportation Security Adminstration, which oversees the Federal Flight Deck Officer program claims, the same holster design has been used by thousands of pilots without incident.

Pilots, Airlines Push For Nap Time
October 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The practice of catching a nap while serving on the flight deck is not currently approved by the FAA, but citing supporting evidence, pilot unions and airlines say it may be time for the FAA to embrace the idea. British Airways, Qantas and others have for some years allowed one pilot to sleep during the cruise portion of some flights and some studies indicate it makes crew more alert during critical phases of flight. "It may seem counterintuitive to folks in the back of the plane, but it's the right thing to do," Bill Voss, president of the Flight Safety Foundation, told The Wall Street Journal. Besides, pilots do nap en route, according to a recent survey of commuter pilots referenced by the Journal, which also stated simply that "pilots say naps not only make sense, but that they also already take them." And fatigue has long been among the top concerns of aviation safety authorities, having been cited as a contributing factor in more than 250 aviation fatalities since 1990.

Lycoming Pricing Deal Extended
October 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
A deal Lycoming had offered through Aug. 31 has been extended through Dec. 4, 2009, and it means that buyers can purchase a zero-time rebuilt engine for the price of a factory overhaul -- but there is a catch. To take advantage of the deal, buyers must return a Lycoming new or rebuilt engine that has never been overhauled. "We recognize that many owners may be nervous about the economy and so they are putting off new purchases in favor of overhauls," said Lycoming Vice President of Marketing and Sales Todd Stoner. Lycoming says its factory-rebuilt engines are built to the same limits as new engines and come with trimmings like a zero-time logbook and two-year warranty. The company hopes the program will help it retain customers "by upgrading their overhaul service to something much more valuable," said Stoner. Price differences between an overhaul and zero-time rebuild translate to savings of about $3,000 on most engines.

Cessna Resumes Corvalis Production, Not In Bend
October 9, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Production of the Columbia 350 and 400 at a plant in Bend, Ore., failed to prove profitable for Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Co., and Cessna is now attempting -- beginning last Tuesday -- to profitably build the design as the Corvalis 350 and 400 at plants in Kansas and Mexico. The move, approved in May, will turn to production very slowly, however; it's predicted that a first aircraft to follow the move will take six months to manufacture. The timing will allow the company to properly arrange logistics for the complexities of the move, which includes 30 workers moving from Bend to Independence and the move of composite construction to Mexico. It should also clear Cessna's sitting inventory of a handful of finished unsold Corvalis aircraft. Cessna's short-term plan has workers assembling Corvalis planes inside its Independence paint facility, with a move to a more permanent production line by year-end. That line will be housed in the same facility as the company's Citation Mustang and piston-single lines. Workers in Mexico will build up the aircraft's composite structure, with workers in Independence performing the various installations of avionics, engine, interior and paint that follow, along with the work of flight-test and final delivery. At least one source at Cessna thinks demand may be starting to recover.

Homebuilding Guidance Released By FAA
October 8, 2009
By Marc Cook
After a lengthy wait and more than a bit of hand-wringing on the part of builders and kit manufacturers, the FAA has finally published Advisory Circular 20-27G, which forms the approval basis for experimental/amateur-built aircraft. In the preamble, the FAA says that "This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to comply certification and operation requirements of amateur-built aircraft." However, virtually all Designated Airworthiness Representatives and FAA inspectors look to the AC for guidance.

See full text of Kitplanes story.

Cessna Offers "Deposit Amplifier" For Skylane Buyers
October 7, 2009
By Mary Grady
Cessna Aircraft Company on Wednesday announced it will offer a "deposit amplifier" program through the end of the year that adds $30,000 to a deposit on a retail order for qualifying new Cessna 182 or Turbo 182 Skylane single-engine piston aircraft. The Cessna 182 and Turbo 182 Skylane is a four-place single-engine high-wing piston aircraft with a Lycoming IO-540 engine, Garmin G1000 avionics, and a range of more than 900 miles. With the turbocharger, the top speed of 150 knots increases to 176 knots, or about 202 mph, according to Cessna. The company is also offering a free service bulletin kit for certain software upgrades. Cessna added that buyers who may be eligible to qualify for accelerated depreciation should complete their purchase by the end of the year.

NATCA, FAA Spar Over NextGen Implementation Snags
October 7, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA's operational test of a new NextGen computer system for air traffic control ran into problems last weekend at Salt Lake Center and had to be shut down -- but the problem could have been averted, according to the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, if the FAA had included NATCA in its planning process. "The FAA has been stubbornly unwilling to collaborate with NATCA in this project's development," NATCA Northwest Mountain Regional Vice President Jim Ullmann said in a news release on Wednesday. The system, called En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM), promises to provide greater flexibility for controllers in the FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System. FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown told AVweb that operational testing of ERAM is necessary to bring the new system online. "This is the normal way we test things and find bugs," she said. Backup plans were in place and the new system is now offline until fixes are made. She said although there was no official NATCA participation in the planning for the new system, air traffic controllers were involved in the process. She added that the FAA and the union are now working on a Memorandum of Understanding to determine NATCA participation in that planning process going forward. Asked for a timetable, she said there is "no line in the sand" and while the NextGen process is moving along, there are no further operational tests of the ERAM system scheduled as of now.

Legend Cub On Floats Certified
October 7, 2009
By Mary Grady
A lightweight version of the Legend Cub LSA fitted with amphibious floats is now certified and ready to ship, American Legend Aircraft Co., of Sulphur Springs, Texas, announced last week. The amphib first flew in July and already has traveled to Oshkosh and Maine, the company said. Along the way it made plenty of landings both on land and water. The new Cub has several key features, according to Legend general manager Kurt Sehnert. "Firstly, doors on both sides of the cockpit give the Legend Cub pilot and passenger easy access when docking the aircraft," he said. "Secondly, the Legend Cub's electric start, which did not exist on the original J-3, eliminates the precarious step of hand-propping and maneuvering back to the cockpit." The first customer aircraft is now being built. The Amphibious Legend FloatCub sells for $159,000.

Red Bull Race Wraps In Barcelona, Bonhomme Takes First
October 7, 2009
By Mary Grady
This year's Red Bull Air Race World Championship ended Sunday in Barcelona, Spain, before a record crowd of 800,000 spectators, with the top place for the six-race series going to British pilot Paul Bonhomme, who placed second in both 2007 and 2008. "Fantastic, thank you Barcelona," Bonhomme said after letting out a loud shout for joy when he heard the news he had won the title on his cockpit radio. "It's been a huge amount of pressure. It's just a question of how you deal with it at the right time," he said. "I thought I'd better get my skates on and that worked." Second place went to defending champion Hannes Arch of Austria, and third to Australia's Matt Hall, the best result ever for a rookie. The 15 competing pilots earn points in each of the six races, and the final ranks are determined by the aggregate score. Bonhomme took three victories and three second places in the series, even though his Edge 540 plane was not as fast as Arch's for most of the season.

Post-Crash Updates: Wright Pilot Recovering; Catalina Pilot's Body Found
October 7, 2009
By Mary Grady
Mark Dusenberry, the pilot who was hurt last Thursday in the crash of the 1905 Wright Flyer III replica in Dayton, Ohio, has been upgraded from critical to fair condition, hospital officials told the Dayton Daily News on Wednesday. The officials said Dusenberry, 48, has been released from intensive care, but gave no further details. Dusenberry was practicing at Huffman Prairie Flying Field in preparation for a celebration of the 104th Anniversary of Practical Flight. He was just seconds into his second early morning flight when witnesses saw the aircraft begin to oscillate vertically before pitching down from about 20 feet and impacting the ground (click here for a video). Also last week, Jim Eachus, 61, was lost when his experimental Avid Catalina seaplane sank in Inks Lake near Burnet, Texas. Rescue teams searched for days but found no sign of the pilot. On Saturday morning, two campers discovered his body, which had drifted to shore.

AVweb Insider Blog: More Thoughts on VLJ Price Fantasies
October 6, 2009
With its 600-series small turbofan, Pratt & Whitney probably made the technological breakthrough on cost that it said it would. So why didn't it break open the market? In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli argues that it's probably because the airframes themselves remain complex and expensive to certify. Cheap engines don't equate to cheap airplanes.

Aviation Consumer's Flight-Planning Software Survey
October 16, 2009
By Jeff Van West

Do you use software for flight planning? Aviation Consumer magazine wants to know what computer tool you prefer, be it a package you paid for, downloaded for free, or just use on the web. Even if you just glance at the METARs on ADDS and figure you'll stop for gas somewhere on the way, we'd appreciate you taking a couple of minutes to answer at least some of these questions. Hey, you might even discover flight-planning options in the survey questions you never knew existed. Click here to participate.

Carter Aviation Launches Manufacturing Subsidiary
October 6, 2009
By Mary Grady
Carter Aviation Technologies, of Wichita Falls, Texas, said this week it has created two new subsidiary companies to handle research, development, and manufacturing of its rotorcraft designs. "We are beginning a new phase in our corporate development," company president Jay Carter Jr. said in a news release. "Moving from a research and development company into commercial production has required a great deal of investigation." He said the company decided to move into manufacturing on its own after discussions with potential partners stalled. "Potential licensees were concerned about their staff being able to come up to speed quickly on the techniques and processes used in producing our designs," Carter said. Carter Air Vehicles, the new manufacturing arm, will produce pre-production and initial production aircraft for the civilian market. "The future scope of our manufacturing will depend on demand for our aircraft," Carter said. The other new subsidiary, Carter Aerospace Development, will handle research and development programs.

FAA Stops Direct Chart Sales To Small Dealers
October 6, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA will no longer offer wholesale rates on aeronautical charts to dealers with less than $5,000 per year in sales, as of this week. Instead, retailers who meet the sales minimum can be designated as Chart Agents, under a new system overseen by the FAA's National Aeronautical Navigation Services division (formerly NACO). Agents can buy charts at 50 percent off the list price if they give up the option of returning unsold charts after they expire, or they can take a 40 percent discount with up to 20 percent returns. The Chart Agents also can act as dealers to the smaller outlets, and set their own rates and conditions. According to one of those agents, Chartdealer.com, over 90 percent of retail chart sales were previously made by the smaller dealers who can no longer buy direct from the FAA. Chartdealer is offering to sell those small dealers charts at the same 40 percent discount they used to get from the FAA, but without the take-back provision. If small FBOs and flight schools opt out of carrying the charts, it will be harder for pilots to find the charts they need.

Is Alleged Teen Airplane Thief At It Again?
October 6, 2009
By Russ Niles
Although authorities are not coming right out and saying it, it appears that Colton Harris-Moore, an 18-year-old suspected airplane thief from coastal Washington, may have broadened his horizons and added firearms to the mix. KOMO reports that on Thursday, a Cessna 182 that was stolen Tuesday from Bonners Ferry, Idaho, was found in a logged off area of wilderness near Granite Falls, Wash. It had suffered a hard landing but was intact; the arrival was considered survivable and no one was around. On Sunday night, Granite Falls police were investigating an unusual robbery at a home in the town and reported a gunshot from the woods nearby. A massive search by police on Monday turned up nothing and there's been no sign of him since but that fits the profile of the slippery Harris-Moore, who has repeatedly eluded would-be captors. Oh, and the only items missing from the typically booty-filled suburban home were a comforter (overnight temperatures are in the 30s), some food and the homeowners' passports.

Airborne Laser Video Released
October 5, 2009
By Russ Niles

Boeing announced that it had successfully shot a stationary truck on the ground with a laser onboard a C-130 flying overhead. Last week video of what happens when airborne laser meets truck was released showing metal sizzling from an area outlined in duct tape on the truck's hood. Boeing earlier said the test had "defeated the vehicle" although it's not clear in the accompanying video what, if any, damage was done besides some melted sheet metal. Still, it represents a milestone in weapons technology which will have the result of making war just a little safer for those caught in the crossfire.

All Fueled Up
October 5, 2009
By Russ Niles
It's not only the aircraft that needs fuel on a long cross country so the crew of a Canadian Forces CH-146 Griffon helicopter satisfied man and machine with two stops in Kenora, Ont. last week. The crew was on its way from the garrison at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton to Thunder Bay, Ont. (about 900 nm). According to the Canadian Press, the crew of the medium-sized twin-engine single rotor utility helicopter, based on the Bell 412 EP, landed at Kenora, two-thirds of the way to their destination, for fuel. There was no food available at the airport but there was a vacant ball diamond across the street from an A&W in the nearby town.

Brainteasers Quiz #146: Obscure Regulations
October 5, 2009
By Paul Berge

Seemingly insignificant regulations can bite. So bite back and defang the FAA's oft-overlooked regs by testing your grasp of the Code of Federal Regulations. (Think old-school FARs, if you like. We do.)

Take the quiz.

Fisticuffs, Molestation And Air India?
October 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Air India has some trouble to sort out following reports Sunday that the crew of one of its commercial flights was involved in pilot/purser fisticuffs and pilot(s)/flight attendant sexual harassment all while en route over Pakistan with 106 passengers aboard. The flight was out of UAE for Delhi, and the whole mess may have begun with confrontational verbal exchanges during the pre-flight briefing. According to The Times Of India, it escalated in flight when the pilots' allegedly attempted to molest a female flight attendant in the cockpit. The flight attendant resisted the alleged harassment and the altercation then spilled into the galley where, according to the BBC, punches were thrown. The event has ended (so far) with two crew members suspended, and two pilots grounded with a molestation charge filed against them. It also seems that the pilots have since lodged their own complaint of misconduct against a male flight attendant, claiming the sexual harassment (or molestation) charge is a false diversion from that real issue.

Avidyne Offers Price Cuts Through FlySafe Promotion
October 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Avidyne is, from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009, offering "instant rebates" via its FlySafe promotion that will save single-unit buyers $500 and could save multiple-unit buyers up to $5,000. The deal is applicable to Avidyne's Entegra, Entegra MFD, Wx, and Traffic series units, with one small catch. To save the money, customers must "register for the rebate" on Avidyne's Web site prior to purchase. To save $5,000, you (or you representing four people) will have to buy four units. Purchasing just two through the program will knock $1,500 off of the price and buying three will save you $3,000. Company COO Patrick Herguth says the initiative "is designed to provide substantial savings that make all of our safety-enhancing products -- including our full suite of displays and safety sensors -- available to an even wider number of aircraft owners."

TCM Announces Temporary Plant Closures, More
October 3, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Teledyne Continental Motors Inc. announced Friday that it will close for one week, Monday Oct. 5 through Monday Oct. 12, and will put other cost-cutting measures into effect "in response to reduced demand" for the aircraft engines and parts it produces. Salaried staff will go to four-day workweeks as of Oct. 12 and vacations for Thanksgiving and Christmas will last one week each. Beyond that, TCM has a shutdown planned for Jan. 4 to Jan. 9, 2010. The company says its goal is "to protect as much of our valuable employee base as possible," and rebuild its backlog while it endures this period of reduced demand. Customers will not be left entirely in the dark during the closures. Sales will be open, TCM will make customer service available for emergency support calls, and shipping/receiving will continue to manage delivery of incoming and outgoing orders. According to TCM, the cost cutting is only part of the company's slow-market strategy.

Pilot Lost In Lake
October 2, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Witnesses saw a man appear to escape the single-engine float-equipped experimental Avid Catalina registered to 61-year-old Jim Eachus that sank Wednesday into Inks Lake near Burnet, Texas, but then saw him disappear into the water. It took until Saturday morning for searchers to find the body of the pilot. Witnesses say one of the aircraft's pontoons appeared to run low in the water, sinking until a wing touched the surface and the aircraft flipped over. The pilot, according to the witnesses, emerged from the plane's window but then disappeared into the water. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department deployed search parties in boats and employed SONAR to try to locate the missing pilot. The lake is about 40 feet deep in the area of the crash site and wind, noted in the FAA's preliminary report out of the south gusting to 15 knots, pushed some of the aircraft's wreckage to shore, expanding the search area. A dive team that searched Wednesday and Thursday failed to find the pilot, who was remembered by his instructor as a passionate, hard-working and excellent pilot who flew regularly.

Japan's First Passenger Jet, A Geared Turbofan, Wins Foreign Order
October 2, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ), Japan's state-backed stab at earning a foothold in the commercial passenger jet market, has won a 100-plane order with a street value of $4 billion from a U.S. regional carrier. Trans State Holdings, based in Missouri, operates GoJet and Trans States Airlines, along with feeder services for United and US Airways. Said Trans States President Richard Leach, "Making a decision of this size in this economic situation was difficult." But Mitsubishi says the aircraft's Pratt & Whitney PW-1000G geared turbofan engines (shared by Bombardier C Series aircraft) can bring fuel burn savings of up to 30 percent per hour over other similar but differently engined designs. A report by the AFT notes that Mitsubishi was "advised by US Aircraft maker Boeing" and switched "to aluminum for the wings, from carbon-fibre." Boeing has suffered significant delays in the late stage development of its larger next generation all-composite 787 Dreamliner, due most recently to a redesign of the composite wing root.

1905 Wright Flyer III Replica Crashes, Pilot Seriously Injured
October 2, 2009
By Glenn Pew

Mark Dusenberry, vintage aircraft builder and pilot, was seriously injured Thursday when he crashed a replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer III at Huffman Prairie Flying Field. The airfield is cited by some as the world's first airport. Dusenberry was practicing for the 104th Anniversary of Practical Flight ceremony planned for the week of Oct. 4. Huffman Prairie Field sits just south of the main runway at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, in Dayton, Ohio. Dusenberry has flown the aircraft successfully at reenactments, but did suffer a minor crash at the same airfield on Oct. 5, 2007. This year, he was just seconds into his second early morning flight when witnesses saw the aircraft begin to oscillate vertically before pitching down from about 20 feet and impacting the ground. Dusenberry was conscious and talking with paramedics as he was airlifted by a CareFlight helicopter from the airfield to a local hospital. The flight ceremony, an event that includes educational outreach programs for local students, has been canceled. Click through for local news video.

Planespotter Captures Birdstrike
October 1, 2009
By Russ Niles
Some days just don't go as planned and the crew of this Germania Airlines Boeing 737 was having one of those days on Wednesday. The Daily Mail says 200 starlings were ingested by the right engine of the aircraft as it took off from Dusseldorf bound to Kosovo. There were 80 people on board. Planespotter Juergen Kienast said the engine pitch immediately changed as the crew continued the takeoff.

Coalition Says FAA Reauthorization "Critically Overdue"
September 30, 2009
By Mary Grady
The aviation community has had a tough time this fall getting Congress to focus on the issue of FAA reauthorization, but patience -- and time -- are running out. The FAA budget was due to expire this week, on Sept. 30, but has now been extended to Dec. 31. Aviation advocacy groups are pressuring the Senate to use that time to come up with a comprehensive reauthorization package, instead of simply continuing to grant extensions, as it has done seven times in the last two years. In a letter (PDF) sent to senators last week, 32 industry groups representing air carriers, GA, pilots, air traffic controllers and many others said the new legislation is "critically overdue." A comprehensive bill is needed to provide funding for airport and airway system improvements. "The strength of our aviation system and the ability to meet future demands is dependent upon the federal government's success in meeting its obligations to provide adequate infrastructure," the group's letter reads. "A critical step in meeting those obligations is for the Senate to advance a comprehensive, multi-year bill that will help provide the resources necessary to help our country meet the demands being placed on the aviation system."

AVweb Insider Blog: EFIS as Lifesavers?
September 30, 2009
Aviation Consumer's survey of EFIS owners and users revealed widespread satisfaction with the technology. Some readers even described glass panels as having saved their lives. Consumer editor Paul Bertorelli chuckled a bit at the thought, gave the pilot a little more credit that he did himself, and started thinking about how much the definition of "flying" has changed in a short time. Read his latest musings on the AVweb Insider blog.

F-16s Escort Mooney With Unresponsive Pilot
September 30, 2009
By Mary Grady
A Mooney crashed Wednesday morning near Muncie, Ind., after the pilot, who was alone on board, became disoriented and then failed to respond to ATC. Two F-16s from the Indiana National Guard intercepted the airplane, which was flying erratically, [see FlightAware tracklog] and provided an escort until the airplane lost altitude and crashed in a cornfield about an hour after takeoff. Military officials told The Associated Press the pilot appeared to be suffering from hypoxia or perhaps a health problem. The airplane had launched in Grand Rapids, Mich., after having maintenance done, and was traveling at about 23,000 feet when ATC lost contact. Officials would not comment on the condition of the pilot, according to the AP.

Industry Groups Applaud Launch Of GA Caucus In Senate
September 30, 2009
By Mary Grady
Two senators this week said they have formed a General Aviation Caucus and invited other senators to join them (PDF) to ensure support for pilots, aircraft owners, and the aviation industry in the U.S. "General aviation has a presence in every state, and plays a significant role in our economy," said Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, one of the caucus founders. "We're hopeful many of our Senate colleagues will join us in learning more about the importance of this industry." Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., said GA is a critical component of his state's transportation infrastructure. "It helps keep our state connected, supports economic development, and helps our businesses operate efficiently," he said. The two said they plan to hold their first meeting later this fall. So far, Senators James Inhofe, R-Okla., Sam Brownback, R-Kans., and Pat Roberts, R-Kans., have joined the caucus. GA advocacy groups responded positively to the announcement.

Sullenberger And Skiles To Co-Chair Young Eagles
September 30, 2009
By Mary Grady
For the last five years, Harrison Ford has acted as chairman of the EAA's Young Eagles program, but this week he ended his term and handed over the job to Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, known for their expert handling of an emergency landing in the Hudson River in January. The two pilots visited EAA during AirVenture last summer, where they drew huge crowds and rediscovered their GA roots. "I'm grateful to EAA and the AirVenture Oshkosh convention for allowing me to fall in love with aviation for a second time in my life," said Skiles during a news conference on Tuesday. "I'm eager to share this passion with young people and encourage participation in aviation." Sullenberger also recalled this summer's visit as a pivotal moment. "After having the opportunity to learn more about the EAA Young Eagles Program while I was in Oshkosh, Jeff and I were inspired to get involved," he said. "Co-chairing the program is an opportunity that I welcome. Jeff and I are honored to take the stick from Harrison Ford." Click here to listen to audio interviews with Ford, Sullenberger and Skiles at the EAA Web site, or click here for video of Sullenberger and Skiles at AirVenture.

NTSB: GA Fatalities Level; More Bird-Strike Measures Needed
September 29, 2009
By Mary Grady
The NTSB on Tuesday released its annual compilation of transportation fatalities, and reported that in 2008 aviation-related deaths increased slightly to 572, from 550 in 2007. Nearly 87 percent of those fatalities occurred in general aviation accidents (495), which was almost unchanged from the previous year (496). The other deaths occurred in air taxi operations (66), airlines (3), and foreign or unregistered aircraft (8). Commuter airlines were fatality-free in 2007. "We at the NTSB will continue to press hard advocating improvements in all modes of transportation to keep this trend moving in the right direction," said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. "Every transportation fatality is an unnecessary tragedy." Also on Tuesday, the board issued several safety recommendations asking the FAA to take action to prevent bird-strike accidents. The FAA should ensure that GA airports near woods, wetlands, or water comply with the wildlife-hazard assessments they are required to perform, the NTSB said. Also, aircraft manufacturers should be required to develop guidance for pilots to minimize bird-strike damage, such as airspeed charts that show the safest speeds to fly when in areas of known bird activity.

Aviation Alliance Survey Shows Positive Impact Of GA
September 29, 2009
By Mary Grady
General aviation airports and private aircraft have taken a beating in the press lately (click here if you missed it), but the industry is not taking it without a fight. This week, the Alliance for Aviation Across America unveiled a new tool for the defense of GA -- an online compilation of data from each of the 50 states detailing the jobs, businesses, and other economic activity generated by all those little airports and aircraft. "We've been working for about six months to collect all this data," AAAA spokeswoman Selena Shilad told AVweb on Tuesday. "So it's not a direct response to the recent USA Today stories -- but it is particularly important in light of that." She said AAAA aims to communicate to the public, to lawmakers, and to the media that GA is a crucial element in our communities, supporting thousands of jobs and small businesses. Click here to view the new map, which allows users to look up local airports by state or by Congressional district.

Cessna's New Sport Pilot Training Program Ready
September 29, 2009
By Mary Grady
Cessna released its new Cessna Sport/Private Pilot Course this week to its Pilot Center network, in anticipation of starting deliveries of the Skycatcher light sport aircraft later this year. "The new training program is a key component of Cessna's effort to make flying more accessible and to re-energize pilot training," said Tom Aniello, Cessna's vice president of marketing. The Web-based training, developed in partnership with King Schools, makes it easy for students to access training materials from any location, Cessna said in a news release. The program can be customized by instructors to reflect the local training environment, and it can be used with either a full-glass cockpit or analog steam gauges. Features include scenario-based lessons, videos, full-motion diagrams, and exam reviews.

NAFI Sued By Former Directors
September 27, 2009
By Russ Niles
Two former board members of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) are suing the organization, alleging NAFI is using instructional materials they developed without authorization. Joanne and Sandy Hill were dismissed from the board of directors late last year in an acrimonious dispute that caused bitter divisions within NAFI and prompted the creation of a new instructors' group called the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). The Hills were particularly involved with NAFI's Master Instructor program and they claim that NAFI has continued to use the program they developed without acknowledgement and are alleging copyright infringement. Rich Stowell, who developed the aerobatics section of the program, is also suing NAFI. NAFI spokesman Jason Blair said his group has not been served legal documents and declined to comment for now.

New Option-Rich Sirius High-Wing LSA
September 27, 2009
By Glenn Pew
TL-Ultralight, s.r.o., in the Czech Republic manufactures the Sting S3 low-wing LSA and now its stablemate, the TL-3000 Sirius high-wing, has also earned light sport aircraft certification. SportairUSA, LC, distributes both composite aircraft and announced Saturday that the Sirius is available for purchase in the U.S. The Sirius sports yoke steering, what appear to be race-car-like seats, and a luggage compartment that Sportair says is "more spacious than the trunk of a Honda Accord" (but comes with a weight limit of 100 pounds). The aircraft's useful load is 600 pounds, which it carries behind a carbon-fiber prop spun by a 100-hp Rotax 912ULS. It also comes standard with "the industry's fastest-opening GRS whole-plane ballistic parachute," according to Sportair, and can be fitted with floats. Sportair offers the aircraft with a variety of panel options that range from traditional six pack to a choice of multi-function displays form from a variety of suppliers that, says Sportair, would allow for ASTM-compliant instrument flight.

FAA Steps Closer To NextGen Navigation With Naverus Approval
September 27, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Required navigation performance (RNP) flight paths are an element of performance-based navigation (PBN) that will be a building block of NextGen air traffic control, and the FAA has now granted a letter of qualification to Naverus to design those flight paths. Naverus has pioneered development in satellite-based navigation technology for aircraft that allows more efficient and precise traffic patterns near airports that rely less on ground-based navigation aids and more on procedures and onboard equipment. In the U.S., the company has previously worked with Southwest Airlines to develop RNP procedures and it has already created more than 300 RNP procedures worldwide. Use of 28 RNP procedures the company will design in Australia are expected to reduce annual aircraft carbon dioxide emissions by 269 million pounds, according to the company. The FAA's letter of qualification is an approval that allows Naverus to develop traffic procedures in the U.S. for any airplane equipped to use them, thereby also facilitating development of the FAA's NextGen air traffic control system.

Ever Made a Forced Landing on a Road? Aviation Safety Wants to Hear About It!
October 2, 2009
By Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

If you've ever had to make an emergency landing on a road, we'd like to hear more about it. As part of sister publication Aviation Safety magazine's new podcast series, we're looking for pilots who have had the combined misfortune and good luck to make a forced landing on a road. Especially if your event includes a "teachable moment," we may ask you to help inform other pilots about the lessons you learned by participating in an upcoming podcast, moderated by Aviation Safety magazine Editor-in-Chief Jeb Burnside.

If you've "been there, done that" and would like to share your experience with other pilots, please drop us a note at aviation_safety@hotmail.com briefly describing what happened. Please also include your name, e-mail, and telephone number. We'll take it from there!

AVweb Insider Blog: No Hair Shirt for GA Over New York Congestion
September 25, 2009
AOPA Prez Craig Fuller met with FAA and industry officials in New York this week to talk about ways to reduce congestion in New York. Resident blogger Paul Bertorelli points out that he quite rightly pledged that GA would do its part but isn't sure GA has a part to play. Traffic volumes are already in the tank, and not many of us file New York's three major airports as a final destination. If you really want to cut congestion, says Paul on the AVweb Insider, eliminate about every third RJ operation into New York.

Fresh Off Illegal Subsidies Ruling, Airbus Seeks Govt. Funds
September 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Following close on the heels of a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that, according to one insider, labeled as "illegal subsidies" certain government-supplied, financial launch aids for new Airbus designs, Airbus is again seeking government cash to bring its next-generation designs to market. To compete with stirrings in China (which expects to bring its new C919 jumbo jet to market before 2020), Airbus wants to produce by 2015 its own more efficient, less noisy aircraft. Rough targets for the new aircraft are set at half the noise and half the emissions. Reuters reported last week that the manufacturer may be considering open rotor engine technology, mounting the engines aft and using tail surfaces to help with noise attenuation (blade failure notwithstanding). To do that, or something like it, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier last week told Le Figaro newspaper the company needs $1.2 billion over six years and he encouraged the French government to invest. But even if the company does receive government funding, that doesn't necessarily mean it will be bypassing a WTO ruling -- thanks to complications from Boeing.

Martin Jetpack Test Pilot Picked By eBay Bid
September 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Results on eBay suggest that someone has, for $35,101, purchased the chance to become a temporary test pilot for the Martin Aircraft Company, developer of the Martin Jetpack. Martin partnered with Total Experience, which sells adventure packages, to market the chance to become the first person outside the aircraft's development program to fly the Jetpack. The winner is promised "Jetpack test pilot training" as well as at least six flight sessions over the course of three days. The experience was put up for auction on eBay and two bids, plus that of the winner, were registered. Martin answered queries about the adventure, stating that the six flight sessions would span about two hours each, "which would normally amount to 100 flights or more." The flight program may include limitations set by the aircraft's then-current flight test envelope. Presently, the aircraft is restricted to 2 meters in altitude, 5 knots left, right and backward, and 10 knots forward. "Flights can be up to 5 minutes," according to the company, "though we may go to 10 in an outdoor setting." Martin even had an answer to "why do we have to pay to be a test pilot?"

