Multiple USB Charging Ports Have Been Added Throughout The Cabin

Textron Aviation announced the introduction of new interiors for its Beechcraft King Air 260 turboprop. Featuring a stunning new look with craftsman-built cabinetry and a selection of opulent fabrics and color schemes, the redesigned cabin interior will be available on all new King Air 260 aircraft in early 2022. "The Beechcraft King Air is an iconic aircraft, and we place a great emphasis on continually improving these products," said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. "In addition to the latest technology we recently introduced to the cockpit, these new features we are bringing to the cabin of the King Air 260 will create an elevated flying experience fo

07.30.21: The KitFox LIVES, New NAFI Boss, Jet It HondaJet Fractional, ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital, Pelton Int'vw-Final

The few details surrounding the Van’s RV-15 took Oshkosh by storm and the interest level in the latest product from Van’s Aircraft is skyrocketing. Mike Tomazin is showing off the Skyleader 600 at Oshkosh... a rugged LSA-type aircraft that ANN’s Jim Campbell REALLY liked...  The KitFox was one of the first really popular sport aircraft kit offerings... and thousands were built... now, the Kitfox continues to evolve and show up in greater numbers each and every year. Senator James Inhofe is one of aviati

Piper Presents Oshkosh -- Via An Amazing Lineup of Piston and Turbo-Prop Airplanes!

When Mr. Piper introduced the Piper Cub in 1937, he had a dream – the freedom of flight for everyone. Over 130,000 aircraft later, generations have lived that dream. Training in Pipers. Serious business transportation in Pipers. Pipers bring a higher level of safety, technology and performance to enhance the lives of owners. Piper is the Freedom of Flight. Piper Aircraft Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single and twin-engine aircraft and is the first general aviation aircraft manufacturer in the world to certify Garmin Autoland. The single

The Next Generation Epic E1000 GX Graces Oshkosh Display #235 -- Don't Miss It!

Epic Aircraft, based in Bend, Oregon, began redefining the rules of aviation in 2004 when it debuted its first experimental aircraft, the Epic LT. Its artful combination of turbine power, composite technology, advanced avionics, and unforgettable luxury, packaged in a sleek, all carbon fiber airframe, caused the aviation industry to take notice. And they haven’t stopped. In November 2019, Epic received FAA Type Certification for its award-winning E1000 model aircraft, which evolved from its predecessor, the Epic LT. Now Epic is introducing the next generation, the E1000 GX, featuring the GFC 700 Automated F

The Lost Children

By Gene Yarbrough As a member of a fractional ownership flying club, we find ourselves in a certain predicament with our 1972 PA28-180. The bird is equipped with a Piper Autocontrol II autopilot (which is a Century III unit rebranded for Piper), and mechanical Attitude indicator and directional gyro, both of which are getting tired and sometimes act erratic. We would like to install one of the several available drop in solid-state electronic AI and DG. However, we do not want to lose the functionality of our autopilot, which despite its age is still working perfectly fine. As we search for suitable and affordable options, we have found a major issue with what is available in industry.

Contract Will Develop And Validate Computational Models For Ultra-STOL

NASA has signed a contract with Electra.aero to mature enabling aerodynamic "blown lift" technologies for electric ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft in advanced air mobility applications. Electra teamed with Dr. Alejandra Uranga, Gabilan Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California's (USC) Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and was awarded a contract under the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.

Program Supports The Accomplishments Of Young Pilots

EAA’s Ray Aviation Scholarship (James Ray, pictured) fund is the difference to more than 275 young aviators who can now achieve their dreams of flight. The Ray Foundation provides the Experimental Aircraft Association up to $10,000 to deserving youth aviators to cover their flight training expenses. That support totaled $1 million in 2019 and $1.2 million each in 2020 and 2021.

