|
April 17, 2007
By The AVweb Editorial Staff
|
|
End Pain and Fatigue with Oregon Aero® Aero Seat Cushion Systems
Comfortable seats are more than a luxury when they help pilots fight fatigue and focus on flying. Oregon Aero offers a variety of seat cushion systems — from the Portable Universal
SoftSeat™ Cushion that can be used in aircraft, cars, and boats to custom seat upgrades for any aircraft. Visit Oregon Aero in Building A ( #40) at Sun 'n Fun to learn
about the seating solution that's best for you, or
visit Oregon
Aero online. 
» Visit Oregon Aero in booths A-040-042 at Sun 'n Fun
|
|
|
|
|
|
Concepts, Experimentals and Leading-Edge
Designs |
|
back to top |
 |
|
Epic AIR introduced two smaller versions of its emerging line of turboprop and jet aircraft at Sun 'n Fun on Tuesday afternoon. The four- to five-seat Victory single-engine jet will be powered by
either a Williams International FJ33 or Pratt & Whitney Canada PW615-series engine. The Escape is also four to five seats with a 1,000-shp Honeywell turboprop, and both airplanes will be initially
offered as experimental kits. The first Victory is already under construction at Epic's facility in Bend, Ore., and officials said Tuesday that it will fly to EAA AirVenture. The turboprop is actually
expected to be a little faster than the jet, with a cruise of 365 knots at 28,000 feet and a range of 1,400 to 1,600 miles.
The initial models are being built in Bend but plans are for production to move to Calgary, Alberta Canada where a certification center for composite aircraft has been built. Epic says it will
build almost 200,000 sq ft of production space at Springbank Airport. The company continues to work toward certification of its Dynasty six-place turboprop, which is expected in late 2008. The
experimental version of the Dynasty, the Epic LT, is now available with a 1,560-shp Honeywell engine. The company has switched avionics vendors and all aircraft will be equipped with Garmin suites
from here on out.
Those attending this week's Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla., can catch a glimpse of Cessna's possible future. The Wichita-based airplane manufacturer is displaying its Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
and Next Generation Piston (NGP) "proof-of-concept" airplanes at the show, though a white picket fence prevents attendees from getting too close to the NGP prototype. Cessna is evaluating airplanes
"for design specifics, market demand, and whether or not the products support a viable business case for production." LSA project engineer Neal Willford said several changes have been made to the LSA
model, namely the nose cowling has been modified to fit the Continental O-200 engine.
Meanwhile, Cessna engineers are refining the NGP's aerodynamic s and systems. The large-cabin single-engine prototype is powered by a 315-hp Lycoming IO-580 piston engine, though Cessna said other
powerplants are being considered.
According to Cessna, the NGP is constructed using a "higher percentage" of composite materials compared with the company's traditional airplanes. Those lucky enough to see the airplanes at Sun 'n
Fun should remember that the proof-of-concept interiors are in no way indicative of how a production model will look, the company warns. The NGP and LSA prototypes have logged 126 hours and 78 hours,
respectively.
|
|
|
Fly with the Bose® Aviation Headset X
Enjoy an unmatched combination of benefits: Full-spectrum noise reduction, clear audio, and comfortable fit. Voted the #1 headset for the sixth consecutive year in Professional Pilot's 2006
Headset Preference Survey.
Buy today and receive a complimentary Garmin® Geko 201 handheld GPS.
Learn more and
order. 
» Visit Bose Corporation in booth SNF-009 at Sun 'n Fun
|
|
|
|
|
Cirrus introduced its third-generation SR22 at a media conference at Sun 'n Fun on Tuesday. There are three of the new models on display at the company's sprawling booth at Lakeland Linder Airport,
Fla. The new aircraft, under development for about a year, doesn't appear much different from earlier models, but CEO Alan Klapmeier told a news conference there are substantial changes under the
two-tone paint that substantially boost the performance of the aircraft. Key to the refinements is a carbon fiber wing spar and other changes that shaved 50 lbs. off the weight of the aircraft. That
allows a boost in fuel capacity to 92 gallons. The airplane also stands a little higher due to a landing gear realignment that moves the mains two feet closer together.
The G3 series comes in turbonormalized versions capable of cruise at FL250. One of the display aircraft made the trip from Minneapolis to Lakeland in five flying hours on Sunday, thanks to generous
tailwinds created in the wake of the big storm that blew through the Southeast. At one point, with a slightly quartering tailwind of 102 knots (did we mention they were generous?), the aircraft hit
306 knots ground speed, which is believed to be a record for Cirrus.
