Video: Sam LSA Debuts at Sun 'n Fun May 17, 2013 By Mary Grady
The Sam light sport aircraft, which first flew in March, was on display at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida.
Video: Total Eclipse Quick Look May 16, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
Eclipse Aerospace is touring the country with a Total Eclipse jet, using it as a demo for the soon-to-be-delivered Eclipse 550. In this AVweb video, Paul Bertorelli offers a quick product overview.
Video: Rotax 912iS Efficiency -- Better than Claimed May 8, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
When Rotax introduced its high-tech 912iS a year ago, it claimed that the engine would be about 20 percent more fuel efficient than previous 100hp models. But new testing done by the company last year reveals that those claims fell short of the engine's actual efficiency. In this video shot at Aero in Friedrichshafen, Germany last week, Paul Bertorelli reports that the 912iS may improve fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent.
Video: Free Flights For Medical Patients -- Angel Flight West May 2, 2013 By Glenn Pew Angel Flight West arranges free flights for people with chronic medical conditions are urgent needs when traditional forms of transportation are unavailable or cost prohibitive. This specific organization is active in the western United States. They're always looking for volunteer pilots to fill the ranks because there is always a need.
Video: Bendix/King Moves into Europe With Wingman May 2, 2013 By Thomas Borchert
Bendix/King is moving its myWingman app into Europe with new charting features for both Europe and for the U.S. At Aero, AVweb caught up with Jeff Simon for a briefing on new features.
Video: Tecnam Introduces the Astore and the Snap May 2, 2013 By Russ Niles
At Aero in Friedrichshafen last week, the Italian planemaker Tecnam introduced two new models. AVweb was there to report on it.
Video: Pipistrel at CAFE 2013 April 29, 2013 By Mary Grady
At the 7th annual CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium in Santa Rosa, California, Tine Tomazic of Pipistrel summarized the new and emerging projects the company is working on to promote hybrid and electric flight.
Video: Jeppesen's New Euro Charts April 28, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
For years, we've been wondering when someone would get around to producing data-driven charts -- that is, a portable or a panel mount that renders charts not from an enhanced PDF but from a database of coordinates it uses to draw the basic map graphics. Now Jeppesen has stepped up and done just that, offering what it calls Mobile Flight Deck VFR for the Euro market. In Germany, for instance, pilots are required to carry visual charts -- and not just sectionals but visual approach charts as well. Mobile Flight Deck boxes up everything into one app for the iPad, and fliegermagazin's Thomas Borchert, AVweb's European editorial partner, reports on the new product in this video from Aero in Friedrichshafen.
Video: Smart Car Goes Flying -- FlyEco's Three-Cylinder Diesel April 28, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
Although some may consider it a smugmobile, Mercedes's diminutive SmartCar has gained a worldwide following and a market. The European version has a nifty three-cylinder diesel with impressive fuel specifics that a company called FlyEco has adapted for aircraft use. The engine has all the usual suspects -- high-pressure common-rail injection, turbocharging, and liquid and oil cooling. In this excluse AVweb video from the Aero show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, FlyEco's Arnim Wegener gave us a detailed rundown on the FlyEco 450 three-banger.
Video: Video Tour of Tecnam 2010 April 26, 2013 By Thomas Borchert
At Aero 2013, Tecnam seems to be pulling out all of the stops, introducing two new LSAs -- one aerobatic -- and showing off the highly refined P-2010, which might best be thought of as a reimagined Cessna 172 that's faster and carries more than the progenitor that may have inspired it. In this Aero 2013 video, fliglermagazine chief editor and AVweb contributor Thomas Borchert, who has flown the airplane, gives us a tour of the P-2010. Look for more coverage on the two product announcements from Tecnam later in the week.
Video: Panthera Wows at Aero 2013 April 26, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
When Pipistrel displayed the innovative Panthera retractable at Aero in Friedrichshafen last year, it was the hit of the show. And now they've flown in the test article in a 90-minute hop over the Alps, and showgoers are crawling over the thing like ants. Pipistrel is allowing cockpit and rear-seat access, and the line stretches nearly around the block. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli interviewed Pipistrel's Vid Plevnik about the test program and, in this exclusive video, Plevnik gives you a visual cockpit tour of this unique aircraft as part of our continuing coverage of Aero 2013.
Video: FK's Incredible P-51 Mustang LSA April 26, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
At Aero 2013, FK Lightplanes pulled the cover off a show stealer: a 70% scale Mustang ultralight and LSA. Molded of carbon fiber, the aircraft is true to the original, right down to the dimples in the rivet lines. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli took a tour of the airplane with FK's Roland Hallam.
Video: Randall Fishman's Electric-Powered Ultralight April 21, 2013 By Mary Grady
Randall Fishman first exhibited this lightweight new design at EAA AirVenture in 2012, shortly after its first flight. At Sun 'n Fun in April 2013, the prototype had about 30 hours of flight time, and Fishman was ready to sell copies under Part 103.
Video: Wega Show Off Brazilian Export Kits April 14, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
A Brazilian company called Wega appeared at Sun 'n Fun 2013 with a pair of good-looking retractables they hope to sell as kits. AVweb talked to the company's principle, Jocelito Wildner, about what Wega's plans are.
Video: Flight Training Cockpit Advanced Panel April 14, 2013 By Larry Anglisano
You can build your own custom instrument panel, so why not do the same with your table-top simulator? That's the idea behind the Flight Training Cockpit Advanced Panel product offered through PilotMall.com. AVweb's Larry Anglisano took a look at the simulator at Sun 'n Fun 2013.
Video: AVweb Product Minute -- ForeFlight Five April 13, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
ForeFlight's new version 5 features new terrain hazard warnings and a runway selection advisor. In this AVweb product minute, Tyson Weihs gives us a tour.
Video: Zenith Aircraft's New CH-750 Cruzer April 13, 2013 By Paul Dye
At Sun 'n Fun 2013, Zenith Aircraft unveiled its new CH-750 Cruzer, a faster version of its popular CH-750 STOL, which is available as both a kit and an LSA. AVweb took a video tour of the new airplane.
Video: MyGoFlight iPad Cockpit Accessories April 12, 2013 By Larry Anglisano
Without the proper hardware, managing an iPad in the cockpit can be a challenge. MyGoFlight has a line of high-quality iPad mounts, knee boards, cases, and other accessories designed for the task. AVweb's Larry Anglisano had a look at the products at Sun 'n Fun 2013 in Lakeland, Florida.
Video: MWFly's New Experimental and LSA Engines April 12, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
At Sun 'n Fun 2013, an Italian company called MWFly showed off an intriguing variable compression ratio engine that they say addresses the typical torsional loads on a small engine's gearbox.
Video: Just Aircraft's SuperSTOL April 11, 2013 By Paul Dye
Just Aircraft is well known for it's line of sporty two-place taildraggers. Now it's offering a new kit called the SuperSTOL. How about landings and take-offs in less than 100 feet. (Even less with a wind?)
Video: Product Minute -- Bendix/King myWingman April 11, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
At Sun 'n Fun, Bendix/King is out with a new version of its myWingman app. The company's Jeff Simon gave AVweb a product tour.
Video: ForeFlight's New Stratus with AHRS April 10, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
At Sun 'n Fun 2013, ForeFlight and Sporty's introduced the new Stratus ADS-B portable, which features two-band traffic and an AHRS. ForeFlight's Tyson Weihs gave AVweb a tour of the new gadget.
Video: Redbird's Unique Take on Desktop Training April 10, 2013 By Larry Anglisano
At Sun 'n Fun 2013, Redbird showed off a new desktop training device capable of flying detailed and novel flight scenarios for training. It's a dedicated box selling for $2,495. In this AVweb video, Redbird's Jeff Van West gave us a tour of the new product.
Video: Sagetech's Clarity SV ADS-B/EFIS April 9, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
Portable ADS-B is all the rage these days, including a new class of products that provide not just ADS-B weather and traffic but also turn an iPad into an EFIS. AVweb just flew with the first of these products this week, and Paul Bertorelli prepared this video report.
Video: Aspen's New ADS-B Products March 28, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
Demand for ADS-B products continues to trickle upward, and everyone who is anyone in the avionics business is developing or already selling ADS-B gadgets. Aspen rolled out its first products at the Aircraft Electronics Association show in Las Vegas, with an eye toward a range of solutions that rely on the company's innovative Connected Panel system, an in-cockpit wireless network that links up with tablet computers. In this video from the show, Aspen's George Pariza gives AVweb a tour of the new products.
Video: Garmin Team X -- Passion-Driven Products March 27, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
Although they're not the centerpiece of Garmin's booth at the Aircraft Electronics Association show in Las Vegas this week, Garmin has made quite a ripple with its announcement of seven new avionics products for the experimental and light sport markets. In this video, Garmin's Jim Alpiser explains why the company is so bullish on the experimental segment and why Garmin carved out a segregated engineering team to develop uncertified avionics, with more products on the way.
Video: Sandia Aerospace's New Compact Transponder March 27, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
As avionics manufacturers are spinning out new ADS-B products by the week, they're also creating some new sub-niches. One of those is for a simple, compact Mode-C transponder since some kind of transponder will be needed once the ADS-B mandate is in place. Sandia Aerospace recently added just such a product to its well-respected line of avionics fans, integration boxes, and encoders. At the Aircraft Electronics Association show in Las Vegas, Sandia's Dennis Smith gave AVweb a video tour of the company's new STX 165 compact transponder.
Video: Bad Elf's New GPS Module March 22, 2013 By Larry Anglisano
Although tablets like the iPad have decent on-board GPS receivers, they aren't necessarily the most robust in hanging onto a position fix. As a result, a number of companies make portable remote GPS units that Bluetooth position fixes into the tablet. In this AVweb video, Aviation Consumer's Larry Anglisano reviews a new product from Bad Elf called the GPS Pro. Besides basic GPS, it also includes datalogging.
Video: Total Eclipse Flight Demo March 10, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
Eclipse is touring the country with its Total Eclipse, a factory re-do of the original EA500. But the airplane is a good stand-in for new production airplanes, which will be called Eclipse 550s. AVweb recently took a flight demo in a Total Eclipse and prepared this video report.
Video: Oil Filters Compared March 1, 2013 By Larry Anglisano
An oil filter is an oil filter, right? Generally, yes — but there are some subtle differences between the two aviation oil filters on the market, Champion's line and the newer Tempest product. Aviation Consumer's Larry Anglisano recently compared the two brands, and this video summarizes his findings.
Video: Historic Flight Foundation DC-3 February 21, 2013 By Russ Niles
Everett, Washington's Historic Flight Foundation recently flew home its newly restored DC-3 from Sealand Aviation in Campbell River, British Columbia. The museum's founder, John Sessions, talks about the aircraft's rich history and its future at the Foundation.
Video: Audio Authority's Flexible Power Unit February 10, 2013 By Larry Anglisano
More owners and pilots would probably invest in ground power units for starting and running avionics in the hangar if the things were just more flexible. One that is comes from Audio Authority, which, besides being a GPU, also doubles as a battery tender. In this video, Aviation Consumer's Larry Anglisano gives us the lowdown on this versatile unit.
Video: Yves Rossy's Jetman School (Without the Jets) February 8, 2013 By Glenn Pew
A video released Feb. 8, 2013, by Jetman Yves Rossy suggests the skydiving innovator may be on the verge of marketing an unpowered version of his strapped-on wing and opening a school to teach people how to fly it. Rossy has piloted another version of the wing with four micro-turbines attached to its underside delivering power. He has flown that version across the English Channel and a section of the Grand Canyon. Rossy describes the unpowered version by saying it can achieve a "glide angle" of 4.5. English is not Rossy's first language and a glide angle of 4.5 would translate to a glide ratio of roughly 13:1 -- substantially better than a Cessna 172. It's possible that Rossy's use of the term instead indicates the wing's glide ratio. Rossy says he's flown his gliding wing in excess of 150 mph, he has demonstrated aerobatics while flying it and believes there is much more potential for his unique brand of flight. Rossy is meticulous in his flight preparations, studying terrain, angles of flight and walking portions of the route when able. It is not yet known if his apparently proposed school will train the same pre-flight planning.
Video: Pardo's Push -- McDonnell F4 Phantom January 25, 2013 By Glenn Pew
"Pardo's push" of March 10, 1967 was preceded by a similar event. In 1952, fighter ace Robbie Risner pushed fellow flyer Joe Logan 60 miles. The two men were flying F-86 Sabre jets and successfully cleared hostile territory, but Logan bailed out over water, was tangled in his canopy lines, and drowned. Risner was deemed a hero, but by Pardo's account, pilots were not encouraged to partake in similar activities.
Video: Sebring Sport Expo 2013 January 18, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli AVweb was at opening day of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo show in Sebring on Thursday and filed this video report.
Video: Levil Technology's New ADS-B/AHRS January 18, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
The competition in the iPad remote ADS-B and AHRS market is getting white-hot, and now comes Levil Technology with a new device called the iLevil. AVweb took a took at it at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo show in Sebring.
Video: Garmin's New GNC255A Navcomm Radio January 15, 2013 By Larry Anglisano
There's still plenty of demand for traditional navcomm radios. The new Garmin GNC and GTR line of navcomm radios bring smart features and advanced interfacing. Larry Anglisano from Aviation Consumer magazine gives a product tour of the new radio on the test bench at EXXEL Avionics in Connecticut.
Video: Flight Design Delivers the Rotax 912 iS January 11, 2013 By Paul Bertorelli
After rolling it out last spring, Rotax is now delivering its new fuel-injected, electronic engine, the 912 iS. Flight Design is now delivering a new variant called the CTLSi that features the new engine. The 912 iS builds on the basic 912 S, but in place of carburetors, it has dual-injector port-type common-rail fuel injection and electronic ignition, powered by a pair of alternators. AVweb recently flew a new CTLSi demo aircraft, and in this brief product video, we run through our findings.
Video: Meet Mid-Continent's SAM December 28, 2012 By Larry Anglisano
As much as we love them, iron gyros are on their way to the scrap heap of history. They're even losing their value as backup instruments to glass panels now that glass itself has become more reliable and affordable enough to replace even analog backup devices. In this new video from AVweb, Aviation Consumer's Larry Anglisano examines a new product from Mid-Continent Instruments and Avonics called the SAM. It fits into a small space on the panel and can be backed up with its own lithium-ion battery. Installation considerations are mimimal, but here's a close look at how the instrument looks and performs.
Video: L-3's Trilogy Backup Gyro December 21, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Glass panels have become standard in new aircraft, and now that more legacy airplanes are retrofitted with these systems, there's a growing market for backup gyros. That market has clearly stated a preference: Backup glass units are making inroads. In this AVweb video, Larry Anglisano of Aviation Consumer and Kirk Fryar of Sarasota Avionics give us a tour of the L-3 Trilogy.
Video: FK's Comet Biplane December 16, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
FK Lightplanes has significant presence in Europe but almost none in the U.S. They'd like to change that with a sporty little aerobatic biplane called the FK-12 Comet. Right now, it's got a Rotax 912, but it will soon have a fully aerobatic Lycoming AEIO-233, making it one of only a couple of light sports approved for aerobatics and the only biplane. AVweb recently took a spin in the Comet with Hansen Air Group's Mitch Hansen. Here's a video report.
Video: iPad Mini -- AVweb's Flight Trial December 9, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
The iPad, and tablets in general, have gained wide acceptance among pilots. But if you find the iPad a tad too large for the cockpit, the new iPad Mini may address that complaint. It's 2/3 the size of the full iPad but otherwise has the same features and performance as an iPad 2. In this video, AVweb and Aviation Consumer wrung out the Mini for both cockpit and pre-flight use. Other than screen glare, we found it had few warts worth mentioning, and it just might become the perfect cockpit accessory.
Video: Flying the B-17 Flying Fortress November 29, 2012 By Glenn Pew
The Collings Foundation's Derek "Otter" Ward sometimes serves as co-pilot aboard the organization's WWII B-17 Boeing Flying Fortress bomber Nine-O-Nine. He describes some of the aircraft's ground and flight characteristics.
Video: Piper Matrix Flight Trial November 21, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Piper's Matrix — an unpressurized version of its Mirage — has proven a popular seller and a stalwart of the company's M-class product line. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli recently took a test flight in the airplane for this video report.
Video: Piper's 75th Birthday Party November 11, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
On Saturday, November 10, Piper Aircraft celebrated its 75th anniversary as an aircraft company. AVweb was there and got a look at some terrific vintage aircraft as well as Piper's latest line of M-class airplanes.
Video: Flying Eyes Pilot Sunglasses November 2, 2012 By Larry Anglisano
Sunglasses are a must-have for pilots, but when you shove the temples under a headset for several hours, the pain isn't far behind. A new product called Flying Eyes solves that problem. In this video by Larry Anglisano and Marc Gunther, AVweb takes a close look at this product.
Video: Mid-Light Luxury -- Embraer's Legacy 450 Mock-Up November 1, 2012 By Russ Niles
With a big baggage area and an optional full galley, the Embraer 450 ups the game in its class. Embraer's Ernie Edwards took us through the new mock-up at NBAA 2012.
Video: Mid-Continent Introduces New SAM Backup Gyro November 1, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
When glass first appeared a dozen years ago, virtually all of the required backup gyros were of the iron variety — vacuum- or electric-powered. Increasingly, manufacturers are turning to glass backups as well, and at NBAA in Orlando this week, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics announced its new SAM, a two-inch combined attitude gyro and pitot-static instrument.
Video: Cox Electromechanical De-Icing System October 31, 2012 By Russ Niles
Pneumatic boots are probably the best known way to remove ice from an aircraft in flight. But there's another way: electromechanical pulse de-icing. In this video from NBAA, AVweb reports on the Cox system, which has gained some market traction.
Video: Ikhana's X2 Remanufactured Twin Otter October 31, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
No other airplane does what de Havilland's famed Twin Otter does, which is why there are so many of the legacy aircraft still flying. Viking Air recently resumed production of an updated version of the utility twin but and Ikhana Aircraft is remanufacturing the original production aircraft into virtually a new airplane. AVweb checks it out in this video from NBAA.
Video: Tamarack's CitationJet Active Winglets October 30, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Two weeks ago, AVweb reported on Tamarack Aerospace's unique active winglet technology that substantially reduces drag, dramatically increasing climb rate and reducing fuel burn in cruise. At NBAA in Orlando, Florida, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli flew with the system in a CitationJet. Here's his report.
Video: Citation Longitude Program Update October 30, 2012 By Russ Niles
At NBAA, Cessna showed a reworked mock-up of its new Longitude jet, with a larger walk-in baggage bay. Russ Niles filed this video report from Orlando.
Video: Redbird's Unique Sim-Based Flight Training October 29, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Last week, we covered Redbird's industry training conference and learned more about the company's unique approach to simulator-centric flight training, including primary and instrument. In this new video, Redbird's Roger Sharp tells AVweb what the company has learned in about a year of intensive research and experimentation in their sophisticated sim lab.
Video: Tamarack Aerospace -- Winglets for All October 13, 2012 By Russ Niles
Winglets improve the aerodynamic efficiency of wings, but they also affect the wing's aerodynamic loading — and that matters. The changes can shorten the life limit of wings. The proper addition of winglets includes consideration of engineering factors, and that's where Tamarack Aerospace comes in. Their new active winglet is specifically designed so that it can be added to any aircraft without further modification to the wing's internal structure.
