New On

March 30, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• If your aircraft is certified to use auto fuel by an EAA Aviation Foundation Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), it can also use the unleaded 82UL aviation fuel approved earlier this month by the FAA, the EAA said this week.
• President Clinton took the point this week in the latest round of the long-running squabble about overflights of Grand Canyon National Park.
• The FAA yesterday issued a final rule that mandates all turbine-powered airplanes with six or more passenger seats (not including pilot and co- pilot seats) must be equipped with an FAA-approved terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS).
• A panel of outside experts Tuesday reported that management breakdowns and severe underfunding at NASA led to preventable errors that doomed three Mars missions last year.
• Got a piston-powered high-wing Cessna? If so, chances are you just got hit with a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) dealing with fuel strainers installed after December 12, 1996.
• Police in New Zealand yesterday filed manslaughter charges against Gary Southeran, of Christchurch, the captain of an Ansett Dash-8 that crashed in June 1995, killing four people.
• A news helicopter crashed at Van Nuys Airport after developing hydraulic problems while covering the post-Academy Awards celebrations Sunday night, seriously injuring pilot Kris Kelley, 33, and cameraman Phil Arno, 50.
• First it bit DOT Secretary Rodney Slater, and now the poetry bug has apparently munched someone at American Airlines.

AVMAIL

Reader mail about Bob Hoover's insurance woes, an inexpensive proposal to salvage WAAS, the incidence of engine failures in piston-powered aircraft, a few corrections to our recent item on the Vickers "Vimy," and a comment on our story about the snake-in-the-pants passenger in Paris.

 

THE SYSTEM: Southwestern High

A lot of stuff goes on behind the scenes at an FAA radar facility that pilots never see. And that's probably a good thing. Here's a tale from a loyal AVweb reader about a recent system deviation. It's one that didn't really threaten any aircraft, but it's a deviation that need not have happened except for the system's outdated equipment and often-overloaded sectors. The "deal" was real, but as they say, "the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

 

TRAINING: 737 Typed!

How difficult would it be for a GA pilot with no turbine experience and precious little multiengine time to earn a Boeing 737 type rating? How long would it take? What would it cost? Is it even possible? Well, AVweb's Wayne Phillips recently did exactly that, and now has the heavy-iron type rating to show for it! Wayne tells why, where, how long, how much, what was involved, what aspects he found toughest, and which were the most exciting.

 QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

More than 700 readers answered our question last week on flying rare aircraft. The main sentiment among readers seemed to be "Keep 'em flying!" as 80% felt the benefits of flying rare aircraft outweighed the risks of losing them in an accident. According to a pilot who flies an original 1909 French Bleriot II at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, "During our summer airshow season, one can see on the faces of spectators both young and old their complete amazement of how the early pioneers flew. To hear an original 1909 engine "popping" away and see the pilot working the controls to get altitude is something that no static display can duplicate." To check out the complete results, including all the comments, go to AVweb's QOTW page.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we would like to know your opinions on what can be done to handle unruly airline passengers. Thanks to Tom and Peggy Dwelle for suggesting the topic this week. Please go to AVweb's QOTW page to respond.

Please remember that the email address qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and cannot be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING

FlightSafety International Offers 20% Discount On AviatorPro
AviatorPro from FSI is a fantastic training add-on for users of Microsoft Flight Simulator 98. It adds five realistic and challenging IFR cross-country scenarios complete with ATC audio and strict scoring to FAA Practical Test Standards criteria. AVweb's Mike Busch reviewed this package last year and came away "astonished" by its realism and training value. AviatorPro's price of $34.95 is being discounted 20% for AVweb subscribers, but only if you order by April 30. Go to FSI's Web site and type "AVweb Special" in the comments section to get the 20% discount.

Only Two Days Left To Win A Free Case Of Oil At Hogan's Hangar!
Hogan's Hangar will launch its Web site soon, and to ensure they are bringing you, their customers, the best products, they are giving away a free case of aviation oil to 12 lucky people who take their "Pilot Program" survey. Also available -- while supplies last -- are specials on cases of aviation oil. Hurry; take the quick survey at the Hogan Hangar Web site by midnight March 31.

DIGAV-PLANNER SOFTWARE INTEGRATES WEATHERTAP WEATHER IMAGERY
The new DigAV-Planner software can define a flight path, check weather, preview the path by "flying" over VFR Sectionals, and file a flight plan using arbitrary lat-long waypoints or airways. Features include overlays for airways, obstacles, and special-use airspace in addition to the previous version's navaids and airports. For a limited time, both current and new weatherTAP subscribers can save 15% off the DigAV-Planner cost. For information: weatherTAP's Web site.

 

SPONSORS

BLR Offers 10% Discount On Vortex Generator Kits
In honor of Sun 'n Fun, Boundary Layer Research is offering AVweb subscribers a 10% discount on single-order Vortex Generator Kits ordered through May 15th. Get together with others at the airport and order two kits to receive 20% off, or order three kits for a 30% discount. Many aircraft increase gross takeoff weight in addition to reducing Vmc and stall speeds. Thousands of owners have improved their aircraft's performance with these simple, maintenance-free airflow modification devices. Order at BLR's Web site.

Unison To Present Next-Generation LASAR & More At Sun 'n Fun
In addition to its Slick magnetos and harnesses, Autolite Aviation spark plugs and SlickSTART magneto start boosters, Unison will present the LASAR (Limited Authority Spark Advance Regulator) electronic engine control system to SnF attendees. The LASAR system will be featured on Diamond Aircraft's DA40-180 Diamond Star. Unison will conduct LASAR installation seminars during SNF. To see a complete schedule go to Unison's Web site.

