New Airplanes, World Records, And A One-Week Wonder

Here's where flying is just for the fun of it. Sport aviation runs the gamut from parachutes to sophisticated LSAs, and there was something for everyone in SportAv in 2014: new airplanes, first flights, world records, and a "One-Week Wonder" ... an airplane built in a week by thousands of volunteers at AirVenture. Here are some of the stories that made news in Sport Aviation in 2014.

January

Adventure Aircraft EMG-6 Makes First Flight

The EMG-6 ultralight glider has made its first short test flights with designer Brian Carpenter at the controls. The aircraft, under development by Rainbow Aviation Company, is designed as an ultralight motor glider that could be outfitted with as many as three electric motors.

FAA, AMA To Sign Landmark Agreement At AMA Expo 2014

James Williams, executive manager of the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office joined AMA President Bob Brown on the main Expo stage to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement institutes a formal relationship between the FAA and the Academy of Model Aeronautics and establishes the platform upon which the AMA and the FAA will jointly work to ensure the continued safe operation of model aircraft in the National Airspace System.

Zenith Now Shipping CH 750 Cruzer Kits

Zenith Aircraft began shipping kits for its newest model, the CH 750 Cruzer. Introduced last April in Lakeland, Florida, the Cruzer is based on the popular STOL CH 750 but built for actual runways with smaller wheels (with optional wheel fairings), and a new wing and tail design for higher cruise speed.

Vans Aircraft To Continue In The S-LSA Business

Dick VanGrunsven, founder of Van’s Aircraft, Inc. and Wally Anderson, head of Synergy Air, announced that production of the S-LSA RV-12 would continue in 2014.

Searey Light Sport Elite Amphibious Airplane Ready For Take Off

Just in time for Sebring, the FAA certified the Searey Light Sport Amphibious Airplane, Elite Version. The Searey Elite, designed and manufactured by Progressive Aerodyne, is equipped with a Rotax 914 turbocharged engine and is equally at home on the ground, in the air, or on the water. This stylish aircraft offers many advanced features such as a large sliding canopy that can remain open while flying. The Searey Elite also has the very latest in-flight, GPS, and AOA and Gear Position warning systems, a wide cabin, and much more.

Major Changes Coming For Fisher Flying Products

In an open letter, Fisher Flying Products president Paul Riedlinger has announced that the company will no longer be offering airplane kits to new customers, effective immediately. Full size plans will still be available for anyone who wants to build one of the company's 14 models from scratch, and full technical support will continue to be offered.

Kitfox Conspicuously Absent At Sebring

As you're walking the flight line at Sebring this weekend, you'll probably notice that one of the show's staples is nowhere to be found. Kitfox made what company president John McBean called a very difficult decision to skip the Florida show this year, in part because business is good.

Expo 2014 Wraps Up Another Successful Show

The 10th annual U.S. Sport Aviation Expo drew to a close on Sunday afternoon, January 19, after one of the most successful runs in the event’s 10-year history. Abundant sunshine all four days made a pleasing backdrop for the great variety of aircraft that enjoyed an enormous amount of flight time throughout the weekend.

Top FAA Officials Meet In Oshkosh For Recreational Aviation Summit

Two days of intense focus on major issues within recreational aviation kicked off Tuesday morning as EAA leadership and senior FAA officials gathered at the EAA Aviation Center for the annual Recreational Aviation Summit.

February

EAA, FAA Review Full Agenda At Summit

Clearing the path for today's aviators and looking ahead to the possibilities in future years highlighted two days of work by EAA and FAA officials during the 10th annual Recreational Aviation Summit, held at the EAA Aviation Center on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Vans Aircraft Issues Service Bulletin For RV 6,7,8 Aircraft

Vans Aircraft issued a service bulletin for all of its RV-6/6A,7/7A,8/8A flying or under construction following the discovery of cracks in the forward spar of the horizontal stabilizer that have been found emanating from the stress relief notch at the inboard end of the spar flanges.

Carter Aviation Breaks Five Records In Four Days

Carter Aviation Technologies has been back to expanding the aircraft envelope since its public demonstration at Kickapoo airport in Wichita Falls, Texas in November of last year.

Klaus Ohlmann Pilots First Glider Flight Over Everest

For the first time, a glider soared over Mount Everest on February 1. Piloted by Klaus Ohlmann, the flight set a new landmark for aviation history. It comes just short of 50 years of the first ascent of Everest in 1954 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzin Norgay.