Video: Lockheed T-33 at Palm Springs Air Museum October 13, 2012 By Glenn Pew
AOPA Summit 2012 brought together pilots and aviation enthusiasts from across the nation and also provided a stage for local aviation attractions like the Palm Springs Air Museum. The museum contributed three warbirds to AOPA's outdoor display. In this video, Palm Springs Air Museum director of design Richard Grosser talks about the Lockheed T-33 jet trainer.
Video: Beechcraft Bonanza Upgrades October 12, 2012 By Glenn Pew
Hawker Beechraft Systems offers an in-house upgrade program for Bonanzas that can provide better performance, better comfort and more utility. Pilots can select from a range of upgrades that include window, avionics, engine, air conditioning, and interior upgrades as well as range improvement through the addition of wing tanks. Prices range from thousands to roughly $100,000 depending on the extent of the work.
Video: Bigfoot Backcountry Bushplane from Found Aircraft October 12, 2012 By Russ Niles
Big engine, big tires, big load carrying and good speed — Found Aircraft's Bigfoot bushplane at AOPA Summit 2012 in Palm Springs, California.
Video: King Katmai STOL Cessna 182 October 11, 2012 By Russ Niles
New aircraft sales continue to be on the soft side, but some specialty refurbishing and modification companies can't keep up. "I can't build them fast enough," said Todd Peterson, owner of Peterson's Performance Plus, creator of the King Katmai modification of the Cessna 182. On set-up day (Wednesday) at AOPA Summit in Palm Springs, Peterson sold a fully tricked-out $350,000 version of the aircraft complete with Tundra tires, wing extensions and nose-mounted canards that turn the venerable cross-country platform into a serious back-country performer.
Video: John Stahr's Unique RV-8 at the AOPA Summit 2012 Parade of Planes October 11, 2012 By Glenn Pew
One of the most aesthetically interesting aircraft in the AOPA Summit's Parade of Planes at Palm Springs this year was John Stahr's Van's RV-8. Stahr is a painter by trade and a pilot at heart. His ability to merge his passions has created an extraordinary artistic expression of his loves, in flight. And a paint job that's hard to forget.
Video: Super Legend Flight Trial September 19, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
American Legend gained success with its popular Legend Cub, and now it's followed up with a new Lycoming-powered version of the airplane. If you like the Super Cub, you'll like the Super Legend, too, because its performance is quite similar. AVweb ventured to Legend's Sulphur Spring, Texas, homebase to fly the airplane, and here's a video report on the flight.
Video: The Last Flying B-24 Bomber (Collings Foundation) September 18, 2012 By Glenn Pew
The B-24 was the most widely produced bomber in world history. This video shows the sole surviving regularly flown example, from roughly 18,000 B-24 Liberator bombers produced. This is the Collings Foundation's B-24, Witchcraft.
Video: Reno Crash Video Shows Trim Tab Loss After Pitch-Up August 27, 2012 By Russ Niles
The NTSB released a spectator video of the September 16, 2011 crash of Jimmy Leeward's modified P-51 at the National Championship Air Races in Reno. The board is meeting August 26 to determine a probable cause.
Video: PlaneDriven's Roadable Airplane August 20, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
The problem with flying cars is that it's a lot harder to make a car fly than it is to make an airplane drive. That's the thinking behind Trey Johnson's roadable Glasair Sportsman, which we filmed at Oshkosh. He flew it in and drove it around town a couple of times. We're not sure what kind of demand there is for this sort of thing, but it's fun to watch it come together.
Video: Airplane Crash In-Cockpit Footage -- Stinson 108-3 August 10, 2012 By Glenn Pew
Video of a plane crash as it was experienced from the right seat, inside the cockpit. The accident took place on Saturday, June 30, 2012 near Bruce Meadows airstrip, not far from Stanley, Idaho.
Video: Flight Trial -- Dynon's New D1 Pocket Panel August 6, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
It was only a matter of time before someone stuffed a full-up EFIS into a portable box the size of drink coaster. It didn't exactly take Dynon very long to get around to it, either. In this video, AVweb takes a tour of the new D1 Pocket Panel, and while it's not really a full EFIS, it's close enough — a clever combination of MEMS gyro and GPS aiding.
Video: iFlightPlanner with iPad Interface July 30, 2012 By Glenn Pew
iFlightPlanner.com, through cooperation with Sennheiser, offers features, price (there's a free version), and portability that make it a competitive option for comprehensive one-stop flight planning on the go. If you're a pilot, try it yourself at iFlightPlanner.com.
Video: Super Tucano at AirVenture July 28, 2012 By Russ Niles
Embraer launched a public relations offensive at AirVenture Oshkosh in support of its bid to supply the Air Force's light air support aircraft.
Video: Van's Roomier RV-14 July 28, 2012 By Mary Grady
Van's Aircraft is meeting fans of their popular RV-7 aerobatic sport plane halfway -- with a new model, the RV-14, that offers a roomier cabin and baggage compartment. You can still do the occasional roll in it, reassures Van's spokesman Gus Funnell in this video explaining where the RV-14 fits in between the RV-7 and RV-10 models.
Video: Hanging (Upside Down) with the Aerostars July 28, 2012 By Adam Cutler AVweb's Adam Cutler gets some attitude issues when he meets up with Paul Hornick of the Aerostars and takes a turn at the controls of a Yak 52 TW.
Video: Garmin's Portable ADS-B Receiver July 27, 2012 By Jeff Van West
Garmin's GDL39 streams free weather and traffic data to an iPad or Garmin portable GPS. AVweb's Jeff Van West tried it out on the way to Oshkosh this year and shares his thoughts.
Video: Portable and Backup EFIS Solutions Debut at Oshkosh July 27, 2012 By Jeff Van West
Hey, buddy, is that an EFIS in your pocket? If you went to Oshkosh this year, it might be. Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West took a look at three backup and portable electronic flight displays that offer new capabilities in tiny packages.
Video: Jeppesen Kicks It Up a Notch July 27, 2012 By Jeff Van West
The next version of Jeppesen's iPad app, JeppFD, is pegged for release this September. The new version has an improved user interface better organized around phases of flight. It also includes new tools, such as a night mode and highlighter. The latter version allows you to highlight your assigned taxi route right on an airport diagram, as well as make notes. It will also include much-awaited datalink weather. Jeppesen will also introduce a new pricing structure that will allow for multiple installs of the JeppFD for less money than in the past.
Video: Sennheiser Introduces S1 Headset Without the ANR July 26, 2012 By Jeff Van West
Headset manufacturer Sennheiser introduced the little brother to their top-of-line S1 digital ANR headset. The S1 passive sports many of the same fit-and-feel improvements such as adjustable pressure on the headband and has a control box for volume and music input with auto-muting. It lacks the active noise reduction, but it also only costs $369.
Video: Heads Up Display for GA Aircraft July 25, 2012 By Larry Anglisano
Italian manufacturer PAT Avionics showed off their laser-generated heads up display at Airventure 2012.
Video: Avidyne Announces the IFD440 July 25, 2012 By Larry Anglisano
It'll be a year before you can get one, but Avidyne announced its plan for a drop-in replacement to the almost ubiquitous Garmin GNS 430. It will have a touchscreen and buttons, as well as advanced capability for two units to work together.
Video: Foreflight's New Advisor Update July 24, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
As the leading aviation flight planning app, Foreflight has been a mile a minute with revisions and improvements. Here at AirVenture 2012, they've announced a new set of revisions that include sophisticated but easy-to-use routing and altitude functions.
Video: Akoya Multi-Modal Aircraft July 24, 2012 By Jeff Van West
LISA Airplanes' Akoya light sport aircraft can land on pavement, water or snow. It also boasts impressive performance. The flying prototype was at AirVenture 2012, where visitors couldn't help but make comparisons to Icon's A5.
Video: Cubs 2 Oshkosh July 23, 2012 By Russ Niles
To mark the 75th anniversary of the incomparable Piper Cub, nearly 100 Cubs flew into AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on Sunday. AVweb's Russ Niles interviewed Clyde Smith Jr. about how the event was organized.
Video: Bendix/King's New Products at OSH July 23, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
At AirVenture 2012, Bendix/King announced that it's back in the avionics market with two new products, the KMA30 audio panel and an interesting app called myWingman. The company's Jeff Simon gave AVweb a demonstration of the new products.
Video: Flying the Cessna TTX July 16, 2012 By Jeff Van West
What started life as a Columbia and then became a Corvalis is now the Cessna Corvalis TTX. While it hosts many small improvements, the big change is the touchscreen-controlled G2000 avionics suite. Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West took the pixels and the plane up for a spin.
Video: 'Aviation Consumer' Takes the Show on the Road with Five Folding Bicycle Reviews June 25, 2012 By Jeff Van West
The July issue of our sister publication, Aviation Consumer, features a blow-by-blow comparison of some of the best folding bikes for pilots we could find. See them in action in these five video reviews by Consumer's Jeff Van West.
Video: ANA 767 Hard Landing Creases Fuselage June 22, 2012 By Glenn Pew
An All Nippon Airways Boeing 767-300 carrying 193 passengers was damaged during a hard landing at Tokyo Narita airport, Wednesday, June 20, 2012. The ANA jet touched down on Runway 16R. Airport weather reports show winds at 230 and 16 knots gusting to 29 at that time, suggesting a potential crosswind component of more than 27 knots. However that may have affected the pilots and aircraft, security camera footage shows the airliner came down first on the right main, then on the nosewheel alone, before porpoising into a second impact that appears to impart visible flex on the airliner's forward fuselage. No injuries were reported, but an early post-flight inspection clearly showed buckling and creases in the fuselage skin forward of the wing root. Japan's transportation safety board is investigating. Click the image at right for video.
Video: Cessna Grand Caravan Flight Demo June 20, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Since its launch in 1985, the Cessna Caravan and later the Grand Caravan have been strong sellers for Cessna. In this video, AVweb takes a flight demo in the latest model, complete with G1000 and GFC700 autopilot.
Video: Viking Air Twin Otter Factory June 13, 2012 By Russ Niles
Viking Air is quickly ramping up production of its new build Twin Otter 400 series. AVweb's Russ Niles toured the Victoria, British Columbia factory with VP of Operations Dan Tharp, a Wichita aircraft production veteran recently hired by Viking to boost production.
Video: Diamond Multi-Purpose Platform DA42 May 27, 2012 By Russ Niles
Diamond has diversified its market to the military, law enforcement and even media realms with the DA42 Multi-Purpose Platform. Diamond Airborne Sensing's Markus Fischer took AVweb through the product at Diamond's factory in Wiener Neustad, Austria.
Video: Red Bull's Latest Aerial Ballet May 17, 2012 By Glenn Pew
Red Bull Wednesday shared video of one of its latest sponsored adventures -- five wingsuit skydivers joining up with and maintaining formation with two sailplanes in a dive over Austria. The team flew two aerobatic LET L-13 Blanik sailplanes and just to complicate things, the lead flew inverted and one skydiver formed up in between the inverted and upright glider. The skydivers and gliders came together in formation at roughly 12,000 feet. The sailplanes wore wingtip-mounted smoke canisters and one skydiver wore one on an ankle. The trick of the task was mating airspeed and descent rates and this time all members performed flawlessly. Check the video after the jump.
Video: Cessna's Largest Jet Yet, the Longitude May 14, 2012 By Mary Grady
On the first day of the European Business Aviation Convention and Expo in Geneva, Switzerland, Cessna Aircraft announced its largest jet yet — a new version of the Citation dubbed "Longitude."
Video: How Austro Engines Are Made May 14, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Daimler-Benz makes about 1,500 OM640 diesel engines a day, and Austro diverts about 15 minutes worth of production to its factory in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, where it forms the core of the AE300 aerodiesel. In this video, Austro's Peter Lietz takes us through how the company turns a car engine into an airplane engine.
Video: William Rankin, the Man Who Rode the Thunder April 30, 2012 By Glenn Pew
The story of William Rankin's ejection at 47,000 feet and 500 knots is legendary, not only because the fall took him 40 minutes, but also because he lived to talk about it. There are other and more recent cases of people who have been drawn into thunderstorms under canopy and not every one ends in survival.
Video: Flight Design News at Aero 2012 April 22, 2012 By Russ Niles
Flight Design announced EASA certification of two aircraft and unveiled the full-scale mockup of the interior of its C4 four-place at Aero 2012 last week.
Video: ULPower's New Six-Cylinder Engines April 22, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
At Aero Friedrichshafen, ULPower showed off its new line of six-cylinder engines, from 145hp to 200hp.
Video: PC-Aero's New Solar One Electric Cruiser April 22, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
PC-Aero has come out with its second solar-powered airplane, the Electra Solar One. PC-Aero's Calin Gologan gave AVweb a briefing on it at the Aero Friedrichshafen show in Germany.
Video: Messerschmidt Bf 109 Simulator April 20, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
If you could fly a Messerschmitt Bf 109, how cool would that be? A simulator is the next best thing. In this AVweb video from Aero 2012 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, we get a sim tour from Hans Schmid.
Video: AVweb's Aero Engine Tour April 19, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
At Aero 2012 in Friedrichshafen, the German Fliegermagazin has sponsored an engaging display of aircraft powerplants ranging from tiny electric engines to a new turbofan from a French company called Price Induction. AVweb video contributor and Fliegermagazin editor Thomas Borchert shows us three of the most interesting engines in the collecton.
Video: Diamond DA52 Cockpit/Cabin Tour April 18, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
At Aero 2012, Diamond's Ingmar Meyerbuch gave us a cockpit and cabin tour of the company's new DA52 large cabin twin.
Video: Pipistrel Panthera Revealed April 18, 2012 By Russ Niles
Have you ever wondered how a new aircraft is born? At the Pipistrel factory, Tine Tomazic gave AVweb an exclusive look at the prototyping process for their much-anticipated new Panthera.
Video: Diamond's New V1 Twin April 18, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
At Aero 2012 in Friedrichschafen, Diamond is showing off two new twins, including the DA52 Austro-powered V1. With major work on drag reduction, improved engine performance, and lower weight, the V1 definitely has better performance over its predecessor, the DA42 NG.
Video: Aero 2012 Opens in Friedrichshafen April 18, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
As Aero Friedrichschafen begins its 20th year, it's becoming an increasingly important international trade show, and AVweb is there on the ground. Here's a video report on opening day of the show.
Video: Got Back-Up? Aspen Avionics Does April 4, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Aspen Avionics showed its new back-up EFIS at the Aircraft Electronic Association show in Washington, D.C.
Video: Avidyne and Aspen Join Up on Autopilot Interface April 4, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Avidyne and Aspen are collaborating to make the Aspen Evolution EFIS system compatible with Avidyne's DFC90 autopilot. Tom Harper explains the details in this video coverage of the Aircraft Electronics Association meeting in Washington, D.C.
Video: AEA Opens in Washington, D.C. April 4, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
The 55th annual Aircraft Electronics Association convention opened in Nations Harbor, Maryland this week with good attendance and new product introductions. AEA President Paula Derks gave AVweb an overview.
Video: Sun 'n Fun Husky A1C Flight Trial April 1, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
At Sun 'n Fun 2012, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli took a flight demo in Aviat's new Husky A1C with the higher gross weight and shock-absorbing landing gear. Even he can get a decent landing.
Video: Kyle Franklin on His 'Extremely Tough Year' March 31, 2012 By Glenn Pew
At Sun 'n Fun, AVweb's Glenn Pew stole a few moments from air show fixture Kyle Franklin. Already performing again after sustaining serious injuries during a crash last March that proved fatal for his wife and partner Amanda, Franklin didn't shy away from discussing his future plans and what he called "an extremely tough year."
Video: Movie Pilot Corkey Fornof and 'the Ferrari of Airplanes' March 31, 2012 By Glenn Pew
If you've never seen Corkey Fornof fly — well, you probably have, whether you realized it or not. He's worked as a stunt pilot in more productions than we (and maybe even he) can keep track of. AVweb's Glenn Pew caught up with Fornof during a rare moment of downtime at Sun 'n Fun and asked for the scoop on the drool-worthy Fury he flies for Lopresti Speed Merchants.
Video: The DIY Spitfire March 31, 2012 By Glenn Pew
Ever wanted to fly your own Spitfire? Of course you have — and now, thanks to Supermarine Aircraft, you may actually be able to afford it. Mike O'Sullivan explains the program that will let you build your own 9:10 scale Spitfire for a fraction of the cost of a full-size warbird.
Video: TBM 850's New Elite Seating Option March 29, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
DAHER-Socota's TBM 850 is the fastest single-engine turboprop on the market, and at Sun 'n Fun 2012, the company announced (and displayed) a new interior mod that allows carrying large, bulky cargo in place of two extra seats.
Video: Piper's 75th Anniversary J-3 Cub Display March 29, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
At Sun 'n Fun this year, Piper has on display a pristine 1946 J-3 Cub to celebrate the company's 75th anniversary. The company's Jacqueline Carlon gave AVweb the details.
Video: L-39 Mig-17 Black Diamond Performance Team -- Pilot Interviews March 29, 2012 By Glenn Pew
The Black Diamond air show performance team is one place where Air Force, civilian, and Navy pilots mix. The four-ship diamond flies one of the tightest formations in the business in L-39s. The solos fly Polish-made Migs. Team lead Jerry "Jive" Kerby (retired Air Force) and Dale "Snort" Snodgrass (retired Navy) give the interviews in the video.
Video: Garmin Pilot for iPad, iPhone and Android March 28, 2012 By Jeff Van West
Garmin's Pilot MyCast has been updated with new features, new navigation and a new name. A single weather, flight planning and moving map app will be available for both iOS and Android.
Video: Anywhere Map's New Multi-Platform Nav App March 28, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Are you an iPad purist — or someone who swears by his android tablet? Maybe you like to switch back and forth between different devices for different tasks. Whatever your device, Anywhere Map has you covered with their new multi-platform navaid, Anywhere Map Freedom. Jay Humbard showed us around the application on different tablets at Sun 'n Fun.
Video: Van's Aircraft Original 'RV-1' March 28, 2012 By Glenn Pew
Dick VanGrunsven is responsible for the most populous homebuilt airplane of all, the RV-3. Five years ago, Van's Aircraft enthusiast Paul Dye found the RV-3's forerunner — a heavily modified Stits Playboy that became VanGrunsven's prototype — and embarked on a restoration project. The rejuvenated "RV-1" is currently on tour with Dye and will find a permanent home at the EAA Museum in Oshkosh at this summer's AirVenture fly-in. We spoke with Dye and got a close look at RV-1 at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida.
Video: Legend's Lycoming O-233 Cub March 27, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
American Legend is working away on its Lycoming O-233-powered Legend Cub. Although it's not at Sun 'n Fun, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli got a detailed look at the airplane at Legend's factory on the way to Sun 'n Fun. Here's his report.
Video: Diemech's Small Turbine Engine March 27, 2012 By Glenn Pew
With avgas on the ropes, any new engines that uses a heavy fuel like Jet A or diesel gets a lot of attention. In this video, a company called Diemech is trying to capitalize on that with a smal turbine.
Video: Sun 'n Fun Preview with J.R. 'Lites' Leenhouts March 25, 2012 By Glenn Pew
Lakeland, Florida and the 2012 Sun 'n Fun international fly-in and expo. AVweb staff is on location and got a preview with new Sun 'n Fun president and CEO John "Lites" Leenhouts. And from our off-camera conversations, we'll add thiss: If you get the chance to talk airplanes with Leenhouts, take it.
Video: Cessna 152 vs. LSAs -- Flying School Shootout April 9, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Which is better for training — a new-age LSA or an old-school Cessna 152? For Texas flight school U.S. Aviation Group, the Cessna wins hands down on economics. It's also easier to fly and solo, but not necessarily more fun.