Low Flights 'Stalking' From The Air?
September 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
A dozen complaints from residents led police to the pilot of a small plane witnessed, photographed and filmed flying low over their homes last Wednesday, but there's more to it than that. The pilot, Tom Huey, of Concord, Calif., who'd flown his 1957 Beech Bonanza over the neighborhood prior to July 2008, resumed that habit this September. And here's the more: Huey's flight pattern, which circled over the neighborhood, also circled over the house of his ex-girlfriend. And his timing apparently coincides with the restraining order she filed against him. The flights stopped in July when the girlfriend obtained the order, but resumed mere hours after authorities finally served Huey with the papers. Authorities believe the return of Huey's aircraft over the neighborhood now means he violated the restraining order that police finally served earlier that same day. If that's the case, it may make him guilty of felony stalking, and with that (and upon his landing, Wednesday) they arrested him. Huey didn't make it complicated, having flown low enough to put his plane's registration number well within the range of neighbors' camcorders ... and leaflets found in the neighborhood didn't help.

Suspects Arrested In Helicopter Cash Heist
September 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Swedish police arrested "several" suspects Sunday after thieves raided a cash storage unit for ATMs near Stockholm last Wednesday, making their approach to the facility and the first leg of their escape by stolen helicopter. Authorities suspect the group of bandits may include as many as ten participants. One of those arrested on Sunday is one of 552 licensed helicopter pilots in the country, according to a Swedish newspaper. The gang landed a helicopter on the roof of the cash storage facility, gained access through a window and apparently used explosives to gain access to the cash. They then loaded the helicopter with a yet undisclosed booty and departed, leaving no one wounded and, later, left the helicopter about 15 miles away. First responders to the heist were not equipped to confront heavily armed criminals and the thieves were able to leave before properly equipped authorities arrived. Critics have been quick to point out what they view as shortcomings in the police's state of readiness, bolstered by the reason the police did not employ their own local helicopter in the operation.

18-Year-Old Suspected Of Plane Thefts
September 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Authorities on Camano Island in Washington state suspect a one-man crime spree that's now spread to include the theft of two aircraft -- one of which resulted in an alleged 9/11 joy ride -- to be the product of an 18-year-old previously held at a minimum-security Renton juvenile facility from which he escaped. The Seattle Times quotes local authorities who call Colton Harris-Moore a "menace" and an "incredible liability to people's safety." Local sheriff Bill Cumming told the Times be believes the teen stole a Cessna 182 from an Orcas Island hangar last November, flying it east to a hard landing on the Yakama Indian Reservation. The Sept. 11 incident involved a new Cirrus SR22 allegedly stolen by the teen from Friday Harbor and flown to Orcas Island where it too was put down, hard, according to authorities. (At least one report suggests the boy read a flight manual and learned how to fly on the Internet.) The next night, when the Times says the teen was chased by a policeman on Orcas Island, authorities say the young man "laughed out loudly" when he realized he'd escaped. The teen is also suspected in multiple other thefts (including that of a boat) and local burglaries with some episodes caught on surveillance video. His mother has a slightly different opinion of the events.

NBAA, GAMA Champion Study On Business Aviation
September 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Months after events on Capitol Hill negatively associated big business with bizjets, a recent study has concluded that the vast majority of businesses that dominate "the list of companies strongest in corporate governance and responsibility" rely on business aviation. NEXA Capital Advisors LLC, a highly specialized transaction-focused advisory services company for the aerospace and transportation sectors, produced the study. GAMA and NBAA believe the study's conclusion, which states in part that "business aircraft users had a dominant presence, on average of 92 percent, among the most innovative, most admired, best brands, and best places to work," is no surprise. According to NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, "This study shows what the people in the business aviation community have always known," that "a business airplane is the sign of a well-managed company." Said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce, aviation creates "concrete and unique competitive benefits that are reflected in shareholder and enterprise value."

NATCA Ratifies Deal
September 23, 2009
By Russ Niles
National Air Traffic Controllers Association members have ratified work rules that will form part of a collective agreement set to be in force on Oct. 1. Binding arbitration earlier resolved pay and the FAA and NATCA negotiators had earlier agreed to the work rules and other provisions. Although there wasn't much doubt about the outcome of the vote, it's a symbolic event in that it was the final step in eliminating a hated set of rules that were imposed by the FAA and upheld by Congress in 2005. "Today, the members of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association overwhelmingly approved a collective bargaining agreement with the FAA," said outgoing NATCA President Patrick Forrey, who has presided over the union for much of the period under the imposed work rules. " It is a testamentb to our membership that they have endured the worst time in our union's history, working towards and holding out for a contract that was negotiated in a fair process and agreed to by the parties."

Iowa Museum Invites Children To "Take Flight!"
September 23, 2009
By Mary Grady
The Iowa Children's Museum, in Coralville, Iowa, this week opened a new exhibit to introduce kids ages 8 to 12 to the science of aviation. The 5,000-square-foot Take Flight! exhibit features flight simulators built into kid-sized airplane mockups, an air traffic control tower, a real hot-air balloon basket, pedal planes for younger children, an area for flying paper airplanes, a parachute experiment, and more. Children can sit in the cockpit of a real Cessna 150 and talk on the radio. "This exhibit makes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics more fun than is imaginable!" according to the museum Web site. The six flight simulators are sure to attract kids. "Everything really works in them," said Jim Delaney, one of many local pilots and air traffic controllers who helped design the exhibit. "They have a control stick and instrument panel. Through the software, kids can take the airplanes anywhere they want."

Commuter Safety Issues Raised Before Congressional Panel
September 23, 2009
By Mary Grady
Regional airlines focus too much on the bottom line at the expense of safety, according to John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, who testified before the House Aviation Subcommittee on Wednesday during an examination of commuter airline safety. Among the worst of the airline practices are punitive policies that discourage pilots from refusing to fly if they are sick or fatigued, he said. Managers at some commuter airlines "are insisting they're going to beat their pilots into submission," Prater told the panel, according to The Wall Street Journal. Roger Cohen, head of the Regional Airline Association, told the panel that he didn't know of any cases when pilots were punished for calling in sick. The purpose of the hearing was to follow up on the industry's response to the fatal crash of a Colgan Air Dash-8 in Buffalo in February, in which 50 people died. Besides Prater and Cohen, the panel heard from FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt; Air Transport Association President James May; John Loftus, representing the families of the people who died; Tim Brady of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and Jeff Skiles, vice president of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations. Their written testimony and a video of the hearing are available online.

FAA Resumes Aircraft Kit Approvals
September 23, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA last week ended its suspension of amateur-built aircraft kit evaluations, which had been in effect since February 2008. The FAA had put the kit evaluations on hold while it worked on a revision of its interpretation of the "51-percent" regulations that govern amateur-built aircraft. In a new policy statement, the FAA outlines its procedures for creating a National Kit Evaluation Team and establishes a standard methodology for evaluating amateur-built aircraft kits. The team will determine if a kit would allow an amateur builder to meet the "major portion" requirements of the FARs, but the team does not certify, approve, or recommend any of the kits, the FAA said. Submission of kits for examination is not required. EAA's Earl Lawrence, vice president of industry and regulatory affairs, welcomed the news and called it further evidence that there will be no surprises when the FAA proclaims its final policy for interpreting and enforcing the amateur-built aircraft regulations -- a policy that the experimental/amateur-built community has been anxious to see for some time.

New Ground-Based System Provides Radar-Like Coverage In Rockies
September 23, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA has installed a stopgap system in Colorado that allows air traffic controllers to track aircraft in remote, mountainous regions where radar can't reach, while waiting for the NextGen satellite-based ADS-B system to become operational in 2013. "The new system, called Wide-Area Multilateration, lets us see aircraft we couldn't see before due to the rugged terrain," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "It improves the safety and efficiency of those flights and saves time and money for passengers and operators." The Colorado Department of Transportation estimates an average of 75 aircraft are delayed each day in the region between November and April. The WAM system, which went online Sept. 12, uses a network of about 20 small sensors deployed in remote areas. The sensors send out signals that are received and sent back by aircraft transponders. The precise location of aircraft is determined by triangulating the time and distance measurements of those signals. Controllers can see these aircraft on their screens as if they were radar targets.

Latest Aspen MFDs Now FAA Certified
September 23, 2009
By Mary Grady
The latest set of glass panels from Aspen Avionics is now FAA-certified, the company said this week. The EFD500 Multi-Function Display, the EFD1000 MFD and the EWR50 Evolution Weather Receiver now are all TSO-authorized and ready to ship. Aircraft owners can install all the Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or one by one, as their needs and budgets permit, the company said. The new MFDs are built on the same hardware and software platform as the Evolution EFD1000 PFD. The displays feature moving maps and terrain awareness. With the appropriate sensors, the system can also provide traffic displays, Stormscope WX-500 and XM WX aviation weather products. The EFD500 MFD is priced at $4,995, the EFD1000 MFD lists at $7,995, and the EWR50 Weather Receiver goes for $2,495.

"What's An Airplane Doing At A Boat Show?"
September 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
Getting lots of attention from potential new pilots, hopefully. Mark Bennett, New England regional sales rep for Cirrus Aircraft, parked himself outside the entrance to the Newport (R.I.) International Boat Show last weekend, one of the largest events of its kind in the country. Bennett brought along a full-scale mockup of a Cirrus SR-22 and invited all comers to climb aboard and check it out. The mock-up is an actual aircraft off the production line, only lacking an engine. The wings have been altered to make them easily removable, so the mock-up can travel up and down the East Coast on a truck, helping the sales staff troll for new customers at a variety of non-standard venues. "This airplane has been to boat shows, car dealer's showrooms, in hotel lobbies, you name it," says Bennett. All in all, the airplane and its fully equipped cockpit host about 25,000 potential buyers per year.

FAA Requires Inspections For Some TCM Cylinders
September 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA on Tuesday issued an airworthiness directive that affects certain Teledyne Continental Motors reciprocating engines with TCM EQ3 cylinders installed. The AD applies to engines in the O-470, IO-470, TSIO-470, IO-520, TSIO-520, IO-550, and IOF-550 series, which are found in a variety of GA airplanes, including many Beech and Cessna models. TCM shipped engines with EQ3 cylinders and shipped individual EQ3 cylinders from Nov. 1, 2007, through Jan. 30, 2009. Also, TCM produced a group of about 300 EQ3 cylinders in August and September of 2006. The AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of TCM EQ3 cylinders for cracks. The EQ3 cylinders must be identified and initially inspected within 20 flight hours after Oct. 7, 2009, the effective date of the AD. Also, the AD requires that the cylinders must be removed from service within 1,300 hours total time of operation. This AD results from reports of 35 EQ3 cylinders found cracked, the FAA said.

Rinaldi To Lead NATCA
September 22, 2009
By Russ Niles
Paul Rinaldi will be the next president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association after a runoff vote. Rinaldi narrowly beat former Executive Vice President Ruth Marlin with a 53 percent majority in the vote. Rinaldi gathered a total of 5,023 votes. He will take over as president from Patrick Forrey on Oct. 19. "We've had a difficult last three years, but we've persevered. I look forward to ensuring that our members always have a voice and, just as important, that the FAA always listens.

AVweb Insider Blog: Randy Babbitt — Flying Public Is the Customer, Not the Airlines
September 21, 2009
He's got that exactly right, says Paul Bertorelli on the AVweb Insider blog — and it's nice to hear someone actually say it. After a decade of psychobabble business speak, maybe Babbitt gets that the FAA's job is oversight and regulation on the public's behalf.

Hinton Youngest Reno Champion
September 21, 2009
By Russ Niles
Steve Hinton Jr., 22, became the youngest pilot to win the top prize at the National Championship Air Races in Reno Sunday. Hinton flew the highly-modified P-51 Strega to victory in the Breitling Gold Unlimited Race at an average speed of 491.822 mph in a time of 8:10.357, almost 13 seconds ahead of John Penney in Rare Bear, an F8F Bearcat. Third place went to Sherman Smoot in the Yak 11 Czech Mate. It was only Hinton's second appearance in the Unlimited class but he's been around the sport since he attended his first Reno races when he was two weeks old. His father Steve Sr. is a two-time Unlimited champion and Strega is no stranger to the winner's circle, having won the event seven times. Full results are available here.

AVweb Insider Blog: USA Today Blows It on Airport Funding
September 18, 2009
USA Today writer Thomas Frank apparently thinks airport funding should go to the 139 "well-known" airports that handle commercial traffic. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Russ Niles points out the danger in that thinking: "Let's hope he doesn't have a heart attack somewhere else."

FAA: Airlines Are Not Customers
September 20, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Passenger-rights advocates are hailing the announcement made last week by FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt that "when we say customer, we're talking about the flying public," but they're not entirely satisfied. Business Travel Coalition and FlyersRights.org applauded the decision, but stated their shared belief that the FAA "should completely remove the term 'customer' from its lexicon" lest it remain "a trigger for confused behavior." The groups called the airline-as-customer notion "misguided" and a source of dysfunction in the industry. It is the groups' view that "the FAA needs to be a strong regulator with a mission to protect the flying public, period." Toward that end, the groups hope to see more progress this coming Tuesday when a passengers' rights stakeholders hearing will take place in Washington. The groups hope that meeting will be followed with the attachment of proposals to the FAA reauthorization bill that will effectively set a passengers' bill of rights. But at this time, the language of the proposals may not be specific enough to be enforceable

Honeywell Software Addresses Situational Awareness, Incursions
September 20, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Honeywell's SmartRunway and SmartLanding products are upgrades to its Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, they talk, they're recently FAA-approved and they're designed to directly address major factors identified by the FAA that lead to runway incursions. SmartLanding is designed to identify things like which runway the pilot is approaching and whether the aircraft's airspeed is too high, or if the aircraft is flying too high or going to incur a long landing, and then conveys that information to the pilots through audio and visual signals. SmartRunway conveys advisories about a runway's length and its location, calling out and identifying each runway whenever the aircraft is approaching one either on the ground or in the air. For landing aircraft, it will call out distance remaining before and after landing. The products together address three key FAA-identified factors that lead to runway incursions: "communication, airport familiarization and cockpit procedures for maintaining orientation," according to Honeywell. The company says SmartRunway will be compatible with ADS-B functionality as that technology becomes available and should be available on certain new Boeing aircraft as they come off the line.

NTSB's Hudson Midair Animation Lacking Key Details?
September 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew

NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman last week spoke before the Subcommittee on Aviation in the U.S. House of Representatives and stated that the pilot of the Piper involved in the fatal midair with a Eurocopter over the Hudson this August may have transferred to the wrong frequency. Hersman told the Subcommittee that the pilot acknowledged the Teterboro controller's last instruction to pick up Newark, but that "the pilot read back to the controller an incorrect frequency." There is no indication, according to Hersman, "that the incorrect read-back was heard or corrected by any air traffic controller." Matched with the NTSB animation released the same day, the read-back occurred while the lone working Teterboro controller was also engaged with what the NTSB identifies as a "personal phone call" and other audible radio communications from a controller at Newark. However, from the NTSB's animation alone, it is not at all clear that the read-back was incorrect or even complete. (See minute 2:25 of the video.) The animation does, however, include transcription of some communications that are not audible in the presentation.

Airbus Forecast: $3.1 Trillion In Airliners Over 20 Years
September 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Airbus, presently the world's largest manufacturer of commercial aircraft, sees airlines picking up some 25,000 aircraft over the next 20 years, to the tune of $3.1 trillion. That's up 3 percent from the company's February 2008 forecast. The company expects Asia to firm up demand for single-aisle and other aircraft, accounting for as much as 31 percent of new aircraft. That, as the airline industry comes out of an industry-wide loss year that could amount to as much as $11 billion for airlines if forecasts by the International Air Transport Association hold true. Airbus nonetheless hopes to carry about 300 orders for 2009 and predicts passenger growth in 2010, up 4.6 percent from a 2-percent decline in 2009 and continuing with 4.7 percent increases on average. That means, in the Airbus forecast, that traffic would double within 15 years. Carriers are considered likely to demand more fuel-efficient aircraft, replacing older models while increasing access to cities worldwide. Boeing's latest predictions don't altogether carry the same tune, and offer a less optimistic look at the near term but carry on to a similar end.

EAA Inducts Six To Hall Of Fame, You're Invited
September 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Oct. 16 will see six inducted into the EAA Hall of Fame: Lance Neibauer, the late Stephen Pitcairn, George Baker, Roy Pinner, Paul Sanderson, and, perhaps the most recognized, Bob Hoover. EAA says the group spans the range of aviation within the EAA membership, each achieving a level of notoriety "within their particular realm of flight." Neibauer made real the sleek Lancair kit-built designs, one of which one hung in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and others that evolved from the Lancair IV to become the Columbia and later Cessna Corvalis. Stephen Pitcairn passed away March 29, 2008, at the age of 83. He built on the legacy of his father Harold Pitcairn, who founded Pitcairn Aircraft, and served as a director of the EAA Aviation Foundation. Baker is noted for his contribution to EAA warbirds, Pinner to ultralights, and Sanderson to flight instruction. Hoover is recognized for his accomplishments in the military, as a test pilot and legendary airshow performer. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at the EAA Hall of Fame induction dinner, at which Bob Hoover will speak. You'll need a ticket.

USA Today Spotlight On GA Funding Ignites GA Reaction
September 17, 2009
By Glenn Pew
An article published Thursday by USA Today notes that Congress has directed billions to general aviation airports, "which typically are tucked on country roads and industrial byways," usually operate flights on the order of "just a few each hour" and which "the lawmakers also regularly use in their travels," ... "sometimes in planes with lobbyists." It goes on to state that "lawmakers have expanded annual funding by 10 times since 1982," rewriting federal law to re-route funds to the airports, of which "nearly 90% operate at less than one-third of their capacity." And all that is funded by taxes paid "mostly by the nation's airline passengers," who are flying out of larger airports working much closer to their full capacity that are in need of expensive upgrades to their infrastructure. AOPA shot off a response calling the article "a slanted, one-sided front-page story," slanted to favor airlines by brewing "negative sentiment" that "perpetuate public misconceptions about GA." NBAA also chimed in, calling the article "biased" and "distorted" and followed up with a letter to the editor that called the airports "vital" and "lifelines" for towns with little or no airline service. Of course, there were more comments ... from EAA (which pointed out the contributions of aviation fuel taxes), from GAMA (which noted the economic engines driven by airport services and traffic) and NATA (which pointed out the $150 billion contributed annually to the U.S. economy by the general aviation industry). AOPA even added a little fact-checking ... .

Production Cessna Skycatcher Flies (In China)
September 17, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The first production line assembled-in-China Cessna 162 Skycatcher to be flown took flight Thursday at Cessna's Shenyang production facility in northeast China, performing "a number of handling quality tests during the flight," Cessna said in a news release. The "first" here means that the particular aircraft was "fabricated and assembled on production tooling." Cessna in July earned ASTM compliance (international standards for Light Sport aircraft) for the two-place, piston powered single-engine high wing, and Cessna chairman, president and CEO, Jack Pelton, is excited to see the Skycatcher "take its place in the industry as the light sport aircraft of choice." When Cessna first announced the Skycatcher would be assembled in China, it fielded some boisterously opposed opinions from some percentage of the flying public, but Cessna has stayed the course. The Shenyang Aircraft Company (SAC) is the fabricator of the aircraft's fuselage, which it then integrates with other components including a Continental 0-200D 100-hp engine and Garmin G300 split screen primary flight and multi-function displays. Aircraft will be shipped from China to the U.S. where they will be reassembled, according to Cessna.

Jetpack First Flights On eBay
September 17, 2009
By Russ Niles
If Glenn Martin has gauged his market correctly, there should be lineup of adrenaline junkies bidding to become the first "test pilot" of the Martin Jetpack. The always-innovative Martin is auctioning off the first six flights of the piston-powered, ducted fan contrivance available to the public on eBay. The winning bidder can take the prize on their own or invite up to three friends to take part in the historic occasion. The winner will be responsible for their own expenses in getting to New Zealand for the three-days of training and flying. Martin says anyone who can strap into the device can submit a bid. "Whoever wins this auction, whether it's a highly qualified pilot or someone who has never flown before, we will be able to tailor a testing program for the jetpack that matches their skill," he said.

Soviet Transport May Be Sold In Marquette
September 17, 2009
By Russ Niles
It's not something you'll likely see in the classifieds, but the only U.S.-registered Ilyushin IL-78 could go on the block in a court-ordered sale next week in Marquette, Mich. The Mining Journal reports the massive former Ukrainian Air Force four-engine transport/tanker made what was supposed to be a refueling stop at Sawyer International Airport on July 17 but some of the crew didn't have their paperwork in order and Customs and Border Protection officials detained them briefly before deporting them. The hulking Soviet-era aircraft, which is owned by Tactical Air Defense Services Inc. of Florida and leased by Air Support System of Delaware, has been there ever since, accumulating ramp charges and a sitting duck for the $62,000 claim that a Texas company has against it for fuel and other services. Marquette courts have issued judgments over the past couple of months but there has been no response from the owners and Circuit Court Judge Thomas Solka says he'll order the plane put up for sale no later than Sept. 25 if someone doesn't come forward. And who on Earth would want it? Well, Tactical Air Defense Services certainly had big plans, according to a series of news releases issued by the company over the past couple of years.

Lindbergh Foundation Seeks Applicants For Aviation Grants
September 16, 2009
By Mary Grady
The Lindbergh Foundation has extended its deadline for submissions of aviation-related grant applications until Oct. 30. "Anyone conducting an aviation/aerospace research project that balances technological advancements with the preservation of our environment is encouraged to apply," the foundation said. The grants are given to individuals, who are not required to be associated with a university, business, or nonprofit group. Awards are made for up to $10,580 -- the amount that Charles Lindbergh spent to build the Spirit of St. Louis. In recent years, grants have gone to help develop electric-powered airplanes, to increase fuel efficiency by reducing drag, and to reduce noise pollution by using high-frequency sound waves from ultrasonic actuators. The grants aim to support innovative ideas at earlier stages of development and establish pilot projects that often subsequently receive funding from other sources, the Foundation said.

FAA On "51-Percent" Rule -- Not Yet
September 16, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA on Wednesday published the findings of its Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on amateur-built aircraft -- which essentially reiterates what was reported in August at EAA AirVenture -- but the actual new policy documents, which have been in the works for about three years now, are still not in sight. "Contrary to previous indications from the FAA, the agency has yet to publish or pronounce a comprehensive final policy," said EAA this week, adding that "the homebuilding community's frustratingly protracted wait for a definitive declaration of policy from the FAA continues." More information may be coming soon, however. "Several official documents and actions [are] anticipated from the FAA in the weeks ahead," EAA said. This week's report is an "encouraging sign," added EAA's Earl Lawrence, vice president of regulatory affairs and co-chair of the ARC. Amateur builders have been waiting for the FAA to publish the results of its re-interpretation of the "51-percent rule," which sets guidelines for their construction projects. The FAA has said it won't revise the current rules, but will clarify its policies and practices in a new advisory circular and issue new guidance for its designated inspectors.

Russian JetExpo Attracts Business Aviation
September 16, 2009
By Mary Grady
The global economy may still be struggling, but that didn't prevent aviation manufacturers from attending the fourth annual JetExpo International Business Aviation Exhibition this week in Moscow -- and getting business done. Cessna announced at the show it has sold 12 new 172S Skyhawks to an aviation university in St. Petersburg, Russia, which has about 7,500 students from 25 countries studying all areas of aviation. The Skyhawks are scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year and will be the first Western-built aircraft to be used at the school, Cessna said. Cessna also announced it has received Russian type certification for the Citation Mustang, which is now certified in 60 countries. "The Mustang's entry into service has been extraordinary around the globe and interest from the market continues to grow, including a fleet order announced in 2008 from a Russian operator," said Cessna Vice President, International Sales, Trevor Esling. Also at the show, Daher-Socata's TBM 850 turboprop made its Russian debut. Victor Kuklyaev, the Russian representative for the aircraft, said the market there is ready for it.

Quest Aircraft Receives Production Certificate
September 16, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA has granted a full production certificate to Quest Aircraft Co., of Sandpoint, Idaho, manufacturer of the 10-seat Kodiak single-engine turboprop utility aircraft. The company has been in business since 2001 and employs more than 300 workers, who are currently producing about three airplanes per month. "Achieving this final step in the process of designing, producing, and delivering a brand-new aircraft is an important milestone for Quest," said CEO Paul Schaller in a news release this week. With the production certification in hand, the company now can issue standard airworthiness certificates for each of its airplanes. "[This] will allow us to streamline the production and delivery process over time, as we take responsibility for inspections and coordinate changes with the FAA's Seattle Manufacturing Inspection District Office," Schaller said. The company has so far delivered 22 copies of the airplane, for a range of customers -- charter operators, government agencies, individuals, and mission and humanitarian groups.

FAA Publishes Plan For Modifications To Hudson Corridor
September 16, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA on Wednesday published its proposed new rules that would modify the VFR airspace above the Hudson River in New York, in response to a fatal midair collision in August in which nine people were killed. The proposal formalizes the plan announced last month, which was supported by both AOPA and NATCA. The proposed changes would restructure the airspace, mandate pilot operating rules, create a new entry point into the Hudson River airspace from Teterboro, standardize New York area charts and develop new training for pilots, air traffic controllers and businesses that operate helicopters and aircraft in the area. The only cost to pilots, the FAA says, would be $5.25 for new aeronautical charts, which they must carry on board while flying in the corridor. Comments will be accepted on the proposed rules until Oct. 16.

DOT: ADS-B To Launch In Gulf In December
September 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
NextGen satellite technology will go online in the Gulf of Mexico in December, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said at a news conference on Monday. The ADS-B system will cover 240,000 square miles. Helicopters that provide services to more than 9,000 oil rigs in the Gulf now must operate VFR only when they fly more than 150 miles offshore, beyond the reach of radar services, said LaHood. The NextGen system will enable them to fly IFR. Aircraft flying from Florida to South America also will benefit, he said. Air traffic controllers now must allow a 100-mile buffer for each aircraft crossing the Gulf on an IFR flight plan. The ADS-B system will make that unnecessary, allowing for less hold time between takeoffs. In an update on Tuesday, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said, "NextGen is a success story waiting to happen." The FAA is ready to commit to "giving it the juice it needs," he said, adding that he has the support of LaHood and President Barack Obama. "They want this up and running, and they are fully supportive. The green light can't get any greener than that."

Public Service Award Goes To Corporate Angel Network
September 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
The Corporate Angel Network was honored for "outstanding achievement in public benefit flying" at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., last week. The award was presented by the National Aeronautic Association in partnership with the Air Care Alliance. The Network was recognized for its work in finding empty seats on corporate aircraft to transport cancer patients to treatment centers nationwide. The program, which began in 1981, now has more than 500 corporate participants who contribute 3,000 flights per year. Awards also went to Mack Secord, who has volunteered for more than 23 years with Angel Flight of Georgia, and Robert Munley, one of the founders of Wings of Mercy, in Michigan.

The Public Benefit Flying Awards were created to honor volunteer pilots, other volunteers, and their organizations engaged in flying to help others, and those supporting such work. Since 2003 dozens of awards have been presented at the Above and Beyond Awards Ceremony, held each fall in the U.S. Capitol Building. To nominate someone for a 2010 Public Benefit Flying Award, go to the NAA site or the ACA site.

AVweb Insider Blog: "Bang, Bang"
September 14, 2009
Being first to break a story isn't always the best way to be first in service to your audience. AVweb's Glenn Pew reflects on the pressures that led a major and respected news outlet like CNN to misreport a training exercise as potential terrorist activity on the anniversary of the World Trade Center attack.

Piloted Aircraft Become UAV Simulators
September 13, 2009
By Russ Niles
As if to prove that technology tends to come full circle, the Air Force is now using piloted aircraft as simulators to train pilots of UAVs. "We're using a manned aircraft to simulate an unmanned aircraft," said CAP-U.S. Air Force Commander Col. Bill Ward. The Air Force has installed a "Predator Ball" under the wing of a CAP Cessna 182, giving the four-place single the ability to pretend it's a Predator or Reaper UAV ready to mix it up with insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan. All the actual UAVs are busy doing that and that's left a "critical training gap" for Army and Marine personnel learning how to use the drones. "The Surrogate Predator (as the CAP 182 is known) is the solution," said Maj. Matt Martin, chief of the Predator/Reaper Ops Branch of Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

9/11 '09, And The 'News' That Halted Traffic At Reagan National
September 12, 2009
By Glenn Pew
CNN provoked a 22-minute ground halt at Reagan National Airport Friday morning when it broadcast a story that shots had been fired amid elevated Coast Guard activity on the Potomac River shortly after President Obama's motorcade had passed through the area on historically sensitive 9/11, 2009. The news agency later reported that it had confirmed the events were all part of a Coast Guard training exercise. It was later discovered that the words "bang, bang, bang, bang" and "we have expended 10 rounds" had been heard by CNN over police scanners that the news agency monitors. Following that, the news organization observed and eventually broadcast video footage of U.S. Coast Guard vessels behaving in what might be described as excited fashion on the Potomac. The final complication came when CNN sought comment from the Coast Guard and was told by a spokeswoman that she was unaware of activity in that area. Then, going with what they heard and saw, CNN went live on cable television to announce that the Coast Guard had reported shots fired and aired their footage of the elevated Coast Guard boat activity on the Potomac. That report then influenced authorities to take action at Reagan National, where a ground halt was put into effect from 10:08 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. CNN says it received a Coast Guard e-mail at 11:09 a.m. confirming that the event was a training exercise. In the aftermath, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs took aim at CNN. CNN stood its ground.

Flying Into Bagram? Soon Worry Less About Birds
September 12, 2009
By Glenn Pew
It's likely not a top concern for pilots, but it ranks among them, and so Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, is slated to receive the first bird radar system deployed in a war zone, DeTect Inc., maker of the MERLIN Bird Radar system, announced last week. By the end of 2009, the system is set to be deployed and operational, providing real-time 3-D hazardous bird activity monitoring through 360 degrees of airspace out to 8 miles. What the system detects, it then provides as automated warnings to controllers and pilots. DeTect originally developed its system for the Air Force and NASA and now has more than 50 mobile units operating in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa and New Zealand, both for aviation safety and bird control applications. The U.S. Air Force actually purchased its first MERLIN radar system in 2003 and now has six systems installed at its facilities in the U.S. Aside from its "first" status, the Bagram system is something a little bit special.

Challenges As Deadline Looms For Weather Service Consolidation
September 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
A proposal to consolidate aviation weather service units is under consideration and a September report by the Government Accountability Office says that the National Weather Service (NWS) and the FAA have yet to properly address key challenges even though the interagency agreement will expire at the end of the month. The proposed restructuring considers changing the way aviation weather services are provided at en route centers, but the GAO states "it is not yet clear whether and how these changes will be implemented." In 2005, the FAA requested that the NWS consolidate sites and reduce personnel costs while providing 24/7 service. NWS' subsequent proposals were rejected by the FAA "because the costs were too high," according to the GAO, and the latest proposal would move weather service from roughly 21 locations, to two. When the GAO found that the latest proposal lacked performance measures starting with a baseline of the current system's performance, the FAA generated five measures and NWS proposed eight more. The GAO has found that the agencies have failed to establish a performance baseline for nine of those measures. The GAO maintains that without baseline measures, the NWS and the FAA may find themselves in a poor position to measure the success or failure of any changes. As always, the GAO has recommendations.