EAB Option Announced For SubSonex Jet

A new purchase option has been announced for the SubSonex Personal Jet. Originally offered only as an Ultra-Quick Build Kit for Experimental Exhibition certification, customers will now have the option to choose between the original Exhibition kit, or a new Quick Build Kit option that is in compliance with Experimental/Amateur-Built standards. As part of a large progress update to Sonex customers, introductory pricing announced at EAA AirVenture 2013 will be extended through March 31, 2014.

Hundreds Turn Out For EAA's Annual Skiplane Fly-In

Cold weather in Wisconsin did not deter close to 400 people from pouring into Pioneer Airport in Oshkosh, WI for EAA's annual Skiplane Fly-In.

The Engine That Changed Light Aviation

BRP is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of its Rotax 912 engine. The company started the production of aircraft engines in the year 1973, and the first certified aircraft engine was delivered in 1975.

Albuquerque Bidding For World Ballooning Championships

The City of Albuquerque, New Mexico and the Balloon Federation of America is inviting the world’s hot air ballooning community to return to the Land of Enchantment for the 2016 World Hot Air Balloon Championship. The Duke City is one of two sites bidding for the host role, the other is Saga, Japan.

Red Bull Air Races To Be Broadcast On Television And Online

Fans of the Red Bull Air Race will be able to watch the action unfold from the comfort of their homes, thanks to agreements with several broadcasters around the world.

March

Kansas Legislature Considers Bill Exempting Tax On Homebuilts

EAA is encouraging all Kansas EAA members to contact their state representatives and request support for H.B. 2542, which would exempt homebuilt aircraft from annual property tax assessment in the state. The bill recently passed through the House Committee on Taxation and will soon go to a vote on the House floor. If the bill passes the House, it will then move to the Senate for a vote.

Zenith Reaches 10,000-Plan Milestone

Zenith Aircraft Company announced recently it has now sent 10,000 sets of plans to aircraft builders in over 50 countries. While most plans accompany complete or partial aircraft kits, some go to scratch builders.

Drone Pilot Beats FAA In Court

Remember Raphael "Trappy" Pirker? When last we wrote about this fellow, he was dealing with a recalcitrant FAA who had asserted that he had operated a drone illegally and was trying to stiff him for $10,000 smackers.

Blackshape CF300 Prime Sport Two-Seater Plane Now In Canada

The Blackshape CF300 Prime two-seater, the first ultra-light sport aircraft made entirely from carbon fiber and conceived using Formula One tools and methods will be distributed in North America by the Aircité Aviation - Aviasport partnership.

USPA Will Raise Minimum Skydiving Age To 18

People wanting to try skydiving for the first time will have to wait until they are 18 years old after May 1st, according to the U.S. Parachute Association.

CubCrafters Delivers 300th LSA

Light aircraft designer and manufacturer CubCrafters achieved a milestone by delivering its 300th CC11 aircraft in January of 2014. CubCrafters’ CC11 family includes the popular Carbon Cub SS and Sport Cub S2 LSA models. Serial Number 300 is a handsome Carbon Cub SS in Volcano Red bound for Idaho.

Unique Balloon Designs Featured At Second Annual Horseshoe Bay Event

More than 20 hot-air balloons from across America will converge at the second annual Balloons over Horseshoe Bay Resort on Easter weekend, April 18-20, at the AAA four-diamond Horseshoe Bay Resort. This year's festival will feature new activities including: historic war plane flyovers, powered parachutes and award-winning live music.

New National Skydiving Museum Website

The National Skydiving Museum has a completely revised website. See Skydiving Museum Inventory The revised website is the work of Museum Advisor Linda Miller of Salt Lake City and her Museum Marketing Committee.

World Trade Center BASE Jumpers Turn Themselves In

A group of BASE jumpers who parachuted off the World Trade Center tower and then vanished into the Manhattan streetscape last year surrendered to authorities saying their jump points to security issues with the city's tallest building.

April

Belite Aircraft Introduces The ProCub Lite Ultralight Aircraft

Belite announces the ProCub Lite, its latest ultralight aircraft design. This new design is designed to provide a nostalgic look while incorporating numerous manufacturing and aerodynamic advances.

Glasair Aviation Introduces LSA, Diesel Airplanes

Glasair's purchase by the Jilin Hanxing Group in 2012 prompted a phase of renewed innovation, according to the company, and it announced the introduction of two new airplanes into its product line; the Merlin LSA and a Sportsman Diesel.