Video: Pipistrel Virus SW Flight Trial March 16, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
On AVweb's recent swing through Europe, we visited Pipistrel Aircraft, a Slovenian manufacturer that's staked out the hyper-efficient segment of the LSA world. The company demonstrated its sophisticated Virus SW, which boasts fuel economy of nearly 50 MPG. This video is worth the watch just for the spectacular mountain scenery.
Video: Rotax's New 912iS March 11, 2012 By Paul Bertorell
This week, Rotax rolled out its new 912iS light aircraft engine at its Gunskirchen, Austria factory. AVweb was there, and here's a full video report on the new engine, which features dual electronic fuel injection, dual ignition, and power options. The engine will be ready for volume shipments as early as May of 2012.
Video: AVweb's TBM 850 Flight Trial March 7, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
What's not to like about flying 320 knots at FL280? Not much that we can think of. That's exactly the performance Socata's TBM 850 will deliver. The 850 has become one of the most popular turbine personal transportation airplanes for several reasons. Chief among them are that its speed is closer to jet performance than prop numbers and its operational cost — with a single engine rather than two — is relatively low, given its capability. In this video, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli took a flight trial with Socata's Nicolas Chabbert and demo pilot Wayman Luy. His normally well-coifed salt-and-pepper hair can be seen smoldering slightly.
Video: Moving Map Apps for Android Tablets March 2, 2012 By Jeff Van West
Why should the iPad have all the fun? Here are some good moving map apps for your Droid tablet that you can download today.
Video: Dynon SkyView Product Tour February 27, 2012 By Larry Anglisano
Dynon's SkyView big-screen avionics suite brings sophisticated automation to LSA and experimental aircraft cockpits. Aviation Consumer's Larry Anglisano offers a detailed look at the system's features.
Video: Helicopter Shakes Self Apart February 24, 2012 By Glenn Pew
Some observers speculate that a bad episode of ground resonance may be to blame for the violent self-destruction of a medevac helicopter as it landed in a field in Para, Brazil. Few details are available about the incident, which reportedly took place Wednesday -- the same day video of the accident began spreading, online. The helicopter appears to be a Eurocopter A-Star AS350BA. Some reports state that there were four aboard -- two pilots, a doctor, and a nurse -- and all escaped serious injury in spite of the helicopter engaging full-flail mode. Several accounts repeat that the aircraft suffered excessive vibration while airborne and that vibration developed into destructive ground resonance after the aircraft landed. Generally, ground resonance will resolve itself if the pilot is able to respond quickly by returning the aircraft to hover. Click through to watch.
Video: Gippsland Airvan Flight Trial February 18, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
Australian-based Gippsland has sold its GA8 Airvan all over the world, and now it's got a follow-on model, the GA8TC, with a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540. AVweb got a crack at trialing the airplane recently, and here's our video report on the model.
Video: P-51C Mustang Flight Demo and Cockpit Tour February 17, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
There's only one P-51C Mustang in the world with dual controls, although a couple of D-models have the spare stick, too. In this video, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli takes a hop in the back seat of the Collings Foundation's Betty Jane, and pilot Mark Murphy gives us an in-depth cockpit tour.
Video: Where's My Flying Car? February 5, 2012 By Glenn Pew
A practical flying car with everyman usability has so far eluded the public, but we may have already been introduced to a design that could lead to a breakthrough. Some of the major challenges of producing a point-to-point simple and safe to operate vehicle are technological in nature. Autonomous navigation (enter the destination, press a button, and allow the vehicle to navigate, communicate with, and autonomously avoid other aircraft) may be one key to safely organizing masses of flying vehicles in the same airspace. And as society progresses, the gap between the dream and reality may be shrinking.
Video: CTLE Light Sport Police Aircraft January 25, 2012 By Russ Niles
There's a new eye in the sky over Tulsa these days, and it's keeping an eye on things for the local sheriff's office for about 10 percent of the cost of a helicopter. AVweb's Russ Niles spoke with Roger Crow of Echo Flight Resources about the Flight Design CTLE law-enforcement platform based on a light sport aircraft.
Video: Vans RV-12 January 23, 2012 By Russ Niles
One of the most popular kitbuilt light sport aircraft is the Vans RV-12. Ken Scott took AVweb through the airplane at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida.
Video: Corbi Air Conditioning System January 23, 2012 By Russ Niles
The common wisdom in aviation is that air conditioning is heavy. Corbi Aviation has proven that effective air conditioning can come in a package that's light enough (22-35 pounds, depending on application) to use in light sport aircraft. The system was on display at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida.
Video: Allegro Comes to the U.S. January 23, 2012 By Larry Anglisano
Most light sport aircraft are made in Eastern Europe, but there's a slight trend to bring these airplanes to the U.S. for manufacture. One of the companies at the fore of that trend is Allegro. At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, AVweb talked to the company about its plans.
Video: Flying the Renegade Falcon LS January 20, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
The Renegade Falcon LS is one of the first airplanes to have Lycoming's new IO-233 light sport engine. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli took the airplane for a flight trial recently.
Video: The FK12 Comet Biplane January 20, 2012 By Paul Bertorelli
One thing the light sport aircraft industry doesn't have much of is biplanes and aerobats. But the F12 Comet is both. At the Sport Aivation Expo in Sebring, AVweb talked to Mike Hansen of Hansen Air Group about this German-designed East European import. Besides being the rare aerobatic LSA, it will soon be getting Lycoming's new AEIO-233, a fully aerobatic powerplant.
Video: iPad Datalink Weather — ADS-B vs. XM January 12, 2012 By Jeff Van West
To make the iPad a real MFD contender, you need some datalink weather. There are two ways you can get it, and Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West takes a look at both.
Video: Got an Oily Hangar Floor? This Stuff Can Spruce It Up December 22, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Many of us dream of a gleaming gray expoxy-coated hangar floor illuminated by the glare of bright lights. But most of us actually have oil-stained concrete, dingy from years of abuse. If your floor is stained badly, a product called ReKrete can help improve it. Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli demonstrates the product in this brief video.
Video: F-106 Corn Field Bomber, Convair Delta Dart December 13, 2011 By Glenn Pew
This is an unusual story. The jet you're looking at is an F-106 Delta Dart. A storied interceptor in its day, it was built to exceed an Air Force requirement for 1.9 mach and continuous flight at 57,000 feet. It did both. And in December 1959, it set a speed record, of 1,525 mph, or about 2.3 mach, while flying at 40,000 feet. Its pilot at the time, Major Joseph Rogers, claimed the record might not be accurate. He was still accelerating, he said, at the time. But this particular jet is famous for a different reason.
Video: Jeppesen's Mobile FliteDeck (Part 3) December 2, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Jeppesen has switched strongly to delivery of charts via electronic means, and its new iPad app, Mobile FliteDeck, does the heavy lifting. In this video, the final of three, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli takes a video tour of the plate management part of the application.
Video: Jeppesen's Mobile FliteDeck (Part 2) November 16, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Jeppesen's new Mobile FliteDeck is a route-based app that compiles approach plates and procedures from Jeppesen's charting materials. In this video, part two of three, Paul Bertorelli takes a look at how its route functions work.
Video: Jeppesen's Mobile FliteDeck (Part 1) November 14, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Last summer, Jeppesen rolled out its iPad-based Mobile FliteDeck, a complete chart manager system for owners who already subscribe to Jeppesen's electronic charting products. In this video, AVweb launches the first of three Product Minutes to review the new app.
Video: Premier Edition Diamond DA40 Flight Trial November 13, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Diamond's DA40 Star is a popular entry-level and midspeed cruiser, but it lacks air conditioning and other options. Fort Lauderdale's Premier Aircraft added a rich options list to the airplane, and in this report, Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli took a trial flight.
Video: Denali Hotrod October 31, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
When the Aeronca Champion first appeared, it had 65 horsepower and was just fast enough to get out of its own way. Into what is a very similar airframe, American Champion has stuffed a 210hp Lycoming IO-390 to produce ACA's latest model, the Denali Scout. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli recently took a test flight in it, and here's his video report.
Video: American Champion Factory Tour October 31, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Even in an age when composite airplanes rule, the rag-and-tube taildragger still has a place in the market. In Rochester, Wisconsin, American Champion Aircraft still builds the airplanes the way they always have, but with a number of modern improvements. In this video, ACA owner Jerry Mehlhaff gives us a factory tour and tells us about some of ACA's models.
Video: Piaggio P.180 Avanti II October 13, 2011 By Glenn Pew
One of the most unusual-looking aircraft flying and shown at the static display during the 2011 NBAA convention in Las Vegas, the Avanti II is an all-Italian twin-turboprop airplane. Manufacturer Piaggio Aero says the Avanti II offers superior speed per horsepower and larger interior cabin dimensions than its competition in the turboprop segment.
Video: The Remanufactured Beechjet October 12, 2011 By Russ Niles
Nextant Aerospace is modernizing the Hawker/Beechjet 400A/XP business jet with new engines and avionics, and they say the result is more efficient than similar aircraft and very cost-competitive.
Video: Embraer Lineage 1000 Business Jet October 12, 2011 By Glenn Pew
Embraer's Lineage 1000 business jet at NBAA 2011 in Las Vegas -- this is not your average executive transport and compares with offerings from Airbus and Boeing.
Video: Blackhawk Caravan October 11, 2011 By Glenn Pew
Blackhawk Worldwide Aircraft Performance Enhancements has improved the performance of the Cessna Caravan by mating it to a more powerful Pratt & Whitney PT6 turbine engine. Displayed at the National Business Aviation Association Convention 2011 in Las Vegas.
Video: Cessna Citation Latitude Bizjet October 11, 2011 By Russ Niles
Cessna's latest business jet, the Citation Latitude offering has an emphasis on cabin comfort and electronic connectivity. Announced at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention 2011 in Las Vegasm, the Latitude's cabin is integrated with its new Clarity electronic interface system.
Video: Quest Kodiak Executive Interior October 10, 2011 By Glenn Pew
Executive style and comfort come to the rugged Quest Kodiak. The tuboprop Kodiak can carry more than 3,500 pounds of useful load into and out of 1,200-foot unimproved airfields. (No paved runway or airport required.) The airplane can cruise at 170 knots over 1,000 nautical miles. And it can now do all that with air conditioning, weather radar, synthetic vision GPS, TKS flight into known icing protection, and leather-clad executive seating for six.
Video: Cessna M2 Unveiling October 10, 2011 By Russ Niles
Cessna Aircraft Company unveiled a new business jet, the Cessna M2, at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention in Las Vegas, October 9, 2011.
Video: DRE's New Portable Intercom October 23, 2011 By Larry Anglisano
Most portable intercoms barely meet the mark for basic cabin chatter. DRE's newest unit may be a bit big, but it performs like a certified panel-mount system.
Video: Electronics International's MVP50 Engine Monitor October 6, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Electronics International has had great sales success wit its large-screen engine monitor, the MVP50. In this video, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli takes a test flight to see how it works. The MVP50 has proven popular because it fits well with aftermarket glass products likes the Garmin G500/600 line and the Aspen Evolution system.
Video: Bristell LSA Makes Its Debut September 26, 2011 By Mary Grady AVweb found a new LSA at AOPA Summit last week. It's called the Bristell, and its main selling point is a super-wide cabin. Here's Mary Grady's video report on the new model.
Video: Avidyne's New Multi-Touch at AOPA Summit September 24, 2011 By Larry Anglisano
With smartphones and iPads setting the standard for user interface, Avidyne this week announced that its new IFD540 multi-function navigator will have touchscreen control, including pinch-scaling and finger scrolling.
Video: Jeppesen's New Focus on GA September 24, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
For years, Jeppesen has owned the market in commercial charting services, but now it has formed a new division specifically to serve light aircraft GA charting needs, with a strong focus on digital subscriptions and apps.
Video: Terrafugia Flying Car Update September 23, 2011 By Mary Grady
Terrafugia continues to chase the dream of a flying car. At AOPA Summit in Hartford this week, they updated AVweb on their latest version, which is soon to enter flight testing.
Video: Aera 796 Detailed Look September 23, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Last week, we previewed Garmin's new aera 796. (See that video here.) This week, we spent a little more time with the device at the AOPA Aviation Summit in Hartford, Connecticut.
Video: Redtail Squadron at AOPA Summit September 22, 2011 By Mary Grady
At AOPA Summit in Hartford, Connecticut, the Redtail Squadron is displaying its P-51 and traveling documentary on the Tuskegee Airmen. See it at Airport Fest at Brainard Airport.
Video: Continental's New IO-360 September 22, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Continental's not waiting for the industry to figure out a replacement for 100LL. At AOPA Summit in Hartford, it announced a new line of low-compression engines that can run on low-octane fuels.
Video: 'IFR' Magazine Learns How Jeppesen Prints Approach Plates October 1, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Jeppesen prints half the approach plates they used to -- one billion sheets per year instead of two billion. But they've also changed the way they print many of them. Any custom order, from trip kits to new manuals, gets printed similarly to how you might at home. Just bigger. And faster. And more.
Video: Synvis on the iPad September 21, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Garmin's new 796 has a touchscreen and 3D vision -- but so can an iPad. It's not as robust as any certified system (or even the AV8OR Horizon, nee VistaNav) but it would certainly help keep the sunny side up in the clouds if you ever needed it. It looks pretty cool, too.
Video: Garmin's New 796 -- Product Tour September 14, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
At AOPA Summit in Hartford, Garmin will unveil its latest portable, the touchscreen aera 796. Take a video tour of the navigator's features, which include synthetic vision, enhanced chart functions, and a new touchscreen interface.
Video: Electroair's Electronic Ignition September 8, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Electronic ignition for certified airplanes has been somewhat of a hard sell, primarily because owners don't always see clear benefits in either fuel economy or reliability. Electroair would like to change that with its new certified system for four-cylinder Lycomings. Here's a quick video tour of how the system works.
Video: Aerotrek's Bargain LSAs September 8, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
The way Rob Rollison figures it, most LSAs are overpriced, which is why he's marketing his nicely made Aerotrek airplanes at a base price under $70,000. Although most invoice for more than that, they still sell for less than $100,000. In this brief video, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli flies the Aerotrek 220 taildragger version and finds that it has great visibility, excellent climb performance and features you might not expect to find in a bargain airplane.
Video: Kent Pietsch at Abbotsford Air Show August 28, 2011 By Russ Niles
Most of us who go to air shows have seen Kent Pietsch's Interstate Cadet routine. Here's an up-close look at what makes it one of the most impressive flying displays on the circuit.
Video: Aviation Consumer's Remos NXT Flight Trial August 9, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Remos has a successful line of light sport aircraft, and now they've introduced a new and improved model, the NXT. Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli flew the airplane recently, and here's his video report.
Video: Oshkosh North and South 40 Breeze-By August 1, 2011 By Adam Cutler
Couldn't make it to Oshkosh this year? Too busy with work or short on free time? You'll only need three minutes to experience the crowded North and South 40 with us in this sped-up video we put together for those of you stuck at home.
Video: Aerostar 340-Knot Jet Debut at AirVenture Oshkosh July 31, 2011 By Glenn Pew
The Aerostar jet cruises at 340 knots at 85 percent power; climbs at 5,000 feet per minute at 160 knots; and burns 80 gallons per hour. The standard piston-engine driven Aerostar carries 210 gallons with auxiliary fuel aboard, which would give the jet an endurance (with required reserves) of about two hours and a range near 780 miles. But the jet may be capable of carrying more fuel still. This aircraft made its public debut at AirVenture Oshkosh 2011.
Video: Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 22 Zero WWII Fighter July 31, 2011 By Glenn Pew &RandomNum
One of three flying examples left in the world, this rebuilt Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 22 Zero WWII Japanese fighter is on display at the AirVenture air and trade show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This aircraft is owned and operated by the Commemorative Air Force's (CAF) Southern California Wing, based at Camarillo.
Video: Boeing 787 Walkaround July 30, 2011 By Glenn Pew
Boeing's latest airliner design has seen delays, pushing first delivery back by three years, but the order book is strong according to the company. This aircraft made its landing at Oshkosh on July 29 for EAA AirVenture and departed later in the day.
Video: Farmers Airship Visits Oshkosh July 28, 2011 By Jeff Van West
It's bigger than a 747, but you could outrun it in a stiff wind. Here's the world's biggest airship.
Video: The Navy Takes Over Oshkosh July 28, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Celebrating 100 years of naval aviation, the U.S. Navy has turned KOSH into a veritable NAS, with a wide assortment of naval aircraft on display. Paul Bertorelli walked the line and spoke with servicemen about the different aircraft.
Video: Controlling Your GPS with Your Voice July 28, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Voiceflight has a system to tell your Garmin 430 or 530 what waypoints you want in your flight plan. It can even turn a vector airway into a series of waypoints. AVweb's Jeff Van West took a closer look.
Video: The Navy's First Airplane July 28, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Retired Navy pilot Bob Coolbaugh had a vision: In 2008, he set out to build a replica of the first aircraft to make an arrested landing on a ship (an intentional arrested landing, anyway) in time for the 2011 Naval Centennial of Aviation. He knew the design was not an easy bird to manage in even in the best of conditions and was even told he'd kill himself in the first five hours. With the help of some friends, he completed his replica 1911 Curtis Pusher and has accumulated over 80 hours — and about 2,500 miles — flying it from airshow to airshow. It's an exhausting bird to fly, but Coolbaugh says exposing people to the earliest roots of aviation makes it all worthwhile.
Video: Aspen's Connected Cockpit July 27, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Aspen Avionics' latest gadget lets you send flight plans and frequencies from your iPad directly to your cockpit avionics.
Video: Lycoming's O-233 Takes Flight July 27, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Compared to Rotax and even Continental, Lycoming hasn't had much of a presence in the light sport market. It does now. Lycoming announced this week that its O-233 four-cylinder engine is nearly ready for volume production and that a handful of airplanes are flying with it, including a new Kitfox and a pair of Renegade E-LSAs here at AirVenture. In this video, Lycoming's GM, Michael Kraft, takes us on a tour of the 115-hp electronic-ignition O-233. Although the Kitfox version has carbureted induction, the experimental models can also have fuel injection.
Video: Flying Cars at AirVenture July 26, 2011 By Russ Niles
Although they rate a high dingbat factor, nothing quite captures the imagination like a flying car. At EAA AirVenture on Sunday, the Experimental Aircraft Association sponsored a unique flying car "drive-in" at — where else? — a 1950s-style drive-in with curb service. AVweb was there.
Video: ConocoPhillips Square (And Its Lockheed 12A) July 26, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
At AirVenture 2011, a baton-passing of sorts happened on Monday. What was once AeroShell Square is now ConocoPhillips Square. To kick off the change, ConocoPhillips had a lavishly restored Lockheed 12A on site, an airplane that served as its corporate ride during the 1930s.
Video: Oshkosh via DA42NG July 25, 2011 By Russ Niles AVweb's Russ Niles arrived in style at AirVenture 2011 via a Diamond DA42 re-engined with Diamond's own Austro diesels to become a DA42NG. The airplane is on its way from Oshkosh to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott, Ariz., campus.
Video: Flight Design's C4 Four-Place Airplane July 25, 2011 By Mary Grady
Flight Design is known for their light sport designs, but at Oshkosh they're showing the design for a four-seat, fully certified airplane — their C4.
Video: AVweb's Russ Niles Goes Wingwalking July 20, 2011 By Russ Niles
Wingwalking is like having the world at your feet with your cheeks wrapped around your neck. Thanks to Breitling Chronometers, editor Russ Niles got to try it.