File Size 14.7 MB / Running Time 8:08
Podcast Index
|
How to Listen
|
Subscribe Via RSS
Cirrus Design grew the SR series into the most popular four-place single in the world based largely on the domestic market. And while the U.S. market shows no sign of losing its appreciation for
the ultramodern composite airplanes, the company is finding an increasing number of customers in Europe, Brazil and, now, China. AVweb's Russ Niles caught up to CEO Alan Klapmeier at Sun 'n Fun
just before he got on a plane for Aero 2007 in Germany.
|
|
|
Reason #31 — Look Ma, No Hands
The new Garmin GFC 700 autopilot gives you more hands-free flying control than ever. The flight director is seamlessly integrated into the G1000 glass cockpit and standard on new Skylanes and
Stationairs. Letting go never felt so good. For more great reasons,
visit
CessnaReasons.com. 
» Visit Cessna Aircraft in booths SNF-003-007 at Sun 'n Fun
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opening Day Accident at Lakeland Linder
Airport |
|
back to top |
|
|
One person was killed when an unidentified light plane crashed just east of the arrival runway at Lakeland Linder Airport Monday. It hasn't been confirmed, but it seems likely the aircraft was on
final for one of the two parallel runways recovering aircraft attending the annual fly-in. The sole-occupant pilot of the plane hasn't been identified. A large plume of black smoke could be seen from
the grounds and a television station was reporting that the aircraft hit a barn and caught fire.
|
|
|
Upset Recovery Training: Are You Prepared?
APS Emergency Maneuver Training, the leading provider of upset recovery and spin avoidance/recovery training, delivers enjoyable turn-key programs. Fixed-wing pilots will recognize, avoid, and
recover from any upset scenario. Courses directly address Loss of Control In-Flight, the leading cause of aviation accidents worldwide.
Sun 'n Fun Special: Book a 3- or 4-day course to receive one complimentary add-on training session ($750 value). Call (866) 359-4273 or
go online. 
» Meet APS President B. J. Ransbury at the NAFI booth (E-032) APRIL 20th at Sun 'n Fun
|
|
|
|
|
Comp Air owner and president Ron Lueck is wearing a giant smile this week at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Fla. That's because the Comp Air 12 made it to the airshow as promised, just days after making its
maiden flight. In a media briefing on Tuesday morning, Lueck said the airplane flew gear down at 35 percent power from the company's headquarters in Merritt Island, Fla., to Lakeland, clocking a
modest 135 knots the whole way. The gear couldn't be retracted due to a wiring error -- the gear indication lights illuminate green whether the gear is extended or retracted, which Lueck said will be
fixed shortly after the turboprop single makes the trek back home next Monday.
Due to customer input, the final Comp Air 12 will be five feet longer to comfortably accommodate six passengers, baggage and a lav. (The shorter version currently on display at Sun 'n Fun will
eventually be redesignated as the Comp Air 14, which will be available only as a kitbuilt.) FAA certification for the $2.5 million Comp Air 12 is expected in early 2010.
While no avionics have been chosen for the airplane, Lueck is leaning toward the Honeywell Apex system. Preliminary specifications include a 2,500 nm range, FL290 ceiling, a 1,600-lb. payload with
full fuel and a cruise speed in excess of 300 knots. Now that the airplane has flown, Comp Air is accepting $100,000 deposits for the cabin-class turboprop.
|
|
|
Dual Antenna Traffic Systems Simply Perform Better
Avidyne's dual-antenna TAS600 Systems detect other aircraft sooner and more accurately, avoiding the shadowing effects inherent with single-antenna systems. TAS600s actively interrogate other
aircraft, providing timely alerts and precise locations of conflicting traffic. Starting at just $9,990, the dual-antenna TAS600 provides full-time protection and higher performance. When it comes
to safety, you want to see the whole picture.
Go online for
details. 
» Visit Avidyne in booths D-069-070 at Sun 'n Fun
|
|
|
|
|
 A fix for the "minor" software glitch in the Cessna Citation Mustang's Garmin G1000 avionics suite was approved by the FAA
on Friday, paving the way for deliveries to restart since the first entry-level jet was shipped to a customer on November 22. Late last week, the second customer Mustang was delivered into demo
service, and this very airplane is on display this week at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla. According to Cessna Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Roger Whyte, "The production
facility [in Independence, Kan.] is ramping up and further deliveries are planned for later this month. We are on track to deliver 40 Citation Mustangs this year." Meanwhile, the Mustang is making its
international debut on Thursday at the biannual Aero Friedrichshafen general aviation trade show in Germany. Cessna expects to obtain European Aviation Safety Agency certification for the Pratt &
Whitney Canada PW615F-powered twinjet later this year in time for the first delivery in the region.
|
|
|
XM WX Satellite Weather Uses a Continuous Satellite Broadcast to Deliver Graphical Weather Data to the Cockpit
Pilots view and interact with the data — including radar, winds, METARs, lightning, and more — on compatible MFDs, EFBs, and PDAs from a wide range of industry partners, as well as on laptop
PCs. The situational awareness afforded by XM WX Satellite Weather allows pilots to enjoy their journeys with more confidence and comfort than ever before. For more information, please visit
XMWXweather.com. 
|
|
|
|
|
Aviat Aircraft says FAA approval is imminent for a 200-lb. increase in gross weight for its popular Husky bush planes. The extra weight required beefing up landing gear and changing the angle of
incidence for the horizontal stabilizer, but the extra utility it will bring is considerable. A full 192 lbs. of the weight increase will translate to useful load, boosting that figure 25 percent from
650 lbs. to 842 lbs. "The objective with the change is to expand the envelope for Husky operations," said spokesman Stuart Horn.