BRP Introduces Higher, Faster And Stronger Rotax Aircraft Engine

BRP introduced the new Rotax 912 iS Sport aircraft engine during the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida. A development of the fuel-injected Rotax 912 engine series, the new model delivers an improved take-off performance that results in a better climb rate and shorter take-off-run; even if the aircraft is equipped with a fixed pitch propeller.

Quicksilver Announces New Manufacturing Program Allowed Under LSA Regulations

Quicksilver is set to offer its Sport 2S as a ready-to-fly SLSA aircraft, and has established two remote assembly locations; one in Minnesota and one in Louisiana.

Discovery Aviation Acquires Liberty XL-2 Production Rights

Discovery Aviation Inc. is pleased to announce that it has acquired the rights to manufacture the Liberty XL-2, and that the resulting transaction, which will see the former senior management team of Liberty Aerospace Inc. join Discovery Aviation, will allow the IFR certified aircraft to resume production.

'Electrifying' Win For Arch In Red Bull Air Race

In a day full of surprises in Rovinj, Croatia, Hannes Arch won in a characteristically electrifying performance in the second Red Bull Air Race since the series was re-established. His time of 00:59.01 was just 0:00.08 ahead of Paul Bonhomme, in a final that had fans both in Croatia and around the world on the edge of their seats. Japan's Yoshi Muroya made the podium for the first time in his race career after pushing Canada's Pete McLeod into a reluctant fourth place.

Wisconsin Adds Recreational Aircraft To Recreational Use Statute

It took two years, but thanks to the leadership of the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and the efforts of several supporters, Wisconsin’s Recreational Use Statute (RUS) was amended to include noncommercial aviation.

Airshow Pilot Bails Out After Catastrophic Aircraft Failure

Dan Marcotte describes himself on his website as being determined and driven with a sense of vision. His adventures have included racing cars and racing airplanes, and he now owns and operates Dan Marcotte Airshows. His schedule through August includes professional aerobatic performances at 7 airshows, or at least it did until he had to “hit the silk” at a show.

May

Quicksilver Earns FAA Acceptance For S-LSA

The FAA has informed Quicksilver Aeronautics that their audit to produce the Sport 2S model as a Special Light-Sport Aircraft has been satisfactorily concluded. The model will officially be known as the Sport L-S2S and marketed as the Sport S2SE.

Bearhawk Takes First Place At Texas STOL Roundup

The 4-place Bearhawk aircraft scored a first place finish at the Texas STOL Roundup held April 11-13th in Llano, Texas (KAQO). The winning aircraft, a kit-built airplane manufactured by AviPro of Austin, Texas, competed in the heavy touring class (gross weight from 2,500 to 3,600 lbs).

Airshow Pilot, Eddie Andreini, Down At Travis AFB Airshow

ANN received confirmation that Eddie Andreini has passed away at the Travis AFB Open House, due to an accident that occurred while flying his Super Stearman.

EAA Honoring Paul Poberezny During AirVenture 2014

EAA is inviting all members and attendees to join in paying tribute to the memory of its founder, Paul H. Poberezny, during several special commemorative activities at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014.

ICAS: Air Show Attendance Trending Higher for 2014 Season

Despite the malaise shown by much of the rest of the aviation industry, there are a few bright spots here and there.

Pipistrel Successfully Completes FAA LSA Audit

Pipistrel successfully completed the FAA LSA operations audit. In February, the FAA audit delegation, led by Robert Franklin and joined by Edsel Ford and Nam Cho visited and verified compliance to FAA regulation and ASTM LSA standards at Pipistrel's factories in Italy and Slovenia.

New Titan Engine Company Focuses On Experimental And LSA Markets

Danbury Aerospace established a new business unit that has taken over all experimental and LSA engine assembly for ECi.

Pirker Responds To FAA Appeal Through Legal Brief

Attorneys for Raphael Pirker have filed a legal brief in response to the FAA's appeal of an NTSB Administrative Law Judge's decision to dismiss a $10,000 fine against the young UAV operator.

Celebrating 10 Years Of Sport Pilot/LSA At Oshkosh

A pair of groundbreaking categories of aircraft and pilot certification are celebrating 10-year anniversaries at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer, as dedicated events focused on sport pilot and light-sport aircraft will be highlighted through the week at Oshkosh.