Video: Trying to Learn the G1000? Aviation Consumer Reviews Training Programs July 18, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
There are at least a half-dozen training programs that offer help. In this video, Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli takes a brief look at some of the offerings. Each has plusses and minuses, but any of them can get you ready to fly the G1000, if not confident and proficient.
Video: P-51 And Skyraider Midair With Pilot Account July 14, 2011 By Glenn Pew
Sunday, July 10, the P-51 Mustang dubbed Big Beautiful Doll crashed after a midair collision with a Douglas Skyraider while performing a flyby at the Duxford Flying Legends event in Duxford, England. No one was seriously injured. The Mustang's pilot, Rob Davies escaped under parachute, but was struck by the aircraft on his way out. The Skyraider completed a full roll to the right after hitting the P-51 and landed safely, missing a portion of its right wing. Davies gave a local news station his account and AVweb has obtained video of the event. Click through to watch the impact, see Davies escape and hear his story.
Video: Aviation Consumer's Tiedown Shootout June 27, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
If that tornado at Sun 'n Fun in April didn't get your attention, it should have. With EAA AirVenture looming and storms hammering the midwest, it's time to think about portable tiedown systems for the show. In this brief video, AVweb and Aviation Consumer wring out three systems, and the walkaway winner is a product you've never heard of.
Video: IFR Magazine Deals with Emergency Descents on Instruments June 18, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Emergencies don't have the decency to happen only on clear days. IFR magazine's Jeff Van West takes a brief look at how you might get an airplane down as fast as possible — or precisely lined up with a runway, even when you can't see much past the propeller.
Video: B-17 Down, All Escape June 13, 2011 By Mary Grady, Glenn Pew
The Liberty Belle, a B-17 Flying Fortress operated by the Liberty Foundation of Florida, was destroyed by fire after the crew made an emergency landing in a cornfield in Illinois about 10 a.m., Monday morning. All seven people on board escaped without injury, according to the NTSB, but the airplane was a total loss. The B-17 had taken off from Aurora Municipal Airport near Oswego, Ill., flying with a T-6 in chase. It may be the pilot of the T-6 who communicated the fire on tower frequency shortly after takeoff repeating, "you're on fire, you're on fire, you're on fire!" and "put it on the ground, put it on the ground, put it on the ground!" Several local residents reported seeing the plane flying low, trailing smoke and flames. An account of the event was released Tuesday by Liberty Foundation chief pilot, Ray Fowler. That, as well as audio and video, are available after the jump.
Video: Eastman Aviation's CH750 Video Review June 6, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
There are only a few LSAs that qualify for true STOL status, and Eastman's CH750 is one of them. With full-span flaperons and leading-edge slats, it won't win any beauty contests, but it could excel at some short landing contests. In this video, Aviation Consumer editor Paul Bertorelli takes a spin with Eastman's Gary Webster.
Video: 100 Years of Naval Aviation — Erik Hildebrandt's 'Fly Navy' May 19, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
No one does aviation quite like the Navy, and carriers are only half of the story. In this vodcast, author/photographer Erik Hildebrandt talks about his experiences in shooting and compiling an impressive history of a century of naval aviation.
Video: Simulator Training for GA with 'IFR' Magazine May 17, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Come ride along on some simulator training in a Cirrus SR22 to see the kinds of things you can do better in the box than in the real world. We'll also give you some tips for getting the most out of your simulator time.
Video: "Jetman" Rossy Conquers Canyon May 10, 2011 By Mary Grady, Glenn Pew
Yves Rossy, the Swiss pilot known as "Jetman" for flying a unique jet-propelled wing attached to his back, has successfully flown above the Grand Canyon, after canceling a scheduled attempt last Friday. The flight occurred in Nevada over the weekend, sponsor Breitling announced on Tuesday. "My first flight in the U.S. is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences in my life, not only for the sheer beauty of the Grand Canyon but the honor to fly in sacred Native American lands," Rossy said in a news release. "Thank you Mother Nature and the Hualapai Tribe for making my lifelong dreams come true." Rossy launched from a helicopter at 8,000 feet above the canyon, and steering only by movement of his body, flew at speeds up to 190 mph for more than eight minutes at altitudes as low as 200 feet above the canyon rim. He then deployed a parachute and landed safely on the canyon floor.
Video: Practicing Slam-Dunk Approaches with 'IFR' Magazine April 18, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Eventually, every instrument pilot gets a slam-dunk approach. IFR magazine's Jeff Van West explains how to practice for the slam to remove the guesswork and even add the high-speed technique to your instrument flying toolbox.
Video: Martin Jetpack — Latest Tests April 11, 2011 By Russ Niles
Development of the Martin Jetpack is continuing in New Zealand, and the latest publicly released video shows it reaching new heights. However, that's a mannequin onboard and not a human pilot.
Video: Explorer Post 491's Sun 'n Fun Recovery April 3, 2011 By Russ Niles
When an F1 tornado roared through Sun 'n Fun at Lakeland, Florida on Thursday, square in the path of it was a completed Kitfox that Explorer Post 491 hoped to raffle away. It was not to be. The storm destroyed the airplane, but not the post's spirit. AVweb's Russ Niles reports on how the Explorers are not just recovering but thriving.
Video: Dramatic Sun 'n Fun Storm Footage April 2, 2011 By Mary Grady, Russ Niles, Paul Bertorelli
Less than 24 hours after a storm ripped through the airport, Sun 'n Fun 2011 was getting back to normal. But that was hardly the case Thursday, as this dramatic footage shows.
Video: Waco Classics Great Lakes Revival April 3, 2011 By Russ Niles
The Great Lakes biplane was the light sport aircraft of its day, and now Waco Classics is planning to offer a revised model with a Lycoming engine and updated structural and avionics additions. At Sun 'n Fun, AVweb's Russ Niles talked to Peter Bowers about the Lakes.
Video: Dynon's New Portable Radio April 3, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Dynon is best known for its innovative glass displays for expertimental aircraft. At Sun 'n Fun 2011, it revealed a surprise: a new, full-featured portable handheld radio.
Video: Hawker Beechcraft's Improved King Air 250 April 2, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
It's good to be King. But when you're the King Air 250, your challenge is staying modern and finding ways to improve history's most successful turboprop. In this video, Don Mercer explains how Hawker Beechcraft has discreetly improved the 250.
Video: Liberty's New Rotax Option April 2, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
We always enjoy a visit to the Liberty Aerospace display at an air show — but at Sun 'n Fun, we found a little something unexpected. What's that Liberty XL2 doing with a Rotax engine (912F) instead of the trusty Lycoming IO-240? CEO Keith Markley explains why they're getting the Rotax STC'd for Asian markets — and (no surprise here) it's down to fuel.
Video: A Unique Take on Airline Training April 1, 2011 By Russ Niles
What's the best, fastest way to become an airline pilot? Have a lot of twin time — and a new company called Airline Training Solutions has a way for you get there in a hurry. Russ Niles spoke with the company's Sterling Malone at Sun 'Fun 2011.
Video: Garmin's New G2000 Flight Deck April 1, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Garmin has so many new products out there, we're having trouble tracking them all. The latest is the G2000, a fully-integrated flight deck meant for high-end piston airplanes. Here's Garmin's Ben Kowalski to explain how the system works.
Video: Storm Rips Sun 'n Fun March 31, 2011 By Russ Niles
A destructive storm cell packing high winds, torrents of rain, and marble-sized hail hit Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida about noon on March 31. At least 40 airplanes were damaged or destroyed, but there were no reports of any serious injuries.
Video: Green Flight Challenge March 30, 2011 By Mary Grady
NASA's Green Flight Challenge challenges engineers and flight students to conceive (and fly) an aircraft capable of 200 passenger miles per gallon of fuel — meaning it has to go fairly fast, but not burn much fuel. At Sun 'n Fun, AVweb took a look at Embry-Riddle's entry, based on a Stemme motorglider.
Video: Cessna's New Training Idea March 30, 2011 By Russ Niles
No single company has created more pilots than Cessna, and to continue its tradition in training pilots, the company has teamed up with Red Bird flight simulations and King Schools to offer a unique new training program that takes advantage of computer self-learning technology.
Video: CFAA Opens at Lakeland March 30, 2011 By Mary Grady
If you're attending the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland Linder Airport this year, you'll notice a new addition to the Sun 'n Fun campus. The building where seminars and educational presentations are being held is the new home of Central Florida Aerospace Academy, which will soon be fully operational as an aviation high school for up to 500 students. (In the meantime, it means access to air conditioning and running water during your Sun 'n Fun seminars.)
Video: Cessna's New Corvalis TTx at Sun 'n Fun March 30, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
The breakout star of the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In thus far is Cessna's new Corvalis TTx, which features sharp-looking leather interiors and an ultra-modern Garmin Intrinsic avionics package. Cessna Aircraft's Kirby Ortega showed us the high points during a break in the rain on the first day of the show.
Video: Bleriot at Sun 'n Fun 2011 March 29, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
A modernized version of the airplane Louis Bleriot used to cross the English Channel isn't for everyone. "You really have to fly it all the time to get it where you want it," cautioned builders Pascal Kremer and Robert Bassley, who were both at Sun 'n Fun in Lakeland, Florida with the airplane. In this video, they explain the challenges (and joys) of piloting the modern Bleriot.
Video: DC-7 Visits Sun 'Fun March 29, 2011 By Russ Niles
There's not much you can do to a beautifully restored DC-7B passenger airplane to make it more interesting than it already is — except, perhaps, to pair it with a strikingly young captain. 23-year-old Glen Moss showed us around the venerated DC-7 (the last flying passenger version) and shared her story with us at Sun 'n Fun 2011 in Lakeland, Florida.
Video: Garmin GTN Flight Trial March 23, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Garmin's new GTN navigators have some cool features like touchscreen control, voice recognition, and remote transponder and audio panel control. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli flew with Garmin engineer Grant Wittenborn to wring out the new products.
Video: Garmin GTN Series March 23, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
At the 2011 Aircraft Electronics Association show in Reno, Garmin rolled out its long-awaited replacements for the GNS430/530 series. Garmin's Jim Alpiser gave AVweb the rundown on the new products, called the GTN650 and GTN750.
Video: Legend Cub vs. CubCrafters LSA March 21, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
To look at an original Piper J-3 Cub, you'd have to say, "What's the big deal?" Tube and fabric construction and a cork for a gas gauge. Yet the Cub idea endures in the form of several LSA Cub clones. In this video, AVweb's Paul Bertorelli gets a flight demo in the Legend Cub and in CubCrafters' S2.
Video: World's Fastest Helicopter Pilot March 10, 2011 By Russ Niles
Kevin Bredenbeck took the Sikorsky X2 technology demonstrator to 250 knots and beyond last September. He spoke with AVweb about the aircraft, the program, and what it's like to go that fast in a helicopter in this interview at the 2011 HAI Heli-Expo in Orlando, Florida.
Video: Bell 407AH Helicopter Unveiled March 7, 2011 By Russ Niles
Bell Helicopters bypassed the usual military procurement procedure and adapted a 407 for "law enforcement and paramilitary" use. With a 3,000-round-per-minute machine gun, a rocket launcher and FLIR, it's a potent adaptation of a proven airframe that's already attracting attention.
Video: A Look Inside the Cessna Factory March 6, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Facing ever-growing global competition, Cessna has to find way to make airplanes more efficiently. In this video, Terry Clark explains how the company has done that at the company's Independence, Kansas plant.
Video: Paradise P1 Flight Trial February 27, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli AVweb's Paul Bertorelli took a spin in this Brazilian import as part of a major flight report for Aviation Consumer magazine. It has several cool features, including removable seats to turn it into a camper and prodigious load capability. It will also allow a paraplegic pilot to fly it, using special hand controls.
Video: Embraer Comes to the U.S. February 23, 2011 By Russ Niles
Brazil's Embraer held the ribbon-cutting for its first U.S. assembly plant in Melbourne, FL on Feb. 21. Embraer CEO Fred Curado says the plant, which is designed to build as many as 100 Phenom 100 and 300 light business jets a year, may not be the end of the company's investment in the U.S.
Video: U Fly It Aircraft Introduces the Sport Storch February 21, 2011 By Russ Niles
In the 1930s, the German war machine created an amazing STOL aircraft called the Storch. A 3:4 scale version of the aircraft is now available as an LSA or experimental amateur-built plane through U Fly It Sport Aircraft.
Video: Is Carbon Monoxide About to Kill You? February 9, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
Probably not, but you may still want to consider a cockpit carbon monoxide detector. In this video, AVweb and Aviation Consumer take a look at these relatively inexpensive safety gadgets. They have steadily improved in recent years, and there are more choices than ever.
Video: Navy X-47B Unmanned Combat Aircraft Flies February 6, 2011 By Glenn Pew
Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, the tailless, strike-fighter-sized unmanned system, the X-47B, under development by Northrop Grumman, completed its first flight at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB), California. The flying wing took off at 2:09 p.m. PST and flew for 29 minutes. The UAV climbed to an altitude of 5,000 feet, flew several racetrack-type patterns, and landed safely at 2:38 p.m. Northrop says the flight provided test data to verify and validate system software for guidance and navigation and the aerodynamic control of the tailless design. The aircraft will remain at Edwards AFB for flight envelope expansion before moving its test program to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., later in 2011. There, the system will undergo tests to validate its readiness to begin testing in the maritime and carrier environment. The X-47 is being prepared for carrier trials in 2013.
Video: Flight Recorders Reviewed by 'Aviation Consumer' January 28, 2011 By Jeff Van West
Ever wish you could replay a flight and analyze what really happened? Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West reviewed three different cockpit recording systems that target three significantly different needs. Here's the video recap.
Video: Own an Airplane, Make Money, Save Taxes January 24, 2011 By Russ Niles
If it seems like David Sussman has achieved airplane ownership Nirvana, he would probably agree. AVweb spoke with him at U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring about enjoying financial benefits from a light sport aircraft.
Video: A Convertible Glider January 22, 2011 By Russ Niles
The Phoenix motorglider is two airplanes in one, and just about anyone can fly it, regardless of his medical status. AVweb took a tour at U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring over the weekend.
Video: iCub — An Airplane Wrapped Around an iPad (Plus an iPhone) January 21, 2011 By Paul Bertorelli
If there aren't enough iWidgets in your life, here's one more: the iCub. It's basically a Cub clone LSA built around the network and display capabilities of an iPad and an iPhone. The iPad serves as the airplane's main navigation device, plus it also receives and tracks data from the Rotax 912 engine. At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, AVweb talked with the company's Bill Canino, and this brief video offers a tour of the airplane.
Video: First Flight of Chinese J-20 'Stealth Fighter' January 12, 2011 By Glenn Pew
A collection of video clips from Chinese media outlets including: the J-20 fifth-generation "stealth" fighter jet's first flight, taxi and flight control tests, a size and planform comparison with other contemporary aircraft (F-22 and T-50), and brief images that may suggest the aircraft's avionics package.
Video: 757 Overrun Video Ignites Pilot Speculation January 3, 2011 By Glenn Pew
Video shot by a passenger aboard American Airlines Flight 2253 as it overran Runway 19 at Jackson Hole, Wednesday, shows unusual operation of the aircraft's systems, according to some pilots. The 6,300-foot runway sits at an elevation of 6,451 feet and the pilots landed in light snow at about 11:37 a.m. About seven inches of snow had fallen in the area since midnight, but the runway itself was reportedly in good condition with good braking coefficients. The aircraft appears to be on the ground prior to passing the PAPI lights and wind sock, which would be appropriate. In the video, the engine's thrust reverser panel first moves just after touchdown, but it does not fully open and the outboard spoilers are not visibly deployed. Because of that, things quickly get more interesting.
Video: Canopy Covers Reviewed by 'Aviation Consumer' December 27, 2010 By Jeff Van West
If you park your aircraft outside, you need a cover. Jeff Van West shows the pros and cons of Aviation Consumer's top picks.
Video: IFR Magazine Shows You How to Use a GPS for NDB-Only Approaches December 26, 2010 By Jeff Van West
You can't legally fly an NDB approach in the clouds using a GPS unless it says "or GPS" in the title. But there's nothing that says you can't practice VFR what it's like to fly an approach with a bearing pointer and no moving maps. Come along with IFR magazine editor-in-chief Jeff Van West and see how to make your glass cockpit (or portable GPS) go retro to fly an old-school NDB approach just for the fun and proficiency of it.
Video: Eclipse Jet Flight Demo December 22, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
As Eclipse Aerospace tries to put the pieces together following the bankruptcy of the original company in 2008, it's busily modifying the 259 existing airframes. AVweb recently flew one of the upgraded models with owner David Green. The airplane is fast, comfortable, and a blast to fly.
Video: AVweb Flies the Kitfox LSA December 5, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Everyone complains that light sport aircraft are too expensive, but Kitfox is doing something about it. AVweb recently went to Homedale, Idaho to try out Kitfox's new moderately priced LSA. Here's a full video report.
Video: Learning to Fly with Flyvie & Jeppesen November 15, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Jeppesen and Flyvie may revolutionize the way student pilots learn to fly (and the way flight instructors approach flight training) by making actual flight lessons recordable, portable, and reviewable on the ground at the flight school, at home, and almost anywhere.
Video: Inside a Police Helicopter at AOPA Summit 2010 November 13, 2010 By Glenn Pew
The Long Beach Police Department's helicopter isn't your average Eurocopter, as we discovered when speaking with pilot Mike Culbert.
Video: Robinson's R66 Turbine Helicopter November 12, 2010 By Glenn Pew
That's right: Robinson Helicopter Company has a certified turbine offering — the five-place R66 Turbine, to be exact. Company president Kurt Robinson shares some details.
Video: B-29 Superfortress 'Fifi' Spends Veterans' Day at AOPA Summit November 12, 2010 By Glenn Pew AVweb talks with Dave Miller, flight engineer and crew chief for Fifi, the Commemorative Air Force's B-29 Superfortress bomber — the only airworthy B-29 in the world — at AOPA Summit, Long Beach, California on Veterans Day 2010.
Video: SNJ-5 'Daisy Pearl' — A Tribute at AOPA Summit 2010 November 11, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Wilbur Owens's SNJ-5, The Daisy Pearl, is a tribute to two men, Thomas Hudner and Jesse Brown, who flew for the United States military. Brown was the Navy's first African-American pilot. He was shot down during the Korean war. Hudner, a fellow pilot, earned the Medal of Honor trying to save Brown from the elements and Chinese infantry. Read more here.
Video: Piaggio Royal Gull at AOPA Summit 2010 November 11, 2010 By Glenn Pew
At the AOPA Summit in Long Beach, Don Albin was kind enough to offer this tour of his rare aircraft — an amphibious twin engine pusher, the Piaggio Royal Gull seaplane.
Video: Yves Rossy Does Loops in His JetMan Rig November 5, 2010 By Glenn Pew
The man you're watching is 51-year-old Yves Rossy — also called Jetman, for reasons that should be obvious. In 2006, he became the first person to fly with custom-made composite wings on his back powered by four small jet engines. This footage (shot Friday, November 5, 2010) is proof that he's now the first man to perform aerobatics and loop in the rig.
Video: iPad vs. Garmin's 696 October 31, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
With Foreflight or WingX loaded, the iPad aces the plate reader function, hands down. But how about for all-purpose cockpit navigation? Looks to us like the 696's robust GPS wins that round. But there could be an interesting and less expensive compromise, as this video reveals.