A Leader In Avionics Expands Capabilities Of Existing Hardware

By Gene Yarbrough Aspen Avionics is detailing how FAA approved changes to the backup instrument requirements with the installation of Aspen’s Evolution EFD1000 Pro MAX primary flight display (PFD). The approval allows aircraft owners to remove the attitude indicator with the supporting vacuum system when installing a single Evolution EFD1000 Pro MAX PFD with the latest released software (v2.11) and the new extended duration battery. A turn and bank indicator along with airspeed and altimeter must be retained as the three required backups.

Klyde Deals With The Realities of Oshkosh...

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

On June 27, 2021, Workers Began A Strike Action

Unifor Local 112 and 673 members at Bombardier Aviation's Downsview plant have voted to ratify new three-year collective agreements. "These new agreements make significant progress on the key issues identified by our members, including pensions, and job security protections against out-sourcing and the use of contractors," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "As the industry recovers from this once-in-a-century pandemic and Bombardier prepares to move production to a new facility at Pearson Airport, these collective agreements will ensure our highly skilled members will maintain wages, pension, benefits and other working conditions that are among the best in the industry."

CubCrafters Rugged STOL Airplanes Are Working Hard at Oshkosh Out of Display Area #273

For 35 years, CubCrafters has been in the business of advancing the classic Piper Super Cub, legendary for its bush flying and off airport performance. While our engineering has further improved STOL performance, we have also focused on improving every aspect that makes the Super Cub platform uniquely capable. The result is a range of modern adventure aircraft that are designed and engineered for backcountry flying. Pilots are rewarded with not only STOL performance, but also remarkable flight characteristics, uncommon comfort & ergonomics, unmatched range, and class-defining utility.

The Navy Plans To Deploy Triton To Five Orbits Worldwide

The Navy conducted its first test flight of the MQ-4C Triton in its upgraded hardware and software configuration July 29 at NAS Patuxent River, beginning the next phase of the unmanned aircraft’s development. The MQ-4C Triton flew in its new configuration, known as Integrated Functional Capability (IFC)-4, which will bring an enhanced multi-mission sensor capability as part of the Navy’s Maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (MISR&T) transition plan.

07.27.21: WACO Aircraft, Cessna/Textron Sky Courier, AMAZING Able Flight, Pelton Int'vw Part 2

Aspen Avionics has announced programs that allow you to dump your old AI and clean up your cockpit... relying on Aspen’s outstanding Primary Flight Displays.... John Uczekaj explains. One of the most popular airplanes at Oshkosh, Diamond’s new five seat, diesel-powered DA50-RG is drawing crowds. It looks like the ultimate Cirrus-beater has finally arrived. Aviation Safety Resources is adding new airplane partners and adjusting to the new capabilities they have as a result of the purchase of Strong Parachutes. They report strong business from the f

07.29.21: King Schools APPs, Wally Funk an Astro?, Pelton Int'vw, Part 4

Today FAA Boss Steve Dickson got hit with the big question early on… What is the FAA going to do about recent mis-steps with the flight training interpretations and the need for L.O.D.A.’s to do what used to be simply allowed as standard procedure. But... Jack Pelton didn’t seem satisfied with Dickson’s answers... and said so. Administrator Dickson also dealt with questions about MOSAIC and the future reimagining of the Light Sport segment... a program that forecast will NOT be complete until the fall of 2023. And finally, Dickson dodged our questions abou

Pipistrel Is Displaying Their Extensive Aircraft Line... Including Production Electric Training Aircraft

Pipistrel-USA is set to (once again!) dominate the annual EAA AirVenture Fly-In and Tradeshow in Oshkosh, WI, July 26th through to August 1st. Pipistrel-USAis displaying an extensive selection of aircraft, with a special emphasis on revolutionary, new, training and touring aircraft. Pipistrel-USA is a true world leader in innovative aircraft design and manufacturing. With over a dozen airframes in production, the Pipistrel program has won three NASA Centennial Challenges, is the leading importer of Light Spot Aircraft into the USA, and currently offers not one, but two, electrically

07.28.21: Flight Design's F2, Pilot Communications Bluetooth, Daher Talks Kodiak and TBM940, Pelton Int'w, Part 3