March 27, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• Whither WAAS? Long promised by the FAA and its contractors as the beginning of the end for terrestrial-based navigation systems, the accuracy supplement for increasingly-popular satellite-based GPS hasn't been coming along as hoped or as promised.
• Responding to growing FAA concerns over a 75% increase in runway incursions from 186 in 1993, to 327 in 1999, Sensis Corp. and Raytheon Co. have announced their ability to provide a turn-key system to enhance airport safety by producing an "airport surface surveillance solution."
• Phillips 66 Company has launched a promotion which offers rebates of $1 per gallon for avgas used for flying young people through EAA's Young Eagles program between April 15, 2000 and April 14, 2001.
• Last week's appearance of a 6-foot-2-inch, 250-pound, half-naked -- and angry -- man in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines jet (reported by AVweb last Monday) may have been the last straw.
• With the threat of a strike and the potential shutdown of all operations, US Airways management and the Association of Flight Attendants negotiated a last-minute tentative agreement this weekend, averting travel disruptions for thousands of passengers.
• Older Boeing 737s are starting to show their age in the form of cracks in a forward bulkhead which could result in loss of cabin pressure.
• A lawsuit recently filed in federal court claims that chart maker Jeppesen Sanderson contributed to the crash that killed former U.S. Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown and 34 others near Dubrovnik, Croatia, in 1996.
• Air France has requested that its pilots speak English while communicating with ATC at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, France.

AVMAIL

Reader mail about the possible relationship between air rage and alcohol consumption aloft, Bob Hoover's insurance woes, last week's runway incursion incident in Oslo, the "outlaw airshows" poll by EXTRA, medical certificate requirements for CFIs, the subsidy advantage Airbus has over Boeing, the high cost of flying in Europe, and the Falcon 900 overshoot at Hyannis, Mass.

COLUMNS: Pelican's Perch: Sometimes There's Bad Air Out There

Crop dusters call it "bad air." The weather guessers call it "wind shear." But whatever you call it, abrupt changes in wind velocity and/or direction have been responsible for a bunch of jet transport crashes, and a bunch more non-crashes that must have caused the cockpit crew to call for a change of underwear. John Deakin relates some personal wind shear experiences, dissects some wind shear-related jet crashes, and sheds light on the phenomenon by going back to basics.

SHOPPING

Purchase A "Bouquet" Of Photons For Spring Savings
Photon, distributors of the pilot's favorite pocket lights, is offering a "bouquet" of red, yellow, green and blue lights for $75 (a $79.80 value) with FREE shipping and handling for all orders within the continental U.S. This special offer ends April 23, so order now at Photon's Web site.

Vrotate's Not Just Maps And Charts -- Check This Out!
Register to win a Montague folding bicycle, the perfect transportation after landing, when you order any Vrotate product. Vrotate.com has the absolute best prices on all NOS and Jeppesen products as well as some interesting items not available elsewhere. Check out the "back-saver" geared tow bar that eliminates the strain of lugging your plane around the ramp or hangar. While there, grab an awesome deal on a large selection of McGraw-Hill aviation titles. Shop today at Vrotate's Web site. 

REMINDERS
Special Information Binder And Report From AjT'S Airborne Wx Radar Training System available till April 30. Know radar design performance differences, order at the AjT Web site.

Aviation Shopping Network's Hot Deals end on March 31. Check out the savings on headsets, software, handheld transceivers and more at ASN's Web site.

Gleim's 10% Off All Airplane Knowledge Test Books ends March 31. Order at Gleim's Web site.

Honeywell Trade-In Program Is Still Available: If you place your order before April 30 for a new KLN94 you can trade in your KLN89B. For more information call 1-877-712-2386, or click "Promotions & Special Offers" at Honeywell's Web site.

 

SPONSORS

Who Wants To Fly To The Bahamas?
If you are attending this year's Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Fla., why not take a few more days and fly over to the Bahamas? Current Productions can show you how it's done. Private Pilot magazine says, "Current Productions is among the best of aviation video producers." Find out for yourself at Current Productions' Web site..

Diamond Aircraft's DA40 On U.S.Tour With Demo Flights At Sun 'n Fun
The first DA40 aircraft entered the U.S. this week on the beginning of an extensive demonstration tour. Over the next several weeks the DA40 will visit prospective customers and Diamond Regional Distributor prospects. The aircraft will be in Lakeland, Fla., on April 9th at the start of Sun 'n Fun. There will be demonstration flights for qualified prospects during the show. The tour will continue to the west coast following Sun 'n Fun. Interested buyers can contact Diamond by calling 1-888-359-3220 or view more information on the DA40 aircraft at Diamond's Web site.

FSI Offers MU-2 Pilot's Review Of Proficiency (PROP) Seminars
"This is going to be the best PROP ever. All MU-2 pilots should be there," exclaimed Col. Frank Borman, former astronaut and long-time MU-2 owner. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, in cooperation with FlightSafety International, is offering an all-new PROP program free to all MU-2 pilots. Seminars will be held at five U.S. locations in April and May 2000, and are designed to enhance MU-2 safety and efficiency. Honeywell Engines (formerly AlliedSignal) will discuss engine operations and upgrades. Other MU-2 vendors will also participate. For specific topics, dates and locations call Karen Henry at 1-800-927-1521. To see all the FSI programs, go online to the company's Web site.

March 23, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• Airshow legend R.A. "Bob" Hoover has canceled his 2000 airshow schedule after finding he was unable to obtain adequate liability insurance.
• The union representing 10,000 US Airways flight attendants is still negotiating with management in an attempt to resolve their three-year contract dispute, but the union is making plans for selected walkouts this weekend if the two sides can't reach an agreement.
• The FAA recently announced that it would conduct a comprehensive "white glove" audit of Alaska Airlines, beginning April 3.
• "The new millennium for aviation is about to begin," is how Phil Boyer, president of AOPA, described the success of the AIR-21 legislation that promises to free money from the Airport and Airways Trust Fund for aviation uses.
• Last week's LIFT 2000, featuring dozens of workshops and speakers, may have been the Soaring Society of America's best-attended annual convention ever -- the final numbers are not yet in.
• NASA has asked UPI to retract statements made in a March 21 article, "NASA knew Mars Polar Lander doomed," which alleged that NASA knew there was a problem with the lander's propulsion system prior to the December 3 landing attempt and "withheld this conclusion from the public."
• Under the threat that air traffic controllers will refuse to staff it when the nearly finished new tower at MIA is complete, the FAA will conduct an engineering review of possible visibility problems from the tower's cab.
• Airlines may want to think about beefing up the integrity of their cockpit doors, after another incident this week of a passenger attacking the crew in flight.