Baja Bush Pilots Rise To The Call In Hurricane's Wake
September 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Hurricane Jimena slammed into mid-Baja roughly two weeks ago, damaging buildings, destroying infrastructure and disrupting water, power and telephone services, while blocking streets and impairing relief efforts. Now the Baja Bush Pilots are seeking resources to help fill the void. The group, originally formed by Arnold Senterfitt, who in the mid-1960s mapped airports in the region, has now organized in recent years to transport supplies when disaster strikes the region. The group is currently seeking donations of clothing, shelter, medication, foods and water purification. The work is critical and time-sensitive. But the greatest needs are constantly shifting. The group is doing its best to keep their web site updated as they arrange to fly supplies into Mulege airstrip, which was in the path of the storm and last week offered about 2,200 feet of usable runway.

Midland International Airport To Host CAF Retro USO "AIRSHO"
September 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The Commemorative Air Force will on the weekend of Oct. 10 host at its headquarters in Midland, Texas, the CAF AIRSHO that will take visitors "back in time to the mid-1940s." More than 100 aircraft, ranging from early vintage designs to examples of today's American military, will be complemented by Bob Hope and Bing Crosby impersonators and Andrews Sisters-style music performed live along with the United States Army Band from Fort Bliss. The event is meant to provoke "the glamour and excitement of the WWII USO shows" while giving attendees open access to the fighter and bomber ramps and the opportunity to get up close and personal with many of the 156 aircraft that CAF members have restored and maintained as keepsakes of American history. According to the CAF, "It will evoke a spirit of patriotism reminiscent of the 1940s, a period remembered and celebrated as 'When America was at its finest.'"

GA Groups React To Potential New TSA Administrator, Erroll Southers
September 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Erroll Southers has been selected by the Obama administration to be the fifth administrator of the Transportation Security Administration. The TSA was formed "immediately following the tragedies of Sept. 11," 2001, and now employs roughly 50,000 people. It is charged with (among other things) overseeing security at some 450 U.S. airports. Erroll, who is a former FBI agent, currently serves as an assistant chief for the Los Angeles World Airports Police Department's Office of Homeland Security and Intelligence. The National Air Transportation Association was one of the first aviation groups to respond to the administration's selection, saying through its president, James K. Coyne, that "Southers' vast experience with homeland security and terrorism will serve him well as the next administrator of the TSA." NATA "looks forward to working with Mr. Southers on critical security issues facing the general aviation industry and the airline services community." AOPA president Craig Fuller also said he "looks forward to a continuing dialog with the administrator once he takes office to ensure the security process is transparent, and to make sure the TSA recognizes the nation's pilot population as an asset in its ongoing efforts to enhance security."

AVweb Insider Blog: The Victor Dustup
September 10, 2009
Whether the takeoff of a cold-war era Victor bomber was an accident or not, it seems to AVweb's Paul Bertorelli that such a thing ought to be avoidable. And blaming it on the co-pilot is ... tacky. Read Paul's comments (and add your own) at the AVweb Insider blog.

737 Hijacked, Suspects Arrested, No One Hurt
September 9, 2009
By Mary Grady
A Boeing 737 operated by AeroMexico was hijacked on Wednesday after departing from Cancun. None of the 112 passengers and crew on board were harmed in the incident and police arrested several men after the flight landed in Mexico City. No shots were fired, according to the Associated Press. It was unclear at our deadline what kind of threats the men made or what their motivation was; it was also unclear if Mexico City was the flight's intended destination. One report said the hijackers used a fake bomb and forced the crew to circle Mexico City seven times before landing, but other reports said the men had explosives strapped to their legs. Another source said the hijacking didn't take place until after the airplane was already on the runway. The hijackers allegedly made demands to talk with Mexico's president, Felipe Calderon. According to Bloomberg, the hijackers held the passengers on board the airplane for about 45 minutes after landing, while negotiating with officials. The passengers were then allowed to leave, but the crew was held for about another half hour before Mexican police stormed the aircraft and freed the crew and arrested the suspects. Bloomberg said at least seven men were arrested, other reports gave numbers from five to nine.

LSA Models Now Number 100
September 9, 2009
By Mary Grady
In just five years, the Light Sport Aircraft industry has made it to S-LSA model No. 100, with the approval of Van's RV-12. The RV-12 LSA approval was announced in late July, but it wasn't until this week that Dan Johnson, chairman of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association, realized that the paperwork for the Krucker amphibious trike, Cygnet, had been completed earlier in July, making that aircraft No. 99, and the RV-12 emerged as No. 100. The LSA sector provides a vital incubator for new ideas in aviation, Johnson said. "Such entrepreneurial activities are vital," he told AVweb on Wednesday. "If only governments (FAA and EASA spring to mind) don't overly burden these sectors, we will continue to see bright lights at the end of the tunnel." Out of those first 100 models, a couple are no longer available, Johnson said, and two European companies are in bankruptcy, though they may yet re-emerge. However, for the most part the segment is robust, and many of the smaller manufacturers can do fine on as few as 30 sales a year, Johnson said.

Textron Sees Signs Of Stabilization, Improvement
September 9, 2009
By Mary Grady
In a business update that was webcast on Wednesday, executives with Textron, the parent company of Cessna and Bell Helicopters, said "recent data indicate early signs of stabilization" in the economy, and the long-term outlook for deliveries is strong. The percentage of used Citations available for sale improved over the last four months, and daily utilization of the fleet flattened out over the summer, after 18 months of decline, the company said. However, Textron CEO Lewis Campbell said he expects another down year overall for Cessna next year, with "modest recovery" in 2011. Global markets present strong growth opportunities, the company said, and aggressive layoffs and furloughs have cut costs. Cessna is on track to deliver about 275 jets this year.

French, Swiss, USA Teams Lead In Annual Balloon Race
September 9, 2009
By Mary Grady
The annual Gordon Bennett balloon race, the premier event in the small world of gas ballooning, launched in Geneva, Switzerland, last Saturday, with 16 teams competing. With online tracking of each team now available, the competition can be watched by a worldwide audience. The race rules are simple -- whoever lands at a point farthest from the takeoff site, wins. The following year's race then is hosted in the winner's country. By Wednesday, all the teams had landed safely. Preliminary results list a French team in first place, followed by the Swiss, and the U.S. coming in third. Most of the balloons drifted south over the Mediterranean before catching winds that brought them west over Spain and Portugal. Three teams landed in Algeria, on the northern coast of Africa.

Francis Rogallo, "Father of Hang Gliding," Dies At 97
September 9, 2009
By Mary Grady
Francis Rogallo, who patented a flexible wing design in 1948 that has been credited with spurring the development of hang gliders, sport parachutes, and ultralights, died at his home in North Carolina on Sept. 1. In the 1950s, Rogallo and his wife, Gertrude, who was credited as co-inventor of the wing, gave their patent to the government and began a series of experiments with NASA, who renamed the design the Parawing. The wing was tested at altitudes as high as 200,000 feet and as fast as Mach 3 to evaluate it as an alternative recovery system for the Gemini space capsules and spent rocket stages. NASA conducted test flights of a Parawing aircraft called the "flying Jeep" and a weight-shift Parawing glider, both manned and unmanned. In the 1960s, the Rogallo wing design was adopted by the hang-gliding community. "Millions of people around the world have enjoyed flight as a result of Rogallo's invention of the Flexible Wing," according to the obituary published by the Rogallo Foundation.

Pilot Averts Disaster On Accidental Takeoff
September 9, 2009
By Russ Niles

A retired RAF bomber pilot is being hailed a hero after a museum-owned Handley Page Victor, a Cold War nuclear bomber, took off accidentally during an air show in Bruntingthorpe, England in May. Video of the incident came to light this week. The Daily Mail is reporting that the bomber, which hasn't flown in 20 years, was supposed to taxi down the runway as a photo opportunity. For reasons that remain unclear, the unidentified volunteer right seater firewalled the throttles and within a few seconds the Victor was in its natural element. Bob Prothero, 70, a former squadron commander who last slipped the surly bonds in a Victor in the 1980s, was in the left seat and screamed for the engineer to cut the power but the next thing he knew he was back in the saddle again for the "most terrifying nine seconds of my life."

Asian Aerospace Show This Week Highlights Growth In Corporate Sector
September 8, 2009
By Mary Grady
Asian Aerospace 2009, a leading event for the region that is held every other year, takes place in Hong Kong this week, Tuesday through Thursday, with a new emphasis on corporate aviation. "The event's unique positioning and focus will provide a platform for the business aviation industry to meet the widely forecasted groundswell of demand in Asia, particularly from China," event organizers said in a news release. Speakers will tackle topics such as legal, regulatory, and insurance considerations; airspace requirements; safety regulations; and Air Operator's certificates. China is already the world's second-largest overall aviation market, according to event organizers. In spite of the world economic turndown, 2008 was a record year for the business aviation market in Asia, particularly in mainland China.

New Technology To Debut At Bird-Strike Conference
September 8, 2009
By Mary Grady
People who worry about bird strikes in aviation, from airport operators to air traffic controllers to researchers and safety experts, gather every year for a Bird Strike North America Conference -- but this year's event, which takes place Sept. 14-17 in Victoria, British Columbia, is expected to draw more attention than usual. The dramatic Hudson River ditching early this year brought widespread attention to the issue of bird strikes, and some new technologies are expected to debut at the event. Accipiter Radar will introduce a 360-degree 3-D avian radar technology. Other vendors will display various kinds of radars for detecting birds as well as methods for dispersing them, such as colored laser beams, specially trained dogs, radio-controlled cannons, and garlic oil sprayed on grass to make it unpalatable for geese.

Airship Ventures Invites Pilots-For-A-Day
September 6, 2009
By Mary Grady

Click for more photos

For pilots, just going for a sightseeing flight along the California coast in Airship Ventures' new Zeppelin NT is nice enough -- but wouldn't it be even better if you could take a turn flying it, and learn about how all the systems work? Pilots kept asking for a chance to sit in the cockpit, says Airship Ventures' spokeswoman Elaine Jumes, but they couldn't allow that while other passengers were on board. So, as AVweb reported last month the company now offers a special day of flying just for pilots, when each one gets a chance not only to maneuver the ship in flight but also to shoot a couple of touch-and-goes. The day-long course starts with a four-hour ground school where experienced pilots explain all the unique systems that make the airship fly, from ballonets to control the pressure inside the gas bag to the three swiveling engines that provide propulsion and control. The airship, which was built at the Zeppelin factory in Germany, has an inner structure built of carbon fiber, fly-by-wire flight systems, and a full electronic panel with sidestick controllers -- and no rudder pedals. Last Friday, Airship Ventures invited AVweb along for the pilot experience. Click here for a photo gallery and more details about the program — and watch for a video of our Zeppelin adventure, coming your way soon.

AVweb Insider Blog: The VLJ Price Fantasy
September 6, 2009
The industry persists in the notion that small, light jets can be made cheaply. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli argues that "cheap" is really around the $2 million mark and not much lower. The idea here is to produce sustainable projects that allow companies to remain in business — profitably.

Passing Of Tuskegee Airman Raises Questions
September 6, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Robert A. Decatur, who in 1944 was a Tuskegee cadet, served as one of the roughly 960 black pilots who escorted all-white bomber crews over Europe ... or not, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Decatur passed away last month and the Internet offers multiple sources (his obituary, as published in the Sentinel, among them) that detail his long, distinguished and honorable career. But the Sentinel now says it's all a fabrication and a product of Decatur's own embellishments that ranged over decades. The Sentinel says it has records that show Decatur did not complete pilot training at Tuskegee, did not graduate from the Tuskegee flight school program and did not fly in combat with Tuskegee airmen. The man who went on to become Judge Decatur and a civil rights activist may not have been a "judge" at all, the Sentinel suggests. For his war record, at least one Tuskegee Airmen interviewed by the Sentinel takes issue with what the Sentinel says is Decatur's own account and at least one member of Decatur's own family appears to have questions.

Girls With Wings Scholarship
September 5, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Girls With Wings is devoted to introducing young women to role models in aviation-related occupations and it's currently seeking scholarship applicants to show their motivation, inspirations and future plans in essay form. The scholarship winner must not yet have received her private pilot's license, must be female, and will be sent a check to be used toward flying lessons at the flight school of her choice. Last year's winner, then-20-year-old Amy Blechman, a student studying aviation management with a pro-pilot minor, wrote a winning essay of less than 800 words. This year's winner will get a flight training boost of up to $1000 made up of donations matched (up to $150) by "K. Jones," according to the Girls With Wings Web site. The funds are made up of donations, and at the time of this writing the pool was $625. There are some requirements for the winner, who will be notified Dec. 1, 2009.

Piper Goes To Brunei, Seeks Partner
September 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Making inroads to the Far East via Brunei, Piper appears to be following through on plans announced earlier this year to expand its influence on the other side of the world. Piper's plan would see it playing a key role in the opening of Brunei's first pilot academy. To move forward, Piper is currently seeking proposals from large training academies with which it could partner to supply initial pilot training for Asian airlines and a new Brunei aviation hub. The company's current owner is the Brunei-backed investment firm Imprimus, so the move is not as far from home as it may otherwise appear. For Piper's part, the venture could supply a new market for its single-engine Warrior. For Brunei, the open airspace could provide an attractive initial training environment for prospective pilots from its own and neighboring countries. Piper will be seeking an Asian-based executive to oversee the new academy's operations and develop other business opportunities. As distant and isolated as the prospective Brunei-based facility may seem, it will have competition ... some of which is already flying Pipers.

NATCA, AOPA Support FAA Task Force Plans For Hudson
September 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The FAA's reaction to the fatal midair collision that on Aug. 8 killed all nine aboard both a Piper Saratoga and Eurocopter is receiving support from both AOPA and NATCA. "I believe that the FAA's task force recommendations meet or exceed the NTSB's on every issue," wrote Eddie Kragh, NATCA representative to the task force and Newark controller. AOPA president Craig Fuller said, "This is a great example of the government and the industry working cooperatively and acting swiftly and decisively to enhance safety." The task force recommendations rely heavily on new rules for altitude separation, segregating transient traffic by placing it above 1,000 feet while in the Hudson exclusion area (and further segregating IFR and VFR traffic), and relegating the area of 1,000 feet and below almost exclusively to local helicopter traffic. (See the full list of recommendations, here.) NATCA noted that it had identified procedures that are presently deficient, and that "may eventually be found to be contributory to the accident." Moving forward, NATCA's Kragh said, "I am satisfied the FAA invited NATCA to participate, and considered out input at every level." Nonetheless, the recommendations of the FAA's task force may fall short of some critics.

September 1 Sees Doors Open For New Eclipse
September 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The former Eclipse went into full-eclipse last November when it entered bankruptcy, and Eclipse Aerospace, which acquired the former manufacturer's assets in a $40 million bankruptcy deal, opened for business Tuesday. The new company hopes to employ more than 500 people, restart production and turn out hundreds of jets per year. That may be the ultimate goal, but in the short term the new company hopes to first perform as a service provider for the roughly 260 Eclipse 500 jets currently operating without the support of an existing parts or service infrastructure. That means Eclipse will be hiring staff and re-establishing contact with key suppliers essential to finishing some 30 aircraft now sitting in various stages of completion. The former Eclipse's Albany, N.Y., service center may not be supported by the new company, which may outsource maintenance to third parties. The longer-term goal of production is currently targeted for the first half of 2011.

WTO Rules On Airbus Subsidies -- They're Illegal
September 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
When Airbus launches a new aircraft design it has, in the past, received government loans that, if the new design does not prove profitable, do not need to be repaid. Now, due to a ruling from the World Trade Organization (WTO), that may change. The Wall Street Journal Friday summarized the words of "a person familiar with the matter," stating that the WTO has found that "every launch aid package given for the A380 passenger jet was an illegal subsidy." The loans have long been a sore point for Boeing, Airbus' main competitor, because they effectively reduce risk and initial costs inherent in bringing a new ambitious design (such as the double-decker Airbus A380) to market. The rift eventually led U.S. trade officials in 2004 to file a case with the WTO to contest the legality of such a program and, according to the Journal, the WTO published its thousand-page report in only two paper copies, delivered to the U.S. and European Union (EU) governments. The papers are only an interim report (a final ruling is expected next year) and there's another side to this story -- the EU's case against Boeing. If the WTO rules against Boeing as well, it may force the two manufacturers to form an agreement regarding acceptable practices.

FAA Requires Airbus To Change Pitots
September 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The FAA has issued a final Airworthiness Directive that requires replacement of certain Thales Avionics pitot probes (like that flown on the crashed Air France Flight 447 and 43 other Airbus A330 and A340 model aircraft currently flying) with Goodrich probes in order to prevent airspeed discrepancies that "could result in reduced control of the airplane." Use of the Thales model has resulted in "reports of airspeed indication discrepancies while flying at high altitudes in inclement weather conditions," according to the FAA. Published Thursday in the Federal Register, the final rule does not make mention of the Air France flight that transmitted via its Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System (ACARS) that its pilots were faced with conflicting or unreliable air data while flying at 35,000 feet through weather before they crashed off the northern coast of Brazil in June, killing all 228 aboard. The crash did lead Air France pilots to push for replacement pitot probes after they became aware that other aircraft flying with the Thales probes had also experienced incorrect airspeed indications. According to the FAA, the specific Thales Avionics pitot probe "has not yet demonstrated the same level of robustness to withstand high-altitude ice crystals as Goodrich pilot probes P/N 0851HL," which the agency now requires as a replacement.

FAA Proposes Changes To Hudson Rules
September 2, 2009
By Russ Niles
The FAA is proposing restructuring the low-level VFR airspace around Manhattan in reaction to last month's collision between a sightseeing helicopter and a PA32 over the Hudson River. The agency says it wants to separate traffic flying over the river from aircraft flying to and from heliports and seaplane bases by altitude. This will include a new Class B VFR corridor that it hopes will be the preferred choice of pilots flying over the Hudson. This new airspace will go from 1,300 feet to 2,000 feet and aircraft within it will operate under direct air traffic control. Uncontrolled VFR traffic will operate between 1,000 and 1,300 feet and pilots will be required to monitor a common frequency and announce entry, progress and departure from the airspace. The working traffic below 1,000 feet will monitor the same frequency. New charts will be created to clearly delineate the corridors and will highlight the hybridized Class B. "These steps will significantly enhance safety in this busy area and create crystal-clear rules for all of the pilots who operate there," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. The new rule would also formalize some common practices.

Cirrus Sets $1.39 Million Intro Price For Vision Jet
September 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
Cirrus Aircraft announced on Wednesday that it has set a maximum initial price of $1.39 million for its single-engine Vision Personal Jet, for owners who already hold current production reservations. This price will be for a Vision Jet delivered in a configuration analogous to the current GTS model SR22, the company said. "With our pricing announcement today, we have rewarded those who partnered with us since the beginning of the Vision Jet development program by creating substantial and immediate value in their production position reservations," said Cirrus Aircraft President and CEO Brent Wouters. For new buyers who reserve a production position between now and the end of the year, the maximum purchase price will be $1.55 million. Buyers must put down a non-refundable deposit of $100,000 to secure that price. "Our commitment to the Vision Jet is absolute and unequivocal," Wouters said. "Cirrus has the personnel, leadership and conviction to bring the Vision Jet to serial production as quickly as possible."

Prize For Human-Powered Rotary Flight Rises To $250,000
September 2, 2009
By Mary Grady

Prizes have done much through the last 100 years or so to spur aviation innovation, from Lindbergh's Orteig Prize to today's X Prize competitions, but sometimes if the prize is not quite enticing enough, it doesn't really do the job. That seems to be what the folks at Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. have decided, since they recently announced a dramatic change in the prize money for the Igor I. Sikorsky Human-Powered Helicopter Competition, from $20,000 to $250,000. The prize, which goes to the first human-powered helicopter that can hover at least 10 feet off the ground for 60 seconds, was first offered almost 30 years ago and has never been claimed. The best effort so far was by Prof. Akira Naito of Nihon University in Japan, who achieved an altitude of just over 6 inches and flight duration of 19.46 seconds. (Click through to see it on video.) A team at Cal Poly got into the air for 8 seconds at a height of 8 inches.

Hawker Holding Off On Premier II Debut
September 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
Hawker Beechcraft CEO Bill Boisture said this week his company is making good progress on its Beechcraft Premier II program, but will hold off on an entry-into-service date for the new jet until late 2012 or early 2013, in hopes that the economy will improve by then. "While we remain fully committed to certifying and fielding the class-leading Premier II as designed, we must be prudent in our evaluation of the current and forecasted global economic environment," Boisture said in a news release. "Based on these conditions, we have made the decision to extend the entry-into-service date to better align with anticipated rebound of the business jet market." The company has successfully test-flown the aircraft's new engines on a modified Premier IA and the first Premier II fuselage is now on the assembly line.

American Legend Offers "Cash For Junkers"
September 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
If you have an old aircraft that's due for trading up -- even if it's not airworthy -- American Legend Aircraft Company is willing to take it in trade in its own new "Cash for Junkers" program, offering $4,500 back on the purchase of a new Legend Cub. "There have been skeptics who weren't sure that now is the time to buy," said Kurt Sehnert, general manager of American Legend. "Our rebate incentive is good for the economy, good for energy independence and great for pilots. We are giving them a chance to speak with their wallets. We intend to spur sales in this sluggish economy." The rebate applies to the purchase of any model American Legend manufactures, including the kit-built Texas Sport. The company said it will donate aircraft collected under the program to museums or schools to be used for educational purposes.

Langley Wind Tunnel Efforts Continue, Down To The Wire
September 2, 2009
By Mary Grady

At the end of this month, when wind-tunnel tests now under way wrap up, NASA plans to shut down and dismantle the historic Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel in Virginia, unless a new letter-writing campaign and other efforts can change their minds. The deadline, originally set for late August, has been pushed back to Sept. 30. Ken Hyde, president of The Wright Experience, is asking supporters to write letters to their representatives in Congress to try to boost support for keeping the Langley tunnel up and running. He created a new Web site where information can be found and where updates will be posted. NASA's own Web site notes that wind tunnels are a national technological resource. "They have provided vast knowledge that has contributed to the development and advancement of the nation's aviation industry, space program, economy and the national security," says NASA.

Memorial Set For Aerobatics Pilot Vicki Cruse
September 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
A memorial event to celebrate the life of Vicki Cruse will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at her hangar on Santa Paula Airport in California, EAA said this week. Cruse, who was president of the International Aerobatic Club, died in the crash of her Edge 540 while participating as a member of the U.S. Unlimited Aerobatic team at the World Aerobatics Championships in England on Aug. 22. She was a former U.S. Aerobatic Champion and Reno racing pilot. The celebration is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP and indicate whether they plan to arrive by plane or by car. For more information and contact info, see the flyer created for the event.

NTSB Issues New Recommendations For Helicopter EMS Safety
September 1, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA needs to do more to regulate helicopter emergency medical services, the NTSB said on Tuesday, and operators also need to improve their training and procedures. "The pressure on HEMS operators to conduct their flights quickly in all sorts of environments makes these types of operations inherently more risky than other types of commercial flight operations," said NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman. "Operators need to use every available safety tool to conduct these flights and to determine when the risk of flying is just too great." The board said the FAA should mandate better pilot training, improve its data collection and monitoring, develop a low-altitude airspace infrastructure, and require crews to be trained to use night-vision systems. The agency should also require the use of autopilots during single-pilot HEMS operations. Operators should work to improve pilot training and upgrade their equipment, the NTSB said.

FAA Proposes Changes In Flight Training
September 1, 2009
By Mary Grady
Under new rules proposed by the FAA this week, flight schools would be excused from the requirement to have a ground school space if they offer Internet-based ground-school training, and students would be allowed to apply for both a private pilot certificate and an instrument rating at the same time. The agency also said it would like to change its definition of "complex airplane" to include airplanes equipped with FADEC engines. Another change would require pilots of single-pilot-certified light jets to pass a proficiency check. The FAA also said it would like to make it easier to issue U.S. certificates to foreign pilots. "Because of changing technology in aviation, the results of successful research, and an international agreement, the FAA has determined these proposed changes to the pilot, flight instructor, and pilot school certification rules are necessary," the FAA said in its proposal. The changes will help to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, the FAA said.

Vintage Wings Tiger Moth Crashes
August 30, 2009
By Russ Niles

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A British pilot is recovering in an Ottawa, Ontario hospital after the vintage Tiger Moth he was flying crashed shortly after takeoff from nearby Gatineau Airport on Friday. Howard Cook suffered some broken bones and lacerations and underwent surgery to repair the damage and is expected to make a full recovery. The aircraft is part of the Vintage Wings of Canada collection, which is owned by Canadian businessman Michael Potter and it's the first crash of one of the faithfully restored aircraft in the collection. Vintage Wings of Canada pilot Dave Hadfield (whom AVweb interviewed in a P-40 cockpit tour video made at AirVenture Oshkosh last month) said in a podcast interview that Cook is a passionate vintage aircraft pilot who flies for the famed Duxford Museum in England and is an associate pilot with Vintage Wings. Hadfield said Cook is the consummate pilot and his first question was about the condition of the aircraft.

AVweb Insider Blog: NTSB's Hudson Corridor Recommendations? Mixed
August 30, 2009
Once again, says resident blogger Paul Bertorelli on the AVweb Insider, the NTSB jumps the gun on the Hudson corridor midair by issuing a round of recommendations before the accident probe is completed. Although the recommendations make sense (mostly), they also won't fix the problem, because there is no problem to fix.

AVweb Insider Blog: Batteries Should Go by Ship, Not Airplane
August 28, 2009
ALPA would like the FAA to ban lithium batteries from being shipped by air. They're right, says AVweb's Paul Bertorelli on the AVweb Insider blog — though he doesn't understand why the industry won't just refuse to carry them.

Oakland Center Controllers Resort To Cell Phones
August 29, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Landline and radio communications at Oakland Center both failed for several minutes Wednesday morning, leaving controllers to orchestrate via cellphone with surrounding facilities to separate aircraft over the large area for which the center is responsible. Now, controllers are asking why. The outage, which lasted for at least 15 minutes between what the FAA said was 8:12 and 8:27 a.m., drove more than half the controllers at the facility to mobile phones as their communication relay in what is actually part of the FAA's contingency plans for such an outage. During the outage both Oakland Center and airport tower controllers worked without the normal amount of data they use to keep traffic moving efficiently. Both the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) said the outage was likely caused by unnamed subcontractors. The failure seems to have occurred after the subcontractors put the system on a backup line while working on a problem with the main lines. Controllers were not made aware of any changes and a portion of the backup system failed. After its controllers delayed five flights, denied access to Oakland Center's airspace for any additional aircraft, and managed to keep all other aircraft properly separated, NATCA had some questions for the FAA.

Older Business Jets Values Fall
August 29, 2009
By Glenn Pew
In going over pre-owned aircraft figures, Conklin & de Decker, an aviation consulting firm, finds that more than 25% of "older business jets" are currently for sale and that will have an impact on the business jet market and its recovery, with new designs leading the charge. For business jets built before the mid-1990s the company believes values are falling and "won't likely recover." This is due in part to their higher relative operating costs and lower economic useful life remaining that make these jets a tough sell "at nearly any price." Jets built from the mid '90s to the early 2000s "should see a mild recovery that may not happen until 2012, which complicates matters when it comes to resale. By then, many more new efficient alternatives should be available on the market while these older jets will be reaching their first decade in service. That said, Conklin & de Decker finds that the youngest jets will offer the best value and therefore "will recover first and strongest." The younger aircraft will be the group that is currently less than about five years old. The company's best guess sees a business jet recovery becoming apparent in 2010 with better years returning in 2012, even though the current market has jets being offered at values that "are about as good as it gets."

Canada Stands Up For Age-Sixty-Plus Pilots
August 29, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Air Canada still has a mandatory pilot retirement age of 60, and Raymond Hall (who last month was forced to retire) has found support from the Canadian Human Rights Commission for his desire to continue working. The Commission's ruling found that Air Canada's policy is unconstitutional and Air Canada now has 30 days to appeal. If the ruling is upheld, it is possible that Hall could seek to continue his career, but the pilot may have other designs. It seems he's been nominated by Conservatives in Winnipeg South Centre to run for federal office in Canada. Hall is already part of another group called Fly Past 60, which was formed by Air Canada pilots to protest the airline's mandatory retirement age. But even if his influence stops there, Hall is optimistic that his case before the Human Rights Commission, if upheld, could affect workers across a range of federal industries.

Airport's Sale Could Result In Loss Of Airport
August 29, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Owned by Daryl Habich for three decades, Firstair Field in Monroe, Wash., a privately owned, public-use, 2,087-foot paved strip, is for sale and its proximity to local fairgrounds suggests to some that it may be destined to become a parking lot. That would put it in line with the loss of about one airport per month reported by AOPA and an FAA reported trend that's seen the public use airport population decline from more than 5,350 in 1998 to about 5,200 in 2008, reports Washington's Hearald.net. The 32-acre property has attracted some interest, but none much more solid than Snohomish County, which may absorb the property as part of its long-term plans for the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. A county spokesperson contacted by the Herald said "there is no plan at this point for its potential use," and that it's listed in plans for the fairground simply because it's for sale. But that's not Habich's preference.

787 On Schedule ... For Year-End 2010
August 29, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Originally scheduled to fly its highly efficient composite-built 787 Dreamliner in August 2007, Boeing announced Thursday it has reset the aircraft's first flight date to year-end 2009 with first deliveries now estimated for year-end 2010. Earlier this year, the company had announced the jet was on track to fly before July. Days later Boeing revealed it had learned the airliner's wing would need to be re-engineered and that the aircraft's schedule would be derailed altogether until that issue was resolved -- a period that lasted approximately two months. The delays and uncertainty have caused order cancelations (more than 70 this year, the Wall Street Journal reported) and deferrals from some operators. Qantas and Virguin Atlantic, for example, have dropped their short-term interest all together, going with the Airbus 330 instead. The Dreamliner's new test schedule is padded; Boeing told the Journal it includes "some cushion ... against the possibility of unknowns." The company is confident in the fix and the jet still holds about 850 orders; Boeing will be ramping up production by 2013, when it hopes to be putting out 10 Dreamliners each month.

ICAS Says Record Year Likely
August 29, 2009
By Glenn Pew
With only two months remaining in the 2009 North American airshow season -- as defined by the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) -- the 2009 season "will see record attendance," according to ICAS. That means ICAS believes attendance figures for 2009 will be greater than any prior year. The organization projects that 2009 attendance in the United States will be 20 percent higher than 2008, which itself saw a jump of roughly 13 percent over the previous year. For this year, ICAS president John Cudahy says, "we've yet to hear from even a single air show with lower attendance than they had expected" and "most are reporting record attendance." ICAS is attributing the surge in part to the economic downturn forcing people to embrace the concept of the "staycation." Pursuing their own cause, ICAS notes also that attendance is down as much as 13% at certain popular amusement parks and that America's pastime, major league baseball, has seen a 6% drop-off in attendance. ICAS is projecting that by mid-November, some 16 million people will have attended more than 400 airshows in the U.S.