Flight Testing Completed For SD-1 Minisport

After a long winter and spring dodging the Utah weather, SkyCraft’s SD-1 Minisport completed flight testing successfully, meeting all the performance requirements needed for S-LSA Certification. The plane was found to have good longitudinal and latitudinal stability and exhibited no issues with flutter, vibrations, or dangerous stall/spin tendencies.

June

Performer Lost At Stevens Point Airshow

The Sunday performances at the Stevens Point Air Show were shut down after an airshow performance resulted in a fatal accident.

Tecnam P92 TD Achieves Aconcagua Summit Overflight

A Tecnam P92 Tail Dragger accomplished an overflight of the Aconcagua summit on May 24. At nearly 23,000 ft, Aconcagua is the highest mountain in both the Southern and Western hemispheres.

Sunseeker Duo Carries Its First Passenger

The Sunseeker Duo under development in Milan, Italy has become the first airplane in history to carry a passenger using only solar energy.

Buchanan Field Airport Set As Start Of Oldest Air Race

Buchanan Field Airport in Concord, California was named as the start of this year’s Air Race Classic (ARC) which spans over 2,338 nautical miles. The 2014 Air Race Classic will be held June 16–19. Racers will make ten intermediate stops in four days enroute to New Cumberland, Pennsylvania in the quest for the fastest time.

The Sportsman Diesel Makes First Flight

The use of diesel power in aircraft engines was experimented with early in airplane development. However, it never caught on because gasoline was plentiful and cheap, and the investment in diesel technology just didn’t seem worth it. Now, that has changed.

FAA Clears Oklahoma Company In Teenage Skydiver Accident

In January of this year news reports abounded about a skydive accident in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Most of the news reports seemed to focus on the fact that the Mackenzie Wethington was only 16 years old. But was the age really a key factor in what went wrong?

Aviation World Record Potentially Achieved For Coast-To-Coast Flight

Michael Combs, EAA 877079, earned a possible sixth aviation world record in his Hope One Remos GX light-sport aircraft after completing a coast-to-coast flight on Saturday, June 7, as part of his Flight for the Human Spirit project.

Sebring Sport Aviation Expo 2015 Amends Dates

The 2015 annual U.S. Sport Aviation Expo will open one day earlier than in year’s past, with the event now running from Wednesday, January 14, through Saturday, January 17, 2015. The Expo, held on Sebring Regional Airport, is the place to see, try, fly, and buy everything related to sport aviation and flying for fun.

FAA Offers Guidance To Model Aircraft Operators

The FAA on Monday published a Federal Register notice on its interpretation of the statutory special rules for model aircraft in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. The guidance comes after recent incidents involving what some have called reckless use of unmanned model aircraft near airports and involving large crowds of people.

Academy Of Model Aeronautics Responds To FAA Model Aircraft Rule

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has reviewed FAA’s recently released Interpretive Rule in which the agency provided its interpretation of the “Special Rule for Model Aircraft” established by Congress as part of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-95). The Academy is extremely disappointed and troubled by the approach the FAA has chosen to take in regards to this issue.

July

FAA Awards SLSA Certificate To Quicksilver

Quicksilver Aeronautics reached an important milestone with the receipt of an airworthiness certificate for its first-ever Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA). This final approval now enables the Southern California producer to begin offering ready to fly models of its iconic aircraft.

US Maker Of Flying Car Seeks Chinese Partners

One of the more unusual light sport aircraft under development is the Terrafugia flying car. A couple of prototypes have been produced but as of yet it has not matured to the point of being brought to the market. Now this company is looking for international support.

NTSB Special Investigation Finds Parasailing Largely Unregulated

The NTSB's first investigative report into parasailing safety finds the activity is largely unregulated with serious accidents frequently caused by faulty equipment.

Two Test Pilots Could Make Phase 1 Flight Testing Safer

For those of you that are not familiar with the test flight requirements of a newly certified homebuilt aircraft, here’s a brief review. Every new homebuilt airplane must go through what is called "phase 1 flight testing." The amount of test flying time is specified in the operating limitations. As it stands now, only the test pilot may be onboard during this testing. However, EAA is working to allow a 2nd pilot to be onboard under certain conditions.

SubSonex JSX-2 Makes First Flights!

Sonex aircraft announce that SubSonex Personal Jet model JSX-2 achieved its first flight and completed a successful series of initial follow-on test flights on last week.