AVMAIL

Reader mail about the FAA inspector jailed at IAD, turnover among airport security personnel, fake bombs, restrictions on using portable GPS in airline cabins, immunity for pilots involved in runway incursions, a new anti-aviation lobby group, another San Mateo County (Calif.) airport under siege, use of supplemental O2 in airline cockpits, and airline mishandling of physically disabled passengers.

BRAINTEASERS: Interactive Quiz #27 -- Becoming A Flight Instructor

Did you ever have the urge to teach others to fly? Did you hold back because you thought it was too difficult or costly to become a certificated flight instructor? While it's true that there's a whole new set of skills required for teaching others to fly, the main requirement is that you should be an effective communicator. Irv Siegel's latest online quiz may help you decide whether CFI-dom is for you.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

We received several hundred responses to last week's question on NASA's efforts in aeronautics research. The clear majority (86%) felt that NASA should devote more of its budget to aeronautics research, while 58% felt the primary focus of that research should be propulsion and alternative fuels. Though some readers pointed out the good work NASA is doing in general aviation (AGATE, SATS), many seemed to share the feelings of one respondent who said, "NASA has all but abandoned its aeronautic roots in favor of large space projects, which are important in their own way but should not be pursued to the detriment of aeronautics." To check out the complete results, including comments, go to AVweb's QOTW page.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we would like to know your thoughts on the issue of keeping rare aircraft on flying status. Go to AVweb's QOTW page to respond.

Please remember that the email address qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and cannot be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING

REMINDERS -- ALL OF THESE SPECIALS END MARCH 31:

Aerosafe Cleaning Products' Offer Of Free Window Cleaner With Order of $50 or more at Aerosafe's Web site.

Current Productions' "Flying Down To Baja" At 10% Discount is available at Current Productions' Web site.

Flight Tech's Free Demo Cassette With 90 Minutes Of Instruction plus 20% discount and a free 8-inch plotter with every order at Flight Tech's Web site.

General Aviation Modifications' Free "Flying The Fuel Injected Engine" video with any set of GAMIjectors. Order online at GAMI's Web site.

Gleim Offers 10% Off All Airplane Knowledge Test Books at Gleim's Web site.

 

SPONSORS

Aviation Week & Space Technology Magazine To Cover Farnborough Airshow
Can't make it to Farnborough, England, this year for the big airshow? AvWeek will be there and have all the coverage in their July 31, 2000, on-site report issue. Order a subscription online at Aviation Week & Space Technology's Web site.

Avsoftech Makes Simulation Training Easy And Inexpensive
Avsoftech GPS simulator training software comes on a CD-ROM. Owners no longer have to remove their GPS units from their aircraft and purchase an expensive power supply for training. Just load the Avsoftech CD-ROM and practice at your PC to increase your functional awareness. With Avsoftech's no-risk, 30-day money-back guarantee you can't lose. Order at the Avsoftech Web site.

"Purchasing & Evaluating Airplanes" Book Invaluable To AVweb Reader.
"When I went to buy my first airplane, the single most useful tool was Brian Jacobson's book, 'Purchasing & Evaluating Airplanes.' It is thorough, practical, and was invaluable in helping me navigate the purchase process," wrote Dave Ream. "I called Mr. Jacobson regarding a particular situation with the airplane I finally purchased. His advice was accurate. Now that I have my airplane, AVweb is my favorite information source." If you are considering buying an airplane, take Mr. Ream's advice and go to Odyssey Publications' Web site to order your copy.

March 20, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• After 38 days of pounding pavement, the biggest white-collar walkout in U.S. history is over. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) voted Sunday in favor of a contract that includes raises, bonuses and extended health coverage.
• Happy as we at AVweb are to see the FAA reauthorization bill, AIR-21, pass, we are forced to chuckle as the alphabets pipe in and turn it into HOT AIR-21. Reaction has been both hot and heavy.
• For the past month-and-a-half, U.S. Navy crews using a remotely operated vehicle have been patiently searching the Pacific Ocean floor off the coast of California for pieces of an Alaska Airlines MD-83.
• FAA's safety inspectors are plenty steamed over a March 7 episode at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) earlier this month. It seems an FAA inspector, Joseph J. Gore, was handcuffed and arrested while conducting a walkaround inspection of a United Airlines aircraft at IAD.
• A sweating, mumbling passenger aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 259 from Puerto Vallarta to San Francisco last week smashed his way into the cockpit.
• Controllers at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo, Norway, are investigating two near-collisions on the same runway moments apart.
• Three people are thanking the fates after surviving a midair collision over Toronto. A Cessna 172, with a student pilot and CFI on board, and a Cessna 337 piloted by a local traffic reporter "thumped" at about 2,000 feet last week.
• Airport security personnel paid less than the teenagers who flip burgers at a fast-food joint are the "weak link" when it comes to airline safety, a congressional panel was told last Thursday.

AVMAIL

Controllers write in support of the FAA's new Controller-In-Charge (CIC) program, and a Boeing rep points out that the firm scrapped its plans for a super-jumbo. Also mail about the new basic instrument rating in Australia, and how NASA's experience with aging space shuttles may be relevant to airlines and commercial aviation as well.

 

COLUMNS: The Pilot's Lounge: Taking Them For A Ride

Taking non-pilots up for their first flight in a light plane is one of the rites of passage for pilots. While we're eager to show them all the "neat stuff" we've learned and seen, they are probably expecting in-flight movies, a lavatory and a center aisle. As a result, more than one "first flight" has also been the last one for some people. And then there's the family's comfort to think about. AVweb's Rick Durden offers some tips on how to make these flights enjoyable -- for you and for the passengers.