Aviation Consumer's Rotax Aircraft Engine Survey
September 10, 2009
By Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Do you own or operate an aircraft equipped with a Rotax engine? Our sister magazine, Aviation Consumer, wants to hear from you about its reliability, maintenance costs, factory and field support, and about your overall satisfaction with the engine.

Please take a moment to complete this survey and share your operational experience!

(The results will appear in a future issue of Aviation Consumer. For subscription information, click here.)

NTSB On Hudson Midair, Recommends SFRA, And More
August 27, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The NTSB Thursday recommended (among other things) that the FAA create a special flight rules area (with vertical separation for heli and fixed wing traffic) and pilot training specific to what is currently the Hudson River class B exclusion area (a.k.a. VFR corridor). The NTSB issued five operational changes delivered in the form of safety recommendations to the FAA as a result of its ongoing investigation into the midair collision of a Piper PA-32R-300 and a Eurocopter AS350 BA flying in the Hudson River class B exclusion area that killed all nine aboard both aircraft earlier this month. The recommendations come just weeks after the NTSB publicly noted that the FAA had failed to act on "scores of the safety recommendations" the board has previously passed on to the FAA. Aside from the SFRA, the new recommendations ask the FAA to revise ATC procedures for the exclusion area and to brief controllers about the accident and remind them to stay vigilant while on duty.

More Cuts At Cirrus, Hawker Beech, Maybe Cessna
August 27, 2009
By Russ Niles
Cirrus Aircraft became the latest manufacturer to announce layoffs this week but most of the 85 people losing their jobs are office workers rather than production staff. "These are challenging days for Cirrus, but the decision made is in the best interest in the entire company," VP of Marketing Todd Simmons told reporters. "Our outlook is still positive. We are making forward progress within the industry." Cirrus's announcement came on the heels of Hawker Beechcraft's announcement earlier this week that about 300 staff are being let go and there are also reports that more cuts are coming at Cessna.

Arrival At School By Helicopter Causes Consternation
August 26, 2009
By Mary Grady
Fourteen-year-old Joseph Sutherin got the memorable first day of school he hoped for, when his father dropped him off in the schoolyard in a Hughes 300 helicopter early Monday morning. But his father Bart got more than he bargained for, when school officials "freaked out," according to the Orlando Sentinel, and called the sheriff and the FAA. The elder Sutherin said he had just hoped to "make a positive impression on the other students." Joseph, an honors student, said he just thought it would be fun. "It would be extraordinary, and I could say, 'Yeah, I flew into the school in a helicopter,'" he told the Sentinel. An FAA official said it didn't appear that any regulations had been violated. Sutherin, a father of three, is certified to fly the helicopter and landed in a clear area away from students.

AVweb Insider Blog: No LSA for Diamond
August 26, 2009
Cirrus and Cessna have joined the LSA bandwagon, but Diamond hasn't. On the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli explains Diamond's thinking: The company is convinced that in the slam-dunk world of daily flight training, LSA won't hold up but the hell-for-strong DA20 will, making it cheaper over the long haul.

Mike Goulian Wins First-Ever Red Bull Race
August 26, 2009
By Mary Grady
Aerobatic pilot Michael Goulian came to EAA AirVenture last month to collect the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship, and this month he topped that off with his first win ever in a Red Bull Air Race, after four years of competition. Goulian edged out Britain's Paul Bonhomme for first in the Budapest race, which takes place over a four-mile course along the Danube River, flying between pylons and under a bridge. "It feels amazing," Goulian said after clocking a winning time of 1:12.51. He got off to a slow start in this year's first two races, before making changes to his engine. "We made an airplane that was fast through the air but didn't focus on the horsepower," he said. "I felt like I was flying in a rowboat. After we changed the engine, it allowed me to just let the airplane fly and I haven't had to push it so hard." After winning the Budapest race, Goulian said he felt gratified. "After four years of hard work this is amazing. I knew we had an airplane that could do it. It's a great win." The win moved Goulian up to 8th place in the overall championship, with 18 points.

Pilots N Paws Aims To Airlift 5,000 Pets
August 26, 2009
By Mary Grady
Pilots N Paws, a nonprofit that launched last year with the aim to help fly shelter pets to new homes and save them from euthanasia, plans to airlift 5,000 animals during the eight days starting Sept. 12. The organization hopes the airlift will encourage more pilots to donate their time (and airplanes) to the cause, and bring attention to the plight of abandoned pets, which are euthanized at the rate of 4 million per year. Many of those animals could be saved if they could be transported from areas where there are too many pets to other parts of the U.S. where they are in demand. The event will also help to promote general aviation as a force for good in our communities, the organizers say. "General aviation in this country is threatened," says the group's Web site, citing Homeland Security directives and user fees. "We want to see general aviation perceived by the public accurately as a driving force in our economy ... We want to see general aviation free of these threats." Pilots who would like to volunteer to fly an animal rescue transport can visit the Pilots N Paws Web site for more info.

NextGen Tests Advance To New Phase
August 26, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA said last week it is ready to move into a new phase of its testing for the NextGen system, specifying precise times at which aircraft will cross a navigation fix. The new flight tests will be conducted starting this fall, in cooperation with Embry Riddle's aviation consortium, the FAA said. The new technology, called "4D trajectory based operations," will optimize an aircraft's flight path from takeoff to landing, the FAA said, improving efficiency and capacity in the national airspace system. "It also gets to the heart of the Next Generation Air Transportation System: moving aircraft from Point A to Point B with greater efficiency, saving time, money and fuel," the FAA said.

ALPA Calls For Ban On Lithium Battery Shipments
August 26, 2009
By Mary Grady
The Air Line Pilots Association on Tuesday asked for an immediate federal ban on all shipments of lithium batteries on passenger and cargo aircraft until new regulations are in place to ensure their safe transport. ALPA said its concern extends only to batteries packed as cargo, not to batteries in consumer products that passengers (or pilots) might carry aboard. "ALPA has long called for regulations to ensure that safety is the first priority in transporting shipments of lithium batteries aboard airliners," said Mark Rogers, director of ALPA's Dangerous Goods Programs. "Now the evidence of a clear and present danger is mounting. We need an immediate ban on these dangerous goods to protect airline passengers, crews, and cargo." ALPA said three recent incidents have demonstrated the hazards of the battery shipments.

China To Open Facility For Private Jets
August 25, 2009
By Mary Grady
China will open its first facility for private jets next year at Shanghai's Hongqiao Airport, sometime before the World Expo opens there in May, Shanghai Daily reported this week. The project is already under construction. The 10,000-square-foot private-jet terminal will provide its own security inspections, quarantine facilities and customs, separate from the other air passenger traffic. A hangar will provide space for up to three jets. Officials said up to 4,000 private jets will arrive in Shanghai during the Expo, according to Shanghai Daily. That's about twice as many private jet flights as the entire country now handles in a year.

FAA Proposes Update To Part 23
August 25, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA has released a proposed update to its rules for the certification of light jets. The changes aim to streamline the Part 23 certification process, and "reflect the current needs of industry, accommodate future trends, address emerging technologies, and provide for future airplane operations," according to the FAA. The rule changes aim to establish a standard of certification that would be similar to what is required of other aircraft in the same size range. The FAA hopes the new rules will reduce its current workload of processing exemptions and approving special conditions for small jets.

Teterboro Safety In The Spotlight
August 23, 2009
By Glenn Pew
JFK and LaGuardia airports have twice the traffic of Teterboro, but since 2004 Teterboro has provoked twice the number of NTSB incident investigations, NorthJersey.com reported Friday. The NTSB found that either controller or pilot error contributed to nearly each case's probable cause. The airport's other near neighbor, Newark International Airport, has nearly three times the traffic hosted by Teterboro but has also seen fewer reported incidents over the past five years. At each airport those incidents involved everything from close calls between aircraft and ground equipment to aircraft damage and fatalities. Teterboro is one of the nation's busiest airports, and in 2007 saw an average of more than 540 operations per day. That traffic is composed, almost entirely, of a mix of general aviation and air taxi service that the other aforementioned airports do not see.

Alan Klapmeier Leaves Cirrus
August 23, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Alan Klapmeier is as of Friday no longer employed with the company he founded. Klapmeier, along with brother Dale, created Cirrus Design, manufacturer of the popular SR20 and SR22 aircraft, designs that reignited competition in single-engine piston aircraft and rose to a dominant position in the market. Recently renamed Cirrus Aircraft, the single largest manufacturing employer in Duluth, Minn., has since 2001 been in the hands of majority-share-holding Arcapita Inc., an Atlanta-based venture capital firm. "This isn't the end. It's just the intermission," Klapmeier told the Duluth News Tribune. But Klapmeier also confessed he didn't know what he'd be doing next. As we reported last month, Cirrus CEO Brent Wouters confirmed Klapmeier would be replaced as Cirrus's chairman of the board. No replacement has been announced.

IAC President Vicki Cruse Dies In Crash
August 23, 2009
By Russ Niles
Former U.S. Aerobatic Champion and Reno racing pilot Vicki Cruse died Saturday when her Edge 540 competition plane crashed at Silverstone race track in England. Saturday was a training day for the World Aerobatic Championships, which run through Aug. 29 and Cruse was one of the members of the U.S. team. Witnesses told the the Telegraph the aircraft "nosedived" into the ground and there was no hope for her survival. Cruse,40, of Santa Paula, Calif., was president of the International Aerobatic Club, which said in its tribute to Cruse that team manager Norm DeWitt "said Cruse was flying the early-round 'Q' program when she lost control of her Zivko Edge 540 aircraft by what appeared to be a mechanical problem in flight. She was at an altitude that prevented her from bailing out of the aircraft."

Jet Fuel From Seawater Is Possible, Still Impractical
August 22, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Air contains about .04 percent carbon dioxide, but ocean water holds about 140 times that much -- and using electricity to split the water molecules and then combining them with hydrogen creates a hydrocarbon fuel ... and it works. For now, the problem is that it doesn't work especially well. Navy chemists have gone so far as to process seawater into "unsaturated short-chain hydrocarbons," according to NewScientist, "that with further refining could be made into a kerosene-based jet fuel." If they power the reaction with a clean energy source the military could correctly claim to be flying mostly "carbon neutral." At this stage, the process is still producing an undesired byproduct -- 30 percent methane. It also takes substantially more energy to create the fuel than the fuel itself can yield. Navy chemist Heather Willauer is leading the project and believes the efficiency of the process needs to be significantly improved, which may be achieved by applying a new catalyst to the process.

World Ballooners Continue Tour For Charity
August 22, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The historic flight that on March 20, 1999, made Brian Jones and Bertrand Piccard the first to fly around the world nonstop in a balloon also moved the men to action. "We simply could not accept the rewards and adulation which came with success without revisiting the perverse inequality that allow us to realize a dream whilst unwittingly overflying children dying needlessly," Jones told the BBC. As a result, the men set up the Winds of Hope charity with the $1 million prize money they were awarded for making the successful record-setting flight. Jones will travel next to Australia as part of a world tour, according to the BBC, to fly a replica balloon and raise money for the charity. Winds of Hope currently is funding prevention of the gangrene-like disease Noma, which kills roughly 80,000 of the 100,000 (mostly children) who contract it each year. The first country to benefit from a Winds of Hope prevention program has seen an apparent decline of 90 percent, according to Jones.

Manager Claims Safety Regs Could Cripple Airport
August 22, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Ithaca Tompkins Airport manager Bob Nichols has told the County Legislature to oppose federal legislation that might require additional airport firefighting staff, according to the Ithaca Journal. A companion bill to the FAA Reauthorization Act that, among other things, would authorize the FAA to change fire and rescue regulations is being considered by the Senate. The American Association of Airport Executives suggests that the financial impact of adopting the changes that bill might represent could cost nearly $4 billion in the first year without bringing a material improvement in safety for passengers. Still, the Senate bill "does not specifically include any of these proposals," noted the Journal, but the potential for change is clearly scaring people. "To me, it opens up a can of worms," county planning commissioner Ed Marx told the Journal. "Once it goes to the rulemaking phase, there are no further votes. The FAA can just make new rules." As written, the bill authorizes the FAA to change fire and rescue regulations and does not specifically include any proposals that would impose a cost burden on airports.

TSA Adds Hurdle To Re-creation Of Earhart Flight?
August 22, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Grace McGuire, now 59, is still pursuing her decades-long dream to finish Amelia Earhart's final flight flying the same model aircraft with the same instrumentation and parts. The journey has already taken McGuire from her home in New Jersey to the Central Coast of California, where she says it was almost derailed by TSA regulations. Having acquired an original Lockheed L-10E in 1984, McGuire eventually had the aircraft shipped in sections to Santa Maria Airport where it was to be rebuilt, made airworthy, and readied. The plan was to fly it to Miami, then down the East Coast of South America to Dakar, making every effort to fly a route nearly identical to Earhart's ... "except the outcome -- I'm coming back," McGuire told a local CBS news affiliate. Unfortunately, the TSA requirement that each airport tenant provide an airport issued-I.D. card put the project that's already faced considerable financial and logistical hurdles "in shambles," according to McGuire. At Santa Maria, airport tenants are required to provide a filled-out application and proof of identification. In McGuire's case, where numerous specialty mechanics were needed to reconstruct the aircraft, the task was proving difficult. But now, the San Diego Air and Space Museum has stepped in.

Acoustic Vector Sensing For Traffic Awareness
August 21, 2009
By Glenn Pew
An associate professor and graduate students at the University of Kansas (KU) have "perfected" a traffic sensing system that does not rely on other aircraft having an active counterpart and may be available for under $10,000, according to a news release from the University of Kansas. The release does not state that the system has been flown, but that it has been tested "in small scale" and "with a ground setup." In those tests, it tracked vehicles that ranged in size "from a full-size helicopter to a model plane, with accuracy of within less than 1 meter." That accuracy held true at distances of more than six miles (10 km), according to KU. The system is based on acoustic vector sensing, which has long been used in underwater applications. Ron Barrett-Gonzalez, associate professor of aerospace engineering at KU, along with graduate students adapted the technology for the flight environment after a Dutch company, MicroFlown Technologies, failed to do so, the release says. In the KU system, information from sensors is fed to a cockpit display "to provide pilots with accurate alerts" and "urge evasive maneuvers" for collision avoidance.

Missile Defense Laser-Equipped 747 Test Successful
August 21, 2009
By Glenn Pew
On Aug. 18, a high-power chemical oxygen iodine laser mated to a modified Boeing 747-400F and beam/fire control system designed together to destroy ballistic missiles in boost phase was fired for the first time in flight. The next steps will include more airborne tests before a missile shoot-down demonstration. For the test flight, which launched out of Edwards AFB Tuesday, the laser was fired into an on-board calorimeter, which both captured the beam and measured its power. Team leaders hope that if the program is successful, it will usher in a new era for weapon systems. "We think ABL (airborne laser) will be a game-changer for weapon systems the same way stealth technology transformed aerial combat," Michael Rinn, Boeing vice president and ABL program director, said in a news release. If it progresses as planned, the test regimen will soon ramp up to firing the beam through the aircraft's advanced control/fire control system. That would mark "the first time a megawatt-class laser has been coupled with precise pointing and atmospheric correction in an airborne environment," according to Boeing. Following that progressively the more challenging target practice.

FAA Grants Boeing More Autonomy On Certification
August 21, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Tuesday, the FAA increased the authority of Boeing's Commercial Airplanes division to self-certify its own aircraft. Boeing is set to officially switch to the new system, dubbed Organization Designation Authorization, on Aug. 31, after a training period, according to the Seattle Times. Authority extended to Boeing under the new system allows Boeing employees to perform tasks on behalf of the FAA that include oversight of testing and product standards, along with certification of aircraft technologies and new aircraft designs. Boeing already had in-house inspection programs and much of Boeing's inspection work is already delegated to FAA-appointed in-house company inspectors, who report most of their findings to the FAA through Boeing. The new system extends that authority. The FAA will monitor Boeing's employees through a Boeing Aviation Safety Oversight Office (BASOO), which will review Boeing's own written reports and audit Boeing's internal inspection program.

AVweb Insider Blog: NTSB's Snit Fit
August 20, 2009
The NTSB's work is so serious, so respected, and so vital that we don't expect them to throw a fit when a group like the air traffic controllers' association issues a press release that's a little off the government message. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli argues why we should expect better of the safety agency.

Pilot Who Bailed Out Sentenced To Over Four Years In Prison
August 19, 2009
By Russ Niles
Marcus Schrenker, 38, of McCordsville, Indiana, who bailed out of his airplane in January and parachuted to safety in an alleged attempt to fake his death, was sentenced to 51 months in prison on Wednesday, CNN reported. Schrenker also must pay more than $34,000 to the U.S. Coast Guard, which mounted a search and rescue effort, and another $871,000 to the lien holder on his Piper PA46-500TP Malibu Meridian. That cost may be offset by insurance, however, the prosecutors said. Schrenker pleaded guilty to intentionally crashing an airplane and sending false distress calls related to his use of the aircraft in June. The charges could have sent him to jail for 20 years for crashing the airplane and six years for prompting the Coast Guard search.

New Award Will Honor Transportation Safety Contributions
August 19, 2009
By Mary Grady
A new annual award will honor individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation and transportation safety, the NTSB Bar Association announced on Wednesday. The association is an organization of lawyers and other aviation professionals whose practice involves the NTSB, FAA, and DOT. The award is named in memory of Joseph T. Nall, who served as a member of the NTSB from 1986 through 1989. He was also a certificated pilot and ground instructor. During his tenure with the NTSB, he was an enthusiastic supporter of the NTSB Bar Association and regularly participated in its meetings. Nall died in an aircraft accident while on NTSB business in Venezuela in 1989. The first Joseph T. Nall Award will be presented at the NTSB Bar Association's Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Nov. 12. The name of the first recipient will be announced soon, the group said.

FAA Expected To Exempt Ultralight Trainers From Regs
August 19, 2009
By Mary Grady
A pending deadline that would make it difficult to find aircraft that could legally be used for ultralight training will probably be extended or discarded by the FAA, EAA said this week. When the sport pilot rules were developed several years ago, the FAA allowed the use of two-seat ultralight E-LSA trainers only until Jan. 31, 2010. The idea was that by then, enough ultralight-like two-seat Special LSAs would be operating to take on the job of training ultralight pilots. However, only three manufacturers have produced S-LSAs that are suitable for the ultralight training market, and the down economy and the difficulty of obtaining financing have slowed sales. The lack of suitable trainers would create a safety issue, says EAA, "because people wanting to fly ultralights or ultralight-like aircraft will not be able to take flight training in ultralight-like aircraft." The FAA is now evaluating the situation, EAA said, but one way or another, it seems likely that the current trainers now in use will be allowed to be used after the deadline.

China Shows Support For GA Growth
August 19, 2009
By Mary Grady
Jinggong General Aviation Co., a Beijing-based company that is the sole dealer for Cirrus Aircraft in China, will move to the small Huanghua airport about 150 miles outside the city and upgrade it for use as a flying club to help promote the growth of private aviation, China Daily reported this week. Although GA has been slow to grow in China -- only about a half-dozen Cirrus airplanes per year are sold there -- the government has shown a willingness to gradually open airspace below 2,000 feet for private airplanes, according to China Daily. The Huanghua airport was built about six years ago as a base for crop-dusting flights, and has been in use only about two months per year. The China Daily story also implied that Cirrus is interested in moving its manufacturing facilities to China, but Ian Bentley, Cirrus vice president and managing director of international sales, told AVweb that is incorrect. "We have absolutely no plans to move manufacturing to China," Bentley said.

Vacationing President's TFR Rankles Vineyard Pilots
August 19, 2009
By Mary Grady
The last time a sitting president vacationed on Martha's Vineyard was during the pre-9/11 Clinton years, so when plans were laid for next week's visit by the Obama family, the extent of the flight restrictions was a bit shocking to local pilots. "This is the most restrictive TFR we've seen," said James Coyne, the president of the National Air Transportation Association, who has a home on the Vineyard. "I can't think of any example of such severe restrictions. It's far, far more draconian than under Clinton," he told the Vineyard Gazette. The TFR extends for 30 nm for eight days, affecting seven local airports, which are in the midst of the busy tourist season. GA pilots who want to land at the main Vineyard airport (KMVY), which is within a 10-nm inner ring, must apply for a waiver 72 hours in advance and stop at one of several specified "gateway" airports for inspection first. "It's really unfortunate ... we'd hoped for some relief for the Katama tours," said Coyne, referring to the popular grass field on the island, which offers biplane and glider rides. Since Katama is inside the 10-nm ring and there is no TSA screening facility there, the field will effectively be shut down.

Report: TSA Failed To Check FAA Lists For Terrorist Suspects
August 19, 2009
By Mary Grady
At least six individuals listed by the FBI as possible terrorists also were listed in the FAA database as pilot certificate holders as of this June, according to The New York Times. After the Times questioned the TSA about the situation, the FAA suspended all six certificates. The Times had received the list of names from a small software company that said it found the six by comparing public records, an effort the TSA apparently never made. "The T.S.A. appears not to have taken notice of the terrorists even when two of them turned up on the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Ten Most Wanted List," says the Times. A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, the parent agency of the TSA, told the Times her department would "conduct a comprehensive review to see why the system failed to identify these people" and would consider whether the department should be looking at more federal lists. This week, however, the Times wrote that the software company found one more pilot in the FAA database who is wanted by the FBI, which has offered a $50,000 reward for the accused "domestic terrorist."

Eclipse Sale To Close Today
August 19, 2009
By Mary Grady
Barring any last-minute changes, the assets of Eclipse Aviation will be sold on Thursday, Aug. 20, to Eclipse Aerospace, a new company founded by two Eclipse E500 owners. Eclipse Aerospace put in a bid of $40 million with a federal bankruptcy court earlier this month, and since no other qualified bidders had surfaced by a court deadline, Eclipse Aerospace seems likely to close the deal. Mike Press and Mason Holland, owners of the company, have said they will keep Eclipse in Albuquerque, provide service and upgrades for the current fleet, and eventually restart production. Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez told the New Mexico Business Weekly he expects the new company to start hiring workers soon, but it will create only a few hundred jobs, not the 2,000 or so that Eclipse Aviation provided at its peak. "Eclipse has always been more important to us than the jobs it provides," Chavez said. "It represents a symbol of progress for the city. That it's now coming back is a huge victory for Albuquerque."

Announcing the Winners of Our EAA AirVenture AV8OR Handheld GPS Drawing
August 18, 2009
By Editor
The results are in. From the thousands of AVweb readers (new and old) who entered our drawing during the lead-up to EAA AirVenture, we've picked three at random to receive brand-new AV8OR handheld GPS units from Bendix/King by Honeywell. The winners are: Brian Mitchell of Pittsfield, ME; Ted Lebens of Eagen, MN; and Warren Jagodnik of Burke, VA. Many thanks to everyone who took a moment to enter the drawing, and a warm welcome to anyone who registered with AVweb for the first time to participate. If you'd like one of these handy devices for yourself, you'll have one more chance to take one home during our AOPA Expo drawing later in the fall — or you read more about it at the Bendix/King by Honeywell Web site, as well as find a dealer and purchase one for yourself.

Jetpod Entrepreneur Killed In Test Flight
August 18, 2009
By Mary Grady
Michael Dacre, 53, was killed on Sunday in Malaysia as he was attempting to fly the prototype of the Jetpod, a jet-powered STOL aircraft. Dacre, who had designed the airplane, was the managing director of Avcen, the London-based company that was developing it. The Star, of Malaysia, reported that Dacre taxied down the runway three times before taking off, but then at about 600 feet the aircraft suddenly shot vertically into the sky, veered left, crashed to the ground and exploded. The company's promotional materials describe the Jetpod as an eight-place, very quiet twin-engine jet that would be capable of speeds up to 350 mph and could land or take off in about 400 feet. Dacre envisioned several possible roles for the airplane, including medevac, personal transport, and air taxi. The jet could also be used by the military for reconnaissance and would be able to operate from aircraft carriers without the need for a catapult or arrestor gear, according to a company video posted online. The company planned to start production by 2011.

FAA Panel To Review Hudson Operations
August 18, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA has convened a New York Airspace Working Group that will review current operating procedures in the VFR corridor over the Hudson and East Rivers and recommend safety improvements to FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt by the end of next week. FAA air traffic and safety experts will make up the panel. They will solicit comments from helicopter and aircraft operators and review air traffic and pilot procedures. They will also review and analyze a variety of proposals to change the operating procedures in the VFR corridors. "We strongly encourage pilots to use standard practices in that area now, but it may make sense to require them," Babbitt said. "We've heard a lot of other good ideas about improving safety there and I'm looking for a quick, but thorough review by the safety experts." AOPA and EAA have sent a joint letter to Babbitt urging a restrained response to the Aug. 8 midair collision that prompted the review.

Russian Demo Team Planes Collide
August 17, 2009
By Russ Niles
The commander of the elite Russian Knights air demonstration team died Sunday after his SU27 collided with another during a rehearsal for the MAKS-2009 air show in Moscow. Col. Igor Tkachenko was among three crewmen who ejected from two aircraft after the collision. The other two were in "satisfactory" condition according to early reports. The jets hit a row of houses and up to five people were hurt, one woman seriously.

Brainteasers Quiz #145: Speed and Altitude
August 15, 2009
By Paul Berge

Go fast, go high. But before you reach beyond the surly bonds, make sure you know the territory — or at least the terminology — by acing this quiz.

Take the quiz.

F-16 Spinning Out Of Control Video
August 16, 2009
By Glenn Pew
This summer, while visiting with a Canadian Forces experimental test pilot stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in Southern California, something interesting happened. Actually, it happened the week before, but the whole event became more interesting while we were there. While flying a test F-16 to evaluate a system software upgrade, a test pilot lost control of and appeared to over-stress the test aircraft. The first part was expected. The second part wasn't. But when the engineers got a hold of the test data things became a bit more interesting. AVweb obtained clearance to run footage of the event and our test pilot tour guide, Major Desmond "Duece" Brophy explained what happened. Have a look for yourself.

Pilot Who Crashed After Drinks And Drugs Sentenced
August 16, 2009
By Glenn Pew
A pilot who on November 15 clipped a house while crashing his Cessna 182 (containing a bag of more than 100 prescription pills), left the scene before rescuers arrived, and was later found to have had cocaine, marijuana, opiates and a prescription sedative in his system has been sentenced to 30 days work-release jail time. Sean M. Oskvarek, 45, also earned two years probation at his sentencing last week and he did lose his pilot certificate as part of the federal investigation of the crash. "He admitted having three or four drinks before he got into the plane," prosecutor Audriana Anderson told Chicago's Daily Herald, but Oskvarek's blood alcohol content was only .010 when they caught up with him. The injured Oskvarek had left his 182 inverted in a residential yard east of Brookeridge Air Park in DuPage County, Illinois, and was arrested after police tracked him down and took him to the hospital.

Speech Commands In The Cockpit
August 16, 2009
By Russ Niles
Some pilots swear their airplanes talk to them but now a Troy, N.Y., company has developed a system that allows pilots to talk to their airplanes. VoiceFlight Systems says it has received FAA certification for its VFS101 pilot speech recognition and that it's the first such system to get a supplementary type certificate (STC) from the FAA. Inventor Scott Merritt says the patented system allows pilots to accurately enter flight plans, edit them, make corrections and make changes using voice commands. "The VFS101 uses aviation specific recognition technology to address the challenging conditions found in the aircraft cockpit. It is this technology that allows the VFS101 to meet the rigorous performance requirements of FAA certification," Merritt said in a press release.

NTSB, NATCA At Odds Over Hudson Midair
August 16, 2009
By Russ Niles
The NTSB says it's sticking to its version of the events leading to the Aug. 8 midair collision of a Piper Saratoga and a sightseeing helicopter over the Hudson River despite allegations by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association that a press release issued last Friday has a significant error. "We stand by the information we put out on Friday," NTSB spokesman Terry Williams told AVweb on Sunday, adding that he had no further comment. In a podcast interview with AVweb on Sunday, NATCA spokesman Ray Adams said the union has asked the NTSB to correct a statement in the press release that says the Teterboro controller working the Piper had the helicopter on his radar screen before the collision but failed to warn the Piper pilot of the potential conflict. The passage in question says: "At that time there were several aircraft detected by radar in the area immediately ahead of the airplane, including the accident helicopter, all of which were potential traffic conflicts for the airplane. The Teterboro tower controller, who was engaged in a phone call at the time, did not advise the pilot of the potential traffic conflicts." Adams said he's reviewed the tapes and the helicopter doesn't appear until seven seconds after the Teterboro controller handed the Piper off to Newark.

More Layoffs Loom For Hawker Beechcraft
August 14, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Hawker Beechcraft has cut 2,800 workers (25 percent of its workforce) since October 2008, but amid a declining backlog and depressed demand company officials expect more cost-cutting and more significant but unspecified job cuts, according to the Wichita Eagle. In the second quarter, the company saw year-over-year delivery numbers drop from 129 to 78. While orders taken from April to June amount to $450 million, cancelled orders during the same period represent $366 million in lost revenue. The route taken in 2009 by NetJets may help explain the market environment that's led Hawker Beechcraft to its latest cost-cutting and cash-conservation plans. NetJets in 2009 cancelled orders for 12 Hawker Beechcraft aircraft and deferred all scheduled deliveries until the end of 2010. "The market conditions remain very challenging," CEO Bill Boisture told analysts. He did not say how many employees he would be laying off or exactly when. But the cuts are coming.

NATCA And FAA "Reach Deal" On Labor Contract
August 14, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Since 2006, when the FAA imposed work rules and pay cuts on controllers who were seeking a new labor agreement, the relationship between the groups has been marked by a failure to see common ground -- ground they may have just found. Under the terms of a labor agreement reached Thursday, some 15,000 controllers would see an increase in pay and benefits, according to The Associated Press. However, neither the FAA nor the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has yet stepped forward to reveal the tentative agreement's finer details. A joint statement released by the two states that under the tentative agreement, pay standards will be "more equitable," the FAA will be able to "more effectively" redeploy controllers through the use of incentive pay, and controllers will win greater work schedule flexibility and a new process for the review of grievances. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt claimed the situation "marks a new day" in labor relations and "a new spirit of cooperation" between the two groups. He also indicated he hoped to move on to other issues. NATCA now has 45 days to ratify the agreement.