The One Week Wonder Project Is Ready To Go

If anything could relate to sport aviation more than the one week wonder project at EAA AirVenture this year, it would be hard to find. Organizers hope that the fact that thousands of people will participate in the building of a Zenith 750 Cruzer in front of the whole world at AirVenture will inspire and encourage the homebuilding movement.

There's A New Light Sport Amphib Coming To The Block

A new sport plane that is designed to operate from runways, water, and snow and ice was introduced on the day before the AirVenture at Oshkosh officially opened.

ICON Aircraft Constructs And Flies First Production A5

After years of waiting... and doubting... ICON Aircraft unveiled what it says is the first production A5, an aircraft the company refers to as Engineering Serial Number 1 (ESN-1). This is reportedly the first A5 built from the production design, with production tooling, and using production methods and components. ESN-1 was built over a five-month period, from January to June of 2014, and successfully completed its first flight on 7 July 2014 in Tehachapi, CA.

Open Air Flying  With Speed & Utility

The World Aircraft Company based in Paris, TN introduced their open frame, tandem seat, light sport aircraft. While it looks like a modernized Breezy, it isn't. This aircraft is a real light sport aircraft with a 75% cruise speed of 103 mph. Actually it has capabilities greater than LSA, which is how you know it's an actual LSA performer. The instruments and radio are a package of Dynon's.

August

Kitfox Celebrates 30th Anniversary At EAA AirVenture 2014

Kitfox, the iconic kit plane that first hit the market as what was basically a two place, cabin ultralight, is celebrating 30 years of continuous production. The Kitfox team, headed by President John McBean, is looking forward to meeting and greeting hundreds of Kitfox fans this year.

One Week Wonder; In The Home Stretch

While it appears at first look the purpose of the One Week Wonder project at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 was to meet the challenge of building an airplane in one week, it was really much more than that. Participants and onlookers were able to see and touch what we love so much about aircraft home-building.

FAA: Building Aircraft Not An 'Aeronautical Use' For Hangars

In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register July 22, the FAA says that building an airplane in a hangar at an airport is a "non-aeronautical use of airport hangars."

Observations Of A Week At AirVenture

In no particular order here are a few thoughts about this years annual event called AirVenture.

Falco Kit Producer Closes Its Doors

The economy and the passage of time have conspired to force the Sequoia Aircraft Corporation, maker of Falco plans, kits and components, to close their doors. The 60-year-old F8L Falco is a classic homebuilt design loved for its aerodynamics and artful appeal.

Russian Security Service Stops World Record Global Flight Completion

An attempt to fly the first autogyro / gyrocopter around the world was forced to quit after traveling thousands of miles flying consecutively through 18 of the 24 countries needed to achieve this Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Record Circumnavigation.

Still Fighting: AMA Files Petition for Review of FAA’s Interpretive Rule

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has filed a Petition for Review in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit challenging the FAA’s Interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft published in the Federal Register on June 25, 2014.

Air Show Hall Of Fame Honors 3 Performers

The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation has announced the induction of three new members into its Air Show Hall of Fame. Gene Soucy, Chuck Newcomb, and the AeroShell Aerobatic Team will be recognized at the ICAS Chairman's Banquet on Thursday, December 11 at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.

Group Planning To Build New Wright ‘B’ Flyer

Wright ‘B’ Flyer Inc., an all-volunteer organization that flies a lookalike of the Wright Brothers’ first production airplane, has launched a project to replace its venerable flying machine.

Pegasus Power Systems Demonstrates O-100 Engine

Pegasus Power Systems has posted a video on YouTube showing the first run of its new O-100 engine designed for the ultralight market.

September

Wright Model B Aeroplane Project Gets A Kick Start

Only last week we reported that Wright ‘B’ Flyer Inc., an all-volunteer organization that flies a look-a-like of the Wright Brothers’ first production airplane, has launched a project to replace its Brown Bird flying machine with a new look-a-like replica. Now, they have some good news.

 International Parachute Champions Named

The United States Parachute Association (USPA) has posted partial results of international competition in which the United States team participated. If you think skydiving just amounts to jumping out of a plane and controlling your descent to the ground, you’ll see just how complex it can get when the competition begins.

Sport Class Race Plane Down At Reno

ANN confirmed that the Reno Air Races suffered a tragic loss as the one-of-a-kind GP-5 air racer was reported to have come apart and gone down during a qualifying run. Piloted by Lee Behel, 64, the inflight break-up was fatal, but no one on the ground was hurt and the accident was a long distance away from any spectators or other parties.