 

SHOPPING

Avionics West Posts Specials For March 20-April 2
For the next two weeks, Tom has put the following headsets on sale: all LightSPEED models (15K, 20XL, 25XL), Bose X portable, Pilot PA17-76, Denali ANR blue. Also, deep-discount prices on the Garmin GPSMAP 195 and Color GPSMAP 295, Lowrance AirMap 100, Yaesu VXA100/6 Pro VHF comm handheld, ICOM A22 and A22 Sport VHF nav/comm handhelds, PDC-100 flight computer, AR-108 airband scanner, and the Microair 760VHF panel-mount. To get the most current prices, use the auto-responder, then order online.

REMINDER: Unison SlickStart $25 Manufacturer's Rebate Ends March 31
Print your rebate coupon at Unison's Web site.

 

SPONSORS

NEW SPONSOR: Shell Offers Complete Line Of Aviation Products Online
Shell has been a leader in aviation since man began to fly and today the company maintains its pioneer status as a leading supplier of aviation petroleum products worldwide. Shell offers a series of oils for aviation piston engines: AEROSHELL single grades; AEROSHELL Oil W single grades; anticorrosion/antiwear AEROSHELL Oil W 100 Plus; and AEROSHELL Oil W15W-50 Multigrade. Now there's a way to order these fine AeroShell products online. Aeroshell's site is a full-service, e- commerce site stocked with Shell-branded piston engine oils, greases, hydraulic fluids and turbine engine oils. View and order the complete line at Shell's Web site.

Cessna Provides Free Fuel For New Stationair & Turbo Stationair Buyers
For a limited time, Cessna is offering new Stationair and Turbo Stationair prospects an added incentive. With its special Stationair Free Fuel promotion, Cessna is giving a free $5,000 Multi Service prepaid fuel card with each new Stationair model delivered from selected inventory. The card is good for two years or until the $5,000 is reached. When combined with Cessna's two-year "spinner-to-tail" limited warranty, the offer covers most major operational costs for the first years of ownership. For details and to find your nearest participating Cessna Sales Team Authorized Representative, go to Cessna's Web site or call 1-800-4-CESSNA.

"Mental Math For Pilots," A New Book From Cage Consulting
Being able to perform math calculations in your head is a pilot skill that can be used in preparing for a check ride or an interview, and in everyday flying. Cage Consulting, producers of interview technique books, brings us "Mental Math for Pilots" by airline pilot Ronald McElroy. These tips and tricks will help improve any pilot's skills. Order online.

Life Insurance From PIC: Fast, Easy And Guaranteed!
The Pilot Insurance Center (PIC) has the quickest and easiest application process for pilots to get quality life insurance. No aviation exclusions or restrictions. Policies cover all aviation activities. If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied after your PIC policy is issued, you may cancel it within 30 days for a full refund. This is PIC's guarantee with no risk to you. PIC offers pilots the best life insurance rates from A+ rated life insurance companies. To get started at the PIC Web site with a quick quote that takes only minutes, go to PIC Life's Web site.

Safire Aircraft Company Has Over 500 Orders For The S-26 Jet
It's official: As of March 16, Safire has received over 500 orders for delivery of its S-26 Personal Jet. Over 100 orders were received in the last three days! What kind of aircraft can inspire this much interest? Check out Safire's Web site today to find out!

March 16, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• Ending a long and well-fought battle by a coalition of aviation interests, the U.S. House of Representatives late yesterday approved the final version of AIR-21 (H.R. 1000) by a vote of 319-101, clearing it for signature by President Clinton.
• In a move some observers believe long overdue, the FAA this week announced new initiatives to deal with runway incursions, including convening a series of regional workshops this spring to formulate local plans for reducing the incidents.
• In the wake of lobbying by AOPA and other organizations, the FAA has agreed to maintain direction finding (DF) equipment at 111 Flight Service Stations for another 10 years.
• An organization representing government managers says it's concerned about the FAA's plans to create quasi-managerial "controller-in-charge" (CIC) positions to replace some 700 ATC supervisors, or about 30 percent of the current managerial workforce.
• Fines against U.S. airlines for safety violations rose at least 80 percent to more than $9.4 million last year, USA Today reported this week. And the total could go even higher, because the data is not yet complete.
• It looked like a bomb, but it was only a mock-up being used to test luggage scanners at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last weekend. Unfortunately, the device, hidden in a backpack, inadvertently found its way aboard an Alaska Airlines flight.
• A Delta Air Lines Boeing 727-200 with 86 aboard made a safe emergency landing Monday evening at San Francisco International Airport after its right landing gear jammed in a half-retracted position after takeoff.
• AVweb told you recently about the long-simmering U.S.-European Union dispute over use of "hushkits" to reduce aircraft engine noise.

AVMAIL

Reader mail about the recent runway incursion crash at Sarasota, over-use of medevac helo flights, and more feedback on the anti-motion-sickness ReliefBand.

 

PROFILES: Henry Kisor

When Chicago Sun-Times book editor Henry Kisor turned 53, he decided to learn to fly and take a solo airplane trip across America. He faced the typical challenges of learning at middle age, plus one extra hurdle: He has been completely deaf since age three. Kisor bought an airplane, flew the trip, and wrote a book about it. In this month's Profile, AVweb's Joe Godfrey talks with Kisor about preparing for and flying his cross-country VFR adventure, patterned after the 1911 flight of Cal Rodgers' Vin Fiz.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

We received over 500 responses to our question last week on regulating overflights of National Parks. 67% of respondents felt the current flight regulations were too restrictive, and 83% felt flight activities had less impact than other park uses. However, some people who had experienced the beauty of National Parks from the air and the ground had conflicting emotions. As one pilot wrote, "I am a wilderness backpacker and a pilot, so I can see and understand both sides of this problem. I think a maximum noise footprint standard should be developed... then each aircraft would have its own minimum altitude and maximum speed it could fly to minimize the detriment to ground operations, and the industry would have an inducement to develop quieter airplanes." To check out the complete results, including comments, go to AVweb's QOTW site.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we would like to know your opinions on NASA's efforts in aeronautics research and development. Please go to AVweb's QOTW site to respond.