Video: IFR Magazine's Two-Part Tour of the FAA's AeroNav Web Site October 22, 2010 By Jeff Van West
This is the place to go if you want to see what's new, changed or in the works with FAA approach plates. Jeff Van West shares some of the highlights in this two-part video for our sister magazine, IFR.
Video: Hawker 200 at NBAA October 21, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At NBAA 2010 in Atlanta, Hawker Beechcraft announced a new variant on its Premier line, the Hawker 200. Shawn Vick gave AVweb a tour of the new aircraft.
Video: AmSafe Airbags for Divans October 21, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
For biz aircraft operators, side-facing divan seating — common in these airplanes — represents a problem. These seats can't be certified with full occupancy because of safety considerations. AmSafe's new airbags address this shortcoming.
Video: PiperJet Altaire October 20, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At NBAA 2010 in Atlanta, Piper surprised the world with a complete redo of its single-engine jet, included an upgraded interior and larger, circular section cabin. Piper's Geoff Berger gave AVweb a tour of the revised jet, dubbed the Altaire.
Video: VisionSafe EVAS Demo October 20, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Smoke in the cockpit is a serious danger for pilots. With oxygen available, breathing isn't the problem; seeing is. The VisionSafe Emergency Vision Assurance System (EVAS) addresses the threat of zero-zero vis in the cockpit. AVweb filmed a demo at NBAA 2010 in Atlanta.
Video: Garmin's G5000 EFIS at NBAA October 19, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Garmin unveiled its new G5000 EFIS for Part 25 users at the NBAA convention in Atlanta. Carl Wolf gave AVweb's Paul Bertorelli the lowdown.
Video: Cessna's Citation Ten (That's 'T-E-N') October 19, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At NBAA 2010 in Atlanta, Cessna announced a new model, the Citation Ten — not to be confused with the Citation X. In this video, Cessna CEO Jack Pelton gives us the details.
Video: The Story of Red Bull's Aerobatic Heli (And Pilot Chuck Aaron) September 29, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Chuck Aaron is an FAA-certified aerobatic helicopter pilot. And he flies for Red Bull. The helicopter is a modified Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm BO-105. Aaron can be seen flying at Red Bull events.
Video: "First Ever" Human-Powered Ornithopter Flight September 23, 2010 By Glenn Pew
A group of University of Toronto students has just announced that a flight of their human-powered flapping-wing aircraft, The Snowbird, on August 2 may have set an FAI record with a "first ever" flight for its kind. The group believes that after being towed aloft, the aircraft maintained speed and altitude for 19.3 seconds and covered approximately 145 meters while flying at 25.6 km/h. During that time, it was powered solely by its pilot and designer, U of T engineering Ph.D. candidate Todd Reichert, who estimates he's capable of about 0.3 horsepower. Reichert believes his team's effort represents the first ever sustained flight of a human-powered ornithopter. The FAI ruling committee (the record keepers) is expected to offer its opinion in October.
Video: An Illuminating Look at LED Landing Lights September 19, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Don't look now, but LED landing lights have gotten brighter and better over just the last year. In this video, AVweb takes a look at some of the current offerings and concludes they perform better than the old standby 5509 tractor bulb.
Video: Turbocharged Sportsman TC September 13, 2010 By Marc Cook
Glasair Aviation's Mikael Via introduces the new turbocharged, carbon-fiber-bodied Sportsman TC to Kitplanes editor-in-chief Mar Cook at EAA AirVenture 2010.
Video: No, the Little One Pulls the Big One September 13, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
This video comes from an airport security camera, believed to be at New York's JFK, where a 747 got momentarily loose from the crew and pushed a tug across the ramp. Yeah, we know — it's supposed to work the other way around.
Aviation Consumer Flies a Silver Eagle Turbine-Converted Centurion August 29, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Wanna go fast and climb like hell? That's what the Silver Eagle Conversion of a P210 with a Rolls Royce turbine engine does. Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli recently took a flight demo in the airplane.
Sonic Boom Heard in Seattle August 19, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Two Air National Guard F-15s out of Portland International Airport went supersonic over the continental U.S. Tuesday, and the sonic booms were caught on local videos. The jets had been dispatched by NORAD. They had been granted permission to go supersonic to intercept an aircraft that was wandering near airspace that had been temporarily restricted during a presidential visit to the region. The first video was shot in Seattle by a local news crew; the second, apparently, by a local mother.
Biplane and RC Airplane Midair Collision August 19, 2010 By Glenn Pew
The FAA has confirmed it is investigating a midair collision between a biplane and what appears to be a large-scale radio-controlled model on Aug. 14. FAA spokesman Mike Fergus said the mishap occurred at an airport in Brighton, Colo. during what appeared to be a model aircraft event. The RC pilots were using an airport runway or taxiway for their activities, and the model involved in the collision was hovering on prop thrust above a paved surface when the biplane (type unknown) made a low-level pass with air show smoke on over the field, then struck the model.
Real Aircraft Loses Wing, Lands Safely (Under Canopy) August 17, 2010 By Glenn Pew
A Rans S-9 Chaos piloted by 22-year-old Dino Moline lost its wing during an air show routine in Argentina Sunday. Because it was equipped with a Ballistic Recovery Systems (BRS) full-plane parachute system, the pilot survived uninjured.
Aviation Consumer Reviews Avidyne's DFC 90 Digital Autopilot August 22, 2010 By Jeff Van West
Avidyne has a slide-in replacement for the STEC-55X autopilots common to Cirrus SR20s and SR22s. Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West took it up for a flight to the claims of improved performance and new safety features.
Cluster Balloonist Jonathan Trappe August 11, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Jonathan Trappe is a sort of super-hero to some children and a crazy man to some adults. We found him inspirational. Trappe is licensed to fly beneath a group of homemade helium-filled balloons. That means his aircraft is one of the most structurally redundant vehicles in the sky. But it's also challenging to fly. Trappe controls his direction by varying his altitude. He can drop water ballast or stab balloons with a knife to alter his buoyancy as he flies. Wind direction can vary with altitude, and Trappe uses that to his advantage, adjusting his present reality to the forecast conditions. To stay visible to controllers and aircraft, Trappe carries a radio and transponder, making him visible on radar. For visual avoidance, Trappe relies mainly on the 50-foot brightly colored canopy of balloons above his head. At night, he uses lights.
X-Air's $60,000 Light Sport Aircraft August 8, 2010 By Jeff Van West
X-Air is trying to deliver on the promise of a low-cost LSA for affordable, fun flying. Just before he left Oshkosh at the end of EAA Airventure 2010, AVweb's Jeff Van West took the X-Air LS up for a flight.
AVweb's Goodyear Blimp Adventure August 1, 2010 By Adam Cutler
At AirVenture 2010, AVweb took a tour on the Goodyear Blimp. This video reveals some interesting stuff about an entirely different kind of flying machine.
Jeff Skiles' WACO August 1, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Jeff Skiles is co-chair of the Young Eagles program, along with Chesley Sullenberger. Check out the WACO cabin Skiles is using to introduce Young Eagles to the magic of flight.
AirVenture from the Air: A Flight Around the Pattern July 31, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Once the place finally dried out, it filled up with airplanes — and here's a look at the campgrounds, AeroShell Square, and all the neat stuff you've been hearing about shot from pattern altitude.
Art Nalls and His Privately Owned Harrier at AirVenture July 31, 2010 By Russ Niles
When some guys retire, they buy a sports car or maybe an LSA. Art Nalls bought a Harrier, and he flew it at AirVenture this week. AVweb sent a camera along.
DC-2 at EAA AirVenture July 30, 2010 By Russ Niles
There are lots of DC-3s still flying around the world, but only one original DC-2. It showed up at AirVenture in Oshkosh (via Rock Falls, Illinois), and AVweb had a look at it.
The Skycar: A Five-Seater with a Hatchback July 30, 2010 By Mary Grady
Oma Sud, an Italian aircraft company that builds parts for the likes of Airbus, has it's own unusual new twin. AVweb's Mary Grady took a closer look at EAA Airventure Oshkosh.
Sikorsky Firely: An Electric Helicopter July 28, 2010 By Glenn Pew
It's at nearly gross weight before the pilot steps in and can only fly for 15 minutes, but that's not the point. Sikorsky Innovations sees the Firefly as a testbed for the technologies that may make for a real electric helicopter ... someday.
Ford's Wild AirVenture Wind Tunnel July 28, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At EAA AirVenture 2010, Ford has a number of attractions, not the least of which is a portable vertical wind tunnel. It'll give you a good taste of what skydiving freefall is all about. AVweb staffers from our show intern Adam Cutler to resident skydiver Paul Bertorelli tried it out — and here's the video report.
"TransAtlantic" Helicopter Flight to Oshkosh from France July 27, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Matthieu de Quillacq flew his lightweight Kompress CH-7 kit helicopter from southern France to Oshkosh, and he hopes to continue right around the world. AVweb's Glenn Pew caught up with him at AirVenture to find out more.
A Rare and Beautiful DC-3 July 27, 2010 By Russ Niles
Take a tour of a beautiful corporate-owned DC-3. It's never been restored, but you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer one than Esther Mae.
New Bose A20 Headset July 27, 2010 By Jeff Van West
Has it been 20 years since Bose pioneered the first aviation noise cancelling headset at Oshkosh? Yes, it has — and at this year's EAA AirVenture, they've introduced the latest and greatest, the new A20, a follow-on product to the popular Headset X. Here's AVweb's quick look at the new headset.
The New President at EAA July 26, 2010 By Jeff Van West
EAA president Tom Poberezeny introduced Rod Hightower of St. Louis as EAA's next president at a news conference at Airventure Oshkosh on July 26, 2010.
DC-3s Gather in Rock Falls for "The Last Time" July 26, 2010 By Russ Niles
More than 30 DC-3s were on the ramp at Whiteside County Airport in Rock Falls, Ill. from July 24-26 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first flight of the aircraft that some say changed the way aviation was used and perceived. Organizer Dan Gryder gave AVweb a unique perspective on the event and the people involved.
The Cobalt 50 July 26, 2010 By Jeff Van West
The Cobalt 50 is a pusher-prop design that the company hopes will carry five people at 220 knots. AVweb's Jeff Van West spoke with Cobalt founder and CEO David Loury to find out more.
Sonex Onex July 26, 2010 By Marc Cook
Sonex Aircraft's Jeremy Monnett explains the development of the Onex single-seat kitbuilt on the day of the aircraft's rollout.
Sploshkosh Arrivals July 25, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Although it looked ugly Saturday night, Wittman Field is rapidly drying out for the start of EAA AirVenture 2010 at Oshkosh. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli walked the North 40 on Sunday and found it more dry than wet. EAA's Dick Knapinksi said Sunday that the field may be dry enough for normal operations by Monday.
Aviation Consumer Shows You How to Upgrade Your Headset to ANR July 25, 2010 By Jeff Van West
How hard is it to upgrade your old headset to become noise-canceling? Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West tried it out. And he only burned himself with the soldering iron once.
IFR Magazine's Tips for GPS VNAV July 23, 2010 By Jeff Van West
Going vertical? Get more from your GPS. VNAV is a great feature that goes unused or underutilized on many a GPS. See how a GNS 430's VNAV can do more than just tell you when to start down for the airport.
Canadian Military Flight Training: A Ride-Along in the CT-156 Harvard II July 12, 2010 By Russ Niles
To many people, it's just a joke about funny Canadian place names, but Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan is the center of the universe for young military officers from all over the world who want to become military pilots. Under the auspices of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the Canadian Forces and Bombardier are in a joint venture to train Canada's next generation of pilots and also new pilots from as far away as Singapore. AVweb's Russ Niles went for a ride in the CT-156 Harvard II (the Canadian version of the Texan II used by the U.S. Air Force) and spoke with flight instructor Capt. Zack Charbonneau.
MySky MSOne LSA July 4, 2010 By Larry Anglisano
There are a handful of high-wing LSAs offering tandem seating but only a couple of low-wing designs offering the same feature, giving that fighter-like view from the cockpit for both pilot and passenger. The MySky MSOne is one of those, and in this brief video, AVweb gets a look at the MSOne.
Lycoming's IE2 Project Tech Review July 4, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
If Lycoming's electronically controlled IE2 engine seemed like it was over the horizon, it is in fact just around the corner. Lycoming and Lancair are in full-swing flight test in the launch aircraft, the Lancair Evolution, and certified versions are expected by the end of this year or a little later. In this video, Lycoming's Jim Morris provides an update on the project.
Cirrus SR22T Flight Demo June 18, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Cirrus is out with a new version of the SR22, the SR22T, with a TSIO-550-K groundboosted turbo system. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli took a demo flight in the new airplane with Cirrus's Matt Bergwall.
Supersonic Flight & Transonic Phenomena June 16, 2010 By Glenn Pew AVweb's Glenn Pew finds some of the web's most popular footage and takes a look behind the visual and auditory phenomena created when machines "break" the speed of sound.
Aviation Consumer Reviews the iPad — Warts and All June 1, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Could it really be? Is the iPad the ultimate cockpit EFB (electronic flight bag) that we've all been waiting for? Find out in this review by AVweb and Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli. It has potential — so much potential ... .
Kim Prout Gives Kitplanes a Tour of His Europa Monowheel May 25, 2010 By Marc Cook
Kim Prout's homebuilt Europa Monowheel is one of the highest-time examples in the U.S. and amply shows off the superb combination of agility and utility in this exclusive video from the editors of Kitplanes magazine.
IFR Magazine Shares GPS Tricks for VOR Clearances May 25, 2010 By Jeff Van West
Handling clearances with that panel-mount GPS is a snap — until they throw some rogue radial off a VOR into the mix. IFR editor Jeff Van West unlocks the insider techniques that make clearances like this just another day plying the airways.
Aviation Consumer's Diamond Motor Glider Gliding Trial May 25, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At Sun 'n Fun, AVwebtook a look at Diamond's reintroduced HK36 motor glider. In this follow-up video, we tried it out in extended glider operation, and (no suprise) it's a great performer. If you want to learn soaring and still want a powered airplane, the HK36 is a remarkably well-executed compromise.
Anywhere Map's Quadra GPS May 20, 2010 By Jeff Van West
Big things come in small packages — really small in this case. Come see what happens when you try and pack scanned charts, approach plates, and more into a portable GPS that's about the size of a deck of cards, courtesy of Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West.
Woopy-Fly Inflatable Wing Ultralight Aircraft May 16, 2010 By Glenn Pew
The Woopy-Fly, a sort of paraglider/trike/ultralight hybrid shown on the world stage at AERO Friedrichshafen this April 2010 in Germany, has a wing that folds for storage like a paraglider — because it's inflatable. Currently, it appears the wing itself is only available from distributors in Switzerland, Russia, and Japan. Those wishing to buy the trike (plus wing) can expect a complete kit cost to run about 13,780 Swiss Francs, which currently is about US$12,400 — plus the legal disclaimer that releases the manufacturer of liability.
TCM's New Diesel Project May 12, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
TCM said more than a year ago that it wanted to get an aerodiesel into its product line, and now it has one. The company bought diesel technology already developed from a European source and is forging ahead with its own program.
Kitplanes Reports from CAFE Electric Aircraft Symposium May 10, 2010 By Marc Cook
With electric airplanes continuing to gain favor, the fifth annual Electric Aircraft Symposium was held recently, and here's a video report from Kitplanes magazine editor Marc Cook. In case you haven't been paying attention, there has been broad progress in battery technology and endurance, motor weight, and power and charging systems. This video summarizes the high points.
Aviation Consumer Looks at the FX8 Jeppesen Chart Reader May 5, 2010 By Jeff Van West
It's light enough to fit in a chart holder on the yoke, yet big enough to view a Jepp plate at full width. This new digital chart reader from SOLIDFX is a winner.
Ride-Along with Dale Snodgrass April 20, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Famed air show and fighter pilot Dale Snodgrass took an AVweb camera along on his Paris Jet afternoon air show at Sun 'n Fun. In this unique video, he gives us the details about his routine.
UL Power's Unique Lightweight Engine April 17, 2010 By Marc Cook
Aircraft engine development isn't exactly a major growth industry, but we do see new products from time to time. At Sun 'n Fun, Kitplanes editor Marc Cook talked to Gus Warren about the unique, lightweight UL Power engine for LSAs and kit airplanes.
Berlin Airlift Foundation's C-54 Spirit of Freedom April 17, 2010 By Larry Anglisano
In 1948, the newly minted U.S. Air Force did a remarkable thing. When the Soviets blockaded land links to Berlin, the Air Force sustained the city by air for nearly a year. At Sun 'n Fun, the Berlin Airlift Foundation displayed a C-54 used in the operation. (It's actually a Navy R-5D, but the airplanes are identical.)
Paris Jet at Sun 'n Fun April 17, 2010 By Mary Grady
Dale Snodgrass is widely known as the most experienced F-14 pilot in the world. At Sun 'n Fun 2010, he debuted with a new aerobatic demo team, flying the famed Paris Jet.
Lancair Evo Update April 17, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Lancair's piston Evolution is one of the most ambitious kit aircraft ever, and it has an equally ambitious engine, Lycoming's IE2 electronic powerplant. At Sun 'n Fun, Lancair's Doug Meyer gave us an update on the program.
Diamond Motor Glider Flight Trial April 15, 2010 By Russ Niles
At Sun 'n Fun, Diamond announced the reintroduction of its HK36 motor glider, and AVweb's Russ Niles took a demo flight with Great Lakes Aircraft's Andy James.
Lock and Key Upgrade for Piper Navajo April 15, 2010 By Larry Anglisano
Piper's Navajo was one of the most successful cabin class twins, mainly because it carries a lot at a good cruise speed. But it hasn't been made since the 1980s, so Mike Jones Aircraft has developed an extensive upgrade program for the Navajo called the Lock and Key. Here's a report.
Red Bull Air Race Crash, Perth, April 15, 2010 — Adilson Kindlemann April 15, 2010 By Glenn Pew
The Red Bull Air Race experienced the first crash of its seven years on Thursday, April 15, 2010 in Perth, Australia. 36-year-old Adilson Kindlemann lost control of his aircraft after rounding a pylon during practice and managed a near-wings-level impact, but the aircraft flipped as the fixed landing grear struck the water. Rescue crews extracted Kindlemann from the river, and local police reported he was conscious and appeared to be suffering only minor injuries.
DeltaHawk Engine Update April 14, 2010 By Marc Cook
DeltaHawk will be the first to admit they've been plodding along on the diesel engine certification project ... like, forever. Actually, it's been 14 years — but they think they'll have a production engine available this year. Here's Kitplanes editor Marc Cook with an update.
Waco YMF-5D Biplane Flight Trial April 14, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
If you think the glory days of classic biplanes are long gone, check out Waco's new YMF-5D — with a full glass cockpit, no less. Paul Bertorelli flew it at Sun 'n Fun and says it's a high-zoot hoot.
King Air 350i Cabin Tour April 13, 2010 By Mary Grady
Hawker Beechcraft's King Air has been in continuous production longer than any other turboprop in history. The latest variant, the 350i, emphasizes cabin amenities, and this detailed video from AVweb tells the complete story.
Kestrel Turboprop April 13, 2010 By Russ Niles
On the show line at Sun 'n Fun is a largish single-engine turboprop that looks like an Epic — but it isn't. It's the Kestrel turboprop. Here's AVweb's report on this intriguing aircraft.
Spot's New Messenger Model April 13, 2010 By Mary Grady
As 121.5 MHz ELTs are being phased out, aircraft owners are looking for alternatives. One of these is the Spot satellite messenger device. It's not technically an emergency beacon, but it can provide similar functions. At Sun 'n Fun 2010, the company showed us its new model.