OWW Phase One Flight Testing Complete

When you certify a homebuilt airplane that doesn’t mean you’re all set to do anything and go anywhere. First, you must complete the phase 1 test flying required in the operating limitations. That’s exactly what the AirVenture 2014 One Week Wonder has just done.

Final Tally: ‘Gathering’ Raises More Than $2 Million

EAA’s annual Gathering of Eagles fundraiser held July 31 during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014 brought together more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts that raised more than $2 million in support of EAA’s youth education programs.

NTSB Releases Preliminary Report From Reno Accident

The NTSB has released its preliminary report from an accident which occurred September 8th at Reno-Stead Airport (KRST) during a practice race for the National Air Race Championships.

Sling Airplane To Be Built In 4 Days

A team of 40 workers from The Airplane Factory, including admin, catering, and marketing staff, will attempt to build and fly a Sling 4 in four days! The build will take place at the 2014 Africa Aerospace and Defense Expo at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in South Africa. The project started yesterday and is planned to be completed on Saturday, September 20th.

Castor Fantoba Proclaimed New European Aerobatic Champion

Spain's Castor Fantoba outlasted Russian Mikhail Mamistov, twice world champion, and French François le Vot, currently world champion, to take top honors at the XIX European Aerobatic Championship in August.

Young Eagle Flight Accident

A midair collision during a Young Eagle event has apparently resulted in the fatal downing of a Cessna 172 (with two aboard) and the safe recovery of the Experimental amphibious SeaRey.

Phase 1 Flight Testing Now Allows Additional Crew Member

EAA has issued a press release informing its members that the FAA recently released AC 90-116, the Additional Pilot Program (APP) for Phase I flight testing. EAA advocacy and safety staff worked closely with members of EAA’s Homebuilt Aircraft Council, Safety Committee, and the FAA to craft the program.

October

Hawk Aircraft LLC Suspending Operations

Last week, AeroSports Update pondered on the subject of airplanes being too expensive. We concluded that airplanes actually are too expensive and probably always will be. We also pointed out that the cost is often driven by what the consumer wants, and if the consumer wants a simple low-cost airplane like those produced by Hawk Aircraft, LLC, it looks like we may be losing that option

A New Scaled-Down P-51 May Be Coming

It’s not unusual to see large airplanes scaled-down and certified as experimental aircraft for the purpose of recreational flying. There are already a few examples of the legendary P-51 Mustang being reduced in size and performance to address the “inner Walter Mitty” hidden within our psyche. However, the SW51 Mustang to be produced by the Polish FK-Light Planes Company raises the bar on the term, “scaled-down.”

Balloon Stolen At Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

A thief broke into a Chevy Suburban parked at the Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque, NM Saturday night and stole the vehicle and trailer that was attached to it.

The 43rd Albuquerque Balloon Festival: The Oshkosh Of Balloons

Balloons (originated from balloon, a 1570 Middle French word that was "a game played with a large, inflated leather ball") are a lot more than just hot air! The Albuquerque, NM Balloon Festival began in a small way. Only 13 balloons were involved in the first gathering back in 1972. Sid Cutter and Tom Rutherford dreamed of making Albuquerque the home of the Balloon World Championship. With the help of Mayor Harry Kinney in 1974 they acquired a 360 acre alfalfa field that is now the site of the festival. There are 100 acres of grass from which to launch balloons and is the home of the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum.

Canada's Pete McLeod Wins Red Bull Air Race In Las Vegas

Pete McLeod of Canada was declared the winner of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship stop in Las Vegas on Sunday after heavy winds forced the cancellation of the flying in the first of three final rounds. McLeod won the first race of his career by virtue of being the fastest qualifier on Saturday.

Sport Performance Aviation Selects Superior XP-320

Scott Hayes, V.P. Sales and Marketing for Superior Air Parts, Inc., has announced that Sport Performance Aviation LLC (SPA) has selected Superior’s 150-horsepower, XP-320 for its high-performance Panther Sport kit- built airplane.

Quicksilver Achieves A First With Its S-LSA

Flying for the sheer fun of it saw its heyday with the ultralight movement of the 1980s, but when sport pilot was brought into being ultralights seemed to fade away. However, the Quicksilver Company stuck with it and has now delivered their first 2-place, ultralight-style, S2se S-LSA.

