Hide/Show Archive Navigation.

All News

February 21, 2022

Airborne 02.21.22: Van's Pricing, CA Luxury Tax, AEA Avionics Mkt

Also: Mesa Addresses Pilot Shortage, FAA v Dreamliner, Bell Phase 2-AFWERX, Virgin Galactic Shakeup

In a notice to customers, Van's outlined the state of the company and the steps they're taking to keep the company in good health. More bad news is never a good thing to hear, but fans of Van's Aircraft have to at least give credit to the company for shooting straight. Price increases are on the way, with an RV kit price bump already in effect. The average increase across the board is in the neighborhood of 6%, but RV kits in standard and QuickBuild flavors will increase in accordance with their component price increase. The exact price bump will depend on the aircraft and the materials used within. Canada's new Luxury Tax, as written, levies a special charge for those eminently u

More Videos

Canada's Luxury Tax Raises Eyebrows

Yet Another Charge Inbound for Owners of 'Luxurious' $80,000 Aircraft

While outside the hobby and industry of general aviation terms like "private plane" carry a significant level of high-end, wealthy cachet, the truth is sadly often far from the height of sophistication. In reality, as many pilots know, personal aircraft are closer in spirit to maintaining vintage, but well-worn automobiles that wouldn't feel at home on an auction block. Canada's Luxury Tax, as written, levies a special charge for those eminently upscale and exclusive vehicles that lie outside the range of average workaday folk.

Lots Of 'Heavy Iron' Expected To Grace The Skies Over Wittman Field

Doc, one of two airworthy Boeing B-29s in the world, will be returning to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in 2022 for air show appearances and static displays during the week. While the exact appearance schedule is still being finalized, the aircraft will be parked on Boeing Plaza for public view when at AirVenture. The World War II-era bomber will help commemorate the U.S. Air Force’s 75th anniversary at Oshkosh in 2022. AirVenture will feature aircraft from throughout the Air Force’s history, from its creation out of the Army Air Forces in 1947 to today’s modern military aircraft. Doc was rescued from the Mojave Desert in 1987 and was meticulously restored over a 30-yea

Group Sends Off Industry Acquaintance with Thanks

The EAA thanked outgoing FAA administrator Steve Dickson for his service to the aeronautical industry, looking back on the relationship the former pilot made to the sport and experimental aviation industries. “We thank Administrator Dickson for his service and dedication to the FAA as well as his attention to general aviation issues that affect a large percentage of our nation’s aviation community. We look forward to continuing our fruitful working relationship with the agency, its leadership, and its many hard-working professionals," reads the EAA statement. They recalled the interest he showed for their niche segment of aviation, recalling a time when he came to discuss issues su

Pilots Believed AP Was Flying Departure Procedure When Actually in Shallow Climb, Found Investigators

An Emirates flight from Dubai to Washington last December has been found by its homeland's General Civil Aviation Authority to indeed have flown too low upon departure. The flight rattled windows and drew attention as it left Dubai International in a shallow climb with its pilots apparently unaware of the issue. Investigators described the incident as "serious" in their preliminary investigation, likely due more in part to what it reveals about situational awareness in the airline's pilots than it does the probability of injuriousness on the ground. No injuries to the 372 passengers and crew were reported, and no damage to the plane nor conta

Manufacturer Follows Jaunt in Next Portion of HSVTOL Program

Bell Textron announced its progression in the US Air Force AFWERX High Speed VTOL Concept Challenge, advancing as one of 11 companies who received market research investments aimed at advancing their systems. With their progression, the will spend the next half year further refining their concepts with the USAF, and SOCOM through the digital team workspace provided by prime contractor Collaboration.AI. The concepts are not slated for actual production or development any time soon, instead the program is more of a market research project geared towards brainstorming and developing the real-world usage and viability of cutting-edge aircraft designs.

Classic Aero-TV: Cruising The Superfortress - ANN Rides Along w/FIFI

From 2016 (YouTube Version): Sit Back, Relax, and Let’s Go Flying With “FIFI”…

Our ANN video crew took the opportunity at EAA AirVenture 2016 to capture a lot of video of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) B-29 named “FIFI”. Our montage of this airplane includes lots of scenes on the ground, in the air, and onboard the airplane. As you watch the scenes be sure to note such things as the amount of aileron control wheel motion necessary just to get this lumbering giant into a turn. You might also take a look at the flight engineers panel to see what it took to keep those four ‘Wright 33

Local Partners To Offer Greener Gas Blended In-Country

Singapore has received its first sustainable aviation fuel sales point after completing local upgrades to the local Shell facility. With the upgrades, blends with up to 50% conventional jet fuel can be created. The addition of an in-country blending facility enables the high-traffic region to offer cheaper, more sustainable SAF compared to previous methods that required tanking from long distances for delivery to customers. For the first time, customers in the Changi Airport group can select SAF to offset their emissions, or just enjoy peace of mind knowing they're recycling waste products that otherwise would have gone to pollute. The SAF supplied is made from waste products and sustaina

Helicopter Was “In A Nose Down Attitude… Far Less Than 1,000 Ft Above The Ground…"

On January 11, 2022, about 1255 eastern standard time, a Eurocopter EC-135 P2+, N531LN, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. The airline transport pilot was seriously injured. The two medical crewmembers and the patient were not injured. The helicopter was operated by Air Methods Corporation as a Title14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air ambulance flight. Preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the helicopter departed Chambersburg Hospital Heliport (PA60) about 1205 and was destined for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Heliport (9PN2

Aero Linx: The National Stearman Foundation Together we can secure the past and preserve the future. The National Stearman Foundation is committed to building a permanent facility to serve the Stearman Community. Located at the Galesburg Municipal Airport (GBG), the facility will provide a permanent home for the National Stearman Fly-In as well as the National Stearman Foundation. The hangar facility envisioned will serve as a year-round home to the world community of Stearman owners, pilots, enthusiasts, historians and future caretakers of this legendary aircraft.

Permanent Echo Radar signals reflected from fixed objects on the earth’s surface; e.g., buildings, towers, terrain. Permanent echoes are distinguished from “ground clutter” by being definable locations rather than large areas. Under certain conditions they may be used to check radar alignment.

"A $100,000 aircraft is no luxury and does not belong in the same category as a car of the same value... COPA has worked with our industry partners and sister associations to advocate for a just and equitable tax that does not single out members of the aviation community. COPA will continue to advocate for the aviation community and work with all our stakeholders to reach that goal. The baseline must be increased, the carryover tax for exempt aircraft should be eliminated and the process must be simplified." Source: The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association commenting as the new Canada Luxury Tax, as written, levies a special charge for those eminently upscale and exclusive vehicles that lie outside the range of average workaday folk.