NTSB Release On Hudson Midair
August 14, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The NTSB reported Friday that the Teterboro controller who last spoke with the pilot of the Piper Saratoga that last Saturday collided with a Eurocopter over the Hudson River, killing all nine aboard both aircraft, told the pilot to contact Newark on 127.85 about 40 seconds before the aircraft reached the river and did not warn the pilot of traffic. "At that time," says the report, "there were several aircraft detected by radar in the area immediately ahead of the airplane, including the accident helicopter, all of which were potential traffic conflicts for the airplane." The NTSB adds that, "the Teterboro tower controller, who was engaged in a phone call at the time, did not advise the pilot of the potential traffic conflicts." The Newark tower controller called Teterboro asking that the controller instruct the pilot to turn "to resolve the potential conflicts," but at the time of the call the pilot was confirming with Teterboro the frequency change. The Teterboro controller did then make multiple attempts to contact the Piper, but the pilot did not respond. The collision occurred shortly thereafter, but not before setting off aural and visual "conflict alert" indications at both Teterboro and Newark air traffic control towers. In interviews with the NTSB both controllers stated they did not recall hearing or seeing the alerts.

Hudson Crash Controllers Suspended, Collision Video Released
August 14, 2009
By Russ Niles
The FAA has suspended a Teterboro air traffic controller and a supervisor on duty at the time a Piper Saratoga and a sightseeing helicopter collided over the Hudson River. That announcement came as chilling video from a tourist on a boat on the river was released by NBC News showing the Piper approach the helicopter from the right quarter, bank slightly right and have its right wing severed by the rotor of the helicopter. Two men and a 16-year-old boy died on the Saratoga, and the pilot and five Italian tourists, including a 16-year-old boy, died on the helicopter as both dropped into the river. According to CNN, the FAA says the controller working the Piper was on the telephone conducting an "inappropriate conversation" when the collision occurred. The agency says the shift supervisor was not in the building. The National Air Traffic Controllers Union issued a statement urging there not be "a rush to judgment about the behavior of any controller" before the results of a thorough investigation. FAA spokeswoman Laura Brown told CNN that while the rules were broken, that didn't necessarily have anything to do with the accident.

AVweb Insider Blog: Hudson Midair — Let The Howling Begin
August 13, 2009
Plenty of voices are calling immediate action of some sort in the wake of last week's midair collision over the Hudson River. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Editorial Director Paul Bertorelli says New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been a welcome voice on reason amid the clamor.

Boeing UAV May Deliver Cargo For Marines
August 12, 2009
By Mary Grady
Boeing announced this week that it has received a $500,000 contract from the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory to demonstrate the capabilities of its A160T Hummingbird, an unmanned rotorcraft. The Marines are studying the possibility of using the vehicle as a replacement for trucks to deliver supplies. In flights that will take place by February, Boeing said it will demonstrate that the A160T can deliver at least 2,500 pounds of cargo from one simulated forward-operating base to another in fewer than six hours per day for three consecutive days. "Since 2007, when the A160T made its first flight, it has shown it has the ability to carry multiple payloads and perform at various altitudes and speeds," said John Groenenboom, A160T program manager for Boeing. "We are confident it will perform well for the Marines." Boeing recently created a new Unmanned Airborne Systems division.

Calls Intensify For Closing Of Hudson VFR Corridor
August 12, 2009
By Mary Grady
The horrific midair accident above the Hudson River last Saturday that killed nine people in a Piper Saratoga and a Europcopter AS350 helicopter has prompted calls from officials across the Northeast to impose stricter restrictions on the VFR corridor through New York City's congested airspace. On Tuesday, 15 members of Congress sent a letter to FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt comparing the lack of regulation to the "Wild West" and saying "we should seriously consider banning all flights below 1,100 feet until radar systems are available to track them." The National Air Transportation Association said this week the media attention following the accident has been misplaced. "The characterization of the airspace as devoid of regulation is inaccurate," said NATA in a news release. "The airspace being referred to as 'uncontrolled' only indicates that there is no active radar-based control of flights. Operations in this airspace are still subject to numerous regulatory requirements."

NATA President James Coyne added: "Until the NTSB releases their findings, I believe it is imperative that we follow the advice of Mayor Bloomberg and avoid unnecessary speculation." The letter from Congress suggested that all aircraft in the corridor should be required to file flight plans, and "at a minimum, the FAA must require the installation of the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS-II), and a Mode C Transponder, on all aircraft that seat less than 10 people." The group called for the FAA to act not only to regulate the Hudson River corridor, but "to provide greater oversight of small aircraft operations throughout the country."

NTSB Urges Stricter Monitoring Of Sleep Apnea In Pilots
August 12, 2009
By Mary Grady
The NTSB says the FAA should require aviation medical examiners to evaluate pilots for risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea and ask about any previous diagnosis of the disorder. The recommendation (click here for a PDF) followed the board's investigation of an incident in February 2008 in which both crew members on a go! airlines flight in Hawaii fell asleep in the cockpit during the cruise phase of an inter-island flight and overflew their destination. The NTSB investigation found the captain's undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea was a contributing factor. In its safety recommendation, the NTSB said the FAA should implement a program to identify pilots at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea and require that those pilots provide evidence of having been appropriately evaluated and effectively treated, if treatment is deemed necessary, before being granted unrestricted medical certification. No injuries resulted from the go! airlines incident. Both pilots lost their jobs.

Clarification: FAA AD Applies To Aftermarket Cylinders
August 12, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA Airworthiness Directive that AVweb wrote about last week regarding Superior Air Parts cylinders involves exclusively cylinders sold by SAP and installed by third parties on already fielded engines.

Eclipse Sale Expected Next Week
August 11, 2009
By Mary Grady
Any buyers interested in the assets of Eclipse Aviation must put in a bid with the federal bankruptcy court by the end of this week, or the sale will go to the current high bidder, Eclipse Aerospace, which has made an offer of $40 million, the Associated Press reported this week. If other qualified bidders appear, an auction will be held as early as next week. If no one else bids, Eclipse Aerospace would close the deal by the end of this month. The owners of Eclipse Aerospace, Mike Press and Mason Holland, have said they would keep the company in Albuquerque, provide service and upgrades for the current fleet, and eventually restart production. Both are owners of Eclipse jets. The Eclipse Owners Group, which at one time was also seeking control of the company assets, has abandoned its effort and now supports Eclipse Aerospace.

Epic Air Closed, Say Local News Reports
August 11, 2009
By Mary Grady
The doors are closed at Epic Air, in Bend, Ore., and a notice on the door states that the building's landlord has "taken possession of the premises" because Epic is 20 days overdue on a lease payment, the Bend Bulletin has reported. About a month ago, Epic had scaled back to about 15 employees, but a company spokesman told AVweb at the time that the doors were still open and work on airplanes was continuing. The company sells several kit aircraft, including the Epic LT turboprop, which are assembled by customers with expert help at the company's build center in Bend. One customer, Rich Lucibella, of Florida, told the Bulletin that he and a group of other LT owners may try to take over control of the company. "Our first efforts are going to be to conserve the assets of this company because we believe the [Epic LT] is still a wonderful design, anyone in the general aviation community knows that, and after that, a way we can simultaneously keep this company going in Central Oregon and finish the planes," Lucibella said.

Hudson Midair Brings Scrutiny To NY VFR Corridors (Again)
August 9, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The midair collision Saturday of N71MC, a Piper PA32R aircraft, and N401LH, a Eurocopter AS350 rotorcraft operated by Liberty Helicopters American Eurocopter, over the Hudson River killed all nine people aboard both aircraft and again brought attention to the flight rules that govern the narrow, high-traffic VFR corridors that border Manhattan. On Monday, elected officials staged a media event to draw attention to the dangers they perceive from the general aviation traffic that flows through the area. The National Air Transport Association (NATA) has also called the media attention on the corridor operations "misplaced," saying the mix of traffic in that area is "subject to numerous regulatory requirements."

Helicopter, Plane Collide Over Hudson
August 8, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The midair collision Saturday of a Piper Saratoga and a Liberty Helicopters American Eurocopter EC 130 over the Hudson River killed all nine people aboard both aircraft and again brought attention to the flight rules that govern the narrow, high traffic, VFR corridors that border Manhattan. The rules allow aircraft to fly at less than 1,100 feet in some areas over the Hudson River, meaning that traffic is funneled between skyscrapers that are now on both the New York and New Jersey sides of the river, over bridges barges and boats, and under the imaginary ceiling that forms the bottom of very busy Class B airspace between Newark, and both LaGuardia and JFK International airports. In practice, VFR traffic flying the route will often be passing opposite-direction traffic flying at the same altitude at points where the river is less than one mile wide. The NTSB said Monday that within three miles of the accident site the average traffic has recently been 225 aircraft per day. Along with the visual picture outside, VFR pilots flying the corridor must also keep up (via radio) with the mental moving picture of where other aircraft are and where those aircraft are going to be relative to their own changing position. New York Senator Charles Schumer noted Sunday that the investigation is incomplete but said through a statement, "I have long believed that virtually unregulated general aviation flight traffic over the Hudson River poses a serious safety and security risk to new Yorkers."

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Schedule Still A Dream
August 7, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The economic slowdown may mean that some companies waiting on Boeing's next-generation, long-range composite fuel miser, the 787, are happy to continue waiting -- but with the aircraft already two years behind schedule the company's late-stage wing redesign is adding complications. The 787 was nearing flight tests when composite layers near the wing/fuselage seam separated during ground testing. Now, as engineers scramble to apply a workable solution, a new 787's test schedule may still be weeks away and until that mark is reached, the aircraft's development has been indefinitely delayed. Boeing last month said it wouldn't provide even a new target for the first flight, let alone first delivery. Industry watchers and customers will have to wait, though Boeing has indicated it expects to provide more information before the end of the quarter. The company has said it won't release any timetables until the redesign has passed rigorous testing. As it is, the jet is two years behind schedule, but still holds about 850 orders. But with nearly all of its programs suffering under the down economy, Boeing is well aware of its obligations to its customers.

New Spin On Zeppelin Tours -- Piloting Yours
August 7, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Airship Ventures, the group offering zeppelin tours of San Francisco Bay, Moffett Field and the Monterey Coast, is now offering full- and half-day piloting experiences to private-pilot-rated individuals holding a current medical certificate. The company is charging $2950 per student-slot for the honor (sightseeing flights range from about $200 to $750). For pilot "training" the session includes a half day of training to cover ground and flight operations, limitations and performance, and systems, as well as airship history and terminology. A next half-day flight session offers students (taken aloft six at a time) 30 minutes at the controls including climbs, descents, turns and "hovering." Students also get to try their hand at "two takeoffs and landings." The pilot training course takes place in the Zeppelin Eureka and, according to Airship Ventures, "is the only one like it in the world." Currently, the company lists only two separate training program sessions amidst its other operations that, aside from sightseeing tours, include a photo safari.

FAA: Light Sport Time Can Go Toward Private Cert. (Sometimes)
August 7, 2009
By Glenn Pew
So, can a student pilot apply any flight time he or she logged while training for a sport pilot certificate toward a private pilot certificate? According to a letter from the FAA's Office of the Chief Counsel to aviation journalist Tim Kern, who queried the office, solo sport pilot flight time may only be credited to solo private pilot flight time if the "specific category and class of aircraft are met." Logging instruction time depends on the instructor's credentials. If instruction is received from an instructor who holds only a a sport pilot rating, that instruction may not be credited toward the issuance of a private pilot certificate. However, if the instruction toward a sport pilot certificate is provided by an instructor authorized to provide instruction to both sport pilots and private pilots, that time could "be credited toward the flight training requirements for a corresponding private pilot certificate." Click through for more details ... .

Mackay Trophy Honors B-1 Crew
August 6, 2009
By Glenn Pew
On July 31, 2008, a B-1 crew's actions in support of ground forces in Afghanistan distinguished them for "one of the most important awards in the United States Air Force," according to the National Aeronautic Association. The crew of BONE 23, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, was contacted to support troops who were facing an attempted overrun of their base by a force of 200 enemy combatants. The specific request came from the Joint Terminal Attack Controller for delivery of a 2000-pound guided weapon to a location where friendly forces were in Danger Close range. The B-1 crew responded by suggesting they instead deliver a 500-pound guided weapon and, facing a critical fuel situation, coordinated with their tanker to provide more time on station. Within 30 minutes, the BONE 23 crew, including Major Norman Shelton, Captain Kaylene Giri, Captain Louis Heidema, and First Lieutenant Boyd Smith, had made three bomb runs, "decisively slowing the enemy attack" according to the NAA, and allowing for coalition ground forces to regroup.

FAA Latest Action On Airliners' Exploding Fuel Tanks
August 6, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The tenth anniversary of TWA Flight 800, a Boeing 747 that exploded off Long Island, killing all 230 people aboard, passed on July 17, 2006, and in the Aug. 5, 2009, Federal Register, the FAA published an airworthiness directive designed to address the potential problem in Boeing 767 aircraft. The latest Final Rule from the FAA, aimed at preventing aircraft fuel tanks from blowing up, adopts for all Boeing 767 aircraft a requirement to have automatic shutoff systems for the auxiliary fuel tank override pumps and advise crews of certain operating restrictions. The new airworthiness directive aims to "prevent an overheat condition" that "could cause an ignition source for the fuel vapors in the fuel tank and result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane." When pondering a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the subject back in 2005, the FAA noted that its computer models suggested that, on average, aircraft would suffer a fuel tank explosion every four years. In 2006, a Boeing 727-200's right-wing fuel tank blew up while the aircraft was on the ground at Bangalore, India. There are other examples.

NetJets CEO Santulli Resigns
August 6, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Richard Santulli, who 25 years ago created NetJets, a worldwide leader in fractional jet ownership programs, announced Tuesday that he would "step down as chairman and CEO of NetJets, immediately." Acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in the late '90s, Warren Buffet has appointed David Sokol to act as interim CEO. Sokol said he looks forward to "working with this team in building upon NetJets' legacy which Richard created." Santulli explained his immediate departure saying he made the move, "in order to spend some more time with my young family and pursue other interests," and said he expects to stay on with the company for at least a year, serving as a consultant. Santulli grew NetJets out of Executive Jet, which he purchased a quarter century ago. Sokol is chairman of Berkshire Hathaway's MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.

AVweb Insider Blog: Sometimes Only a Business Jet Will Do
August 6, 2009
When the federal government needed Bill Clinton in North Korea to broker the release of two captive American journalists, it sent him there the only way it could: on a private business jet. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Russ Niles wonders if this may drive home the point that bizjets are good for more than golf junkets.

Advocate Seeks Reprieve For Historic Wind Tunnel
August 5, 2009
By Mary Grady
NASA's Langley Full Scale Wind Tunnel (LFST), in Hampton, Va., is scheduled to be shut down and demolished later this month, and Ken Hyde, president of The Wright Experience, thinks that would be a mistake. Hyde and his team used the tunnel to help create a reproduction of the first Wright Flyer for the Centennial of Flight, and he thinks it has a lot of useful life ahead. "The tunnel can still provide us with invaluable research and information, especially in areas of national importance like energy independence," he wrote to AVweb last week. The tunnel recently has been used to test trucks, resulting in design changes and fuel savings of up to 20 percent. "The LFST is costing taxpayers no money to keep in existence; however, its destruction is costing every taxpayer money. ... [it] holds a unique place in our country's past, but its most valuable contributions to our country are yet to come, but only if we can find a way to keep the tunnel open," said Hyde. The wind tunnel is currently being operated by Old Dominion University, but their lease runs out on August 18, and NASA plans to close down and demolish the aging structure, according to Hyde. It is currently being used for research on blended-wing structures.

NASA Announces $1.5 Million Prize For 200 Person-mpg Flight
August 5, 2009
By Mary Grady
NASA announced last week that as part of its Centennial Challenges program, it will fund a $1.5 million prize for the first aircraft that can average at least 100 mph on a 200-mile flight while achieving greater than 200 passenger miles per gallon. A competition is scheduled for July 2011 in Santa Rosa, Calif., which will be hosted by the Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency (CAFE) Foundation. A variety of innovative experimental aircraft using electrical, solar, biofuel or hybrid propulsion are expected to enter, NASA said. Several major universities and aircraft builders have expressed their intention to enter teams in the challenge. The competition is expected to advance the development of technologies that will promote efficiency, conservation, and the use of zero-carbon energy sources, according to NASA's news release. This is the largest prize ever offered for a general aviation competition, according to CAFE.

Hundreds Fly The Channel To Honor Bleriot
August 5, 2009
By Mary Grady
It was 100 years ago, in 1909, that Louis Bleriot piloted the first airplane to cross the English Channel, and early in the morning of July 25, 2009, two French pilots marked the anniversary by completing the same flight in two Bleriot XI monoplanes, one of them a replica and one a restored original. Later in the day, however, several other pilots, from Sweden, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, who hoped to make the same flight in their own Bleriot aircraft, were grounded by French authorities, who said the wind was too strong. The grounding caused some to complain that the French had favored their own pilots, but others agreed that the winds were dangerous for the fragile aircraft. At least one of the grounded pilots, Mikael Carlson, of Sweden, was able to make the flight successfully the following morning. About 300 French, British and Belgian pilots also made the flight throughout the day in a variety of small aircraft, sometimes despite dark clouds and rain. Bleriot's flight from Les Barraques, France, to Dover, England, took just 37 minutes.

FAA Issues Final AD On TCM/SAP Cylinders
August 5, 2009
By Mary Grady
It took a while -- the proposed airworthiness directive was out over a year ago -- but this week, the FAA issued a final rule requiring inspections and compression tests for some 8,000 engines built by Teledyne Continental Motors with cylinders by Superior Air Parts, if they have logged more than 750 flight hours. The FAA said its rule aims to prevent the separation of the cylinder head, which could result in immediate loss of engine power, possible structural damage to the engine, and possible fire in the engine compartment. The cost of compliance is estimated at about $1,550 per airplane. The AD becomes effective Sept. 9. For the full text of the final rule, click here.

FAA Requires Automated Icing Systems On Transport Airplanes
August 4, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA on Tuesday changed its certification standards for transport category airplanes to require either the automatic activation of ice protection systems or a method to tell pilots when they should be activated. "We're adding another level of safety to prevent situations where pilots are either completely unaware of ice accumulation or don't think it's significant enough to warrant turning on their ice protection equipment," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. The new rule requires that airplanes must have an effective way to ensure the ice protection system is activated at the proper time. The FAA has previously required the activation of pneumatic deicing boots on many aircraft models at the first sign of ice accumulation, a rule that has been controversial among pilots, some of whom believe they should wait for ice to form before activating the boots. Dan Hubbard, spokesman for the National Business Aviation Association, told AVweb: "NBAA supports efforts to increase a pilot's awareness of hazardous weather conditions and to alert the flight crew of necessary corrective action to prevent the degradation of aircraft performance." The new certification standard avoids relying on the pilot alone to observe whether the airplane is accumulating ice, the FAA said, and it applies to all types of ice-protection systems, not just the boots.

New Aircraft Company To Launch In Wisconsin
August 4, 2009
By Mary Grady
Apparently undaunted by the current state of the aviation industry (see today's GAMA story), a pair of entrepreneurs is preparing to build a 600,000-square-foot facility at the Sheboygan County (Wisc.) Airport where they will develop and manufacture a new vertical-takeoff-and-landing jet design. County leaders said the company has potential for "tremendous economic development and job growth," according to the Sheboygan Press, and the state is providing an economic incentive package worth nearly $30 million. The project will also include offices and other facilities at the airport, and could create up to 2,000 jobs, according to the Press. We couldn't reach the company co-founders, Mark O'Halloran and Brian Morgan, by our deadline, but in a talk at Lakeshore Technical College in January, Morgan said he has been working on the jet design for 20 years.

GAMA Numbers Show Continued Decline In GA Sales
August 4, 2009
By Mary Grady
Sales of piston aircraft dropped 58 percent in the first half of 2009, compared to the same period a year before, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reported in their quarterly update on Tuesday. Shipments fell from 1,034 airplanes last year to just 434 units in 2009. Business jets were also down, by 38 percent (from 663 to 412), and turboprops showed a relatively upbeat trend, with a drop of only 14 percent (221 to 191). "These are extremely challenging times for all general aviation manufacturers and suppliers," GAMA CEO Pete Bunce said in a news release. "Layoffs continue and our industry has been forced to slow, and in some cases, temporarily halt production lines." However, Bunce added that he is seeing some encouraging signs. "The overall economic picture is showing some signs of improvement, which is a crucial condition for recovery in the general aviation market," he said. "Flight hours are stabilizing, used inventories are beginning to shrink, and our manufacturers are seeing signs of renewed interest in airplane purchases."

AVweb Insider Blog: AirVenture — The Day After
August 4, 2009
So, did everyone at AVweb enjoy AirVenture? Paul Bertorelli did. Even though he's been to a couple dozen of these and didn't get far from his laptop, he still managed to recapture a little of that air show excitement this year. Read all about the cool things he saw (and tire-kicked) at EAA AirVenture 2009 in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog.

Young Eagles Fundraiser Nets $1.8 Million
August 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
EAA got the stars out to promote its annual "Gathering of Eagles" fundraiser at AirVenture Oshkosh last week, and they brought in bid after bid from an audience over 1,100 strong, raising a total of $1.8 million to support EAA's Young Eagles program. Auction items included a flight in a Sikorsky Air Crane, an aerobatic experience with Sean D. Tucker, resort vacations, and a one-of-a-kind custom 2010 Ford Mustang, which sold for $250,000, the highest bid of the night. Aviation celebs in attendance included Harrison Ford, who has acted as honorary chairman of Young Eagles for the last six years; Sean Tucker; legendary airshow pilot Bob Hoover; Burt and Dick Rutan; Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeff Skiles, the flight crew of US Airways Flight 1549; and many officials from the industry. Skiles auctioned off the leather jacket and shoes he was wearing on the day he and "Sully" ditched an A320 in the Hudson River, fetching $40,000 for the cause.

Beech 18 Lights Up Show
August 2, 2009
By Adam Cutler
Grimes Manufacturing, a major producer of aircraft lights, uses a C-45H (the military version of a Beech 18) as a test bed for their lights. The aircraft was originally built for the military, and was delivered in 1944. For 20 years it moved around to different bases and was used for different missions until it was sold to Grimes Manufacturing in 1964. After delivery, they immediately started installing wingtip and belly pods to mount various types of lights for testing. After that, the aircraft was flown not only for testing, but also as a sales demonstration airplane that they flew all over the country. In 1986, the airplane collided with a 30-foot utility pole during a fly-by and sustained serious damage. That was the last day for the Flying Lab.

AOPA, WAI Expand Collaboration
August 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
Groups of all kinds across the GA spectrum seem to have become convinced this year that collaboration, rather than competition, is good for everybody, and this week at AirVenture we saw a number of announcements about new relationships. One of those was between AOPA and Women in Aviation, International (WAI), who said on Thursday at Oshkosh that they will work together to strengthen GA and attract more women to the industry. "America's women are a tremendous audience for general aviation and are extremely important for our industry's growth," said AOPA President Craig Fuller. "They currently make up only 6 percent of the total pilot population, so the more we can do to encourage women to bring their enthusiasm and talents to aviation, the stronger we will all be." Peggy Chabrian, president of WAI, said her group will work with AOPA on its General Aviation Serves America campaign, and the two groups will have a stronger presence at each other's events.

Teenager Tried To Start His Own Airline
August 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
A 17-year-old from Yorkshire, England, met with various aviation industry executives and government officials in the U.K. recently and convinced them that he was a tycoon about to launch his own airline, when in fact he had no such plans or funding, the London Times reports. The boy used the pseudonym Adam Tait, and used other false names in emails and phone messages to convince contacts that he was working with a team of employees. He proposed to launch a cut-price airline serving most of Europe, based in the Channel Islands. His scheme unraveled when he was stopped by police at an airport while trying to get access to a 93-seat jet he had said he wanted to lease. The story is getting wide play in the mainstream media as reminiscent of the Hollywood movie, Catch Me If You Can, based on the true story of an American teenager who impersonated an airline pilot.

Remains Of U.S. Fighter Pilot Found After 18 Years
August 2, 2009
By Mary Grady
The first American lost on the first night of the Persian Gulf War, back in 1991, was Navy Capt. Michael "Scott" Speicher, who was shot down over the Iraqi desert while flying his FA-18 Hornet as part of Operation Desert Storm. His fate was uncertain, and the Pentagon changed his status several times from killed to missing to captured, but now his remains have been found and positively identified, 18 years later. "Our Navy will never give up looking for a shipmate, regardless of how long or how difficult that search may be," said Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations. "We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Captain Speicher and his family for the sacrifice they have made for our nation and the example of strength they have set for all of us." Acting on information provided by an Iraqi citizen in early July, U.S. Marines stationed in Al Anbar Province went to a location in the desert which was believed to be the crash site of Speicher's jet, the Navy said on Sunday. Remains were recovered, including bones and multiple skeletal fragments, and positive identification was made by dental records.

Two Eclipse Owners Submit Bid For Company Assets
July 31, 2009
By Mary Grady
Two owners of Eclipse E500 jets, Mason Holland and Mike Press, have submitted a bid of about $40 million to take over the assets of the bankrupt Eclipse Aviation in Albuquerque, N.M. Holland told AVweb that he and Press have formed a company called Eclipse Aerospace that would be based in Albuquerque, and would offer sales and service for the fleet. In a letter to E500 owners, Holland and Press said they have been working hard to put together a business plan, solid financial backing, and a strong support team. They are expecting that the auction will take place in August, and if they are successful, they could take ownership within a few weeks.

NATCA President Out; Runoff For Successor
July 31, 2009
By Mary Grady
Patrick Forrey, who has served as president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association since September 2006, has lost his bid for re-election, and the group will hold a runoff to decide between two candidates, NATCA said on Friday. Former Executive Vice President Ruth Marlin and current Executive Vice President Paul Rinaldi will compete in the runoff. It will take at least a month for the association to complete its runoff procedure and name a new president, and perhaps longer. Forrey will remain in office until Aug. 31, the end of his term, but if no successor has been named by then, he will stay in office until the next president is named, NATCA spokeswoman Alexandra Caldwell told AVweb. "If there is no challenge to the election results, the ballots for the runoff election will go out on the 16th day [after July 31]," she said. "If there is a challenge, the ballots will go out 16 days after the resolution to that challenge." Then, a 30-day period will pass after the ballots go out, and the ballots will be counted on the 31st day. Presuming a winner is named, another 30 days will pass until he or she takes office.

Special Counsel Accuses FAA Of Wrongdoing
July 31, 2009
By Russ Niles
The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has written President Barack Obama and Congress alleging that there's a "substantial likelihood that FAA officials and employees engaged in violation of law, rule or regulation, gross mismanagement and an abuse of authority, all of which contributed to a substantial and specific danger to public safety." The Special Counsel also accuses the Department of Transportation of foot-dragging in its investigation of the allegations, which originated with a whistleblower complaint from FAA inspector Rand Foster on July 8, 2008. Forester contends that the FAA decided, for political reasons, against enforcing certification standards on more than 300 emergency medical services helicopters that had non-compliant night vision systems installed on them. The Office of Special Counsel initially gave DOT and the FAA 60 days to answer the allegations and has granted several extensions. On July 20 the Special Counsel decided enough was enough and notified the government.

NORAD Tracks Unresponsive SR22
July 31, 2009
By Russ Niles
Two NORAD F-16s were scrambled over the Midwest on Thursday after the pilot of a Cirrus SR-22 apparently became incapacitated at the controls and the aircraft flew over its destination of Eagle Creek, Indiana. The FAA asked for the fighter escort after they lost contact with the aircraft as it flew over. The plane continued, apparently on autopilot, for more than two hours before crashing near Henderson, West Virginia.

AVweb Insider Blog: A380 at OSH—Yeah, It Was a Hard Landing
July 31, 2009
An Airbus A380 made a spectacular landing at AirVenture Oshkosh Tuesday afternoon. AVweb's report on the subject drew a storm of angry e-mail. On the AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli explains why the report touched a nerve, and it has nothing to do with Airbus-bashing.

NTSB Releases Expanded Colgan CVR Transcript
July 27, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The NTSB Monday released an 111-page expanded transcript of the cockpit voice recordings from Continental Connection Flight 3407 (a.k.a. Colgan Air) which crashed February 12, in Clarence Center New York, killing all 49 aboard and one on the ground. The newly released information is factual and "does not provide analysis or the probable cause of the accident," according to the NTSB, but may certainly stimulate speculation. Flight 3407 went down in icing conditions after the aircraft stalled and failed to recover while on approach to Buffalo.

AVweb Insider Blog: What Now, Terrafugia?
July 27, 2009
Sometimes even the brightest young minds aren't enough to sort out the many and varied challenges of designing aircraft, so Terrafugia's brain trust is going back to the drawing board and expects a much better roadable aircraft to result. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Glenn Pew muses over the long, uncertain road the Terrafugia project is traveling.

Fire Boss Air Tanker Down, Pilot Hurt
July 25, 2009
By Russ Niles
An air tanker pilot escaped with minor injuries after his amphibious Fire Boss (a highly modified Air Tractor) crashed in Okanagan Lake in south central British Columbia Saturday. The unidentified pilot, who worked for Abbotsford-based Conair, was rescued by boaters. "The pilot was not injured to the extent that he was left incapacitated and was able to extricate himself," Yearwood said. The pilot was taken to hospital where he's being treated for minor injuries. The aircraft was one of six fighting the Terrace fire, which has grown to 45 square kilometers and forced the evacuation of 1,200 people, most of whom have returned home after rain dampened the fire overnight Friday.

Diamond's Twin Back On Diesel For OSH
July 23, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Diamond is flying DA42 powered by twin Austro AE300 170 hp turbo-diesel engines from Austria to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, stock, with no ferry tanks. For long distance flyers, the DA42's seven legs of 3 to 4.5 hours over two and a half days from Austria to London, Ontario, may be less impressive than the fact that it's carrying a six foot seven inch pilot "comfortably." Diamond is using the flight in part to showcase the new Austro engine's performance of 155 KTAS at FL 140 and 65 percent power -- all at the cost of 5.6 gallons per hour, per side. ... and its new taller canopy and electrically adjustable rudder pedals. The aircraft, DA42 NG OE-FSP, is en route for display at EAA AirVenture from July 27 to August 2.

How Do You Like That Glass Panel? Take Aviation Consumer's User Survey
August 6, 2009
By Paul Bertorelli

Virtually every new airplane these days has an electronic flight display system of some kind. Our sister publication Aviation Consumer would like to hear from users of these systems. Click here to take the survey.

(The results will appear in a future issue of Aviation Consumer. For subscription information, click here.)

AVweb Insider Blog: Why Seeing Stars Can Be More Cool than GPS
July 21, 2009
Why bother knowing about celestial navigation? No reason, says IFR magazine editor Jeff Van West — except that it's part of being a better pilot all around. Jeff makes the case (and shares his insights on a recent article from IFR) in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog.