The 'Multi-Multi-Rotor' Volocopter is not only here but already conducted several manned flight demonstrations showing off the craft’s maneuverability and VERY low noise signature. Must see video! Hartzell’s Family of aviation businesses continue to grow and grow, with Tanis being the latest addition. Here’s an overview of their many companies and numerous projects and upgrades. Flight Design’s F2 is the latest generation of composite high-wing light sport aircraft... and the F2 shows that the Flight Design team has

07.26.21: Opening Comments, Redtail Piper 100i, AeroEducate Builds, Pelton Int'vw Part 1

Jack Pelton opens up a VERY busy first day of EAA AirVenture after a two year drought. He talks about how busy day 1 has been  and if they beat previous numbers. Avidyne introduced a whole new generation of glass panel cockpits for the GA biz... and also showed the work they are doing with AI for the up and coming cockpit. Stratos has flown their 716X to Oshkosh... the first of a generation of experimental jet kits that will precede the certified version in the coming years. The Curti Aerospace Zefhir is now on sale... the very cool-looking two place turbine e

AD 2021-14-13 Prompted By A Report Of An Uncontained Engine Failure Resulting From Cracks In The Knife Edge Of The HPT

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney (PW) PW2037, PW2037M, PW2040, and F117-PW-100 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of an uncontained engine failure resulting from cracks in the knife edge of the highpressure turbine (HPT) 2nd-stage air seal assembly. This AD requires fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPIs) and visual inspections of the HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the HPT 2nd-stage air seal assembly with a part eligible for installation. This AD also requires replacement of the affected HPT 2n

AD 2021-15-52 Prompted By A Fatal Accident In Which An Outboard Main Rotor Hub Strap Pin (Pin) Sheared Off During Flight

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various restricted category helicopters originally manufactured by Bell Textron Inc. This AD was prompted by a fatal accident in which an outboard main rotor hub strap pin (pin) sheared off during flight, resulting in the main rotor blade and the main rotor head detaching from the helicopter. This AD requires removing certain pins from service and prohibits installing those pins on any helicopter. The FAA previously sent an emergency AD to all known U.S. owners and operators of these restricted category helicopters and is now issuing this AD to address the unsafe conditi

Aero Linx: Patient AirLift Services Patient AirLift Services is a nonprofit that arranges free flights for medical patients requiring medical diagnosis, treatment or follow-up who cannot afford or are unable to fly commercially. PALS also arranges volunteer flights for family members of patients as compassionate missions, to ensure patients have support when they are away from home for long periods. PALS is proud to assist military personnel and their families with free flights to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation processes for our wounded veterans. Finally, PALS has a history of supporting humanitarian efforts in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

As The Pilot Maneuvered The Airplane Back Toward The Airport, The Engine Again Lost Power

On July 6, 2021, about 1508 eastern day light time, a Piper PA-46-500TP, N31062, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Manteo, North Carolina. The airline transport pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the fuel tanks had been topped-off with Jet-A fuel before the flight. He departed Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) from runway 23; however, just after he retracted the landing gear, he noted a loss of thrust from the engine. He verified that the throttle had not moved, unlocked the Manual Override (MOR), and moved

Precipitation Radar Weather Descriptions Existing radar systems cannot detect turbulence. However, there is a direct correlation between the degree of turbulence and other weather features associated with thunderstorms and the weather radar precipitation intensity. Controllers will issue (where capable) precipitation intensity as observed by radar when using weather and radar processor (WARP) or NAS ground based digital radars with weather capabilities. When precipitation intensity information is not available, the intensity will be described as UNKNOWN. When intensity levels can be determined, they shall be described as: a. LIGHT (< 26 dBZ) b. MODERATE

“The Ray Foundation has supported many EAA initiatives over the years, which has extended EAA’s ability to grow participation in aviation. This builds on the Ray Foundation’s long relationship with EAA that has included supporting the construction of the Air Academy Lodge, which has hosted hundreds of young people each summer to give them the opportunity to learn more about aviation.” Source: Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, chatting about their work with the Ray Foundation and aviators of tomorrow.