The Additional Pilot Program Gets Started

The recently established Additional Pilot Program (APP) allows an additional crew member to be carried during phase 1 flight testing of an amateur built experimental aircraft. However, the program is complex, and EAA provided us with some of the following information.

 Quicksilver to Deliver A Sport 2se To A Special Customer

“I met Jimmy Aguila recently. He called me to say he wanted a Quicksilver Sport 2SE SLSA,” said Quicksilver Aeronautics President and CEO, Will Escutia. “Every day I come to work and face the problems and challenges of running a business. However Jimmy’s story adds proper perspective to life. Jimmy’s story captured my attention and I feel humbled.”

November

Kalamazoo TV Station Features Homebuilt Airplane

Here’s a connection that is not easy to make. Your wife wants a new master bedroom, and you want to build an airplane. While these goals seem widely separated, this good news story about general aviation shows how unlikely goals can be achieved at the same time.

First U.S.A. Sling Taildragger Sold

The Airplane Factory, Inc. has sold its first U.S. based Sling Taildragger, known as the Sling TD. This tailwheel version of the Sling 2 is the latest model designed by Mike Blyth and The Airplane Factory team. The factory received the U.S. order and has already begun the production process. This beautiful, ready-to-fly S-LSA should arrive in the U.S. in about 6 months and TAF says they’re excited to have it join the Sling family.

Indoor Skydiving Competition Begins

The 1st FAI World Cup of Indoor Skydiving competition is underway and is being hosted by iFly Austin, in Austin, TX. In January of this year the FAI and IPC voted to recognize wind tunnel competitions at the world level, making this the first FAI-sanctioned indoor skydiving event. This all leads to the question of, what the heck is indoor skydiving?

Join The AAA Record Breakers

The Antique Aircraft Association (AAA) Invitational Fly-In scheduled for September 2nd through the 7th, 2015 will be featuring member’s aircraft that have set a recognized record. In an announcement made on the AAA website to members by Fly-in Chairman, Brent Taylor, and Air Power Museum (APM) President, Mike Gretz, members were advised this would be a special event.

EAA Inducts 5 Into Hall Of Fame

The Experimental Aircraft Association recognized the contributions made to the world of flight by five aviators as it inducted them into the EAA Hall of Fame during a banquet at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, WI.

Sonex Aircraft Reaches Milestone

Sonex Aircraft, LLC passed a major benchmark, as news was received from Christopher Madsen of Huntsville, AL that his AeroVee powered, Standard Gear Sonex flew for the first time on September 23rd. The addition of Chris's aircraft brings the company's database of completed and flown aircraft to 500 reported first flights!

EAA Seeks Path Forward On Stadium Overflights

This week, EAA representatives met with FAA officials to explore possibilities to continue popular stadium overflights in experimental category aircraft, including those prior to NFL games, NASCAR races, and other major public events.

Red Bull Air Race Back In 2015

The new Red Bull Air Race World Championship season in 2015 will feature eight stops spanning the globe that includes five of the most popular locations from the riveting 2014 season, organizers of the world’s fastest motorsport series announced on November 26 in Chiba, Japan.

December

Jabiru Disputes Aussie Proposed Limitations

The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may have released its proposed operational limitations for airplanes powered by Jabiru engines before gathering all the facts, according to the Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus) and the company.

D-Motor Introduces New ASTM Compliant Engine 

D-Motor USA announced the successful completion of the D-Motor LF-26 ASTM engine certification process. The LF-26 is a four cylinder, horizontally opposed, four stroke engine that has met or exceeded the ASTM international consensus standard requirements for engine certification.

Wright ‘B’ Flyer To Be Built At Original Factory 

Wright “B” Flyer Inc. will build the airplane at the Wright Company factory site in Dayton, OH with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) providing valuable support. Final assembly will take place inside the original Wright factory buildings more than a century after it first opened. America’s first airplane factory will take place inside the original Wright factory buildings more than a century after it first opened.

Oklahoma Pilot Flies 1.9 Millionth Young Eagle 

David R. Ames, of Newalla, Oklahoma, didn’t know it at the time, but last month he flew what turned out to be the 1.9 millionth EAA Young Eagle during a Young Eagles rally in Oklahoma City. Ames, who serves as Young Eagles coordinator of EAA Chapter 1098, flew Michael Knight, 15, of Oklahoma City in a Piper Cherokee.

FMI: www.aero-news.net