FAA Bill Inches Through Senate, Fuel Tax Could Rise
July 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
It still has a long way to go, but Tuesday's approval by a key Senate committee was seen as a major step toward getting a new FAA funding bill passed. The bill would fund the FAA for two years, giving the Obama administration time to come up with its own plans for how to fund the agency (which some suspect will include a fresh push for user fees). The OK from the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee was a major step, but the bill also must go through the Finance Committee before going to the full Senate for a vote, AOPA said on Wednesday. That committee will decide whether to extend fuel taxes at their current level or approve the increase that was included in the version of the bill adopted by the House. The House measure would raise taxes from 19.3 cents per gallon to 24.1 cents for avgas and from 21.8 cents per gallon to 35.9 cents for noncommercial jet fuel, AOPA said.

FAA Changes Policy, NATCA Responds
July 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA said this week it is ready to change the way it deals with air traffic controllers, but the controllers union is skeptical. On Monday, the agency took what it calls "another step toward a new safety culture," by reducing the emphasis on blame in the reporting of operational errors. "We're moving away from a culture of blame and punishment," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "It's important to note that controllers remain accountable for their actions, but we're moving toward a new era that focuses on why these events occur and what can be done to prevent them." Effective immediately, the names of controllers will not be included in reports sent to FAA headquarters about operational errors, which occur when the proper distance between aircraft is not maintained. Necessary training will be conducted and disciplinary action taken, if appropriate, the FAA said. Both will be recorded in the controller's record. Patrick Forrey, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told AVweb that the FAA change doesn't go far enough. "We are puzzled by the press release in which the Administrator claims to be moving towards a safety culture absent blame, yet at the same time, states that controllers could still be disciplined for their actions," he wrote in an e-mail. "This philosophy is exactly the opposite of a safety culture. A safety culture doesn't look to 'blame'; rather it looks to be proactive in finding problems before they happen."

Countdown to Oshkosh — Predator Arrives, LSA Mall Moves, TFRs Near MKE
July 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
With the start of EAA AirVenture just a few days off, our inbox is flooded with updates and announcements. On Tuesday, an unmanned Predator B landed at Oshkosh, its first landing ever at a civilian airport. Click here for the video. The folks at the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association are excited about the new location for the LSA Mall, along one of the main throughways on EAA's redesigned grounds. "Putting many of the top-selling LSA wingtip-to-wingtip has definitely been a winner with [visitors]," said Dan Johnson, president and chairman of the board for LAMA. Anyone in the market for a new LSA can check out and compare nearly two dozen different models in one stop. Build A Plane will be debuting the Glasair Sportsman 2+2 that was built last summer by high school kids at Glasair's Two Weeks to Taxi Program. "All of us at Build A Plane are very excited to show off what kids can do!" said Lyn Freeman, founder of the organization. "When we tell people that this gorgeous airplane was built by high schoolers, their jaws drop!" Also, EAA this week urged pilots who are flying to Oshkosh via the Lake Michigan shoreline near Milwaukee to watch out for temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) in the area from July 23 to 26.

Sadler To Debut Vampire LSA At Oshkosh
July 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
Sadler Aircraft Company, of Roseburg, Ore., will be at EAA AirVenture next week showing off the latest version of their Vampire airplane. The company has spent three years on research and development to develop a new interior and prepare the design, derived from military aircraft, for the LSA market. "We're really excited to go from R&D to delivering airplanes," said company VP David Littlejohn. "This has been a long road, especially in a challenging economy. I think light sport aircraft are going to emerge as true value leaders in the aviation community, and the Vampire should really deliver on that front." The Vampire is not your typical LSA. It's built on a scaled-back air-to-ground fighter plane airframe, stressed to more than plus-or-minus 6 g's. It's powered by a pusher prop that sits between twin tail-booms. The wings double-fold vertically, to make it easy to transport on a trailer or to store between flights. And the cabin doors are wide with a low entry point, which the company says makes entry more like stepping into a sedan than climbing into a cockpit. The Vampire LSA will be on display at space 77 at AirVenture.

Electric Flight Update: Flightstar Ultralight First Flight, Yuneec Starts U.S. Flight Testing
July 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
The e-Spyder, a single-seat electric-powered ultralight built by Flightstar Sportplanes of South Woodstock, Conn., flew for the first time last weekend. Company president Tom Peghiny, the test pilot, said the aircraft was a pleasure to fly. "Without the bulk of a two-stroke engine out front, there's much less drag," he told EAA. "This little machine flies very well." Peghiny mounted a Yuneec electric motor, built in China, on the nose of a modified Spyder ultralight, with the controller attached to the side of the airframe. Meanwhile, officials from Yuneec are in California this week test-flying their own e430 electric-powered two-seater. The company is working with the FAA to attain experimental exhibition certification in time for next week's EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh. Peghiny also plans to bring his e-Spyder to Oshkosh, and said he hopes to announce prices then for the kit.

Private Explorer, An Aerial RV, Goes Turbine
July 22, 2009
By Mary Grady
We first saw the Private Explorer back in 1999, when a copy turned up on the experimental flight line at Oshkosh, and recently we heard of a pair that are working their way across Canada, fitted out for cross-country travel with PT6 turbine engines and amphibious floats. The airplane's cabin is over 7 feet wide and tall enough to stand up in, and in the rear is a platform for a full-size bed. The interior is fitted out like a camper, complete with galley and a dining area, and screened windows that open wide for ventilation. For complete autonomy in the backcountry, the airplane also includes a toilet, shower, water pump, and heater. The fuel tanks hold up to 200 gallons for a range of up to 13 hours. The kit was designed by Dean Wilson, who also designed the Avid Flyer. Explorer Aeronautique, based in Quebec, sells the kits.

NexAir Updates Piper's Saratoga
July 21, 2009
By Mary Grady
NexAir Avionics, based in Mansfield, Mass., this week introduced the Saratoga NX, a spinner-to-tail modernization of Piper's single-engine six-seater. The NX features an Avidyne Integra Release 9 integrated flight deck and a zero-time factory remanufactured engine. The interior has been spiffed up with added soundproofing, leather seating, a center-console drink cooler, a DVD entertainment system for the back seats, and a fold-down work table. Other new features include AmSafe airbag seatbelts and improved ergonomics. The result is an airplane that is "better-than-new," says NexAir President David Fetherston, at a fly-away price of less than $400,000. Owners of Saratogas from model years 1980 to 2004 can transform their airplanes into an NX for less than $250,000, he said. New features from LoPresti include a cowling that improves engine cooling, flap gap seals that add knots to cruise speed, and exterior lighting. And it's all wrapped up in a sleek new paint scheme. The program "essentially creates a new aircraft that's better equipped and costs far less than a new or late model version," Fetherston said.

Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo Ready For Oshkosh Launch
July 20, 2009
By Mary Grady
In an online news conference on Monday, Virgin Galactic president Will Whitehorn said the WhiteKnightTwo space launch vehicle is ready to launch and will arrive at Oshkosh for the EAA AirVenture opening airshow at about 2:30 p.m. on Monday July 27. "It's an amazing vehicle," he said. The aircraft, which is the largest aircraft ever built by Scaled Composites, has a wingspan of 140 feet and is capable of lifting 17 tons to altitudes of 50,000 feet and more. So far it has flown 14 times and accumulated about 45 hours of flight time. Besides the plane's initital space-tourism mission, it will also be used for space science and to launch satellites into orbit. "What we're seeing is the dawn of a new industrial revolution in space," Whitehorn said. WhiteKnightTwo will also fly on Tuesday and Thursday, and will remain on static display all week until it heads home to Mojave at roughly 10 a.m. Saturday.

AVweb Insider Blog: A Few Words About Apollo 11
July 19, 2009
Now that he's tidied up the mess he made over this global warming thing, Paul Bertorelli has some comments on 40th anniversary of the lunar landing. He's actually old enough to remember that what was most impressive about it is how quickly the program progressed.

AVweb Insider Blog: U.S. Might Not Lead in Electric Flight
July 19, 2009
Competition leads to innovation, but it can also lead to secrecy and self-interest that may just slow down the development of new technologies. In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, AVweb's Glenn Pew wonders if the fractured race for electric airplane supremacy may actually be slowing development of the necessary technology and costing the U.S. its dominance in this emerging sector.

Chickasaw Kids Go Flying
July 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy offers a five-day summer camp that this year doubled in size. Some 82 students signed on for the five-day experience that put each one of them in the pilot seat of a Diamond DA-40, thanks to US Flight Academy in Denton, Texas. The children ranged in age from 10 to 18 and spent one of their five days at the academy taking ground school, visiting the control tower and going for rides. "There's no substitute for the real thing," said US Flight Academy's Mark Taylor, who acted as event coordinator. "When these kits take their first ride in an aircraft, their eyes light up like the sun," he said. The camp brings children together from all over the Midwest. Through the program they gain exposure to everything from model rocketry to the basics of space medicine.

Forest Service Supports Backcountry Strips
July 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Early this month, the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) signed a directive asking its managers to support aviation, citing backcountry airstrips as "an appropriate use of National Forest System lands." The USFS policy statement called for an inventory review and maintenance of USFS-controlled aviation-oriented facilities. And it drew positive reaction from the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), which declared the action a result from meetings between the two groups. The RAF promotes aviation as a low-impact, high-reward activity for national park lands in that airstrips require minimal disturbance of the natural landscape and serve as trailheads for remote areas. RAF president John McKenna said of the directive, "We look forward to building on the partnership and the trust this document brings forth." The foundation already has some such programs in place.

NATA: IG Report On On-Demand Ops Inaccurate
July 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) believes a report critical of risk management and FAA oversight of the on-demand air charter industry "failed to present an accurate picture of the Part 135 regulatory environment." The report (PDF), recently issued by the DOT Inspector General, was conducted as an audit to answer concerns in a House Committee regarding "disparate regulatory requirements between large commercial and on-demand operators" with attention to "the level of FAA oversight of on-demand operators." It found the fatal accident rate 50 times higher in on-demand operations than commercial operations. In a statement issued Friday, NATA President James K. Coyne was critical of the report's comparisons of Part 121 and Part 135 operations, calling it "an apples and oranges comparison." Coyne noted that Part 135 "contains every possible mission profile" while Part 121 "is very homogenous." The report concluded that on-demand operators have more risk in their operations and see less oversight from the FAA. It went on to issue recommendations "to enhance safety and oversight."

First Look: Fishman's Electric Two-Place, OSH Electrics
July 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew

Click for more photos

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will be making an effort to showcase electric flight initiatives this year and with the recent flight of a two-seat Chinese offering from Yuneec aircraft (which hopes to have its aircraft on display), U.S. developers will be looking for their share of the spotlight. Randall Fishman, who last year flew his single-seat 90-minute-endurance all-electric aircraft (the ElectraFlyer-C), hopes to show his two-seat development aircraft, the ElectraFlyer-X. The sleek high-aspect-ratio low-wing will be powered by Fishman's own 50--hp motor, motor controller and battery solution. Putting the finishing touches on the airframe, Fishman has been working quickly to prepare/build the aircraft for Oshkosh and tells AVweb he'd prefer to have it there in flying condition rather than show a non-flying aircraft. The timing is tight, but either way the aircraft should be present. Sonex Aircraft Limited, which in 2007 announced its E-Flight Initiative to develop a two-seat battery powered aircraft, will again be present with a ground-based display.

Australian RAAF Sabre Flies Again
July 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew

It took better than three years of restoration, but the Temora Aviation Museum, in NSW, Australia, completed the project and its rare Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) CA-27 Sabre has taken flight for the first time after 16 years on the ground. A pilot and airshow crowd favorite, this Sabre is A94-983. It took to the air at the hands of Darren Crabb, currently a corporate jet pilot type-rated on 14 aircraft. Crabb is an ex-RAAF Qualified Flight Instructor who has experience in F/A-18 Hornets and Macchi jets. "It was fantastic!" said Crabb, who said the aircraft performed flawlessly on its post-maintenance check flight. Australians will have their first chance to see the Sabre flown at the Temora Aviation Museum Flying Weekend this fall. But for those unable to overcome the obstacles of vast oceans of distance between here and there, the Temora Aviation Museum is giving away rides ... though only virtually, on YouTube (sorry). Click through for the video, after the jump.

NBAA Welcomes FAA's Santa Monica Jets Decision
July 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The National Business Aviation Association is putting its support behind the FAA's latest finding that Santa Monica cannot ban "certain types of business airplanes" from Santa Monica Airport. The city of Santa Monica in 2008 attempted to enact a ban on Category C and D aircraft and the business aviation groups have been fighting the city ever since. The FAA's latest decision comes after at least two appeals sought by the city, which argued that the airport's runway overrun areas are, by the FAA's own guidelines, too small for larger aircraft. The city argued that flying larger aircraft into and out of the airport compromises safety both for operators and nearby residents. NBAA's press release notes that "access to community airports is fundamental to the companies of all sizes that rely on business aviation to succeed." Santa Monica has accepted federal funds for the airport and by the FAA's reasoning, banning larger jets would violate grant assurances by discriminating against certain aircraft. The FAA's most recent decision remains consistent with its earlier reasoning and NBAA sees it as a show of support.

Behold, The Flying Musicians Association
July 18, 2009
By Glenn Pew
With the goals of encouraging, promoting and educating people about their two core interests -- music and flying -- the Flying Musicians Association Inc., has formed "to generate the desire and yearning for both amongst young people." The association, founded by John Zapp and Aileen Hummel, both aviators and musicians themselves, is scheduled for its first Fly-In Musicfest this Nov. 7, at Fort Worth Spinks Airport. They're signing sponsors now. You don't actually have to fly in or be a pilot to attend -- the whole idea is to spread the enthusiasm. "Math, science and music: after years of being associated with musicians and aviators I have realized there are many attributes which are shared by both groups." Zapp hopes to fly around the country visiting music programs to infuse youngsters with a thrill and fascination of aviation.

A380 Oshkosh Visit Details
July 17, 2009
By Russ Niles
Airbus and AirVenture officials say they've done the math and they can barely squeeze the world's largest airliner into Wittman Regional Airport for its first air show appearance in North America. The A380 will arrive in Milwaukee on July 27 for customs clearance and crew rest and take off for Oshkosh the next day for a planned arrival at 3 p.m. The aircraft will do a seven-minute flight display before setting up for landing on Runway 36. In a web conference Friday, Airbus test pilot Terry Lutz said that while the 8,000X150 runway is plenty for the A380, there's only one taxiway that will accommodate the aircraft, although, happily, it's the one that leads to Aeroshell Square. That gives the crew about 5,500 feet before the turnoff, which Lutz said will be plenty, even with a 10-knot tailwind. The aircraft that's coming is a test plane and will land at about 720,000 lbs, about 60 percent of its maximum weight.

AVweb Insider Blog: Remembering the JFK Jr. Crash
July 16, 2009
Ten years ago this week, John F. Kennedy Jr. lost control of his Saratoga and plunged into the Atlantic near Martha's Vineyard. Although a tragedy, it could have been a nightmare for GA if AOPA hadn't seized the moment and explained the story to a curious public and media. Former AOPA Communications VP Drew Steketee tells the inside story in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog.

NTSB Releases Photos Of Southwest 737 Damage
July 16, 2009
By Russ Niles
The NTSB has released photos of the section of a Southwest Boeing 737-300 fuselage that let loose in flight earlier this week. The photos show a remarkably clean fracture where the outside skin of the aircraft blew out at 34,000 feet. The section of aluminum is being examined by metallurgists while Southwest fixes the airplane in Charleston, W. Va. where the crew made the emergency landing. The plane was on its way from Nashville to Baltimore when the hole appeared. None of the 131 passengers and crew were injured. No other problems were found with Southwest's roughly 200 737-300s.

GA Security Gets An Airing
July 16, 2009
By Russ Niles
Aviation groups gave the House Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection an earful about the ways general aviation security could be enhanced without crippling the industry at a hearing on Wednesday. NBAA member Martha King and GAMA Chair Mark Van Tine both told the committee that applying airline-style security protocols to general aviation will cripple the industry and not enhance security. "What general aviation operators seek, and America needs, are measures that do not represent a needless sacrifice in liberty without benefit to society," King told the committee. Van Tine said the recently proposed Large Aircraft Security Program missed the mark on several fronts. "The general aviation community does not oppose enhancing security," said Van Tine. "However, we believe that the notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) was unnecessarily burdensome and did not reflect an adequate understanding of general aviation operations."

Senate's FAA Funding Bill Draws Support, Concern
July 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
The Senate Commerce Committee this week introduced a bill that would provide funding for the FAA for the next two years without imposing user fees, and would enable the agency to move forward with plans for the NextGen air traffic control system. The Alliance for Aviation Across America, which represents a slew of GA advocacy groups, released a statement on Wednesday commending the effort. "We look forward to now working with the Senate to pass this legislation, which provides the necessary funding for [NextGen], while protecting the small towns and rural communities that rely on general aviation." AOPA President Craig Fuller also applauded the effort, but added that he is concerned about the short two-year time frame. "AOPA believes that a longer-term funding package based firmly on existing, proven funding mechanisms offers the best assurance of achieving modernization swiftly and efficiently," Fuller wrote in a "special message to members" posted on the AOPA Web site. "Because full modernization is unlikely to be completed within two years, the need to seek funding could delay or derail modernization efforts midstream, ultimately raising the price tag for completing needed improvements. At the same time, leaving open the possibility of creating and implementing new funding mechanisms, as proposed by budget officials within the Administration, could destabilize funding just when a steady source of revenue is needed most," Fuller said.

Icon Announces More Financing For LSA Project
July 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
Icon Aircraft announced last week that it has successfully closed another round of equity financing to support the development of the Icon A5 amphibious LSA. The new cash will take the project through the rest of its flight-test program and will also finance engineering and manufacturing studies, the company said. Icon CEO Kirk Hawkins said the company already has orders for more than 400 copies of the airplane, totaling more than $40 million in sales. Icon also announced that it is pushing out its production start date by nine months, with first customer deliveries now scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2011. This change was due to the crisis in the global capital markets beginning last fall, the company said. "While the changes in the capital markets did affect our production start date, the current economic climate has minimal impact on Icon overall," Hawkins said, noting that the backlog of sales should carry the company forward into a new economic cycle. The prototype has been flying since last summer, but its first public demo flight is scheduled for EAA AirVenture later this month.

NASA Releases Apollo 11 Cockpit Tapes To Mark Anniversary
July 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
Pilots are generally curious about what it's like to fly other aircraft -- airline pilots dream about aerobatics, military aviators wonder about Boeing cockpits, and piston drivers might imagine trying out gliders or DC-3s or jetpacks. But there was one cockpit that only one crew ever got to experience -- the Apollo 11 Lunar Module Eagle. This week, in honor of the 40th anniversary of that first trip to the moon, NASA is releasing online the cockpit tapes of the conversations between Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin as they descended to the lunar surface on July 20, 1969. All of the Apollo spacecraft included onboard voice recorders, and transcripts of those recordings were publicly released years ago. But only recently were the recordings from Apollo 11 digitized so they could be posted on the NASA Web site. Some of the clips, such as the lunar landing and lunar takeoff, are mainly noise, and the voices can be hard to understand, but it's still interesting to hear conversations that were recorded 40 years ago on the moon.

First Flight For Belite Ultralight
July 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
The single-place Belite ultralight, which evolved from an earlier Kitfox design, flew for the first time on July 4, the company said this week. Although the company had announced a "first flight" a couple of weeks ago, that initial effort was described as only a "test hop" down the runway, with more extensive flight testing to come soon. Now the airplane has been through a real 90-minute test flight, with a tryout of the aircraft's handling characteristics, and several touch-and-goes. James Wiebe, who designed the airplane and launched the Wichita-based Belite Aircraft Co. to develop and market it, was the pilot. "Flying the Belite for the first time was, for me, an extremely memorable event," he said. "I have never flown in an airplane I built or on which I have designed critical structures before, so this definitely ranks among my most thrilling flying experiences." He said the airplane cruised at about 54 mph. "Once it was airborne, the airplane handled well. ... It practically hovers before touchdown and can be stopped within a very short distance," he said.

168 Lost In Iranian Tu-154 Crash
July 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
The airliner that crashed and burned in Iran on Wednesday about 15 minutes after takeoff, killing all 168 on board, was a Russian-built Tupolev 154 operated by Caspian Airlines, based in Iran. An aviation official said a fire broke out in an engine, and the crew attempted an emergency landing. The cockpit voice recorder has not yet been recovered, and news reports said the crew had not discussed the emergency with air traffic control. At the crash site, near a farmer's field, the aircraft exploded and burned, leaving a 30-foot-deep hole in the ground. Sanctions enacted after the 1979 Islamic revolution prevent Iran from buying new aircraft or spare parts from the U.S., or from the European consortium Airbus if the aircraft contains U.S. parts. The country's airlines depend on an aging fleet of Boeing and Airbus jets along with the Tupolevs. The airplane that crashed was built in 1987.

Airshow Attendance Spikes This Summer
July 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
The Arlington Fly-In held last weekend in Washington state reported a 14-percent jump in attendance over last year, and it is just the latest big show to report strong numbers. "What can I say, it was great -- a phenomenal turnout this year," said Barb Tolbert, executive director for the Arlington event. "We are still verifying the number of aircraft -- at times the registrations even overloaded our system -- but it looks to be well ahead of last year." Other shows around the country are showing similarly strong numbers, according to the International Council of Air Shows. Many are reporting all-time record attendance. "Every week, we hear from more shows who have been challenged to deal with overflowing crowds and also from performers who have never seen such large crowds at specific venues," said John Cudahy, ICAS president. "At this point, we're thinking we'll have an overall increase approaching 20 percent compared to last year." The recent Rhode Island Air National Guard airshow in North Kingstown, R.I., featuring the Blue Angels, Canada's Snowbirds, Sean Tucker and Mike Goulian, drew over 70,000 people. "This was our largest show in the 18-year history of the event," said Col. Larry Gallogly, one of the show organizers. "We used every parking spot available to us and put more spectators on the ramp than we ever have before."

Southwest Hole Under Investigation
July 15, 2009
By Mary Grady
The crew of a Southwest Airlines 737-300 made a safe emergency landing after a hole opened in the fuselage at about 34,000 feet during a flight from Nashville to Baltimore on Monday evening. It was not immediately clear what caused the hole, about one foot square, in the upper fuselage near the vertical stabilizer. Pictures of a squared-off hole posted online suggest a panel of some sort that came loose, or perhaps a rupture in the skin that was contained by reinforcing strips. Passenger Michael Cunningham told NBC's "Today" show on Tuesday morning there was no panic. "Everybody just calmly ... figured out what was going on," he said, and donned their oxygen masks as the cabin depressurized. "After we landed in Charleston [W. Va.], the pilot came out and looked up through the hole, and everybody applauded, shook his hand, a couple of people gave him hugs," Cunningham said. No injuries were reported. The airplane was about 15 years old. The NTSB is investigating.

Cirrus Aircraft And API Sign Exclusive Logistics Services Agreement
July 14, 2009
By Mary Grady
Cirrus Aircraft said on Tuesday that it will team up with Aerospace Products International to provide spare parts to owners of its SR-series piston airplanes. "Cirrus customers will benefit from API's 24-hour-per-day service [and] one-stop shopping for all aircraft parts needs," Cirrus said in a statement. The new preferred services agreement marks a key milestone in Cirrus's initiative to offer customer service and support through the complete life cycle of the aircraft, the company said. The program will operate under the brand "Cirrus Parts by API." API will provide parts for Cirrus authorized service centers and will also handle customer returns and warranty claims. Brent Wouters, president and CEO of Cirrus, said it's all about building customer loyalty and satisfaction. "We explored all the available technology in the aerospace aftermarket and support industry and chose what we believe to be the most innovative solution to servicing our aircraft," Wouters said. "This program goes beyond anything previously provided to aircraft operators and we are very pleased to be partnering with API."

Goodbye, Columbus -- Cessna Cancels Extra-Large Jet Program
July 14, 2009
By Mary Grady
When Cessna put the Columbus program on hold in April, hope remained that the jet, which would have been Cessna's biggest ever, would reappear sometime in the future. "Don't write the Columbus off your radar screen," said Lewis Campbell, CEO of Textron, Cessna's parent company, at the time. But last week, Textron said the Columbus project is over. "Upon additional analysis of the business jet market related to this product offering, we decided to formally cancel further development of the Citation Columbus," the company said in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Textron will take a $43 million write-off. The SEC statement says Cessna has spent about $50 million on tooling, facilities and other costs for the Columbus, most of which cannot be recovered or used for other projects. The 10-passenger, $27 million jet was expected to start deliveries in 2014.

Southwest 737-300s Inspected, No Problems Found
July 14, 2009
By Russ Niles
Southwest Airlines says it's found no evidence of structural problems in the rest of its roughly 200 Boeing 737-300 aircraft after a football-sized hole appeared in the fuselage of one of the planes Monday. The hole occurred near the vertical stabilizer. Flight 2294 was on its way from Nashville to Baltimore at 34,000 feet when it depressurized and the oxygen masks deployed. The crew did an emergency descent and landed at Charleston, W. Va. at about 5:10 p.m. There were 126 passengers and five crew and no reported injuries.

AVweb Insider Blog: United Breaks Policy and Faith with Employees
July 13, 2009
By now, most everyone has seen Dave Carroll's video for "United Breaks Guitars" and empathized with the plight of the passenger who can't get any satisfaction from the major airlines. Now may be a good time to extend some of that empathy to "kind Ms. Irlweg" and the rest of United's policy-enforcing employees, Russ Niles says in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog.

Aerial Firefighting Aircraft Burglarized
July 12, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Three aircraft and two helicopters operated by regional firefighters at the Grand Junction Interagency Air Center in Colorado were grounded Friday morning after it was found that burglars had entered the aircraft and stolen equipment. "Tens of thousands of dollars" worth of pilot gear and equipment is missing from the facility, according to The Grand Junction News. The aircraft were temporarily grounded, inspected for vandalism or sabotage and "almost all" were then cleared for service by Friday night, the paper reported. The criminals had to contend with an access-code-protected front gate and/or a barbed-wire fence that surrounds the facility, which is itself within the grounds of Grand Junction Regional Airport. The center, managed jointly by BLM and U.S. Forest Service in conjuction with the National Park Service and State Forest Service, coordinates air tankers, smoke jumpers and other fire support services for operations in western Colorado and eastern Utah.

Air France Investigation Enters Next Phase
July 12, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Multiple submarines remain in the search for sunken debris, but they will no longer be actively "listening" for emergency signals from the recorders aboard Air France Flight 447. It's been more than 40 days since the Airbus A330-220, with 228 aboard, crashed in the Atlantic ocean while en route out of Rio de Janeiro for Paris -- the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders are designed to emit signal for 30 days. "All is not lost," Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, director of Air France-KLM, told the Le Figaro last week. Brazil's military last month called off the search for floating debris and bodies, having recovered 51 bodies (including that of one of the flight's pilots), some 640 pieces of aircraft wreckage and not a single inflated life vest. Examination of wreckage has led investigators to believe the aircraft broke up after striking the water in a fairly flat attitude at high speed and on track with its route.

AVweb Insider Blog: Airplanes and Global Warming
July 10, 2009
You knew we would have to talk about this sooner or later. Like most of us, Paul Bertorelli concedes he hasn't the first clue about rationalizing airplane ownership with climate change — but that didn't stop him from sharing his thought on the AVweb Insider blog. Log in and add your own opinion to the mix.

FAA To Create Aeronautical Chart Cartel?
July 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
If your FBO doesn't sell $5,000 worth of charts annually, it might not be selling any charts to anyone after Oct. 5, 2009 -- that's when the FAA and National Aeronautical Navigation Services (formerly NACO) new Chart Agent criteria take effect. Proponents claim the new criteria will help reduce costs and increase efficiency; opponents fear it may for all practical purposes make spontaneous chart purchases at small airports (and spontaneous trips) a thing of the past. At present some smaller FBOs rely on discounted pricing from the FAA and returns for credit for expired charts to make selling charts financially feasible. Under the new program, businesses that don't sell $5,000 worth of charts annually would either be cut out of the distribution network -- and no longer sell charts -- or be forced to rely on the graces of a select group of high-volume private chart distributors that meet the target sales volume. According to the FAA, only 293 of 1790 independent chart distributors currently meet the mark. And, for some, that raises serious questions.

Marketing And Adventure For Sling LSA Promoters
July 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Two men plan to fly their Rotax-912S-powered, aluminum-constructed and modified D6 Sling light sport airplane (not as modified) around the world, carrying up to 118 gallons in each wing for the longer legs, including at least one over-ocean stretch of more than 2,000 nautical miles. Mike Blyth and James Pitman hope to begin the journey at Johannesburg, South Africa this week (they're aiming for Thursday) and they expect to make a stop at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The complicated task of preparation entails more than aircraft modifications as evidenced by "delays in documentation and flying permits" that have (at the time of this writing) set the departure date back (but just one day) to Thursday. Their final preparations have involved autopilot and propeller adjustments and inoculations as recommended for the multitude of countries they plan to greet along their way.

Airshow Performer Clanton, Racer Miller Killed In Crashes
July 11, 2009
By Glenn Pew
It's been a tough week for performance pilots. Chandy Clanton, three-time member of the United States Unlimited Aerobatic Team and several time EAA AirVenture Oshkosh performer, was killed Friday in her Edge 540 ahead of the Wingnuts Flying Circus in Tarkio, Mo. She was 36 years old. On Thursday, Reno Air Races pilot Gary Miller died when his SNJ named Mystical Powers crashed and burned near Kiowa, Colo. Clanton was scheduled to fly in the Missouri show and was also scheduled to fly this year at AirVenture.

787 Smokes 'Em Up
July 10, 2009
By Russ Niles

Although a first flight for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will have to wait until engineering fixes strengthening the wing attachments, that doesn't mean the aircraft has to sit idle. Engineers and test pilots got to run it up and down the runway at Paine Field last Tuesday in its first taxi tests. The aircraft reached speeds of about 100 knots in at least one run and the brakes were tested. They apparently work.

United Breaks Policy, Offers Money For Guitar
July 10, 2009
By Russ Niles

A Canadian country band has struck a chord with anyone who has watched the way some United Air Lines baggage handlers load the airplane in a viral video on YouTube. Sons of Maxwell, of Halifax, was on its way to a gig in Nebraska last year when rough handling — in plain view of the the alarmed passengers — snapped the neck off band leader Dave Carroll's $3,500 Taylor guitar. After a year of appeals for compensation, the video is the result — and it has more than 1,300,000 views. United has apologized, and Taylor Guitars has offered to fix the instrument.

Trislander Throws Blade, Loses Door In Flight
July 9, 2009
By Glenn Pew
"It was like an explosion going off inside the plane," a passenger of a Great Barrier Airlines Trislander told the New Zealand Herald, after the aircraft's right engine threw at least one blade into the side of the aircraft as it carried 11, with an empty seat in the cabin ... where the blade hit. When the propeller blade hit, it scattered debris throughout the cabin and took off a right side door, leaving a gaping hole in the aircraft through which the hub-less engine could (in theory) be clearly seen. The event occurred last Sunday and somewhere out there someone may have in-flight pictures -- one passenger had the wherewithal to take out his camera and another claims to have had steady enough hands to take some shots as the aircraft returned to Claris. Passengers told the Herald they'd noticed the engine wobbling during the takeoff roll at Claris Airfield on a flight that would otherwise have ended in Auckland. One passenger told the Herald "there were engineers working on that engine" on the same aircraft when he had flown on it days earlier.