Please remember that the email address qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and cannot be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING

ON SALE THIS WEEK FROM SOUTHEAST AEROSPACE
Southeast Aerospace has great deals on KX-165 NavComms, KY-196B Comms, Skymap IIIC moving maps, and more. Low prices on all Garmin handheld GPS III Pilots, and GPSMap 195/295s. Other great deals on advance order avionics from Garmin and others. Click the "On Sale" page of Southeast Aerospace's extensive Online Avionics Catalog.

 

SPONSORS

Flight Explorer Personal Edition Only $9.95 A Month
The Internet has had a revolutionary impact on aviation by making a vast array of time-critical information available on demand. Now pilots and others can view and track aircraft movements throughout North America, Europe and major transoceanic routes in real time with Flight Explorer Personal Edition. Airlines and corporations have used this service for years. Now you too can view the airspace action. Sign up for only $9.95 a month at the Flight Explorer Web site.

M-20'S Model 300 Air/Oil Separator Now STC'd For All Singles & Twins
M-20 Turbos has received the largest STC in FAA history for its Model 300 Air/Oil Separator. The STC covers all singles and twins with Continental or Lycoming engines through 360 hp. The small device clamps in-line with the breather hose. Oil vapor suspended in the breather air is condensed and returned by gravity to the crankcase. Clean air continues out the breather vent, eliminating an aircraft's "greasy belly." Go to M-20's Web site for installation and ordering information.

Vision Aerobics Being Used At McGuire Air Force Base
Vision Aerobics, the eye-exercise system used by pilots nationwide, has added the 514th Military Airlift Wing at McGuire Air Force Base as a customer. The 4,000-member Reserve unit purchased the computer program and is using it as an integral part of its safety program. To see how you can benefit from Vision Aerobics' eye-exercise system, go to the Vision Aerobics Web site.

March 13, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• In what will be a huge victory for the aviation industry, Congress is very close to approving an FAA reauthorization bill that is extremely beneficial.
• Women are still scarce in the aviation world -- ranging from less than 2% of maintenance techs to about 25% of NASA's astronaut corps -- but they sure made a lot of noise in Memphis, Tenn., this weekend at the annual Women in Aviation International meeting.
• Last week, President Clinton unveiled the FAA's new "people first" agenda, which uses a mix of communications, technology and common sense to keep the nation's air traffic moving.
• Last March, the FAA decided that the system for giving charity flights was broken and "fixed" it by mandating charity flight pilots submit to expensive FAA-approved drug tests, or else.
• Just months after Diamond Aircraft of London, Ontario, announced plans for a new four-seat trainer to boost lagging North American sales, comes renewed word that the company's future is in serious doubt.
• According to a local paper, Lancair CEO Neibauer has filed a lawsuit which claims if his company doesn't get $6.9 million it was promised by investors, "it is unlikely it could remain in operation."
• Four people are dead after an accident at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) last week.
• Russians have been quick to blame Chechen terrorists for a crash last Thursday at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport that killed all nine onboard, but so far, no evidence of foul play has been found.

AEROMEDICAL: The Age 60 Rule: How It Came To Be

Fast-tracked into FAR Part 121 by the FAA's first administrator, General Elwood R. (Pete) Quesada, in a back-room deal with his old friend C. R. Smith, CEO of American Airlines, the FAA's Age 60 Rule has survived four decades of legal and political wrangling, and remains as controversial today as when it was enacted in 1960. Vincent Czaplyski traces the origins and history of the rule, describes various challenges it has faced over the years, and explains why medical and safety arguments offered to support it can be misleading.

AVMAIL

Reader mail about the SPEEA strike against Boeing, the impact of airline travel growth on general aviation, contract towers, FAA lawyers, pulse oximeter use, and a critical missing comma in AVweb's story about the FAA's modernization plan.

COLUMNS: Eye Of Experience: Making Perfect Landings

Despite the skill level developed in other operations, making perfect landings can be elusive for many pilots. It's sad but true: A pilot can fly smoothly around thunderstorms, never see the ground for hours, and break out after a perfectly-flown ILS only to have some difficulty in the landing and his passengers will come away doubting his abilities. What are the elements of a perfect landing? What about when ATC throws you a curve or two? AVweb's Howard Fried tackles these and other elements of the perfect landing. How many have you mastered?

SHOPPING

About Frames Offers Free Shipping & Handling On License Replica
As a great pilot gift, a license replica from About Frames is special. These authentic-looking brass plates are mounted on a black leather-textured back and framed in fine award-grade moldings. Any pilot will be proud to display these replicas. AV201 models ordered by April 30 will receive free shipping ($8.50 value) within the continental U.S. Order at the About Frames Web site.

Aviation Shopping Network Is Melting Winter Snows With Hot Deals
On Top IFR Simulator, regularly $99, now $84.95. JHP 520 Handheld NavCom, already the lowest priced rechargeable NavCom at $445, now at a price so low the manufacturer allows email requests only. Kestrel's Pocket Wind Meter, regularly $89, now $74.95. Don't miss other specials on headsets, training software, refresher videos, books, and specialty items. Order online at ASN's Web site.

Desser Welcomes Spring With A Great Tire/Tube Special
Desser Tire, America's #1 aircraft tire specialty distributor, has a very special offer for Internet purchases only. Buy both a tire and tube package at one special discount price by April 16 and save up to 53% off the factory list price. Check out the savings for your aircraft type at Desser's Web site. While there order your free copy of "Aircraft Tire & Maintenance Guide."

REMINDERS
$100 Discount On All AirSport portable transponder monitors and altitude alerters ends March 20. Order online now at AirSport's Web site.

 

SPONSORS

Plan To Fly Away To The Islands With Air Journey
Air Journey invites you to fly your airplane, or one of theirs, for 12 fantastic days touring the glittering white sands and blue ocean waves of the Caribbean islands. If you've ever thought you would like to fly to the islands, but hesitated because of flying alone in unfamiliar surroundings, fly and have fun with Air Journey's May 17-28 tour leaving from Florida to the Grenadines. Check out this fun journey at Air Journey's Web site.