Dick Jackson's Fabulous S39 April 13, 2010 By Russ Niles
Before he built helicopters, Igor Sikorsky designed and built well-regarded fixed-wing aircraft, including Dick Jackson's fabulously restored S-39 amphib. Jackson brought his S-39 to Sun 'n Fun 2010, and AVweb took a tour.
1549's Jeff Skiles: "Yeah, I'd Bid the Trip Again" April 9, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At the Aircraft Electronics Association meeting in Orlando, US Airways' Jeff Skiles took a few minutes to give his perspective on the flight 1549 ditching in the Hudson 15 months ago. Does he have flashbacks? No — but when the engines are pulled back sharply during climb, it gets his attention.
Sandel Rolls Out Heli-TAWS April 8, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Certified TAWs systems for helicopters are on the pricy side because there's not much competition and, because helos fly nap of the earth, the requirements are different. That's where Sandel's new Heli-TAWS product fits in. The company's Jerry Henry explain the new offering at the Aircraft Electronics Association expo in Orlando, Florida.
PS Engineering's New Low-Cost Audio Panel April 8, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
So maybe you don't have a trust fund to support your aircraft. If so, you'll be interested in what PS Engineering is up to. The company has packed a ton of sophisticated features into its new low-cost PMA8000B audio panel. Gary Picou gives the highlights.
Mid-Continent Expands Autopilot Services April 8, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
In case you haven't looked recently, the autopilot market ain't what it used to be. Bendix/King has abandoned the KFC225, and there's not much competition in the field. Because owners are therefore keeping their old autopilots, Mid-Continent Instruments is expanding its service and repair. At the Aircraft Electronics Association, Tom Genovese explained the new services.
Garmin's G500/G600 PC Trainer April 8, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Want a free EFIS trainer? Garmin's got one for the G500/G600 EFIS products. Here's Garmin's Jim Alpiser to explain it, straight from the Aircraft Electronics Association show in Orlando.
Avidyne's New FMS R9 Feature April 8, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At the Aircraft Electronics Association show in Orlando, Avidyne's Tom Harper demonstrated the impressive FMS capabilities of the latest Release 9 software for the company's sophisticated EFIS.
IFR Magazine Shows You How to Get More from a Portable GPS in IFR April 22, 2010 By Jeff Van West
That gadget you bolted to the yoke can do a lot more than show pretty moving maps. Come along with IFR magazine editor Jeff Van West to see how correct use of track (and several other features) on your portable GPS can improve all aspects of your IFR flying.
Aircraft Electronics Association — Looking for a Strong 2010 April 7, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
The Aircraft Electronics Association opened its 53rd annual convention in Orlando's Gaylord Palms Center on Thursday. AEA President Paula Derks told AVweb that initial impressions suggest good show attendance and a recovering avionics market. Most of the companies AVweb interviewed reported a stronger spring sales season over 2009, with Aspen Avionics leading way and expecting a banner year for 2010.
Exclusive Video: A Humorous But-Not-That-Gentle Look at Flying Traffic Patterns March 31, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
If you like your aviation information to come straight out of the AIM, umm — this is not that. In this week's video, Paul Bertorelli takes a somewhat biting look into the heads of CFIs who teach their students to fly traffic patterns that would be too large for a Triple Seven.
Exclusive Video: Garmin 430 Tricks and Secrets Revealed March 24, 2010 By Jeff Van West
If you have a Garmin GNS430, you probably know the basics — but in this video, IFR magazine's Jeff Van West reveals some ninja-level operating tricks that are practical and easy to master.
Exclusive Video: Finessing the Rudder (An Exercise from Aviation Safety Magazine) March 22, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli Aviation Safety is continuing its series on basic flying technique. We've looked at the aerodynamics of coordinated turns. In this video, Paul Bertorelli follows up with a simple rudder exercise that he can't seem to master — but you'll have no trouble with it.
Exclusive Video: F-35B Joint Strike Fighter 40-Knot Fly-By March 17, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Test pilot Graham Tomlinson on March 10, 2010 flies the first F-35B Joint Strike fighter (or JSF), BF-1, at 40 knots on its 40th flight, employing the jet's forward shaft-driven vertical lift fan — look behind the nosegear — and the aft-vectored thrust nozzle.
Exclusive Video: Legend's New Amphib Floatplane March 14, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
American Legend has made a name for itself in the LSA market with well-made Cub clones. At U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring in January, it showed a new amphib LSA that attracted lots of eyeballs. Last week, AVweb flew the amphib, and here's our video report on this new product. It's not just fun to fly; it's insanely fun to fly.
Exclusive Video: A Slip/Skid Lesson from Aviation Safety Magazine March 11, 2010 By Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside
If you're a pilot, do you know what the rudder is for? In this short video, Aviation Safety editor-in-chief Jeb Burnside shows the most basic of flying skills: How to keep a turn coordinated.
Exclusive Video: Using a Portable GPS for Valley Flying — TAA Thinking March 6, 2010 By Jeff Van West IFR magazine's Jeff Van West shows how a portable GPS can be used to evaluate what altitudes will be safe for flying up valleys (without actually changing altitudes) and how to use the GPS while in those valleys to enhance safety and situational awareness.
Exclusive Video: Rudy Heeman's "Flying" Hovercraft March 4, 2010 By Glenn Pew
New Zealander Rudy Heeman has, over 11 years, transformed his hovercraft into a wing-in ground effect vehicle, and now it's for sale.
Exclusive Video: Last Flight of an English Electric Lightning (And Pilot Dave Stock) February 28, 2010 By Glenn Pew
The crash of a rare and historic English Electric Lightning MK T5 on November 14, 2009 was unique for the history of the model and the renown of its pilot, Dave Stock. Here AVweb compiles historic video and actual event footage to review the event that saw both Stock and the aircraft lost.
Exclusive Video: AVweb's PiperSport Flight Trial February 11, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, Piper launched its entry in the light sport market, the Czech-built PiperSport. Aviation Consumer editor Paul Bertorelli got a flight demo on the airplane, and here's his video report.
Exclusive Video: AVweb's G100UL Flight Test February 7, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
For nearly three decades, general aviation has been struggling to find an unleaded replacement for 100LL avgas. General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) in Ada, Oklahoma says they've found it. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli recently took a test flight to see how the new fuel works.
Exclusive Video: How the Amateur Challenger Explosion Video Went Public February 4, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Twenty-four years after the event, what may be the only amateur video shot of the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion has gone public. A Presidential commission resolved the accident took place on a day that was 15° colder than any previous launch ... and that the 36° launch-time temperature was a contributing factor.
Exclusive Video: U.S. Sport Aviation Expo — Market Realities January 26, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli AVweb spent a couple of days at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo talking to vendors, customers, and pilots. Here's a short video report of what people are expecting of the LSA market in 2010.
Exclusive Video: Dynon Skyview in the Flight Design CTLS January 26, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Just as you think LSA cockpits can't get any better, along comes something like the Dynon Skyview, a new multi-screen dual sensor EFIS system. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli got a tour of the new product from Flight Design's John Hurst.
Exclusive Video: Garmin's Engine Software for the G3X January 23, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At the U.S. Sport Expo in Sebring, Garmin introduced operating software for the G3X EFIS that allows extensive systems and engine monitoring for LSAs and experimentals. It also announced a new G3X mode interface with the TruTrak autopilot.
Exclusive Video: Build Your Own PC-Based EFIS January 23, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
That's what Levil Technology is offering. With the company's basic software, you can run all sort of other software and sensors in a Windows-based EFIS for experimentals.
Exclusive Video: Tecnam's P2008 at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring January 23, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Tecnam is a leading manufacturer in the LSA segment, with several popular models. At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring this week, they showed off a new model, the P2008. AVweb checked it out in this video.
Exclusive Video: NASA's Puffin VTOL Personal Air Vehicle January 23, 2010 By Glenn Pew
It's just a computer concept, but what a fun idea. An electric motor-powered single-man carbon fiber aircraft that can take off and land like a helicopter but also fly at 300 miles per hour — that's convenient and practical flying and motivation to become a pilot. Of course, it's flying now ... only on your computer screen. AVweb's Glenn Pew takes you on a tour of NASA's demo video.
Exclusive Video: Piper's New LSA Entry — The PiperSport January 22, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
At the first day of the 2010 U.S. Light Sport Aircraft Expo in Sebring, Florida, Piper rolled out its new PiperSport LSA entry. AVweb's Jeb Burnside reports on the new airplane.
Exclusive Video: Rotax Engine Essentials February 1, 2010 By Jeff Van West
What's special about preflighting the Rotax engines found on most LSAs? Tim Brooks, Director of Maintenance for Heart of Virginia Aviation, takes you on a just-the-facts tour explaining what you're looking for and why it's important.
Exclusive Video: Advanced Flight Systems' Innovative Display February 21, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Wouldn't it be great if the modern primary flight display integrated the attitude indicator with the HSI? You'd have only one point to scan. Advanced Flight Systems' new EFIS does exactly that. Rob Hickman gives us a tour.
Exclusive Video: Improving Your Cockpit Lighting January 18, 2010 By Glenn Pew
Ancient 1970s-style post lights don't cut it for night flying in a modern world. Aviation Consumer's Larry Anglisano explains some of the products available to improve panel lighting.
Exclusive Video: SMA's Cessna Conversion — One Club's Experience January 11, 2010 By Paul Bertorelli
Despite good fuel specifics and power-to-weight ratio, SMA's Jet A-fueled SR305 hasn't made major inroads into the aircraft engine market. The Paramus Flying Club in New Jersey converted one its 182s to diesel power nearly a year ago, and in this joint report by AVweb and Aviation Consumer magazine, we report on the club's encouraging operational experience.
Exclusive Video: It Takes a Lot of Work to Fly This Badly December 28, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Come along for the ride as Kyle Franklin explains his entertaining Super Cub comedy act and Ben Wabknoski goes flying. Franklin makes it look easy — but trust us, it's anything but.
Exclusive Video: Aviation Safety Dissects the Anatomy of a Cirrus Stall Accident December 21, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
So-called over-the-top or cross-control stall accidents have been common among general aviation pilots for years. But no one has ever really documented what happens in one — until now. Thanks the widespread use of glass cockpits, this fatal stall accident has been extraordinarily well-documented by accident investigators and includes a video re-creation. Aviation Safety magazine walks you through the accident in this video.
Exclusive Video: IFR Magazine Discovers How Cape Air Trains It Pilots December 16, 2009 By Jeff Van West
Come along with the editors of IFR magazine for a quick tour of Cape Air's pilot training program. The program brings green pilots up to snuff for flying the Cessna 402 in single-pilot IFR and relies heavily on cockpit flows and pilot manuals of Cape Air's own design.
Exclusive Video: IFR Checks Out the Garmin G600 for Instrument Approaches November 26, 2009 By Jeff Van West IFR Magazine's Jeff Van West flew Garmin's corporate Mooney to see how the G500/600 retrofit glass cockpit performs for instrument approaches. He also looks at how the unit stacks up against fully-integrated systems like the G1000.
Exclusive Video: Product Minutes — New Products at AOPA Summit November 18, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Our cup did runneth over AOPA Summit last week, but we managed some time to shoot another brief video on cool products we saw, including a Cirrus engine modification from Next Dimension, Flightline Systems' new AuRACLE Engine Monitor for legacy twins, a nifty flashlight that's really a glove, and a new Cessna 210 inspection guide from the Cessna Pilots Association.
In this video, veteran Reno Racer Thom Richard tells what it's like to wail around the pylons at Reno in a Formula 1 race aircraft. It's powered by a 100hp O-200, but Invictus — which was on display at AOPA Summit in Tampa this week — is still capable of nearly 250 MPH. It's hot, high-G work, but it's also six minutes of one of the biggest shots of adrenaline in aviation.
So what if new aircraft sales are in the tank? You can still fix up an older airframe to near new standards. Two companies at AOPA Summit were offering such upgrades, and a third, Premier Aircraft, is offering a premium upgrade to new Diamond DA40s that can include air conditioning, plus a second alternator and comfy upgraded leather seats. Nexair Avionics saw an opportunity in Avidyne's sophisticated Release 9 EFIS and is selling legacy Saratogas with this big glass upgrade. Sierra Industries is taking a similar tack, but they're using Garmin's G500 in their Super Centurion upgrade. This video offers a quick glimpse at products from all three companies.
Aspen is now shipping its new EFD 1000 companion MFD to the popular PFD. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli got a checkout with Aspen's Scott Smith prior to the AOPA Summit.
Lockheed 12 owner Joe Shepherd got the rarest of opportunities: His fully restored airplane was used in the film Amelia, now playing in cinemas across the country. Shepherd tells what it was like to play a small but important part in a major film.
Cessna moves ever closer to opening the spigot on LSA production. The company arrived at AOPA Summit with a confirming version of the 162 Skycatcher, and AVweb took a spin.
It burns 10 gallons an hour of auto gas and can do 150 knots. But is there a market for a Rotax-powered twin in the U.S.? AVweb's Jeff Van West takes a closer look at Tecnam's unique piston twin.
Exclusive Video: Garmin's New Touchscreen Aera Makes Its Debut at AOPA Summit November 2, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
At AOPA Summit this week in Tampa, Florida, Garmin will roll out it's new touchscreen-based aera line of navigators. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli spent the last week wringing out a sample. Here's his video report.
The Dornier 328 is a perfectly fine 32-seat airliner, but can it also be a decent bizjet. Livejet thinks so and they're converting the former airliners into a 12-seat, large-cabin business aircraft. At NBAA 2009, Russ Niles took a tour of the first conversion.
Would any air force actually buy a turboprop attack aircraft in an age of jets? Hawker Beechcraft thinks so and is pitching the T-6 trainer as a candidate.
To be truly useful, a business airplane needs to have ready and reliable access to broadband internet. As explained in this video, there are a number of sources to pick from.
Where others have tread and failed, Stratos now goes boldly with a new very light jet. Can they pull it off? Here's Alex Craig to explain why the company thinks it can succeed.
Exclusive Video: Flying the Zeppelin NT with Airship Ventures October 11, 2009 By Mary Grady
Pilots who signed up for sightseeing flights over San Francisco in the new Zeppelin NT kept asking the crew if they could take a turn in the front seat. Tired of having to say no, the company created a special day-long program just for pilots. AVweb's Mary Grady tried it out during a session in Long Beach last month, and here is her report.
Exclusive Video: On "Non-God-Fearing Aircraft" October 4, 2009 By Glenn Pew
Stability is a good thing ... except when it isn't. Nearly all general aviation aircraft are inherently stable, which makes them, in the words of military experimental test pilot Desmond "Deuce" Brophy, "God-fearing aircraft." But the fighter jets Brophy flies and tests are a little different. During our visit to the flight test center at Edwards Air Force Base, Brophy explained the fundamental aerodynamic differences between the aircraft we fly and what he calls "non-God-fearing aircraft."
Exclusive Video: Diamond's DA20 with Aspen and Garmin October 29, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Diamond Aircraft has always stepped right out there with innovation, and even in its modest DA20 trainer, the company is offering two glass panel choices. AVweb recently took a look at the Aspen EFD1000 and Garmin G500, both offered as options in the DA20.
Exclusive Video: Garmin's New Traffic Products October 9, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
At Oshkosh this year, Garmin announced the new GT-series traffic awareness and collision avoidance products. These devices are priced according to capability and aircraft mission. In this video, we take a quick look at all three systems.
Exclusive Video: Aviation Consumer's DA42 NG Flight Trial September 20, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
With its new Austro engines, the new DA42 NG is a strong performer and a bit more economical than the previous version of this aircraft. AVweb editorial director Paul Bertorelli took a spin in one last month, and here's his report.
Exclusive Video: Why Did This Landing Go Wrong? September 16, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Another YouTube star is born. This time, it's a runway overshoot on St. Barthélemy's notoriously short runway 10/28. Several readers drew our attention to this video, and we've done an analysis on what went wrong. St. Bart's is short, all right, but really not that different from a hundred other runways cluttered up with trees, towers, and close-in terrain. This is a stark, metal-bending lesson in airspeed control.
Exclusive Video: Victor Bomber Take-Off — Hero or Hoax? September 10, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
At an air show, an old Handley Page Victor bomber was supposed to do a taxiby photo op. Instead, it took off. The explanation? The co-pilot accidentally firewalled the throttles. Really? You be the judge.
Exclusive Video: Avro Lancaster Bomber Tour September 7, 2009 By Glenn Pew
With only two left flying, the Avro Lancaster is among the rarest of the rare of World War II aircraft. AVweb recently toured one when it appeared at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh.
Exclusive Video: Loss of Control in an F-16 Fighter, Test Pilot on Yaw Departure August 17, 2009 By Glenn Pew
At Edwards Air Force Base, they still test F-16 fighters, because each software upgrade and each new weapons package introduces new parameters. Experimental test pilots need to identify the aircraft's performance limits, and they need to know how it will perform before their brothers- and sisters-in-arms take upgraded Vipers into combat. This is one of those tests, and Air Force pilot Desmond Brophy walks us through it step-by-step.
Hudson River Collision Moment-of-Impact Footage from NBC News August 13, 2009 By Glenn Pew
Obtained by NBC news, this video shot by an Italian tourist shows the moment of impact between a Piper Saratoga and a Eurocopter over the Hudson River. The accident killed all nine aboard the two aircraft.
Once again, we visit the LSA Mall and vendor booths at EAA AirVenture to see what don't-miss products we can find among the displays. This time, we uncovered: VAL Avionics' super-slim COM 2000 radio; a keen Bluetooth receiver/remote control from ComLinkPro; and one of the handiest flight bags we've seen, at the Brightline Bags booth.
Ever wanted to fly a classic warbird? AVweb's Paul Bertorelli can tell you there are more switches, cranks, and levers that you may be used to in the cockpit of the P-40N. Vintage Wings of Canada's Dave Hadfield walks you through all those mechanisms.
Thielert AG's financial struggles gave diesel aircraft owners some sleepness nights last year, but now Centurion seems poised to take over the top spot in diesel engine production. Centurion's Jasper Wolfson took a moment to talk with us about the state of the industry at EAA Airventure 2009.
"If it used to fly, if it does fly, or if it's possibly gonna fly, you'll find it here," says Randy Babbitt of his first AirVenture as FAA Administrator (though it's hardly his first time at the show). AVweb caught up with the new Administrator at the KidVenture section of the show.
Jessica Cox, the first person with no arms to be granted a light sport pilot license by the FAA, met with AVweb at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. As you watch the video, be prepared to never complain about anything ever again. (For more on Jessica, visit her web site, RightFooted.com.
There are lots of new products at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2009. Here's AVweb's look at some of the more interesting ones: Garmin G500 in Diamond's popular Eclipse trainer, the Austro diesel-powered DA42 NG, and the Vampire LSA.
EAA AirVenture 2009 Video Series: In the Pattern Over Oshkosh July 30, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Sitting in front of your computer thinking how awesome it would be if you could at least get up in the air for a few minutes and fly around the patch at Oshkosh? We feel ya — and that's why we strapped on some cameras for this bonus video, which gives you an aerial tour of the EAA AirVenture grounds.
Bendix/King has introduced a new follow-up product to its AV8OR touchscreen navigator. It's called the ACE and can display geo-referenced charts and plates. AVweb took the new product for a spin at AirVenture this week.
The Airbus A380, the world's largest airliner, made quite a dramatic arrival at Oshkosh on Tuesday. Dan Gryder, a Boeing 777 pilot, analyzes what went wrong.
