Also: Oshkosh Day One Coverage -- Part One Of Five Part Rod Hightower Interview

It was a big opening day at AirVenture 2012. At a news conference early in the day, we were introduced to the new owner of Glasair, Chinese investor Mr. Fang Tieji. Mr. Fang has many business interests in China, including FBOs but Glasair is his first foray into aviation manufacturing. He and former owner Mikael Via said the airplane would continue to be produced in the U.S.

American Champion took the wraps off its new Extreme Decathlon. The airplane has more horsepower and incorporates composite materials to offset the weight of the larger mill. Certification is expected in October.

The prototype Vans airplane, the RV-1, was handed over to its new owners ... the EAA. It will be displayed in the AirVenture Museum, but kept in flying condition. The ceremony was held at Phillips 66 Plaza Monday afternoon.

In a couple of avionics announcements, Avidyne said that it is moving forward on getting previously-announced products to market, including the IFD540 and IFD440. Garmin introduced a new pilot app for iOS and Android devices allowing its GCL 39 to receive ADS-B datalink traffic and weather information, and Dynon showcased its new pocket EFIS designed for the experimental and light-sport segments of the market.

Don’t forget that we’ll be bringing you live coverage of Oshkosh again this year, with Daily Airborne Programs, Monday through Friday, July 23rd through 27th at 9PM Central Time. We hope you’ll join us.

Airborne 07.23.12 is chock full of info about the first day of Oshkosh 2012... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Ashley Hale, and supported by ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell, Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, and Aero-Journalists Tom Patton, and Glen Moyer.

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