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009, A Displays Extravaganza
July 9, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The collection of aircraft set for display at this year's (July 27 to August 2) EAA AirVenture Oshkosh airshow does not scream recession or depression and could prove to be among the best gatherings the group has put together. Aside from the roughly 2,500 showplanes expected annually, the 2009 collection will include the space-tourist-launching Virgin Galactic VMS Mothership "Eve"; Airbus' A380 -- the world's largest airliner; an Avro Lancaster WWII bomber; a 1909 Wright B Flyer replica; a rare Japanese "Zero" and Messerschmitt ME109 will add to more familiar flock of warbirds; and possible appearances from the dawn of a new age -- electric flight -- are hoped for, if not expected. The show will celebrate anniversaries of the Cessna 150 (50th), the T-28 (60th) and the Pietenpol homebuilt (80th) among others.

NTSB Releases Probable Cause Of Fossett Crash -- Downdraft
July 9, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The NTSB has determined downdrafts were the probable cause of the fatal September 3, 2007, crash near Mammoth Lakes, Calif., of a Bellanca 8KCAB-180 piloted by Steve Fossett. The Board determined the aircraft inadvertently encountered descending air that exceeded the climb capabilities of the Bellanca, which was flying over mountainous terrain at a high density altitude. Fossett's disappearance initiated a month-long search that involved the Civil Air Patrol, state and county authorities, Fossett's friends and an unknown number of private citizens who participated online by scanning the latest satellite imagery of the search area. But it was not until a hiker found some of the pilot's personal affects on October 7, 2008, that an approximation of the wreckage's whereabouts was determined. An aerial search based on the findings discovered the wreckage about half a mile away at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet. Fossett was a pioneering aviator and set records for distance and speed flown in numerous aircraft types. He was also the first person to fly solo around the world in a balloon.

AirVenture Preparations Now In Full Swing
July 8, 2009
By Mary Grady
With the July 4th holiday behind us, and the Arlington fly-in going on this weekend, the next big thing on the aviation world's calendar is EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh ... coming up in just about two and a half weeks. The Notam is out, and pilots planning to fly in should be studying it soon to be sure they're familiar with all the procedures. Last-minute preparations are under way on site to be sure the grounds, now substantially reconfigured, are ready for the onslaught (click here for the new maps). The airshow schedule has been announced, and as usual it features the world's best performers. Kirby Chambliss and Mike Goulian take a break from the Red Bull Air Races to fly their solo shows. Sean Tucker, Patty Wagstaff, Kyle Franklin, Debby Rihn-Harvey, the Aeroshell Team and many more unique and spectacular acts will perform. The LSA folks will have a new site for their Mall, where the FlyMart used to be, which should provide great visibility for visitors shopping for a new airplane. Hundreds of other exhibitors will have their latest airplanes and cutting-edge gear of all kinds on display.

Airplane Launches On Fuel-Cell Power
July 8, 2009
By Mary Grady
This Tuesday, the Antares DLR-H2 took off at Hamburg Airport in Germany using only power from fuel cells, a feat that its builders say is a first for a piloted aircraft. The motorglider, built by the German Aerospace Center, flies with zero carbon-dioxide emissions and is much quieter than similar aircraft. "This motorglider achieves new quality standards in the field of high-efficiency, zero-emission energy conversion and clearly demonstrates the progress that has been made in fuel-cell technology," the Aerospace Center said in a news release. The DLR-H2 is based on the Antares 20E motorglider, and has a wingspan of 66 feet. With its fuel-cell propulsion system, the aircraft can stay aloft for five hours and reach speeds of about 105 mph. "With our successful first flight, we have verified the feasibility of fuel-cell-powered flight and our next steps will focus on improving efficiency levels and on extending the service life of these systems," said Dr. Josef Kallo, Antares project manager from the DLR Institute for Technical Thermodynamics. "At this stage, we have only tapped into a fraction of the performance capabilities of this technology for aerospace applications. The Antares DLR-H2 will help us to make much greater use of these areas of potential."

TCM's 0200 Lightweight Engine Now Offered To Piston Market
July 8, 2009
By Mary Grady
Teledyne Continental Motors announced this week that its O200 lightweight engine is now for sale to the piston aircraft market. The 199-pound engine, which is up to 40 pounds lighter than some earlier versions, is fully FAA-certified and comes with a factory warranty and 2,000 hours TBO, TCM spokesman Mac Little told AVweb. The O200 is similar to the engine that Cessna is using for the SkyCatcher, but it is now for sale to the individual buyer, Little said. The engine comes complete with starter, ignition, and fuel systems, at a list price of $21,499. Orders are being taken now and deliveries will start next month, the company said.

LSA Update -- Allegro Moves To Oregon; New Online Tool Helps Shoppers
July 8, 2009
By Mary Grady
Times have been tough lately for the U.S. aircraft biz, but a bright moment occurred this week when Allegro announced that its LSA, formerly built in the Czech Republic, will now be manufactured in Roseburg, Ore. "We believe in the Allegro and the USA Light Sport market and will continue with our expansion," said Doug Hempstead, president of Allegro USA. The new location will make it easier for U.S. customers to deal with warranties, parts, delivery and financing, the company said. The move was prompted by the strong Euro currency, which made the airplane too expensive for U.S. buyers, the company said. Australian customers will also benefit from the move, because their exchange rate in relation to the U.S. dollar is more favorable than the euro. Shipments from the Oregon factory are expected to begin by August. Meanwhile, pilots who are considering an LSA purchase now have some help to sort through the almost 100 models now available. LSA guru Dan Johnson has created an easy-to-use online tool at his Web site that helps buyers find the right LSA by choosing preferences in 24 categories, such as price range, STOL capability, and metal or composite construction.

For Backcountry Pilots, A New Place To Stay
July 8, 2009
By Mary Grady
Pilots who are ready to get out and explore the western U.S. this summer will find a warm welcome in Bozeman, Mont., thanks to the folks at the Recreational Aviation Foundation. Volunteers have built a new pilot shelter on land donated by the Gallatin Field Airport (KBZN), with bath and shower facilities, lots of green grass, a barbecue pit, and tie-downs. Pilots are welcome to stop by for a lunch break or to camp overnight. "It is a free facility and a wonderful aviation amenity," John McKenna, of the RAF, told AVweb this week. "The Bozeman airport would love to encourage out-of-the-area pilots to use it. They just need to know it exists." The public airport offers two paved runways plus a grass strip, and fuel is sold on the field. Yellowstone National Park is nearby, and the area is a popular fly-fishing, hiking, and outdoor recreation destinations. "I know when I have traveled across the country, finding a place like this pilot facility would be like finding a gem," said McKenna.

Pilots In Italy Protest Airspace Shutdown
July 7, 2009
By Mary Grady
Aviators in the U.S. who received forwarded e-mails from AOPA-Italy in the last few days soliciting contributions may have thought it was a scam -- the e-mail offered a bank account number for direct deposits, or suggested that readers "please call Antonella from Tuesday to Friday... giving us your credit card number." But although the e-mails may seem suspect, the appeal is legitimate, AOPA-Italia President Massimo Levi told AVweb on Tuesday. "Unfortunately, it is a very serious issue," Levi said in an e-mail. AOPA-Italia sent the e-mails to its local membership, and then they apparently were forwarded widely. Levi said a large chunk of the country's airspace has been closed to VFR traffic because of a financial dispute between Italy's aeronautics agency and its air force. The plea to its membership brought in the $20,000 AOPA-Italia needed to go to court against what Levi calls "an illegal administrative act." He wrote: "Italian pilots gave us the money in less than a week ... and we are now ready to fight!"

Research Project Aims To Help Pilots Avoid Turbulence
July 7, 2009
By Mary Grady
A new system to help guide pilots away from severe storms and turbulence in remote ocean regions is being developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Boulder, Colo., NASA said this week. NASA is funding the development of a prototype that should be ready for testing next year. The system combines satellite data and computer weather models with artificial intelligence techniques to identify and predict rapidly evolving storms and other potential areas of turbulence. "Turbulence is the leading cause of injuries in commercial aviation," said John Haynes, program manager at NASA headquarters, in Washington. "This new work to detect the likelihood of turbulence associated with oceanic storms using key space-based indicators is of crucial importance to pilots." Turbulence has been cited widely as a possible factor in the recent loss of Air France 447 in the Atlantic Ocean, but it is not yet clear what role, if any, it played in that accident.

AVweb Insider Blog: Something You Should See
July 4, 2009
We get a lot of news releases, and Glenn Pew admits that when some press notes about a tiny wing-flapping drone came across his desk, he didn't give it the time of day. In the latest installment of the AVweb Insider blog, Glenn explains why he's having second thoughts — and shares the details.

Fly4Life Looking For 1,000 Pilots At OSH
July 5, 2009
By Russ Niles
One of the themes of this year's EAA AirVenture is the recognition and promotion of public benefit flying and the call is out to everyone who uses their airplane to help others to stand up and be counted in Oshkosh. EAA and the Air Care Alliance, co-sponsors of Fly4Life, are hoping at least 1,000 volunteer pilots and aircraft owners register at the Fly4Life tents on the south side of Aeroshell Square to get recognition for their own efforts and to promote the cause. "Our focus is to provide an awareness-generating opportunity for you and/or your organization and to recognize the GA community for its positive influence on the lives of others," the groups said in a news release.

Former Cessna CEO Meyer Joins Aviation Hall Of Fame
July 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
For 2009, the National Aviation Hall of Fame will induct astronauts Eileen Collins, the late Edward White and movie legend the late Jimmy Stewart, alongside Russ Meyer, who led Cessna Aircraft as chairman and CEO from 1975 to 2003. Cessna had halted production of its piston-powered aircraft amid liability issues that held the manufacturer responsible for aircraft over its entire life. Meyer is credited with helping pass the 1994 General Aviation Revitalization Act, limiting liability for manufacturers and leading Cessna to re-enter the general aviation market. Today, the company has delivered more than 40,000 Cessna 172s to market, making it the most-produced aircraft model in history. Meyer played a role in the development of the "Be A Pilot" program and went on to oversee expansion of Cessna's Citation line, which holds claim to the title of most popular bizjet line in the world. He also originated the Citation Special Olympics Airlift that organized hundreds of Citation owners in their transport of athletes from around the country to the National Special Olympics games. Winner of two Collier Trophies, Meyer was in 1996 inducted into the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame and served on three Presidential Commissions. He is a commercial instrument-rated pilot with more than 15,000 hours logged.

Shifting Sands For Boeing's Dreamliner
July 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Boeing has scrubbed its schedule for the production of its all-composite 787 Dreamliner as it works to reinforce the aircraft's wing section while customers have scrubbed orders for about 72 of the jets this year, including 15 dropped by Qantas last week. Still the order book for the untested, unfinished aircraft stands at roughly 850 for a list price total of more than $151 billion. The aircraft's first flight has seen four delays that have so far put the jet two years behind schedule, and the cascade of reactions to that reality include Boeing's bartering with carriers who still hold orders for the aircraft. Among those, All Nippon Airways has actually added five more of the jetliners to its orders, which may give a glimpse into the complicated contracts that manufacturers create with their clients. Some customers are seeking compensation for the delays as Boeing's delays disrupt their strategic operating plans amid volatile oil costs and a depressed economy. On the upside, Boeing has the opportunity to avoid penalties with remaining customers as they gain some flexibility in delivery schedules among fewer buyers. On the downside, the jet hasn't flown yet and after extensive computer modeling, ground tests have detected structural flaws that require structural changes. Wednesday, new rumors surfaced.

Air France 447 Investigation Interim Report
July 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The BEA Interim Report (PDF) released Thursday covering the crash of Air France Flight 447 shows a span of more than nine hours between the last message received from the flight's crew and the launch of a first rescue aircraft. Though communications on oversea flights can be sparse, the rescue launch order was still a full eight hours from the interval at which time the aircraft sent 24 messages showing onboard faults and system failures. When debris was found, it consisted mainly of light items from all areas of the plane. No evidence of fire or explosion has yet been discovered. Distortions in the metal vertical reinforcements of specific debris "showed evidence of great compressive forces" with crumpled walls and ceilings that were deformed downward while the floor "was curved under the effect of a strong upward pressure from below." This suggests, and investigators have publicly stated, that the aircraft hit hard in a rather level attitude. The translated report summarizes it less obviously stating, "Visual examination showed that the airplane was not destroyed in flight; it appears to have struck the surface of the sea in a straight line with high vertical acceleration." (There is some speculation as to the exact meaning of "in a straight line," which may have translated directly to "in the line of flight," but may have been intended to mean "in a level attitude," or simply that the aircraft had negligible yaw at impact.)

FAA Updates Flight Plan Infrastructure Hardware
July 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The FAA is nearing completion of a hardware update that "virtualizes" its flight plan infrastructure. The new National Airspace Data Interchange Network (NADIN) will soon be fully integrated, helping process the more than 1.5 million messages that are part of the national traffic system each day. In the new system, both general aviation and airline pilots will not file their own flight plans but will file through a service provider or flight station, according to DailyTech.com. The new system aims to reduce system computer crashes and the system's overall vulnerability to hackers. Virtualization means that the system allows one server to provide services "to provision services across that server, in a much faster manner, without having to perform modernization upgrades or hardware installations," according to FAA IT administrator Jim McNeill.

Alaska And Hawaii Aim For Specialized Pilot Training
July 4, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The FAA is working with several specialized aviation groups to create terrain-awareness simulation training to improve air tour safety in Alaska and Hawaii. The training would target new commercial pilots flying air tour routes and involves visual cue-based simulator training to acclimate new air tour pilots with their route of flight under various meteorological conditions from CAVU to severe weather. The goal is to familiarize pilots from outside the state or new to a geographical area with conditions that warrant a turn-around or a landing at an alternate airport. Visual checkpoints are highlighted in the simulator and pilots are trained to revise their decisions based on conditions at each point and are graded on their decision-making. The training developed from authorities seeking an end to avoidable CFIT accidents in the region and relies heavily on accurate 3-D realistic geographic data, which, in Alaska, isn't always easy to come by.

AVweb Insider Blog: Greener Airplanes, Bluer Skies
July 3, 2009
In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, editor Mary Grady laments that it can be tricky to be both an aviator and an environmentalist but is thankful for new technologies (and new ways of thinking) that help bridge the gap. When we talk about airplanes getting greener, notes Mary, it's not just emissions that make the difference.

Air France 447 Hit Belly First: Investigators
July 2, 2009
By Paul Bertorelli
Investigators said Thursday that Air France 447 apparently didn't break up in flight but fell belly first into the equatorial Atlantic early on the morning of June 1. Thus far, 51 bodies of the 228 people aboard the Airbus 330 have been recovered and the search for additional victims ended last Friday. The search for the aircraft's flight data and cockpit voice recorders continues, but it too is expected to be suspended on July 10. “The plane was not destroyed while it was in flight,” Alain Bouillard, the chief of the investigation told reporters. “It seems to have hit the surface of the water in level attitude and with a strong vertical acceleration.

AVweb Insider Blog: Tip o' the Cap to Tampa
July 2, 2009
Ever tried to complain to the airport authority at an international hub? Good luck even finding the number. At Tampa, Florida, they actually call you back. Paul Bertorelli's report on that refreshing experience is the subject of our latest AVweb Insider blog.

NTSB Investigating Two Runway Incursions In Cleveland
July 1, 2009
By Mary Grady
The NTSB said this week it is investigating two runway incursions that occurred in June at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, Ohio, while a controller-in-training was directing the airplanes. On June 26, an ExpressJet Embraer 145, was cleared by the controller to cross Runway 24L at a taxiway in order to depart from Runway 24R. About 19 seconds later, the same controller cleared a CommutAir DH8 for takeoff on Runway 24L. The Express Jet flight crew saw the departing airplane and advised the controller they would not cross the runway. The DH8 rotated about 1,500 feet from where the E-145 was positioned. Just three weeks earlier, on June 3, a B-737 was cleared by the same controller to taxi into position on the same runway on which an E-145 was cleared for takeoff. The E-145 crew was entering the runway and saw the B-737, and queried the controller. The two flights came within 500 feet of each other on Runway 6L. The controller is still on duty and is expected to complete his training.

New Airstrip Expands Access To Rocky Mountain Forests
July 1, 2009
By Mary Grady
A new grass runway is now being built on land owned by the U.S. Forest Service in Montana, after four years of effort by recreational pilots. The strip, which is expected to be ready for next spring, will be 4,000 feet long, stretching across a meadow at an elevation 6,300 feet, surrounded by plenty of open grassland for approaches and climbouts. The site is close to a popular trout-fishing area and a campground in the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Members of the Montana Pilots Association and the Recreational Aviation Foundation worked with federal officials to create the airstrip. The agreement required four years of planning, including an environmental impact statement and an opportunity for public discussion. Several sites were considered and rejected before the final site made the cut. "This decision is significant because until this location was selected at Russian Flat, there were no public airstrips on Forest Service lands east of the Rocky Mountain Front," said Dan Prill, of the RAF. The runway is under construction now but is not expected to open until the grass surface has time to develop.

Social Media Leads To Project To Promote GA For All
July 1, 2009
By Mary Grady
Two active pilots -- Jason Schappert, a CFI living in Florida, and Vincent Lambercy, a Swiss private pilot living in Germany -- were chatting on Twitter recently when they came up with an exciting idea. Why not go flying in Jason's Cessna 150, from the U.S. East Coast to the West Coast and back, to promote general aviation? "While it's not very fast, [the 150] is a very economical and reliable airplane," the two write on their Web site, FlyingAcrossAmerica.com. "Jason opted to own such a plane because it allows for his students to earn their private pilot license for less than 5,000 dollars! Aviation is not restricted to the elite and affluent. This is an integral part of our message." The two plan to launch next summer, and they are looking for sponsors and donors to help make the trip possible. They will fly a southern route from Florida to California, to avoid having to cross the Rocky Mountains. The two say they see the flight as "a mission" that is more than just flying for fun from coast to coast. "We intend to rally people and promote general aviation on a local grassroots level," their Web site reads.

Actuator Failure Prompts Precautionary But Safe Landing For WhiteKnightTwo
July 1, 2009
By Mary Grady
Virgin Galactic's WhiteKnightTwo, also known as "Mothership Eve," was on its way from Scaled Composites in Mojave to fly past the groundbreaking ceremony for Spaceport America in New Mexico on June 19 when the crew noted the failure of a speedbrake actuator as they descended toward the site. Pilot Peter Siebold and his crew made a precautionary landing at Williams Gateway Airport near Phoenix, where they were met by ground crew. They were able to re-launch the next morning and successfully completed several flybys and a low pass over the runway at Las Cruces International Airport for spectators at the Spaceport America event. Systems were evaluated on the high-altitude return leg to Mojave. According to the flight log posted at scaled.com, WhiteKnightTwo has so far flown more than 29 hours, with some flights lasting as long as 7.5 hours, at altitudes up to 52,400 feet. WhiteKnightTwo is the carrier vehicle for SpaceShipTwo, which will transport passengers to the edge of space.

Former Kitfox-Lite Model Re-launches As Belite Ultralight
July 1, 2009
By Mary Grady

Belite Aircraft, a new company based in Wichita, Kan., unveiled its prototype airplane Tuesday afternoon in the middle of the city's Old Town neighborhood. The aircraft, which flew for the first time just last week, is an extensively modified version of the Kitfox Lite. Entrepreneurs James and Kathy Wiebe acquired the production rights to the aircraft earlier this year and have redesigned it to reduce the weight below the 254-pound limit needed to qualify as an ultralight under Part 103. The wing, struts, spars and ribs are constructed using a proprietary carbon fiber process that James Wiebe says builds faster than aluminum, wood or composite construction. The aircraft will fly at about 55 knots with a range of 200 miles. It will be on display at EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh later this month and Wiebe said he will release further information at that time about pricing and delivery schedules. It will be offered for sale as a kit or fully assembled.

Stratos Will Bring VLJ Mock-Up To Oshkosh
July 1, 2009
By Mary Grady
So far, start-up companies aiming to build very light jets have found the going tough (the now-defunct Eclipse Aviation and Adam Aircraft, for example), but that isn't stopping newer companies whose leaders believe they have a better idea. One of those is Stratos Aircraft, a Bend, Ore., company that is moving forward with its concept of a very light personal jet, the Stratos 714, which it announced last May. The four-seat single-engine jet will go 1,500 nm at 400 knots, and it will be easy to manufacture, easy to fly, and easy to maintain, the company says. A full-scale cabin mock-up will be ready for display at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh later this month. "The full-size mock-up clearly demonstrates the level of roominess and comfort we are aiming to achieve," said CEO Michael Lemaire. "No amount of blueprints or renderings can replace actually sitting in the cabin." Company officials also will use the opportunity to gather feedback that can be incorporated into the final design.

AVweb Insider Blog: Air Shows and the $6 Hot Dog
July 1, 2009
As every business struggles in the current economy — especially aviation businesses — it can no longer be business as usual at the big air shows. In the latest installmment of our AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli argues that the place to start is giving show goers a little break on the price of lunch at these shows. A little consideration could go a long way.

Alternative Fuels Move Closer, As Aviation Escapes Emissions Control
June 30, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA said last week it has reached a "major milestone" in its efforts to help the aviation industry develop sustainable alternative fuels, and this week, the U.S. House exempted aircraft from a major bill that will impose greenhouse-gas emissions standards. The House bill, which was passed last Friday, still must be approved in the Senate and signed by the president before it becomes law. The Senate, however, is not expected to push for limits on aviation emissions, according to Helicopter Association International. Meanwhile, the FAA said an international panel of experts is working to create new guidelines that will allow for the approval of alternative commercial jet fuels. A number of new alternative fuels could be approved within the next few years, according to FAA's Nancy LoBueand, acting assistant administrator for the environment. She said the approval of new fuels will help lower aviation's carbon footprint.

GA Needs A Voice In Security Plans, Alphabets Say
June 30, 2009
By Mary Grady
Both the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and AOPA said this week that current proposals now in play in Washington are good news for general aviation. One bill introduced in the House would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to create a rulemaking committee including GA industry stakeholders, which would have input into new security measures that affect the industry. "This legislation shows that Congress understands that we can accomplish more good if we work together rather than separately," said NBAA President Ed Bolen. The committee would address proposals such as the TSA's Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP), which has been widely opposed by GA operators and pilots. After receiving more than 7,000 comments on its proposed LASP rule, most of them in opposition, the TSA has said it will issue a new NPRM before issuing a final rule. AOPA also noted that a House funding bill that passed last week addresses several issues of interest to GA. The bill urges the TSA to work with GA stakeholders before issuing security mandates and provides $275,000 to train GA pilots regarding security measures.

Girl Survives Yemenia Crash
June 30, 2009
By Russ Niles
Officials searching for an Yemenia Airways A310 that crashed near the archipelago of Comoros early Tuesday have found a 12-year-old girl who survived the accident. She was swimming amidst debris and bodies and is believed to be the only survivor. She is reported to be conscious and stable in hospital. The aircraft was carrying 142 passengers and 11 crew and reportedly went down after an aborted landing attempt at Moroni Airport. Two French military aircraft and a ship departed the Indian Ocean islands of Mayotte and Reunion early Tuesday to assist in search and recovery. Weather in the area at the time of the crash was stormy, with high seas. The aircraft was enroute from Sana'a in Yemen to the Comoros Islands, off the coast of Tanzania. Comoros is about halfway between Madagascar and Africa.

AVweb Insider Blog: Lancair Knows News
June 27, 2009
In the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Russ Niles has some all-too-infrequent praise for the high art of communicating with the media. When the Lancair Evolution suffered a potentially embarrassing gear-up landing, the company was quick to provide information, help news outlets get the details right, and the world didn't come to an end.

Viper Claims Experimental "First"
June 26, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Viper Aircraft's new Viperjet LXR fanjet is a 375-KTAS, experimental two-place tandem aerobatic-capable personal jet with an 1100-nm range (with reserves) and room for 125 pounds of baggage -- and it's now available with a special endorsement from the FAA. The company has established standardized qualifications and training for the aircraft that qualifies pilots who've taken that training for an Authorized Experimental Aircraft certificate. The certificate is basically the experimental aircraft version of a type rating and in practice it means its holder "will no longer need to receive a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from the FAA," to operate the aircraft, according to Viper President Scott Hanchette. Hanchette believes that makes his the "first experimental aviation company in its class" to receive such a certificate. According to Viper, the authorized certificate is part of the FAA's vintage and experimental program's goal of establishing standardized pilot qualifications, training and certification in experimental U.S. and foreign aircraft.

Eclipse Loses EASA Type Certificate, Suppliers Lose More
June 26, 2009
By Glenn Pew
The EASA Type Certificate covering the Eclipse 500 has been suspended (PDF) as of June 12, 2009, striking a potential blow to the value of Eclipse Aviation's intellectual property assets that may soon be sold at auction. Now in Chapter 7 bankruptcy, Eclipse Aviation has even less to offer potential buyers. Eclipse achieved the EASA certificate in November of last year, hoping to win a new market for the aircraft in any of 30 European nations, but since that time the vast majority of delivered Eclipse 500 very light jets have been registered in the United States. So, on the upside, the suspension shouldn't have much of an effect on aircraft that are currently in use. On the rapidly growing downside, Eclipse's assets will now offer even less to the company's suppliers that have lined up to fill out bankruptcy court claim forms for money due them. The one supplier (of about 145) that may be taking the largest hit, 59-year-old Sun Country Industries, may be stuck with unpaid invoices totaling half a million dollars and "is sitting on an additional $750,000 in parts and material" otherwise destined for Eclipse, according to Aircraft Maintenance Technology online (AMT). To make matters worse, of Eclipse's physical assets, which could be sold to repay its debts, it seems many may have never been paid for by Eclipse.

Solar Impulse Is Revealed
June 26, 2009
By Glenn Pew

An aircraft was unveiled Friday in Switzerland that aims to take off with one pilot aboard and fly day and night propelled only by solar energy, flying around the world without expending any fuel or expelling any pollution. The team led by Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg believes the goal is unachievable "without pushing back the current technological limits in all fields." The craft measures 61 meters in span and will carry aloft about 3300 pounds of aircraft and 12,000 photovoltaic cells. There are more efficient options, but the 130-micron monocrystalline silicon solar cells were chosen for their combination of light weight and efficiency. The cells are dispersed over 200 square meters of surface area as part of a 12 percent efficient propulsion chain designed to deliver about eight horsepower from four motors. The motors are housed in under wing pods with lithium polymer batteries that are insulated to conserve the radiated heat that will allow them to function at the -40 degrees Centigrade at 27,000 feet the aircraft may experience. Power collected from the solar cells and stored in the batteries will be used to drive 3.5-meter propellers through a gear reduction that will swing them at 200-400 revolutions per minute -- lifting the giant craft off the ground at about 19 knots and flying it at about 60. And then there's what's on the inside.

Klapmeier Makes Play For Cirrus Jet
June 26, 2009
By Russ Niles
AVweb has confirmed that former Cirrus Design CEO Alan Klapmeier is making a bid to acquire the rights to manufacture and sell the Vision SF 50 single-engine jet. A source close to the negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Klapmeier announced that he has "formed a team of financial advisors and engineers" to try to take over the project. The source said Merrill Lynch is involved in the negotiations between the Klapmeier group and Arcapita Ventures, Cirrus Aircraft's majority investor, over the potential acquisition of the project. The new company will be separate from Cirrus and a name has not been chosen. More details in our podcast interview with Brent Wouters.

One Man's Dream: 60 Airplanes At 60
June 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Celebrating a 37-year career in aviation and his 60th birthday, Tim Carter has set himself a goal of flying 60 aircraft in the year starting immediately after his Nov. 1, 2008, 60th birthday. He's got about four months left and, according to his Web site, he's flown 29 aircraft. Carter's career has taken him through the United States Air Force and Delta Air Lines before he moved to his current job at a fractional jet company. The man says he has about 17,000 hours total time with type ratings in the B727, 737, 757/767, CE500, CE525 and LOA Folland Gnat. With previous experience flying everything from a Cub through a Zivco Edge to an L29, his logbook may already contain 60 different types, but thought his plan would be a fine "grand finale" to "cap off a great career." Even if he doesn't succeed, the quest has no doubt produced some memorable days, including one spent at the U.S. Flight Academy, where he went once around the patch in eight aircraft (one of which was a helicopter). Carter maintains a Web site where he posts pictures of his conquests.

Fractional Cub?
June 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
American Legend Aircraft announced Thursday that its Legend Cub, a modernized Piper J-3 Cub, could be had for as little as $2900 down and flown for $28 per hour when purchased through the LetsFly four-person joint-ownership program. The LetsFly Cooperative Ownership Program is "the largest aircraft cooperative in the country," according to President Eldon Corry. The company claims to offer an affordable model for pilots "who wish to fly often, but prefer not to rent" in a package that offers "a very appealing aircraft ownership alternative," especially in the context of difficult economic times. For the roughly $110,000 Legend Cub, the company says its four-person system translates into the previously mentioned low initial cost, low hourly cost, and monthly fees that land in the ballpark of about $400 (depending on the loan's interest rate). For what it's worth, LetsFly will also put you in a Mooney Acclaim or Cirrus SR20 for that same initial $2900 ... but you'll be paying about $1500/month and $185/hour for the Mooney, or $710/month and $90/hour in the Cirrus.

NTSB To Investigate A330 Air Data Anomalies
June 25, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Investigators recently reported that the crew of Air France Flight 447, lost earlier this month with all aboard, may have been fed faulty air data, and Friday the NTSB announced that it is investigating "two recent incidents" in which A330 instruments may have malfunctioned. Earlier this month, after it was publicly disclosed that Airbus had recommended changes to the jets' pitot tubes, some pilots for Air France were urged by their union to refuse flights on A330/A340 series aircraft if their pitot sensors had not yet been replaced. Of the two incidents the NTSB will be investigating, the first involved a TAM Airlines flight out of Miami May 21, bound for Sao Paulo. The airliner lost "primary speed and altitude information" during cruise. Pilots reported the event was precipitated by an abrupt drop in indicated outside air temperature. Soon after, the Air Data Reference System was lost and the autopilot and autothrust disconnected. The crew flew the jet on backup instruments for about five minutes until primary data was restored. The flight continued to a Sao Paulo, where it landed without incident. A Northwest Airlines A330 flying between Hong Kong and Tokyo on June 23 may have experienced a similar event. The NTSB in its statement did not draw any connection between these investigations and the Air France disaster.

