Held More Than A Dozen NAA/FAI Aircraft World Speed And Distance Records

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Glenn Rutan (Born July 1, 1938) flew west on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7:08 PM PDT A friend of the family passed on some really unfortunate news... the passing of yet another aero-legend, Dick Rutan... and one of the most fun guys to 'rat-race' a pair of Long-EZs with... period (and yes, he waxed my tail more than a few times...). Rest Well, Lt Colonel Rutan... and thank you for your service. The last time Dick Rutan flew towards the western horizon was on December 14, 1986 when he and copilot Jeana Yeager set the last great aviation record by flying around the world, nonstop and unrefueled, in nine days, three minutes and 44 seconds in an aircraft called 'Voyager,' designed by his younger brother, legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan.

The May 10 Expiration Of The Current Extension Is Only Days Away

EAA has gone public with their thoughts on the upcoming vote on FAA Reauthorization... stating that they are, "appreciative of the work by the U.S. House and Senate aviation committee leaders to develop the bipartisan, bicameral FAA Reauthorization bill pre-conferenced text released this week. With the May 10 expiration of the current extension only days away, the passage of long-term reauthorization is imperative in ensuring the FAA has the proper staffing and infrastructure needed to safeguard operations in the National Airspace System...

From 2015 (YouTube Version): Alex Has An Amazing Future Ahead Of Him... Because He Wants It

It seems like most pilots love their toys, and even more so if they fly. ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell is no different, and he took the opportunity at EAA AirVenture 2014 to stop by the Horizon Hobby display to see how aircraft modeling is doing. He spent time talking with Alex Vanover who is the Hobby Town demo pilot. While the video story is about the modeling side of aviation, Vanover’s story as a demo pilot is also unique. However, you’re going to have to watch the video to understand what is so unique about Vanover…you’ll be surprised!

The Chapter 11 Sale Process Appears To Have An Early Bidder... Maybe

As we understand it, a 'stalking horse bidder' is the initial bid on a bankrupt company's assets from an interested buyer -- chosen by the bankrupt company. And judging by the questionable history of Icon Aircraft, to date, we are interested in what qualified any company to be preferred by Icon... Be that as it may, the proposed stalking horse bidder, SG Investment America Inc., has been designated to 'set the floor price for the sale of ICON’s assets.' Icon claims that this step is aimed at maximizing value for the company’s stakeholders and facilitating a smooth transition through the bankruptcy process. Hmmmm... ok. 

Forums Grant Inside Peek Into the Most Interesting Career in Experimental Aviation

Legendary, visionary experimental aircraft designer and builder Burt Rutan will be honored with a slate of activities at the EAA's AirVenture 2024, kicking things off with 5 days of themed presentations, airshows, and exhibitions. Starting on Monday, July 22nd, the Theater in the Woods will host a viewing of "Life, The Universe, and Everything Else". Tuesday the 23rd will see the presentation of "50-Year History of Homebuilt Composite Canards" in Forum Pavilion 7, where most of the following will be held. Topics later in the week include "Voyager", "Commercial Space & WingShips - Arrested in Russia, 1993", "Burt's New Designs and his Heroes", and "Why Beech Did Not Replace King Airs with Starships" from Wednesday through Friday. 

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Takes Advantage Of A New Category Of Aircraft Established By The FAA…

Gyroplanes are among the most misunderstood aircraft, but the recent certification of the factory-built AutoGyro Calidus as a primary category aircraft has gone a long way towards making the public more aware of what the aircraft are, and their capabilities. That is the assessment of Andy Wall, CEO of Autogyro USA, who told ANN's Tom Patton at the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo in January that the company has been inundated with inquires since the certification was granted in December of last year.

Rough and Deteriorating Runway May Be Hampering Annual Fly-In Attendance

The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out to rotor flyers, as well as interested parts of the sport aviation community, for help in rebuilding their private runway in Mentone, IN -- the home of the PRA, itself. "We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help. We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting effect on the gyro community. Those of you who have attended any of the PRA conventions in the last few years are well aware of the current state of the runway, and the toll the elements have taken on it over the years."

Evaluations Aim to Build Experience in Battery Flight for AFWERX Program

The 96th Test Wing of the US Air Force published a handful of shots illustrating its test flights of their new battery-powered Pipistrel Felix Electro, showing two fatigued airmen squished into the 2-seat LSA. The program sees about 20 volunteers put the aircraft through its paces at Eglin AFB, in town for a 3-week tour. Those involved are taking plenty of notes and observations about what works for the aircraft, helping to build a base of knowledge for the AFWERX program, among others.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Kitfox Introduces A New Version Of The Venerable Speedster…

In 1992, Kitfox brought its first Speedster to Oshkosh. In 2017, the company gave the public the first look at the newly-redesigned variant of the aircraft. Working from the very successful and robust Kitfox S7 Super Sport, Kitfox has created a clipped wing, aerodynamically refined and superbly stylized tail dragger that is guaranteed to get the heart rate up to redline.  With Rotax fuel injected power, the 2017 Kitfox Speedster is significantly larger and faster than its earlier namesake, with a great useful load and excellent short field performance. With clipped wings and other refinements, the handling can only be described as “acro-like.”

Named New ROTAX independent Service Centre for Central USA

After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to discontinue the manufacture of the Bushcat, the Knoll family (AeroSport) has come up with a heck of a second act... and it should be a strong one. Advanced Powerplant Solutions, LLC (APS), under the new ownership of Jeremy and Daniela Knoll has acquired Leading Edge Air Foils, LLC (LEAF). Better yet, effective immediately, APS will serve as the ROTAX independent Service Centre for the Central United States, continuing and expanding the esteemed services previously offered by LEAF.