Amazon's Kindle e-reader has proven to be a hot seller, so it was just a matter of time before someone adapted it for displaying approach plates. The Kindle and Kindle 2 are too small for this purpose, so Gold Seal Ventures has adapted the new Kindle DX, which is much larger and has a greater grayscale range than the early e-readers did. Gold Seal is formally launching the Kindle DX at AirVenture this week, with demos and improvements on its web site, AirBrief.com.
Teledyne-Continental announced a new turbocharger system for the Cirrus SR22 at EAA AirVenture. The company says the engine will run happily on 94UL fuel.
Exclusive Video: Flight Review of the SeaMax M22 LSA July 23, 2009 By Jeff Van West
This LSA boasts both leather seats and the ability to land on lakes as well as at airports. Take a closer look and come along on a short review flight.
Exclusive Video: Airtex's DIY Aircraft Interiors July 21, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
For 60 years, Airtex has been providing quality aircraft interiors that owners can install themselves. AVweb recently visited the Airtex factory in Fallsington, Pennsylvania to have a look.
Exclusive Video: How GAMIjectors Are Made July 17, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
GAMIjector calibrated fuel injection nozzles correct the characteristic air/fuel imbalance problems in most Continental engines. Here's how they're made.
Exclusive Video: Aspen EFIS in the Diamond DA20 July 7, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
The DA20 is a terrific instrument and basic trainer, and now it has the option of a glass panel with the Aspen EFIS system. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli recently checked out the system with test pilot Rob Johnson.
Exclusive Video: SeaRey LSX Light Sport Amphibian Flight Trial June 22, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West takes a SeaRey LSX for a spin on the water. Testing this light sport amphibian turned out to be more fun than we were expecting — what a blast!
Exclusive Video: Which Tiedown Gadgets Work Best? June 17, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
In this video, Aviation Consumer's Jeb Burnside tests three of the popular commercial tiedown products against a $3 doggie auger. The results proved surprising.
Exclusive Video: Fiddling Around America, Part 5 — Final Thoughts June 3, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
These days, the bright light of favorable publicity doesn't shine much on aviation. AVweb's "Fiddling Around America" tour with Dan Gryder's Herpa DC-3 changed that, at least for one week.
Exclusive Video: Fiddling Around America, Part 4 — Bamboo Bomber Tour May 31, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Many a pilot was trained to fly bombers in the famed Twin Cessna T-50/UC-78 Bamboo Bomber. AVweb recently got a tour of one of these unique airplanes from owners Jack Chapman and Richard Smith.
Live Video Feed: AVweb 'Fiddling Around America' DC-3 Tour May 25, 2009 By DC-3 Cockpit AVweb and Verizon Wireless are taking readers where they've never been before — to the cockpit of the Herpa DC-3 in flight through America's heartland. What's more, it'll be interactive. Text us at (678) 371-6293 (or just use this form) and we'll answer your questions live through the headset audio that will play along with the video. We usually launch around 11 a.m. Eastern and fly for a couple of hours before lunch and couple of hours after, weather (and the airplane) willing. Join us in a new interactive experiment in web media!
Exclusive Video: TV News Copters Made Affordable June 8, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Thanks to seismic shifts in the news business, many local television outlets can no longer afford their own turbine-powered eye-in-the-sky. As a result, Robinson is doing a brisk business selling its R44-based ENG camera ship. AVweb visited Robinson in Torrance, California for a closer look.
Exclusive Video: F-16 Viper Cockpit Tour May 25, 2009 By Glenn Pew
At Edwards Air Force Base, AVweb had the chance to take a quick look around the cockpit of an F-16 Viper — F-16 folks never use the official name of "Fighting Falcon" — courtesy of military test pilot Desmond Brophy. If you're wondering what test pilots are doing in a relatively senior and proven airframe, the answer lies in continuous improvement and the fact that the airframe itself is far from the only thing that changes the flight characteristics of a modern fighter. These aircraft are inherently unstable, and, though they are flown by pilots, it's computers that keep them in the air. When changes are made to the hardware, software, or weapons systems that give these aircraft their edge, test pilots are sent up to evaluate the effects of those changes on the aircrafts performance, capability, and controllability. But enough with the big picture — click through for your guided tour of the front office.
Exclusive Video: Cessna Mustang Demo Flight — Is It Really as Easy to Fly as a Skyhawk? May 11, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Almost. In this post-Sun 'n Fun video, AVweb reports that the Mustang's control forces and basic systems are so close to those of a heavy single or light twin that any moderately experienced pilot should be able to check out in it without breaking a sweat. And at 340 knots for 1,100 miles, we could get used to it, thanks.
Exclusive Video: Aviation Consumer Reviews Jeppesen's Visual Charts May 4, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Does the world need an alternative to the government's section charts? Jeppesen thinks so, and Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West finds that these new products from Jeppesen are well-designed and well-executed, with a just a couple of small shortcomings.
Exclusive Video: Martin Jetpack Shows Improved Controllability April 26, 2009 By Glenn Pew
At last year's AirVenture, the Martin Jetpack was easily the most anticipated and hyped product. But the sort-of jetpack only sort of flew, with spotters keeping a close eye on it. Martin has shown the vehicle will fly without external assistance in this latest video, but as AVweb Video Editor Glenn Pew explains, the latest demonstration may not answer all those questions from Oshkosh.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #12: More Product Minutes from the Show April 26, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
This time we look at Scheme Designers' new photrealistic paint design service; TCW's Smart Start for experimentals; and the GoBOSH 800XP, a slick, well-detailed LSA from the Czech Republic.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #11: Cub Crafters' New Super Cub LSA — Holy Cow! April 26, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
This thing has 180hp and still meets the LSA weight limitation. AVweb took a spin in it at South Lakeland on Saturday, and we were blown away by the airplane's short field take-off and landing capability. Cub Crafters' Jim Richmond describes it as a hot rod, and he's not kidding.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #10: Cross Country on a Pole April 25, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Experimental aircraft pilot Arty Trost flew an open-cockpit 55-mph aircraft from Oregon to Florida for the Sun 'n Fun air show. The cross-country aircraft is a Maxair Drifter.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #9: Lycoming Update — IE2 Engine Progresses April 25, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
With an industrial development grant from the state of Pennsylvania formalized, Lycoming is move forward with its IE2 electronic engine initiative. Here's a video update from AVweb's exclusive Sun 'N Fun coverage.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #8: Product Minutes April 24, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Looking for a headset? A good deal on a custom seat pad? Sun 'N Fun is the place to shop. Here are four product minutes on things that caught our editors' eyes at the show — Garmin's G1000 glass cockpit for the Piper Meridian, the Bose Aviation Headset X, 3xtrim's Navigator 600, and the SoftSeat from Oregon Aero.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #6: Sea Fury Cockpit Tour April 23, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Like the Bear Cat, the Hawker Sea Fury was one of those end-of-war superfighters that arrived too late to have much impact in any theatres in World War II. But there's only one word to describe the Fury: awesome. The Commemorative Air Force has its Fury at Sun 'n Fun, and we got a cockpit tour from David Peeler, the Fury's pilot.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #5: WxWorx Offers Online Option April 23, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Customers of WxWorx's popular datalink weather service now have another option: They can access the same weather data available in airborne receivers via a new online service. WxWorx's Glenn Gray told AVweb one advantage of this approach is that all of the weather products appear on the same page, accessible with clearly labeled buttons.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #4: Embraer Phenom 100 Tour April 22, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Embraer brought a production model Phenom 100 entry-level jet to Sun 'n Fun and told us it's performing well in service. We looked at the new jet, inside and out.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #3: Aspen Avionics Update April 22, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Aspen Avionics has improved the show-stopping retrofit avionics it introduced last year. We had a look at what makes the new systems tick.
AVweb's Sun 'n Fun 2009 Video #1: A Sun 'n Fun Preview April 21, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
If you're coming to Lakeland, we'll show you the highlights we've come across so far. If you can't make it, here's a glimpse of what we'll be showing you this week.
AvWxWorkshops Video: Non-Convective Low-Level Wind Shear (LLWS) April 20, 2009 By Glenn Pew
Aviation weather expert and former National Weather Service meteorologist Scott Dennstaedt has created a web site for online weather training and one-on-one pilot mentoring, called AvWxWorshops.com. Here's part of his training module on low-level wind shear not associated with a thunderstorm and what it means when you see the notation in a terminal forecast.
Exclusive Video: AEA Product Minute — AirCell April 7, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Just one more minute of your time! In this final "Product Minute" from the AEA Convention, AirCell's Andy Geist talks about in-flight wireless access, a hot topic in the age of Blackberrys and smartphones.
Exclusive Video: AEA Product Minute — Avidyne April 5, 2009 By Glenn Pew
Got time for one more "Product Minute" from AEA? This time, Tom Harper from Avidyne explains how you can bridge the gap from TAS to ADS-B with the company's new NextGen-ready TAS600A.
Exclusive Video: AEA Product Minutes — Sandel, Kannad, and Southeast Aerospace April 3, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli In this batch of product minutes, Sandel Avionics' Chuck Freeland brings us up to speed on their ST3400 HTAWS, Floyd Roney from Kannad shows off their 406 AF compact ELT, and Joe Braddock of Southeast Avionics shares the benefits of their TT21 and TT31 transponders.
Exclusive Video: AEA Product Minutes — Garmin, L3, and Mid-Continent Instruments April 3, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
In this batch of product minutes, Jim Alpiser from Garmin introduces the new G3X for sport aircraft, Michele Stevenson of L3 Avionics talks about their Trilogy Electronics Standby Instrument, and Tom Genovese from Mid-Continent Instruments shows off the MD800 series lithium nanophosphate battery.
Exclusive Video: AEA Convention Pre-Show Report April 2, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
If any segment of the aviation industry can be said to be weathering the economic storm in good stead, it's electronics — and that's evident from the pre-show buzz at this year's Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) convention in Dallas, Texas.
Exclusive Video: Bendix/King AV8OR Demo March 29, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
When Bendix/King rolled out its AV8OR portable GPS last summer, the $749 retail price — about $675 discounted — caught GPS buyers by surprise. So did the AV8OR's feature set, which includes a touchscreen interface and automotive navigation as built-in standard capability. In this video, AVweb's editors took the AV8OR out for a spin to wring out its major features.
Exclusive Video: Tornado Alley Turbonormalized Cardinal March 23, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Tornado Alley's new turbonormalized Cardinal can run with the big dogs. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli takes you under the cowl with TAT's George Braly.
Exclusive Video: AVweb's Blooper Reel March 15, 2009 By Editor
So you think TV is easy? Take a look at AVweb's hilarious blooper reel, in which the staff unmasks the ugly side of the exciting world of web video. (And this is the G-rated version.)
Exclusive Video: B-24 Cockpit Tour March 3, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli AVweb's Paul Bertorelli takes you on a detailed cockpit tour of the Collings Foundation B-24J Liberator, the only one of its type still flying.
Exclusive Video: Can't Get to the Airplane Dealer? The Dealer Will Come to You March 1, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
With perfect weather — almost — over the weekend, Florida Aircraft Expo kicked off something new in aircraft sales. Would-be buyers could kick tires and twist knobs on new aircraft at two Florida airports — St. Petersburg/Clearwater and Sarasota. The Expo shows off most models of new aircraft across a range of manufacturers, offering serious buyers a chance to spend as much time with the airplanes as they like and even get a demo flight, all on one day and in the same place. Fort Lauderdale-based Premier Aircraft Sales developed the Expo idea by expanding on its own regional sales efforts. Premier's Jeff Owen told AVweb Saturday that although turnout at the Expos is designed to be small, the leads it generates tend to yield real sales. (And yes, there are buyers out there, although many are hesitant to pull the trigger, awaiting yet a better deal.) Owen told us the new and used aircraft market has never had better inventory or more high value offerings. Check out the event's web page at FloridaAircraftExpo.com. (Click through to watch the video.)
Exclusive Video Demo: Why Cirrus's New Flight Into Known Icing Package Is the Best of Its Kind February 22, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Cirrus's Matt Bergwall recently checked out AVweb on the company's new approved flight into known icing package. When you see this video, you'll understand why this system is not just another version of TKS. The airplane is exceptionally well-protected, and the de-icing is cleverly integrated into the avionics suite. This demo is definitely worth the watching. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: JetLev-Flyer Water-Powered Jet Pack February 5, 2009 By Glenn Pew
Fly on water thrust — this new jet pack idea may not be the best way to get to work, but it sure does look like a good time. The German company MS Watersports GmbH is marketing the JetLev-Flyer and selling it (lessons included) for about $128,000 — or just about what a brand-new two-seat 120-mph light sport aircraft costs. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Are LED Lights Bright Enough? February 5, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
Judge for yourself by viewing AVweb's latest product report video. Editorial director Paul Bertorelli demonstrates traditional incandescent bulbs, HIDs, and new-age LEDs. The results are revealing. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video from U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2009: LSA Engine Overview January 26, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
New to the world of LSA? One of the things you'll discover is that your engine choice makes a big difference, in terms of both weight and performance. For an overview of the three top choices in the light sport segment, Marc Cook, Editor-in-Chief of Kitplanes magazine, visits Rotax, Jabiru, and Continental on the grounds of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video from U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2009: Flight Design's Tom Peghiny January 22, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
The nation's showcase for light sport aircraft and the Sport Pilot program (U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2009) kicks off in Sebring, Florida today. Tom Peghiny from Flight Design joins Aviation Consumer Editor-in-Chief Paul Bertorelli to discuss the company's presence at the show and the state of LSA. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video from U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2009: Chairman Bob Wood on This Year's Expo January 22, 2009 By Paul Bertorelli
As the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2009 gets underway in Sebring, Florida, Chairman Bob Wood talks with Aviation Safety Editor-in-Chief Jeb Burnside. A quick preview of this year's show tells attendees what to expect and what they don't want to miss at the nation's premier sport pilot gathering. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: US Airways Flight 1549's Incredible Landing — First Impact Footage January 19, 2009 By Glenn Pew AVweb Video Editor Glenn Pew has compiled footage and information on the January 15 crash of US Airways Flight 1549 that successfully ditched in the Hudson River minutes after departure from LaGuardia airport. Piloted by Chesley Sullenberger and Jeffrey Skiles, the aircraft landed safely in the water, where NY Waterways ferries and emergency personnel then rescued all 155 aboard. (Click through to watch.)
Bonus Video! IFR Magazine Goes Inside the Tower at JFK International Airport December 30, 2008 By Jeff Van West, Glenn Pew IFR magazine Editor-in-Chief Jeff Van West spent time in the Tower at Kennedy airport to see what it takes to run the operation during the evening push and why it takes two years for a controller to reach full qualification at one of the busiest airports in the Northeast.
Exclusive Video: CrownAir's "New" Cessna 210 Centurions November 26, 2008 By Glenn Pew
CrownAir makes Cessna 210 Centurions new again. The company modernizes the old aircraft, upgrading its oxygen system, its avionics, its internal airflow and more. AVweb's Glenn Pew has the details. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Honest, That One-Winged Landing Video Really Is a Hoax November 26, 2008 By Glenn Pew
On Oct. 29, Ric Lee sent us an amazing, actually unbelievable, video of an aerobatic airplane losing a wing in flight and landing successfully. We were initially amazed, then became skeptical, and finally, in our AVweb Insider blog, explained some of the reasons this dramatic video could be nothing more than an (ultimately very successful) attempt to create a viral video that flashes the name of a skateboarder clothing line in front of millions of viewers. Trouble is, people by the dozens keep sending us the video and urging us to present it on our site. Our video editor, Glenn Pew, spent some time illuminating the glaring shortcomings of this admittedly clever hoax and put them together in a single video. We should have thought of this a month ago ... . (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AOPA Expo 2008 Video #8: Build an Airplane in Two Weeks with Glasair November 10, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Glasair's "Two Weeks To Taxi" program has been approved by the FAA. Pilots can now build their own experimental category "homebuilt" aircraft with the help of Glasair technicians inside of two weeks' vacation time. Kitplanes Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook (himself a veteran of the program) talked to Glasair's Harry DeLong at AOPA Expo about the current state of "Two Weeks to Taxi." (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AOPA Expo 2008 Video #7: Rolls Royce Turbine Engine November 10, 2008 By Glenn Pew
A 300+ hp (flat-rated) turbine that weighs well under 300 pounds designed for small general aviation aircraft — is this what the high-end piston market has been waiting for? Pilots may be asking, and Mooney may have an answer, via Rolls Royce. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AOPA Expo 2008 Video #5: Outgoing AOPA President Phil Boyer (Part 3 of 3) November 6, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Departing Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association president Phil Boyer talks to AVweb and Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli about his 17 years working on behalf of pilots. (Part 3 of 3.) (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AOPA Expo 2008 Video #4: Outgoing AOPA President Phil Boyer (Part 2 of 3) November 6, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Departing Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association president Phil Boyer talks to AVweb and Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli about his 17 years working on behalf of pilots. (Part 2 of 3.) (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AOPA Expo 2008 Video #3: Outgoing AOPA President Phil Boyer (Part 1 of 3) November 6, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Departing Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association president Phil Boyer talks to AVweb and Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli about his 17 years working on behalf of pilots. (Part 1 of 3.) (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AOPA Expo 2008 Video #2: Infrared Enhanced Vision System (EVS) for the Cirrus G3 November 5, 2008 By Glenn Pew
You can now own a state-of-the-art Maxviz forward-looking infrared enhanced vision system in your Cirrus G3 — and that sounded so appealing to us that we had to make time to fly with one during the AOPA Expo in San Jose, California. Join us for a quick introduction to the system and its benefits. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AOPA Expo 2008 Video #1: Meet the Garmin 696 November 2, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Meet Garmin's 696 portable GPS, making its debut at the AOPA Expo in San Jose this week. AVweb and Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli walks you through the basic functionality of the unit and helps you get acquainted with it. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's NBAA 2008 Video #6: Viking Reinvents the Twin Otter October 8, 2008 By Glenn Pew
One of the best utility aircraft ever made has been reborn. Viking aircraft will produce the Twin Otter with upgrades that save weight and reduce complexity while enhancing safety and performance. AVweb's Paul Bertorelli goes inside the cockpit of the new Otter, and Glenn Pew has the video. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's NBAA 2008 Video #5: Enhanced Vision System from Elbit-Kollsman October 8, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Elbit Kollsman provides real-time, real-world vision enhancement for pilots flying in bad weather and low visibility conditions. AVweb Editorial Director Paul Bertorelli just had to make time to see their display at the NBAA Convention, and Video Editor Glenn Pew brings you the details. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's NBAA 2008 Video #4: Cessna Citation Columbus 850 Interior Tour October 7, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Cessna's latest interior configuration for its Columbus business jet, due in 2014, maximizes storage space and comfort for eight cabin occupants. AVweb Editor-in-Chief Russ Niles and Video Editor Glenn Pew take you inside. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's NBAA 2008 Video #3: Bombardier Learjet 85 Cabin Tour October 7, 2008 By Glenn Pew
The Learjet 85 is due from Bombardier in 2012 and offers an eight-seat luxury cabin plus expansive galley and lavatory to accommodate passengers in comfort for a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles. AVweb Editor-in-Chief Russ Niles and Video Editor Glenn Pew take you on an exclusive tour of the interior. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's NBAA 2008 Video #2: Dornier's New SeaStar Inline Twin Turboprop Seaplane October 6, 2008 By Glenn Pew
A twin PT-6 (Pratt & Whitney)-powered amphibious aircraft capable of carrying up to 12 passengers to most destinations land or sea was introduced to attendees of the National Business Aviation Association convention in Orlando — the Dornier SeaStar. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's NBAA 2008 Video #1: Editors' Preview October 6, 2008 By Glenn Pew AVweb Editor-in-Chief Russ Niles and Editorial Director (and Aviation Consumer Ed.-in-Chief) Paul Bertorelli discuss the state of business aviation as NBAA's annual Convention and Trade Show gets underway in Orlando, Florida. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video Round-Up August 5, 2008 By Glenn Pew This year at EAA AirVenture we brought you fourteen video reports over the course of seven days. We realize the news was flying fast and furious during the show, so just in case you missed any of our reports, you can catch them all here. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #14: Belvoir Aviation Group's Editors Look Back on AirVenture 2008 August 2, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Before we pack up and leave Oshkosh, our on-site editors for various Belvoir Media publications — Paul Bertorelli from Aviation Consumer, Marc Cook from Kitplanes, and Russ Niles from AVweb — pause to reflect on EAA AirVenture 2008 and all the products we've seen throughout the week. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #12: Inside the (All-New!) World's Busiest Control Tower August 1, 2008 By Glenn Pew
For one week each year, the control tower at Oshkosh is the busiest tower in the world. This year it's all-new, taller, and staffed for safety. AVweb's Jeff van West got inside scoop from Oshkosh air traffic manager Wanda Adelman. (Yes, she actually had a moment to talk to us during EAA AirVenture!) (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #10: Inside EcoFlyer, the "Live-In" LSA August 1, 2008 By Glenn Pew AVweb's Mary Grady and Glenn Pew go inside the EcoFlyer Light Sport Aircraft from ExplorerAero — and there's plenty of room for them, their tour guide, and one more besides. The 130mph flying camper with 1,000 feet/minute climb and a 6-hour endurance may be an LSA, but it's no tiny one-seater. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #8: Meet the Electraflyer July 31, 2008
Amy Laboda from Kitplanes magazine gets up close and personal with inventor Randall Fishman's Electraflyer-C at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #7: Our Contest Winner Flies with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team July 31, 2008 By Glenn Pew
During the lead-up to EAA AirVenture 2008, AVweb collected names and gave away a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ride with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team. Stephanie Cruz was our lucky winner, and on the morning of July 28 she was ready and willing to fly with the Team at Oshkosh. Although lead pilot Alan Henley was recently benched by an injury at home, his twin brother Mark is flying lead in the AeroShell Team's AirVenture performances, allowing Oshkosh audiences to enjoy the thrill of seeing these guys perform throughout the week. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #6: Rocket Racing League Debuts in Oshkosh July 30, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Rocket-powered homebuilt Velocity aircraft made a public debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, and the words "Rocket Racing League" were on everyone's lips throughout the afternoon. AVweb Video Editor Glenn Pew brought back a taste of the action ... . (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #5: Martin Jet Pack Flies at Oshkosh July 29, 2008 By Glenn Pew
The Martin ducted-fan-powered "JetPack" debuted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, and AVweb Video Editor Glenn Pew was on hand to see how well it flew. Or hovered. However you describe its behavior, it certainly drew a crowd. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb's AirVenture 2008 Video #4: Virgin Galactic Unveils WhiteKnightTwo 'Eve' in Mojave, California July 28, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Virgin Galactic today unveiled its WhiteKnightTwo — a twin-hulled, four-engined, SpaceShipTwo-hauling aircraft — at Scaled Composites in Mojave, California. Entrepreneur and project financier Richard Branson and designer Burt Rutan spoke at the event, and we have video to share thanks to the efforts of Linda Reynolds and AVweb Video Editor Glenn Pew. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Cirrus The-Jet -- First Flight July 3, 2008 By Glenn Pew
July 3, 2008, Cirrus Design marked the first flight of its jet offering. The aircraft, currently dubbed "The-Jet" successfully flew for 45 minutes. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Inside Diamond's D-Jet Personal Jet Aircraft June 30, 2008 By Glenn Pew
With new personal jets popping up all the time, AVweb takes a look at what may very well be the next certified single-engine very light or personal jet to enter the market. Diamond's D-Jet is expected next year to earn its type certificate, and that's when the company hopes to make first deliveries. Diamond recently announced plans to upgrade the aircraft with Garmin's G1000 Synthetic Vision package and the Williams FJ33-19 powerplant — offering 20 percent more thrust and a 4,000-hour TBO. AVweb's Glenn Pew offers this look inside.