Don't Buy An Airplane Until You've Checked Aviation Consumer's Site
For anyone shopping for a used airplane, Aviation Consumer's Used-Aircraft-Guide.com cuts though the maze of hearsay and sales claims to give you all the facts. Some of the important topics covered in the guide are prices, safety, cruise speeds, climb rates, overhaul and maintenance expense, load capacity, efficiency, parts availability and depreciation. Individual reviews of more than 125 different GA models are available for just $12.95 each. To order your review today, log on to Aviation Consumer's Used-Aircraft-Guide.com. The eighth edition of the two-volume book, "Used Aircraft Guide," can also be ordered on this site.

FSI'S Online Learning Center Saves Travel And Time Away From The Job
FlightSafety International, the world's leading maintenance training organization, has established an Online Learning Center for maintenance technicians, starting with its "Principles of Troubleshooting" program. The two-week course provides an effective learning experience with hands-on practice using your computer to simulate actual problem solving. For a course schedule and to sign up, go to FSI's Web site.

Over 400 Safires Sold, Plus New Engine Agreement
Safire Aircraft -- developers of the six-place, twin-turbofan S-26 personal jet -- has received an order for delivery position #404. Year- one delivery positions are sold out, year two will be sold out soon, and year-three delivery positions will be offered in April. Meanwhile, Agilis Engines announced it has signed an agreement to supply Safire with 1,000 turbofan engines for the S-26. For more info on the design and manufacture of this new generation of personal aircraft, go to Safire's Web site.

March 9, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• If you like being number 78 on the taxiway for takeoff, you will be pleased by the numbers in the FAA's Aerospace Forecast released this week. The annual report gives the FAA's assessment of where the aviation industry is going over the next 12 years, and once again the forecast is for more planes in the sky from every segment of aviation.
• FAA Administrator Jane Garvey said this week, "To meet the unprecedented growth predicted for air travel throughout the 1990s we have laid the groundwork for an aggressive modernization of the airspace system infrastructure."
• Politicians continued to spar this week over procedural rules added to the FAA reauthorization bill (AIR-21) conference report. However, Wednesday afternoon the Senate approved the final conference report with a vote of 82-17.
• John Lang, an experienced television news photographer, has refuted reports that there was any unusual maneuvering involved in a deadly helicopter crash near Miami, Fla., last Friday.
• The Boeing Co. received more bad news this week to add to the delivery woes already caused by its striking engineers and technical workers.
• Boeing also discovered last week that it threw away several components of the International Space Station (ISS) that is under construction in Huntsville, Ala., at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
• Eclipse Aviation Corp. of Scottsdale, Ariz., has officially launched its Eclipse 500 aircraft development program, designed to serve both the existing GA market and a new one the company labels the "air limousine" concept.
• Preliminary data released from the NTSB this week indicates Southwest Airlines flight 145 may have been hot and high on final.

AVMAIL

Reader mail about the Southwest 1455 overrun at Burbank, the age 60 rule, FOARC's recommendations for fractional ownership regs, KC-135 stab trim jackscrews, 24 hours of touch-and-goes, Diamond Aircraft motorgliders, the high cost of insurance for CFIs and FBOs, the rising cost of aviation fuel, pulse oximeters, CO detectors, LightSPEED headsets, motion sickness remedies, LASIK eye surgery, Arizona's meteor crater, and more.

 

NEW AIRCRAFT: Eagle 150B: Canards For Our Times

It's from Australia. It's made from Kevlar and a carbon-fiber honeycomb, has three lifting surfaces, a canopy, a center-mounted control stick and a TCM IO-240B kicking out 125 ponies. One of the things the Eagle 150B doesn't have is a small-plane ride, due to its forward-mounted canard, main wing and aft-mounted stabilizer. Is the Eagle 150B the "better mousetrap" that designer John Roncz hoped for? Check out this pilot report by AVweb's Dave Higdon and see for yourself.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

Our question last week on the "Age 60" rule for Part 121 pilots elicited responses from over 1,100 AVweb readers. The clear majority (71%) felt that there should not be a mandatory retirement age for Part 121 pilots, with 67% indicating that the inability to pass a physical should be the determining factor for retirement. Numerous respondents felt the "Age 60" rule is age discrimination, pure and simple. According to one airline pilot, "Under our present politically-induced system, a pilot can pass a PC, pass a flight physical, fly a plane load of passengers around the worst weather to make a Cat-IIIA approach ... and then go home to a birthday party which destroys his career. Age discrimination is wrong and should be abolished." To check out the complete results, including comments, go to AVweb's QOTW Web site.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we would like to know your opinions on regulating overflights of national parks. Please go to AVweb's QOTW Web site to respond.

Please remember that the email address qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and cannot be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING

Study Smart With Flight Tech Audio Cassette Courses
Now students can study for the FAA Private Pilot and Instrument knowledge tests at their own pace with Flight Tech's Audio Cassette Courses. The courses are presented in a logical, step-by-step, understandable manner. Simplicity is one major reason the Flight Tech method is so effective, and using memory aids and good solid teaching techniques throughout the presentation is another. Spring special: 10% discount and a FREE 8-inch plotter with every order through March 31! For more information, go to Flight Tech's Web site.

REMINDER:
Gleim's 10% Off All Airplane Knowledge Test Books will end March 31. Order at Gleim's Web site.

 

SPONSORS

NEW SPONSOR:
Aviation Consumer's Guide To Buying A Used Airplane
For anyone shopping for a used airplane, Aviation Consumer's Used-Aircraft-Guide.com cuts though the maze of hearsay and sales claims to give you all the facts. Some of the important topics covered in the guide are prices, safety, cruise speeds, climb rates, overhaul and maintenance expense, load capacity, efficiency, parts availability and depreciation. Individual reviews of more than 125 different GA models are available for just $12.95 each. To order your review today, log on to Aviation Consumer's Web site. The eighth edition of the two-volume book, "Used Aircraft Guide," can also be ordered on the site.