The changes will also be available for existing Huskies built since last December. They already have the structural changes and need paperwork done to reflect the changes. Huskies built in 2005
will need the gear and stabilizer work under STCs, along with the paperwork.
|
|
|
If Brokers Say They Cover the Whole Market, Why Can't They Get a Quote from Us?
Actually, brokers can't get a quote from Avemco, the only direct provider of aviation insurance. Only Avemco lets you talk directly to the aviation underwriter for fast, accurate
answers. So if a broker tells you they cover the whole market, they're only telling you half the story. Call (888) 241-7891, or
visit online for the
rest of the story. 
» Visit Avemco Insurance in booths C-055-056 at Sun 'n Fun
|
|
|
|
|
 Embraer trucked in its Phenom 300 mock-up to this week's Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla.
According to the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, visitors will be able to experience the "premium comfort, space and luxury" of a full-scale mock-up of the company’s light business jet at booth
SNF-5. "We are thrilled to participate, once again, in the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In. It will be a special treat for aviation enthusiasts to see our Phenom 300 mock-up for the first time, which continues
Embraer’s tradition for best-in-class executive jets," said Ernest Edwards, Embraer's Vice-President of Executive Jets Sales & Marketing for the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. "Guests
will be delighted with the jet's comfort and space and to learn about its outstanding performance and operational advantages."
On Wednesday, Embraer will hold a press briefing to present the latest achievements of the Phenom 100 very light jet and derivative Phenom 300, which are expected to enter service in mid-2008 and
mid-2009, respectively.
The latest U.S.-built entry in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) market, called American Flyer, is being launched this week at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In in Lakeland, Fla. The aircraft is built by Mountain
Aircraft, of Nampa, Idaho, but will be marketed in North America by Sportsplanes.com. The aircraft is not yet in production a nd will undergo extensive flight testing in the next couple of months with
production beginning within three months. Spokesman Dan Rozsa said the aircraft uses tube, wood and fabric construction coupled with the venerable Rotax 912S engine to create a light, responsive
aircraft.
The American Flyer has an empty weight of just 600 lbs., giving it a payload of 720 lbs. The company says the plane needs a ground run of only 150 feet and climbs at 1,300 fpm. Cruise is pegged at
105 mph and it stalls at 30 to 35 mph. The wings fold for storage. Sun 'n Fun Fly-In Inc., organizer of the show that bears the same name, will give away a copy of the American Flyer LSA next year.
The sweepstakes tickets ($5 for one or $20 for five) are now on sale and can be purchased at the Gift of Flight kiosks at Sun 'n Fun or online at Sun-N-Fun.org.
|
|
|
Merge the Real and Virtual Worlds, and Have Fun Learning
Using ASA's Microsoft® Flight Simulator as a Training Aid book, student pilots can enhance book-learning, review concepts and skills, and prepare for lessons. Certificated pilots
can use the book to complement real-world flying with hours in virtual skies. Flight Instructors will discover new ways to use Flight Simulator as a ground-teaching tool and in pre- and post-flight
briefings.
Go online for complete
details. 
» Visit ASA in booths B-059-061 at Sun 'n Fun
|
|
|
|
|
On Wednesday afternoon following the daily airshow, the popular general aviation podcast, Uncontrolled Airspace, will be recording a special episode live from the Sun 'n Fun fly-in grounds.
Uncontrolled Airspace is a weekly, one-hour podcast featuring Dave Higdon, AVweb editor Jeb Burnside and Jack Hodgson, along with a variety of special guests. The episode to be recorded at the
fly-in will feature visits by a wide range of aviation experts and personalities. It will also be aired live on Sun 'n Fun Radio (1510 AM) at the show grounds.
 Our best stories start with you. If you've heard something that 130,000 pilots might want to know about, tell us. Submit news
tips via email to newstips@avweb.com. You're a part of our team ... often, the best part.
|
AVwebFlash is a twice-weekly summary of the latest news, articles, products, features, and events featured on AVweb, the internet's aviation magazine and news service.
Today's issue was written by Contributing Editor Russ Niles (bio) and Editor In Chief
Chad Trautvetter.
Click here to send a letter to the
editor. (Please let us know if your letter is not intended for publication.)
Comments or questions about the news should be sent here.
Have a product or service to advertise on AVweb? A question on marketing? Send it to AVweb's
sales team.
If you're having trouble reading this newsletter in its HTML-rich format (or if you'd prefer a lighter, simpler format for your PDA or handheld device), there's also a text-only
version of AVwebFlash. For complete instructions on making the switch, click here.
Aviate, navigate, communicate.
|
|
|