Exclusive Video: B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber Crash Technical Report June 6, 2008 By Glenn Pew
The crash on takeoff of a 509th Air Wing, Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber, February 23 operating at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was caused by water in the aircraft's sensors, according to an Air Combat report issued Thursday. Specifically, moisture in three port transducer units "distorted data introduced by a B-2 Spirit's air data system" which led to flawed information entering the bomber's flight control computers. The aircraft was reacting to inaccurate airspeed and a "perceived" negative angle of attack. This resulted in an "uncommanded 30 degree nose-high pitch-up on takeoff," according to the Air Force. (Click through to watch our video crash report.)
Exclusive Video: Cirrus Surprise — Garmin EFIS Option May 20, 2008 By Paul Bertorelli, Glenn Pew
Although EBACE isn't the usual venue for major light aircraft announcements, Cirrus rolled one out here in Geneva nonetheless in the form of a new model called the Cirrus Perspective, which sports some airframe upgrades but—the real stunner—a new, upgraded version of Garmin's popular G1000 EFIS system. We went to Duluth last week for an advance look at the Perspective. (Click through to watch the video.)
Exclusive Video: Patty Wagstaff Interview and Flight May 5, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Ride along with Patty Wagstaff as she flies her airshow routine at Sun 'n Fun 2008, courtesy of AVweb's Glenn Pew. Or, if you're easily queasy, just close your eyes and listen to our post-flight interview with Patty about how it feels to fly the maneuvers and what it's like to perform. Special thanks to our friends at Bose Corporation and Aircraft Spruce & Supply Co., whose good people stepped up when we needed them and helped make this video happen. And very special thanks to Patty's main sponsor, Cirrus Design, maker of the airplanes that changed the industry. (Click through to watch.)
For more than 100 years, piston aircraft pilots have been priming, pumping and leaning their engines to coax maximum performance out of them (or just keep them running). Other types of gasoline-powered conveyances largely ditched carburetion and all that comes with it 10 years ago but aircraft have been slow to adopt digital control of the things that make the prop go around. Continental has certified Full Authority Digitial Engine Control (FADEC) on its 0240 engine and the lessons learned are modestly leading the industry in a direction that seems inevitable. AVweb flew the FADEC demo Diamond DA20 at Sun 'n Fun and, thanks to software upgrades and other tweaks, there were none of the running faults that have been reported in the past. Not only does the engine run well, it can tell you when it's not feeling well. In this AVweb Exclusive Video, Continental's Phillip Grice explains the system and its advantages. (Click through to watch.)
AVweb is an aviation news service and magazine, but the annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-in isn't just about products — it's also about performers. So, without further ado, here are some of the best pilots in the world, doing what they're good at, courtesy of AVweb Video Editor Glenn Pew. (Click through to watch.)
Xerion Avionix showed at Sun 'n Fun the AuRACLE CRM2120 cockpit resource management system that will soon offer piston-twin owners the a single-unit certified replacement for all their primary engine instruments. The company currently produces the certified CRM 2100 for piston singles. Aviation Consumer's Paul Bertorelli spoke with Xerion's Eric Hathaway about the products. (Click through to watch.)
Van's latest design, the RV-12, is a light sport aircraft already available as a partial kit and could be available as a complete aircraft soon. AVweb gets the inside scoop at Sun 'n Fun from Dick van Grunsven himself. (Video by AVweb's Glenn Pew and Kitplanes editor-in-chief Marc Cook. Click through to watch.)
AVweb's sister publication, Kitplanes magazine, interviews Advanced Flight Systems president Robert Hickman to learn about his company's latest EFIS, engine monitor, and angle-of-attack systems available for experimental aircraft. (Video by AVweb's Glenn Pew and Kitplanes editor-in-chief Marc Cook. Click through to watch.)
Thanks to Dan Gryder and our friends at Herpa Wings, "Why I Want to Fly the DC-3" essay contest winner Christa Mabry kicked off Sun 'n Fun in style. Dan and his crew had planned a very special surprise, allowing our contest winners to take the controls of the their DC-3 and lead a morning formation of warbirds over the show grounds, welcoming everyone to the 2008 fly-in. We took up a couple of spots in the DC-3 and another plane — what, you thought we were going to watch this from the ground? — and brought back this video of an unforgettable experience, courtesy of AVweb video editor Glenn Pew. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Lancair Evolution Turbine Kitplane Public Debut April 8, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Lancair's Evolution -- a turbine-powered kit aircraft -- made its public debut at the Sun 'n Fun air show in Lakeland, Florida April 7. AVweb's Glenn Pew was there and posted this same-day video coverage of the aircraft's arrival. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: The Story of Boeing's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aircraft April 4, 2008 By Glenn Pew
Boeing has flown a manned aircraft on hydrogen fuel cell power — and while the announcement may seem to come out of the blue, Boeing has put the fuel cell-powered Diamond Dimona through its paces outside of Madrid, leaving behind only a trail of H2O exhaust. AVweb's Glenn Pew has the full story. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Lockheed U-2S "Dragon Lady" Cockpit Tour March 23, 2008 By Glenn Pew
The Lockheed U-2 has been in service for over 50 years. It has been at the center of some of the most tense moments in America's history. AVweb's Glenn Pew takes you inside the cockpit on a guided tour with an active U-2 pilot. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Dassault Falcon 7X Fly-by-Wire Business Jet February 25, 2008 By Glenn Pew Dassault has introduced a jet that changes the playing field for business jet manufacturers, operators and pilots. That jet is the $40 million Falcon 7X. In this exclusive video, AVweb video editor Glenn Pew takes us inside the Falcon 7X. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Amazing Feats of Aviation — DHL Baghdad February 10, 2008 By Glenn Pew Recounting one of the most impressive feats in recent aviation history, AVweb video editor Glenn Pew recalls the circumstances of the DHL A300 shot by a surface-to-air missile over Baghdad. The crew successfully landed the aircraft without the ability to manipulate any control surfaces. (Note: The aircraft shown in simulation is a Boeing 777, not an Airbus A300.) (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: F-15 Break-Up Report January 21, 2008 By Glenn Pew On November 2, 2007, an F-15C with the 110th Fighter Squadron (of the 131st Fighter Wing) broke up while conducting an air-to-air training mission. This video, produced by Glenn Pew for AVweb, covers the military investigative board's findings.
Exclusive Video: Behind the Scenes of That Amazing Thunderbird Ejection/Crash Photo January 6, 2008 By Glenn Pew When we first saw the photo of Capt. Chris Stricklin's ejection from a doomed U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 a few years ago, most of us here at AVweb thought it was a fake. But the more we looked at it, the more it seemed possible that someone had actually snapped Stricklin's moment of truth in what must be one of the greatest aviation photos ever shot. Well, it wasn't long before we learned that Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III had actually captured the drama at an air show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. In this week's AVweb original video, Video Editor Glenn Pew looks at the circumstances surrounding the dramatic accident — combining still photos, in-cockpit and outside-of-cockpit video, and narration including the investigation's findings and changes in procedure for the T-birds. (Click through to watch.)
Bonus Video! Aviation Consumer Demos the Zaon XRX PCAS October 26, 2007 By Paul Bertorelli, Glenn Pew The testing team from Aviation Consumer is back, bringing you another exclusive product review. This month, Consumer Editor-in-Chief Paul Bertorelli talks with Zaon CEO and co-founder Jason Clemens about the company's XRX portable collision avoidance system (PCAS), and the two demonstrate how the XRX interfaces with Garmin's 396 and 496 GPS. (Click through to watch.)
Cirrus's The-Jet is finally here, and President Alan Klapmeier takes you on an exclusive guided tour of the latest VLJ in this exclusive AVweb video. (Click through to watch.)
Cessna will offer the 172S Skyhawk with a Thielert turbo diesel engine with deliveries to start in mid-2008. AVweb's Glenn Pew and Paul Bertorelli went straight to the horse's mouth for more info on the diesel Skyhawk, talking with Cessna engineers at the AOPA Expo 2007.
Baja Bush Pilots' Jack McCormick talks to AVweb at AOPA Expo 2007 in Hartford, CT, about the Department of Homeland security and general aviation pilots flying in and out of Mexico and Canada.
To kick off our exclusive video coverage of AOPA Expo 2007, we thought we'd share a glimpse of what you see when a press pass gets you into the Hartford, Connecticut show a day early. (Click through to watch.)
NBAA 2007 Exclusive Video #3: Airbus A318 Elite Business Jet Cabin Tour September 27, 2007 By Glenn Pew The 2007 NBAA Convention has been a busy one for the AVweb team, and there were many invitations we (unfortunately) had to turn down. When the kind folks at Airbus invited us to tour a fully-equipped A318 Elite, however, we just couldn't pass up the opportunity. Grab your most presentable briefcase and join us for a taste of business travel in the highest style. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Behind the Scenes at the Red Bull Air Races 2007 in San Diego September 22, 2007 By Glenn Pew How do they clear those pylons at speeds topping 200mph? And how much Red Bull do air race pilots like Michael Goulian and Mike Mangold really consume to "give them the wings" they need to compete in the Air Race World Series? AVweb's Glenn Pew ventured to the races in San Diego last week to find out. And though he lost a few hats to stiff breezes whisked in by the racers, he managed to bring back an incredible reel of video highlights and an exclusive look at the intense two-day preparation period with racer Michael Goulian. (Click through to watch.)
Bonus Video! Aviation Consumer Aircraft Paint Job Critique September 26, 2007 By Paul Bertorelli What makes an aircraft paint job "good"? Aviation Consumer editor Paul Bertorelli and Scheme Designer's Craig Barnett show you what to look for in a video critique. (Click through to watch.)
Bonus Video! Aviation Consumer Aircraft Traffic Display Review August 26, 2007 By Paul Bertorelli Although the editors of Aviation Consumer are not convinced that traffic systems are must-have equipment, many owners apparently don't agree, and thus there's modest demand for portable collision avoidance devices. For the September issue of Consumer, the eds. tried all four systems — Zaon's MRX and XRX, the ProxAlert R5, and the Monroy ATD-300. (Click through to watch their video demo and review.)
AVweb says goodbye to AirVenture today, with a look at some of the sights and sounds from the Saturday air show. The 300,000-pound Boeing C-17 Globemaster can stop in about 1,200 feet -- and here's what that looks like. Plus shots of the B-2, F-86, F-22 and heritage flight formation including the restored P-38 Glacier Girl.
Our request for an impromptu product demonstration (with CEO Mike Dennis) of Oregon Aero seat cushions brought a lot of smiles ... . (Click through to watch.)
The latest active noise reduction headset making news is LightSPEED's Zulu, which specializes in comfort and convenience. We stopped by their booth at EAA AirVenture 2007, where VP of Operations Jim Mueller gave us a quick tour of the headset's features.
At EAA AirVenture 2007, Paul Schaller, President and CEO of Quest Aircraft, takes us on a tour of the Kodiak, one of the biggest little planes in off-airport operation. (Click through to watch.)
Eclipse president & CEO Vern Rayburn describes updates to the Eclipse 500 Very Light Jet — and how you could own one a few months from now. (Click through to watch.)
Kevin Hawley from AS&T summarizes Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing's new TKS product for the Columbia 300, 350 and 400 series aircraft.
Bonus Video! Aviation Consumer Vacuum Pump Review: Wet vs. Dry July 25, 2007 By Paul Bertorelli Are wet vacuum pumps as good as their owners seem to say they are? Aviation Consumer recently set out to find the answer to that question. In this video product review, you can get a look at the inside of a wet pump and decide for yourself if the claims are true. (Click through to watch.)
Electric-powered aircraft may be closer than you think. John Monnett and Sonex have initiated their own "e-Flight Initiative." We sat down with Monnett for an inside look. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: Epic Victory Demo Flight at EAA AirVenture 2007 July 24, 2007 By Russ Niles The new Epic Victory taxied into AirVenture Monday morning, and we were on hand to grab a few quick clips of it during the demo flight on Monday afternoon. (Click through to watch.)
A first look at the Eclipse Concept Jet unveiled Monday at AirVenture. Hear Eclipse president and CEO Vern Rayburn's comments and have a close look at the jet -- inside and out. (Click through to watch.)
During our first day at AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, we looked into aircraft innovations from Cessna, Eclipse, Cirrus, and Epic and sampled a mixed bag of everything aviation. Click through to join us for a video "walking tour" of the show.
Exclusive Video: Solar/Electric-Powered Flight with the Sunseeker July 23, 2007 By Glenn Pew Innovation and efficiency are key words this year at AirVenture Oshkosh, and we're expecting interesting announcements regarding alternative power sources for aircraft this week. As a teaser, we're foregoing our usual viral "Video of the Week" and instead offering this interview (conducted prior to Oshkosh) with solar-powered flight pioneer Eric Raymond. (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: An Inside Look at Cessna's Citation Mustang July 8, 2007 By Glenn Pew Take a quick tour of Cessna's introductory jet with AVweb Video Editor Glenn Pew. Some may refer to the Citation Mustang as a very light jet or "VLJ," but others are calling it a whole new breed of personal jet. (Click through to watch.)
A Video Look at Cessna's Light Sport Aircraft April 21, 2007 Cessna's LSA concept aircraft has undergone changes and may see more. At Sun 'N Fun 2007, Glenn Pew got the story from Cessna's Vice President of single engine piston sales, John Doman. (Click through to watch.)
Video of the Week: Sean Tucker Discusses His Bailout July 10, 2006 By Glenn Pew You'll be seeing lots of cool, shocking, puzzling, and educational videos in this space on the new AVweb.com. For now, just to test drive this feature and make sure it's working up to snuff, we'd like to share an exclusive video of air show pilot Sean Tucker discussing his bailout in April. This footage was taken during Sun 'n Fun 2006, and many of you may have missed it the first time around. Watch this space for an all-new video coming your way shortly ... .
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With new personal jets popping up all the time, AVweb takes a look at what may very well be the next certified single-engine very light or personal jet to enter the market. Diamond's D-Jet is expected next year to earn its type certificate, and that's when the company hopes to make first deliveries. Diamond recently announced plans to upgrade the aircraft with Garmin's G1000 Synthetic Vision package and the Williams FJ33-19 powerplant — offering 20 percent more thrust and a 4,000-hour TBO. AVweb's 
The crash on takeoff of a 509th Air Wing, Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber, February 23 operating at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, was caused by water in the aircraft's sensors, according to an Air Combat report issued Thursday. Specifically, moisture in three port transducer units "distorted data introduced by a B-2 Spirit's air data system" which led to flawed information entering the bomber's flight control computers. The aircraft was reacting to inaccurate airspeed and a "perceived" negative angle of attack. This resulted in an "uncommanded 30 degree nose-high pitch-up on takeoff," according to the Air Force. (Click through to watch our video crash report.)
Although EBACE isn't the usual venue for major light aircraft announcements, Cirrus rolled one out here in Geneva nonetheless in the form of a new model called the Cirrus Perspective, which sports some airframe upgrades but—the real stunner—a new, upgraded version of Garmin's popular G1000 EFIS system. We went to Duluth last week for an advance look at the Perspective. (Click through to watch the video.)
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Recounting one of the most impressive feats in recent aviation history, AVweb video editor 