NEW SPONSOR:
Win A Free Case Of Aviation Oil From Hogan's Hangar
Hogan's Hangar will launch its Web site soon, and to ensure they are bringing to you, their customers, the best of products, they are giving away a free case of aviation oil to 12 lucky people who take their "Pilot Program" survey. Also available -- while supplies last -- are specials on cases of aviation oil. To take the quick survey, go to Hogan's Hangar, and good luck!

Plan To Fly Away To The Islands With Air Journey
Air Journey invites you to fly your airplane, or one of theirs, for 12 fantastic days touring the glittering white sands and blue ocean waves of the Caribbean islands. If you've ever thought you would like to fly to the islands, but hesitated because of flying alone in unfamiliar surroundings, fly and have fun with Air Journey's May 17-28 tour. Check out the program and see how much fun it is to fly the Caribbean at the Air Journey Web site.

March 6, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• Last-minute objections from the Senate are threatening to derail a compromise reached last week that would have guaranteed that the annual take from the Airport and Airways Trust Fund would be spent on aviation programs.
• The DOT, the FAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and the Midwest Aviation Coalition (MAC) have all expressed at least a restrained enthusiasm regarding the "progress" of the reauthorization bill.
• An FAA plan scheduled to begin later this month aims to wipe out air traffic delays by centralizing control when bad weather or system problems cause snafus.
• This weekend, a Cessna Citation X departed San Jose, headed to Newfoundland for a fuel stop, and was to continue on to Farnborough, England, in search of a world speed record for the route.
• At least three aircraft were destroyed in a hangar fire at Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Md., last week.
• Kevin Uliassi landed his balloon, the J. Renee, Friday after flying 13,246 miles (9,174 by great circle computation), some 10 days, four hours and eight minutes after beginning his third attempt to fly around the world alone.
• Talks between Canada and Russia may open airspace over the North Pole that's been essentially shut down since the Cold War -- saving Canadian airlines enormous amounts of time, fuel and money.
• Sources told AVweb that Vanessa Bethel set a new world record with 100 touch-and-goes in a 24-hour period in Colorado last week to raise money to fight cancer.

 

ATIS: The Boeing Strike -- A Report From The Trenches

The ongoing strike by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) against Boeing took a lot of people by surprise, not least of which apparently was Boeing. Since February 9, the strike's first day, the white-collar union has seen more and more of its bargaining unit walk off the job -- even though many workers are not SPEEA members -- as well as growing support from blue-collar unions such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the Teamsters. Some presidential candidates have even visited the picket lines. What's going on here? Boeing employee and striking engineer Ron Wanttaja gives his view in this guest editorial.

COLUMNS: As The Beacon Turns: Details, Details...

One of the most open-ended aviation regulations is FAR 91.103, which requires pilots to "become familiar with all available information" concerning a flight. A primary tool to ensure compliance with this FAR is the Notice To Airman (NOTAM) system, one with its own set of pitfalls for the unwary. AVweb's Michael Maya Charles looks at the NOTAM system and some of the things you should look for.

 

SHOPPING

Avionics West Posts Specials For March 6-19
For the next two weeks, Tom is running a big sale on the following Garmin portable GPS models: Color GPSMAP 295, GPSMAP 195, GPS III Pilot, GPS 92, and Color StreetPilot. Also, deep-discount prices on the JHP-500 comm-only VHF transceiver, DRE-6000 ENR headset, UPS GX55 panel- mount GPS/map, Bose X portable ANR headset, LightSPEED 20XL and 25XL ANR headsets, Pilot PA11-60 passive headset, Maycom air-band scanner, and ACK A-30 encoder. Get prices from the auto-responder at avionics-specials@avweb.com, then order online at the Avionics West Web site.

REMINDERS
Air Journey offers the Concorde Platinum World Tour, March 26 to April 19. To reserve your seat for this unique aerial adventure, call 1-888- 554-3774, or go to the Air Journey Web site.

Kennon Covers' offer of a free prop cover with any engine blanket order ends March 15. Go to Kennon's Web site.

 

SPONSORS

Cessna Millennium Edition Aircraft Offered With Extras
To mark the arrival of the 21st century, Cessna is offering a limited production run of Millennium Edition Skyhawk SP, Skylane, Stationair and Turbo Stationair models. These history-making aircraft are styled with special commemorative striping and feature a long list of premium upgrades and extras, including leather interiors, polished prop spinner and engine trim, plus a Bendix/King KLN 94 IRF GPS system with color moving map display. To see the full package, check out the Cessna Web site or call 1- 800-4-CESSNA (423-7762) to reserve a position now.

Considering Buying An Aircraft Or Moving Up To Another Model?
Your first aircraft or your 10th, single or multiengine, piston or turbine, don't buy without reading Brian Jacobson's "Purchasing & Evaluating Airplanes" from Odyssey Aviation Publications. Some of the critical areas Jacobson covers include selecting the right aircraft for your needs, closing the deal, buying insurance and maintaining your new purchase. Comes with a 30-day refund if not completely satisfied. Go to Brian's Web site to order today.

Can You Answer "Yes" To These Questions About Your Life Insurance?
Does your policy cover you for all your aviation activities? Is your policy at preferred rates with no flat extra premiums? Is your premium guaranteed level for up to 20 years? Is your insurance application designed specifically for pilots? Is your coverage guaranteed renewable and convertible to a permanent policy? If your answer to any of these questions is "no," go quickly to PIC's Web site for a personalized quote by email from Pilot Insurance Center -- the pilot's insurance company.

Flight Explorer Personal Edition A Personal Hit With Subscriber
AVweb subscriber N.C. Thompson of Boulder, Colo., had this to say about Flight Explorer Personal Edition: "I loaded up Flight Explorer Personal Edition this weekend, and I was absolutely amazed. The product is so solid -- I run a hardware/software company and have a great appreciation for well-tested, well-debugged software. Wow! Thanks for your efforts to put this out." Check out Flight Explorer for yourself at the Flight Explorer Personal Edition Web site.

