BONANZAS (IN THE RUN-UP) TO OSHKOSH
AirVenture is coming at us faster than an F-22 fly-by, but hold on — some say Oshkosh won't officially begin until the Beechcraft boys arrive in their impressive formation. A flight of 100+ of "Those Incomparable Bonanzas" have been preparing all year to once again fill the skies over Wittman Airport announcing their arrival at AirVenture 2008. In today's AVweb audio feature, Mike Blakeney caught up with Larry Gaines, the leader of Bonanzas to Oshkosh, to get the the history and tradition of the group.

Click here to listen. (11.4 MB, 12:30)

UNDERSTANDING STRATEGICAIR'S AIR CHARTER STRATEGY
While outsourcing and contracting services has been the trend in many aviation enterprises, a Florida charter company claims that an integrated approach saves time and money for both the company and its customers. AVweb's Russ Niles spoke with StrategicAir CEO Keith St. Clair.

Click here to listen. (4.3 MB, 4:39)

OUTLOOK FOR MOONEY: STRONG SALES IN EUROPE
Like other U.S. manufactories benefitting from the weak dollar, Mooney is enjoying strong sales in Europe, with buyers divided between business and pleasure flyers. Mooney CEO Dennis Ferguson says that's good news, but he also notes that one challenge the company continues to face is controlling production costs. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli interviewed Ferguson in Kerrville last week.

Click here to listen. (6.7 MB, 7:22)

As a special bonus, we have two enhanced podcasts from our sister publication, Aviation Consumer. You can click the links and listen the MP3 files as usual, or click through to the stories and launch our exclusive slideshow to view photos from AC's recent trip to Kerrville and their test of the Aspen Evolution PFD.

PHOTO PODCAST EXTRA!
AVIATION CONSUMER FLIES MOONEY'S TYPE S:
YES, IT'S AS FAST AS THEY CLAIM IT IS
Just a few weeks ago, Mooney announced final approvals on its new version of the Acclaim, the Type S. The company claims a 242-knot top speed, and Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli recently took a demo flight in the new airplane. Sure enough, it is that fast. See the details in this photo podcast from our recent visit to Kerrville.

Click here to listen. (6.0 MB, 5:15)

PHOTO PODCAST EXTRA!
AVIATION CONSUMER MAGAZINE DEMOS THE EVOLUTION EFIS FROM ASPEN AVIONICS
For those of us not in the market for a $600,000 new airplane, Aspen Avionics is now shipping the Evolution EFIS for the aftermarket. Our sister publication, Aviation Consumer, sent Larry Anglisano to investigate. Larry and the AC team few the system in a Cirrus SR22 and found that the company has done its engineering homework, calling the Evolution EFIS "very impressive technology that's practical to install and affordable to buy." In this enhanced podcast, hear (and see) how the Evolution works.

Click here to listen. (8.7 MB, 9:29)