FAA Asks Unions, Regional Airlines To Make Changes
June 24, 2009
By Mary Grady
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said on Wednesday a new rule establishing flight and rest rules for pilots at regional airlines will be drafted by Sept. 1, and called on the airlines and unions to make changes in hiring and safety practices by the end of July. "We know that the airline industry is committed to operate at the highest level of safety," Babbitt said. "Now is the time to push these initiatives forward." The FAA wants airlines to obtain all available FAA records before hiring pilots, and all carriers who don't have Flight Operations Quality Assurance and Aviation Safety Action Programs in place should implement them immediately. Also, airlines that have contractual relationships with regionals should ensure that the regionals follow the same standard of safety. By July 15, the FAA will establish an Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) comprising representatives from the FAA, labor and industry, which will develop recommendations for the new FAA rule regarding flight time and rest standards.

Volunteer Pilots, Take Note -- Angel Flight Requirements Vary
June 24, 2009
By Mary Grady
AVweb noted on Monday that some Angel Flight organizations have amended their pilot requirements in the wake of last year's three fatal crashes, but we would like to re-emphasize -- as we stated in that Monday story -- that several different groups use the "Angel Flight" term and not all of them have the same rules. David Prutzman, the president of Angel Flight East, wrote to let us know that his organization reviews its policies, pilot requirements and safety recommendations on an ongoing basis and has recently implemented several changes as a result of those reviews. However, the group is maintaining its previously published requirements for pilot qualifications and aircraft TBO. Aviators should check with their particular volunteer group, whether it is some form of Angel Flight or any other organization, for details on requirements and updates about changes.

Waco Updates Its Classic Biplane
June 24, 2009
By Mary Grady
Waco Classic Aircraft, of Battle Creek, Mich., announced this week that it has overhauled its YMF-5C biplane, adding many new features and upgrades, and is now introducing the YMF-5D. "This new model of aircraft delivers greater performance than ever before," the company said in a news release. It has more horsepower, thanks to a new Jacobs R755-A2 300-hp engine, and the weight of the aircraft is lower, due to design changes and the expanded use of lightweight materials.

Solar Impulse Unveiling Set For Friday
June 24, 2009
By Mary Grady
Solar Impulse, an airplane designed to fly around the world on solar power, will be unveiled tomorrow, Friday, June 26, at Dubendorf airfield near Zurich, Switzerland. The aircraft has a wingspan of 210 feet and weighs about 3,500 pounds. It's powered by four 10-hp electric motors and carries more than 11,000 solar cells on the wing and the horizontal stabilizer. "The design of the aircraft, pure and futuristic, will itself be the symbol of the spirit of the project in the sky," says the company Web site. The project has been in the works since 2003, and organizers hope to launch the round-the-world flight in 2012. Five flight legs are planned, each lasting three to four days, "which is considered to be the maximum a single pilot can endure," according to the Web site.

Electric Aviation Moves Forward
June 24, 2009
By Mary Grady

Last week it was the SkySpark project flying fast on batteries, this week we heard that the first electric-powered airplane has flown in China, and on Wednesday Bye Energy announced that it has received a grant from the Wolf Aviation Fund to research electric motors for small GA aircraft. It's getting easier to believe the age of gasoline is on its last legs -- and while that may not be the case just yet, we do expect to see a lot of new emissions-free technology on display at EAA AirVenture next month. One of those displays will be the new airplane from China, the Yuneec International E430, which flew for the first time on June 12. It has since flown at least two more times, and is now being shipped to the U.S. so it can be ready to fly at Oshkosh. Test pilot Shun Xun said the E430 has plenty of power and the ride is exceptionally quiet and smooth. Takeoff speed was 40 mph and top flight speed was about 93 mph.

Boeing's Latest Dreamliner Setback
June 24, 2009
By Mary Grady
Boeing said on Tuesday that first flight of the 787 Dreamliner will be postponed again, due to a need to reinforce an area within the side-of-body section of the aircraft, and it will be several weeks before a new first flight or delivery date will be announced. Boeing officials had said as recently as last week at the Paris Air Show that the Dreamliner's first flight would take place by the end of this month, and deliveries would start by next March. The need to modify the aircraft raised questions about whether the computer models that are used to design aircraft and predict performance are adequate, especially when using advanced composite materials, but officials at Boeing said the process is working as it should: Computer models predict how the design will behave, but extensive real-world testing is always required to validate those predictions and, if necessary, modify the models. The aircraft will require structural reinforcements at about 36 points near the area where the wing joins the fuselage, Boeing officials said, but the changes will not significantly impact weight or performance.

FAA's New York Region Airspace Redesign Wins In Court
June 23, 2009
By Mary Grady
The FAA's plan to redesign the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia region airspace cleared a key legal barrier last week when a court struck down a group of legal challenges, the FAA said on Monday. A federal appeals court ruled on June 10 that the FAA can continue to move ahead as planned. Challenges had been filed by several state and local governments in the region, as well as a citizens group, claiming that the FAA didn't properly perform an environmental impact study of the changes in air traffic patterns that would result from the redesign. The court disagreed. "The FAA's environmental impact analysis was procedurally sound and substantively reasonable," the court wrote in its decision. The FAA says the redesign will help reduce delays by about 20 percent, and NBAA agrees. "This is welcome news for everyone," Steve Brown, NBAA's vice president for operations, told AVweb on Tuesday. "This redesign is absolutely a good thing for airspace users. It will make traffic flow more efficiently, with fewer delays. It will save fuel and increase capacity." The redesign will be completed in 2012, the FAA said.

Sam Williams, Founder Of Williams Intl., Dies At Age 88
June 23, 2009
By Mary Grady
Dr. Sam B. Williams, founder and chairman of turbine engine company Williams International, of Walled Lake, Mich., died on Monday at the age of 88, the company announced in a news release on Tuesday. The small, efficient fanjet engines that Dr. Williams developed and patented were crucial to the development of very light jets and today are widely used on general aviation jet aircraft. The first Williams International jet engine, the FJ44-1A, was certified by the FAA in 1992, and since then, 4,000 FJ44 engines have entered service. Dr. Williams was inspired by a "lifelong dream of making jet travel safe, convenient, and affordable," the company said. He left a secure career at Chrysler Corp. in 1955 and started his own company with limited funds. Besides VLJs and bizjets, Williams engines have powered cruise missiles, the X-Jet flying platform, the V-Jet II designed by Scaled Composites that flew in 1997, and military drones. Dr. Williams was the recipient of many awards for innovation, including the Collier Trophy, the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, and the National Medal of Technology. He was also inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Lancair Evolution In Gear-Up Mishap
June 22, 2009
By Russ Niles
Lancair International says serial number 01 of its Evolution Turbine kit speedster will be back on tour within a week after a gear up landing at Northeast Georgia Regional Airport, near Winder, Ga. In a news release Monday, Lancair said the aircraft suffered "minor" damage to its rudder and tail cone in the mishap and technicians were dispatched immediately with all the tools and supplies needed to get the plane fixed and back in the air. "True to the nature of high strength composites the damage is expected to be fully repaired in three to five days, the company said. Company pilot Bob Jeffrey was flying at the time.

AVweb Insider Blog: Light Sport Amphibs — It Doesn't Get Any Better
June 19, 2009
If you've forgotten why it is you started flying in the first place, Paul Bertorelli and Jeff Van West suggest you pay a visit to Progressive Aerodyne and fly the SeaRey amphibian. If there's not a law against having this much fun, maybe there ought to be. See why it's all Paul can talk about in the latest installment of the AVweb Insider blog.

Forward Vision Earns Broad Cessna STC
June 21, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Forward Vision announced last week that most single-engine Cessna pilots may now fit Forward Vision's infrared thermal-imaging camera system to their aircraft with the full blessing of a supplemental type certificate (STC). For about $15,000 uninstalled, the system penetrates haze, fog, smoke and precipitation eight to ten times better than the human eye, according to the company. And because the STC covers some "158 models" of Cessna 100- and 200-series aircraft, it may now be installed on upward of 40,000 Cessnas. The list currently excludes the 208 and P210, but Forward Vision expects the P210 to be covered by a separate STC soon. Forward Vision's EVS systems have been available for business jets for some time. The company's EVS-100/600 systems are designed specifically for light aircraft and are already STC'd on Cirrus models. Check Forward Vision's Web site for more details. Pilots interested in the technology can see it with their own eyes and compare competing products -- we have videos after the jump.

Brits Take Contiguous 48 States In Record Time (For Diabetes)
June 21, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Saturday, Diabetes Flight 48, piloted by Douglas Cairns and James D'Arcy, two British pilots living with diabetes, broke the record time for landing in all 48 contiguous states with their final landing in Kenosha, Wis. At the time this was written, the two men had not yet blogged their final time (they had to beat 131 hours, 5 minutes) but noted that they had until 9:45 p.m. Central Time on Sunday evening if they were to succeed. The trip was flown in a Baron starting from Council Bluffs, Iowa, on June 16, and the men aimed to use the trip to raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, UK (see video, here.) By Saturday the pair had raised more than $4,500 (donations are always welcome). The trip was originally scheduled to begin June 16, in Iowa, running counter-clockwise after an initial jog from Nebraska. But the best laid plans are changed by weather and the crew reported on June 16 that they began their trip from Iowa, made it to Nebraska and then turned for Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, later configuring a figure-eight pattern to hit all the states. Aside from the record time, the flight included at least one segment that covered eight states in less than 12 hours, detours around storms and "some tremendous low-level flying in the Rocky Mountains." Of course, then there were the tornadoes.

Economy Of Scale May Make F-35 Only Game In Town
June 20, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Lockheed Martin last week said it is seeing growing demand for its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. As a joint development project in a severely crippled world economy, those countries that can afford to be involved may realize big benefits from joint collaboration. Lockheed Martin believes the aircraft's characteristics will make it a viable replacement for some 13 models currently used by partner countries worldwide. And the company hopes that the vast amount of F-35s to be produced (possibly more than 2,400) will push down the per-unit costs of the aircraft to about $80 million per copy (not including research and design costs), making it ever more alluring when compared with competing designs. Critics claim the aircraft is not as maneuverable as some other available aircraft and not especially stealthy while carrying the munitions that make it particularly lethal. But the aircraft's economics and joint technology mean long-range targeting capabilities and mission versatility at a price that's hard to dismiss. And then there's the support the aircraft is seeing from the U.S. government.

APA Uses Continental 61 To Support Age-60 Rule
June 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Speaking for the Allied Pilots Association, spokesman Scott Shankland told WFAA TV in Dallas/Forth Worth, Thursday, that incidents like the Thursday death of a pilot aboard Continental Flight 61 will be more likely, and he knows why. Shankland told the TV station, "this is the reality of what we're going to be dealing with on an increasing bases as a result of the increase of retirement age to 65." Pilot Craig A. Lenell died at the age of 60 while serving as captain aboard the Continental flight. He was examined on the flight by a 72-year-old cardiologist who attempted to revive the captain with the aid of an onboard defibrillator (mandatory since 2004). Of the multiple events involving a pilot's incapacitation or death while piloting a commercial airliner that AVweb reviewed for this story, none resulted in additional fatalities as a direct result of the flight losing a pilot -- a point with which Shankland concurs. He did, however, point out that losing one pilot on a domestic airline flight would more often than not leave the flight in the hands of a sole remaining pilot who would be required to then declare an emergency and land soon as practical. But, for Shankland, and presumably APA, there are other considerations.

WASP To Receive Top Civilian Honor
June 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Legislation honoring the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) who flew more than 60,000,000 miles from 1942 to 1944 on every type of assignment but air combat has passed both houses of Congress. The Hutchison-Mikulski Bill on June 16 passed the House, sponsored by 334 representatives. It had passed the Senate in May, co-sponsored by 75 senators. Upon the signature of President Barack Obama, the bill will award the women with the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service. The medal, awarded by Congress, is the highest honor a civilian may receive, along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is bestowed for exceptional acts of service to the United States. Said Senator Hutchison of the Bill's passage, "The day that surviving WASP, and the families of those who have passed, get to hold these medals in their hands is at last on the horizon." During their service, the women were never awarded full military status, were ineligible for officer status and afterward were not granted veterans' status until 1977. Some 300 of the women have lived to see the Bill pass.

Group Offers Aviation Biofuels Timetable (Best Guess)
June 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
With at least four biofuel test flights flown by leading airlines over the past 12 months, reports say they perform as well or better than traditional jet fuel and that some of the next generation fuels could cut emissions by 84 percent, so what's the hold up? Some hope to see commercial-scale production within the next few years, but the problem is economics. In the short term, serious hurdles exist, including the price and availability of second-generation feedstocks (there may not be enough raw material to supply the entire aviation industry) like camelina, which are used to produce the fuels. Camelina's oil in particular has been championed by Boeing as a drop-in jet fuel replacement, capable of utilizing existing jet fuel infrastructure without the need for component modifications. Still, those growing pains aren't likely to overcome any economy-induced short-term shortfalls in government support for mid- and long-term value. A report by Pike Research cited last week by the Wall Street Journal forecasts that the combined biodiesel and ethanol markets could climb from about $76 billion in sales in 2010 to nearly $250 billion by 2020. The market research and consulting firm has mapped the key milestones it expects to drive aviation biofuel progress over the next few years, but industry groups may have more conservative goals.

Angel Flight Groups Increase Volunteer Pilot Hour Requirements
June 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
After decades of safe operation, last summer Angel Flight organizations had by August seen three fatal crashes; this summer some of their volunteer pilot requirements will change. A recent letter co-signed by Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic Chairman (AFMA), Steve Craven; president of Mercy Medical Airlift, Ed Boyer; and Executive Director for Airlift Hope America, Jim Smith, written to volunteer pilots listed new pilot qualifications/safety standards effective July 15, 2009. Pilots wishing to participate with those organizations must now have a minimum total time of 500 hours (unchanged) with no less than 400 hours (up from 250) as Pilot in Command with a minimum 50 hours in make and model. Other qualifications for any aircraft to be used for Angel Flights include a minimum of $1 million liability insurance with no less than $100,000 per seat. (There are other requirements, check with the specific groups you're interested in joining.) Contacted Friday for comment, AFMA's Craven told AVweb, "While we had been contemplating increased pilot qualifications and insurance requirements for some time, we were motivated by the fact that after 30+ years, millions of miles and hundreds of thousands of needy patients flown safely, last year the Angel Flight world experienced its first fatal accident." The letter also announced future steps intended to establish a "culture of safety" within the participating organizations.

Able Flight's Same Day Coast-To-Coast LSA Flight
June 19, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Earlier this month, Matt Hansen (23) and Jessica Scharle (24) flew From Jacksonville, Fla., to El Cajon, Calif., in an LSA within a single day and believe they set a record in the process, with a couple of twists. The transcontinental flight in a Light Sport Plane logged five stops along the way. It departed Cecil Field at 6:01 a.m., June 8, and arrived at Gillespie Field at 10:22 p.m., totaling 19 hours and 21 minutes en route with a little more than 17 in the air. The Peregrine FA-04 LSA they flew was equipped for night flight (legal when flown by a properly rated pilot) and managed just under 4.9 gallons per hour when the two were able to fly at 8,500 feet. As for the twists, one is that Hansen, a commercial pilot and flight instructor, participates with the nonprofit Able Flight Scholarship program that earned private pilot Scharle her spot on the trip. Able Flight helps facilitate flight instruction for physically disabled pilots. Scharle was born with a condition that essentially works to fuse her body's joints, but her battle with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita did not stop her from becoming the first female Able Flight Scholarship recipient from earning her private pilot certificate. The second twist is that the National Aeronautical Association isn't yet equipped to deal with the LSA category ... but then there's the Guiness Book.

DHS OIG Says GA Not Much Of A Terrorism Threat
June 19, 2009
By Russ Niles
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Homeland Security says general aviation poses a "limited and mostly hypothetical" tool for terrorists. In a report released last month, but first reported by GovernmentExecutive.com this week, the OIG says GA airplanes are too small and the terrorists know that. "Although [TSA's Office of Intelligence] has identified potential threats, it has concluded that most [general aviation] aircraft are too light to inflict significant damage, and has not identified specific imminent threats from [general aviation] aircraft," Inspector General Richard Skinner said. In a podcast interview with AVweb, AOPA spokesman Chris Dancy said the message from the OIG is one that his group has been delivering for years. AOPA President Craig Fuller said the findings validate his and other groups' contentions but that doesn't mean GA can let its guard down. "The report notes that while the threat is minimal, it is not non-existent and that constant vigilance must be maintained, which is why AOPA coordinated with the TSA to develop and implement the Airport Watch program," Fuller said. "We have always done our part and will continue to do so."

Captain Dies On Transatlantic Flight
June 18, 2009
By Russ Niles
A relief pilot aboard a Continental Boeing 777 took the left seat of a flight from Brussels to Newark after the 60-year-old captain died during the flight. In a twist of modern communications, all the networks were waiting in breathless anticipation as a fully qualified crew landed without incident at Newark at 11.49 a.m. but CNN says pax told them they weren't told of the drama in the cockpit. The only indication that anything was wrong was the call for a doctor during the flight. Continental says the captain, who had 32 years of service to the airline, apparently died of natural causes.

Viking Announces Military Twin Otter
June 17, 2009
By Russ Niles
While the civilian aviation market is depressed at the moment, military representatives from all over the world are at Le Bourget kicking the tires of hardware they might be able to use. Companies whose market is traditionally civilian are obliging by reworking their passenger and cargo planes. As we reported 18 months ago, Viking Air of Sidney, British Columbia, has resumed production of the Twin Otter and it announced a military variant, called the Guardian 400, in Paris. "By offering a customized version of the Series 400 Twin Otter tailored for military and government operations, namely the Guardian 400, Viking is able to provide its customers with a modern and economical solution for their infrastructure requirements," Viking President Dave Curtis said.

Wounded Iraq Vet Gets A Chance To Try Flying
June 17, 2009
By Mary Grady
Veterans Retreat, a Miami Beach-based charity that helps enrich the lives of veterans wounded in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars, recently brought retired Army Capt. Mark Brogan and his wife, Sunny, to Florida for a free weekend of flying. "Mark has wanted to fly since he was a kid," Sunny told a local reporter. Capt. Brogan was injured in a 2006 suicide bombing that left him with brain and spinal cord injuries and nearly severed his right arm. Doctors at first told Sunny to be prepared to "pull the plug," he said, but today he is walking and talking, against the odds. "My wife and I have been through quite a lot," he said, in an Air Force Times story about his recovery. "This has mostly been a journey of blind exploration for us." Veterans Retreat offers vets a chance to spend a few days in Florida and try flying, scuba diving, or sailing. Each aviation student receives introductory instruction, their own logbook and advice on how to continue their flight training at a hometown airport, seek a career in aviation or simply fly with an instructor whenever they want an adventure. "A lot of these guys surf the Internet all day long with nothing to do," Tim Sureath, founder of the group, told a local TV reporter. "We want to help them find some purpose."

FAA Chief Boosts NextGen Budget, Expects Labor Peace Soon
June 17, 2009
By Mary Grady
Speaking before a House appropriations committee on Tuesday, FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt asked for a 24-percent boost in funding for NextGen projects, a total of $865 million. Babbitt also said that negotiations with the air traffic controllers union, which were stalled and contentious for several years, now are making progress. "I'm optimistic," he said. "The talks are proceeding well, both sides are at the table, and I think we'll reach an agreement. The best agreements are reached when everyone wants an agreement, and right now there is both that desire and a positive atmosphere." Babbitt said the agency will hire more than 1,700 new controllers in fiscal year 2010. "We're hiring more controllers faster than ever," he said. "We are providing them with quality training." He also asked for $3.5 billion to fund airport projects, including runway safety area improvements, runway incursion reduction, and aviation safety management. The FAA's total budget request was $15.9 billion.

Italian Electric Airplane Reaches 155 MPH
June 17, 2009
By Mary Grady

Experimenters have made great strides in recent years with electric power for small aircraft, and a step forward took place last week in Italy when a new battery-powered airplane flew for the first time, then two days later reached 155 mph, which is expected to be a new world record for the category. The SkySpark project is a joint enterprise between engineering company DigiSky and Turin Polytechnic University. The two-seat Pioneer Alpi 300 is powered by a 75-kW electric motor using brushless technology and lithium polymer batteries. Electronic control systems make it possible to modulate RPM and torque, "with dynamics which are far beyond what it is attainable in reciprocating engines," and the engine is very reliable and long-lasting, according to the SkySpark Web site.

An Entry-Level Warplane Debuts At Paris
June 17, 2009
By Mary Grady
The trouble with warplanes is they are so darned expensive, but at this week's Paris Air Show, bargain hunters found a new option -- the affordable Air Truck, a modified two-seat cropduster, built by Air Tractor of Olney, Texas. The turboprop can carry up to four tons of bombs and missiles and machine guns, and can stay aloft for up to 10 hours to provide support to troops on the ground, or to easily hop across the North Atlantic. The Air Truck's speed tops out at 210 mph, but the ability to maneuver low and slow could be an advantage in many combat situations. The airplane is expected to sell for about $5 million, according to the Associated Press, about half the price of today's military-version turboprops such as the Embraer Tucano or the Beechcraft T-6, and significantly less than the tens of millions that is the usual bracket for even the lowliest jet fighters.

NBAA Challenges FAA Release Of Information On Business Jet Travel
June 17, 2009
By Mary Grady
Generally, data about the movements of airplanes using the federal airspace system is open to the public, but owners of business aircraft can ask the FAA to block their tail numbers, citing security concerns and competitive considerations -- and now a federal court will decide if those requests should be open to the public. The FAA said recently that it would release the list, after a Freedom of Information request from a nonprofit journalism group, but the NBAA has challenged that decision. "The Blocked Aircraft Registry Request (BARR) Program was established over a decade ago," NBAA said in a statement. "NBAA has long supported the BARR program and believes the reasons for its creation remain relevant today, given that access to information about certain flights can be used to inappropriately impact the competitive landscape." NBAA spokesman Dan Hubbard told AVweb the organization wouldn't comment further since the matter is pending in court. ProPublica, the group seeking the release of the list, says some companies are using the system to avoid bad publicity about excessive use of their corporate jets.

AVweb Insider Blog: Air Safety Behind Closed Doors
June 16, 2009
That's the way it was on Monday when the Transportation Department held a closed-door session with the airline industry to discuss issues related to the Colgan crash in Buffalo. "What's up with this?" wonders Paul Bertorelli in today's AVweb Insider blog. Shouldn't the sun shine in on such governmental meetings? The new administration said it would. TranspoSec Ray LaHood said the meeting was too urgent to wait for the NTSB's full report in another eight months.

Two Cirrus Air-Taxi Operators Join Forces
June 16, 2009
By Mary Grady
SATSAir and ImagineAir, two of the new generation of air-taxi operators flying Cirrus SR22 aircraft, said on Tuesday they have entered a "flight networking" or "code-share" agreement, effectively expanding their combined network across a 10-state area in the Southeastern U.S. "Customers of both companies will benefit from the increased aircraft availability immediately," said Steve Hanvey, SATSair president and CEO. "From an operational standpoint, this will also create an opportunity for both companies to route their aircraft in an even more efficient manner." Both operators offer on-demand flights to over 1,000 airports in the Southeast. Each company will retain its own pricing structure and operate its own flights. "While code-shares have been common practice in the airline industry for years, 'flight networking' is really an innovative 'first' for the next-generation air-taxi industry," said Aaron Sohacki, CEO of ImagineAir.

FAA Chief Promises New, Safer Rules For Airline Pilots
June 16, 2009
By Mary Grady
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said on Monday that airlines can expect new rules soon regarding flight and duty hours for pilots, and also that rules will be clarified to ensure that airlines can get data on every checkride a pilot applicant ever took. Babbitt spoke at a high-level closed-door meeting of industry executives, pilot union reps and government officials held in Washington to discuss concerns about safety at regional airlines and what can be done to improve it. "Our job is to deliver and ensure safety, and recently we've seen some cracks in the system," Babbitt said, referring to the publicity about hiring practices and standards at regional airlines during the investigation of the Colgan Air crash in Buffalo. He said he also wants airlines to have a process to ensure that senior captains mentor new pilots as they build experience. Babbitt and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood hosted the "Call to Action" to identify immediate steps that could strengthen and improve pilot hiring, training and testing practices at regional airlines as well as at the major air carriers.

AVweb Insider Blog: Why Speculating on Airplane Crashes Is a Good Thing
June 15, 2009
Used to be, we reclined in smug professionalism in being sophisticated enough to know aircraft accidents take months to investigate. But these days, the information comes at you a mile a minute from dozens of sources, so in the latest installment of our AVweb Insider blog, Paul Bertorelli argues that it's actually a healthy thing to offer your own theory or suggestions on crash causes. Not to worry; the NTSB won't pay you the slightest bit of attention.

Video Captures Beaver Crash, No One Hurt
June 15, 2009
By Russ Niles
Sometimes the difference between being in the right place at the right time and the opposite is a matter of a few feet and, miraculously, everyone involved came out of this one on the happy side of that equation. Dustin Koehler and his father were videotaping floatplanes taking off from Lake Spenard in Anchorage June 7 when something went wrong in the takeoff run of a de Havilland Beaver. Happily, Koehler, who kept the camera rolling throughout the sequence and the two adults, two children and two dogs on the Beaver were unhurt after the plane went over Koehler (he estimates the wing passed five feet over him) and hit rising ground less than 100 feet behind him. Ironically, the plane came to rest next to the the Alaska State Department of Transportation building. The unidentified pilot reportedly told the NTSB that a gust of wind knocked the aircraft off course and the video practically begs armchair analysts to dissect the sequence. There's even a strategically placed windsock.

Red Bull Air Race Cruises Through Windsor
June 15, 2009
By Mariano Rosales

Click for photos

The Red Bull Air Race's last stop in North America for 2009 took place last weekend on the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan. British pilot Paul Bonhomme narrowly took home the first-place trophy, narrowly beating out Austrian Hannes Arch by 1.15 seconds in the final round. The Red Bull Air Race World Series continues on with their next stop in Budapest, Hungary on August 19.

TSA Airport Security List Misleading
June 14, 2009
By Russ Niles
EAA says it's pressuring the Transportation Security Administration to lift the "shroud of mystery" on its implementation of new security requirements for GA pilots at commercial airports after an attempt at clarity misfired last week. On Wednesday, EAA published a list of 454 airports supplied by the TSA that have commercial service and would theoretically be subject to directive #1542-04-08G (SD-8G). AVweb wrote a story and carried a link to the list. However, representatives of some of the airports on that list were surprised (and annoyed) to see themselves on the list. EAA says some airports have been able to avoid implementation of the rule, because they've created their own security plan that meets TSA requirements. That's created inconsistent regulation and added to the frustration over the security plan, which EAA says the TSA is reluctant to provide details about.

Gas Trimmer Torches C-182
June 14, 2009
By Russ Niles

Click for more images

Although it happened almost a year ago, the photos are just making the rounds of the Internet now and the lesson they carry are timeless. This almost-new Cessna 182 was destroyed last September at Munising, Mich., after gasoline in a line trimmer being carried on board ignited. According to the NTSB report the pilot put the weed whacker on the back seat for a short and uneventful flight but that all changed on arrival at Munising.

US Airways 1549 — Lessons And Next Steps
June 13, 2009
By Glenn Pew
NTSB hearings that last week focused on the Jan. 15 crash of US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson have generated potential actions -- from developing on-aircraft anti-bird technology to rounding up and wiping out thousands of Canada Geese. At the hearings, Airbus test pilots supported Captain Sullenberger's decision to take the flight to the river instead of trying to make LaGuardia or Teterboro. Airbus' fly by wire system was praised for allowing Sullenberger to maintain the best airspeed for the ditching simply by holding the joystick fully aft and letting the computers do the work of not stalling the aircraft while he maintained wings level. The hearings also produced a rather compelling NTSB video (see right) that mates animation with ATC audio and CVR content (as text). A board member's call for more research into onboard bird-repellant or bird-deterrent technologies is supported by at least one study, which found that aircraft equipped with pulsed landing lights suffered fewer bird strikes. That study was conducted by Qantas and Precise Flight -- a vendor for a pulse light system. Tests conducted in 2004 by the U.S. Agriculture Department were less definitive, but further research (specifically, into flash frequency and light wavelengths) may be encouraged by the NTSB. That said, New York City in a statement Friday announced a more direct approach to "remove and dispose of" some 2,000 Canada geese residing in the LaGuardia area from mid-June to August.

Seeking Teachers To Go Weightless For Education
June 12, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Northrop Grumman is accepting applications from educators who can earn a 2009 Weightless Flight of Discovery to depart from three remaining cities on this year's tour. This is the fourth consecutive year that Northrop Grumman has partnered with Zero-G Corporation to offer the weightless flights. The annual program for professional development provides teachers with an opportunity "to prepare for and participate in micro- and zero-gravity flights to test Newton's Laws of Motion," according to a Northrop Grumman press release. Selected teachers are meant to work with their classes in advance of the flight to devise experiments that the teacher will perform while aloft. It's then expected that the teacher will return to the classroom with their experiences where they will translate those experiences into increased enthusiasm among their middle-school students -- specifically in subjects like science and math. The United States is experiencing a shortage of college graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, according to program supporters who hope the results of such flights will help turn the tide. At the time AVweb went to press, Northrop Grumman had openings for flights from three cities, details after the jump.

Spectrum Aeronautical's Manufacturing Milestone
June 12, 2009
By Glenn Pew
Developer of the all-carbon-composite, GE Honda HF 120 fanjet powered, nine-passenger S.40 Freedom, Spectrum Aeronautical said last week that its "Fuselage Manufacturing Demonstrator" (FMD) means it can deliver a revolutionary 40% weight savings over similar aluminum aircraft. The FMD is a full-scale, one-piece part made of co-cured composites in a proprietary process that joins major structural components "at the molecular level," according to the company. The process significantly reduces the need for the adhesive bonding required by many other composite fabrication processes and, being composite, eliminates nearly all secondary fasteners from the fuselage structure. That, says Spectrum, saves manufacturing time and airframe weight and helps put the company's performance goals to "cut fuel consumption by as much as half that of comparably sized metal aircraft" within reach. Using the King Air and Cessna Citation XLS as benchmarks, the company has said its Freedom will burn half the fuel of the King Air while providing performance that closely matches the XLS. The Freedom is designed to carry a pilot and nine passengers in a six-foot cabin to cruise at altitudes up to 45,000 feet at speeds up to 442 knots and a range of 2,000 nautical miles.

Air France Wreckage Recovery Technology
June 12, 2009
By Glenn Pew
In searching vast stretches of ocean from the surface to its mountainous floor some 20,000 feet below, the technology that determines the area of the search may prove as important as that used to search it. A French nuclear submarine, the attack sub Emeraude, arrived off the coast of Brazil Wednesday to join the search for the remains of Air France Flight 447 and the aircraft's cockpit voice and flight data recorders. Meanwhile, U.S. Coast Guard search-and-rescue experts are applying technology in Portsmout, Va., to help id