March 2, 2000

  NEWSWIRE: AVweb's in-depth illustrated aviation news coverage.

• In testimony Tuesday before the House Subcommittee on Aviation, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Phil Boyer criticized the Clinton budget proposal for imposing $1 billion in unnecessary aviation user fees, while at the same time cutting programs critical to flight safety.
• Austria's Diamond Aircraft Industries fed growth hormones to its popular two-seat Katana, and revealed the result last week at its London, Ontario, factory -- the four-place Star prototype.
• General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI), of Ada, Okla., held a dedication ceremony last month to celebrate the opening of its new Carl Goulet Memorial Engine Test Facility.
• Rep. Jim Hansen (R-Utah) last week introduced a bill into the U.S. House of Representatives that would block efforts by federal agencies to close or limit access to back-country airstrips on public land.
• More than a third of the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command's (AMC) C-135 cargo planes and KC-135 in-flight refueling tankers have been grounded for inspection.
• It seems the U.S. complaint to the International Civil Aviation Organization had its desired effect -- the European Union has backed down on its threat to enforce tough new noise rules that would have banned many U.S. aircraft from Europe's airports.
• The National Air Transportation Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association have expressed support for the draft rules on fractional ownership presented last week to the FAA.
• When the pilot flying a Cessna 206 suffered a fatal heart attack at the controls, passenger Victor Consunji didn't panic -- just like in the movies, he got on the radio and found someone to talk him down.

AVMAIL

Reader mail about the Civil Air Patrol, coded vs. plain-language weather, airport security, transponder usage regs, rules concerning experimental aircraft operations over populated areas, Flight Explorer, the ReliefBand, and the importance of GA airports for disaster relief.

 

INSURANCE: Insurance and the Future Of Aviation

In recent months, Avemco and at least two other underwriters have stopped insuring small flight schools, FBOs and repair shops, while others have increased premiums sharply. If the trend continues, it may not be long before such businesses simply cease to exist. What does this portend for the future of general aviation and pilot training? Tom Chappell and Darrell Hyde of CS&A Aviation Insurance explore where the industry may be headed in response to the current insurance crunch.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** LAST WEEK'S RESULTS ***

The usefulness of aerobatic training was a hot topic last week, with over 800 readers taking the time to answer our question. 82% of those responding felt that basic aerobatics should be part of the training syllabus for a pilot's first rating. Many mentioned how aerobatics can improve pilot confidence and skill level, while an NTSB investigator wrote that it may improve safety: "I've worked several accidents which MAY not have happened if the pilot had some aerobatic training." Some readers worried that requiring aerobatics for a private certificate could scare away some students, and others lamented the fact that there are not enough qualified instructors or certified aircraft for teaching aerobatics. To check out the complete results, including comments, go to the QOTW Web page.

*** THIS WEEK'S QUESTION ***

This week we would like to know your opinions on the so-called "Age 60" mandatory retirement rule for Part 121 pilots. Thanks to AVweb reader Mark C. Weston for suggesting our topic this week. Please go to the QOTW Web page to respond.

Please remember that the email address qotw@avweb.com is ONLY for suggested QOTW questions, and NOT for QOTW answers or comments. Comments on a particular QOTW subject sent to this email address will not get a response and cannot be posted on the site.

Suggestions for AVweb's QOTW are welcomed at qotw@avweb.com.

SHOPPING

Aerosafe Cleaning Products Offers Free Window Cleaner With Order
Aerosafe Cleaning Products, makers of environmentally safe cleaning products for your aircraft and hangar, is offering a free quart of window cleaner when you order $50 or more of chemical or safety supplies through AVweb. Order for your club, association, and/or hangar neighbors and share in great cleaning at bulk prices. This offer ends March 31, so go now and Type "AVweb" on the order form billing space at Aerosafe's Web site.

"At Last, A Great Baja Video"
This is what Arnold Senterfitt, founder of Baja Bush Pilots and a pioneer pilot to Latin American destinations, said after viewing Current Productions' "Flying Down to Baja" video. To discover the warm breezes of Baja yourself, go to Current Productions' Web site and receive a 10% discount on the Baja video during March.

Order Your GAMIjectors And Receive A Free Video
General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI), makers of balanced fuel injection nozzles, is offering the "Flying the Fuel Injected Engine" video, a $19.95 value, free with any AVweb order during March. Increase the efficiency of your aircraft's engine with proven GAMIjectors. Order online at GAMI's Web site and type "AVweb" in the special instructions box for your video. Offer ends March 31.

Color At An Affordable Price With Honeywell Trade-In Program
Place an order for a new KLN 94 prior to April 30 and you can trade in your KLN 89B. The KLN94 features a color GPS moving map, a navigation database of airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, and special-use airspace, plus a cartographic database of roads, cities and more. The unit is IFR GPS-capable for en route, terminal, and non-precision approaches. It also provides map presentation of other approaches, including ILSs, for greater situational awareness. For more information call 1-877-712-2386, or click "Promotions & Special Offers" at Honeywell's Web site.

Rebate On SlickSTART Magneto Start Booster Extended To March 31
Go to Unison's Web site for your rebate.

 

SPONSORS

March Into 2000 With Savings And Deals From Marv Golden Aviation
Check out Marv Golden's everyday low prices on products from David Clark, Lowrance, Pilot Avionics, LightSPEED, Garmin, Yaesu and more. Also, check Marv's great prices on Citizen's Blue Angel watch, Navihawks, and Jeppesen Techstar Flight Computers. Order today at Marv Golden's Web site.

Safire Aircraft Company Announces Engine Agreement
Safire Aircraft Company announced that it has executed a purchase agreement for 1,000 turbofan jet engines optimized for the S-26 jet. The engines will be available to suit Safire's certification and delivery schedule. Safire plans to disclose additional details in the near future. "We are thrilled that the manufacturer has chosen the S-26 as the launch vehicle for this exciting new turbofan engine," said Safire president Michael Margaritoff. Safire has over 320 deposits for the S-26 six-place turbofan jet. To learn more about the S-26, go to Safire's Web site.

Previous Weeks...