Discovery passed another critical milestone Thursday, as the
space shuttle's external fuel tank was filled to launch levels in
preparation for its return to flight. The test began at 0814 EDT on
Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, FL.
That Makes Eclipse The First VLJ Manufacturer With Two FAA
Conforming Aircraft in Flight Testing
The Eclipse 500 program took a major step forward Thursday with
the successful first flight of its second certification flight test
aircraft. Company executives said they hope to have the very light
jet (VLJ) completely through the FAA certification process early
next year.
Many international aircraft manufactures are quickly adapting to
the new FAA categories for light sport aircraft. An impressive
contender is the Kappa KP-5, ready-to-fly, two place airplane.
The fixed pitch version of the Diamond Star has received
certification from the European Aircraft Safety Agency (EASA). FAA
certification for the DA40-FP is expected mid-May.
AOPA Evaluates NORAD's Visual Warning System In Live Flight
Demo
After expressing safety concerns and pressing for an opportunity
to preview a new laser warning system intended to alert pilots who
stray into the Washington Metropolitan Air Defense Identification
Zone (ADIZ) or too close to the flight-restricted zone inside it,
AOPA staff members Wednesday had a chance to see the system in
action during an in-flight demonstration.
While admiring a series of vintage Fairchild trainers (see "Fair
Fairchilds") with PT-19 owner LCDR Joe Miller, USN (ret)., Richard
Evans, a friend of Joe's, came up to us with a hair-raising prop
strike story.
Excel Jet, Ltd,. and Williams International announced they have
signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the Michigan-based engine
maker to supply powerplants for the Sport-Jet single-engine very
light jet aircraft.
Visitors to Sun 'n Fun will have the opportunity to greet some
of their favorite performers at the Champion Aerospace Booth. Kirby
Chamblis, Patty Wagstaff, Michael Goulian and the Aeroshell
Aerobatic Team will all be making appearances over the next several
days at booth B-020
The people who work at the FAA are so resistant to change that
they've actually hindered progress in trying to modernize the
agency. So says a new report from the General Accountability
Office.
We wish we could tell you exactly how Eclipse CEO Vern Raburn
described his first flight in the airplane he has fought so hard to
bring to market, the Eclipse 500. Suffice it to say that he thought
it was (in part) "way cool..."
The Columbia aircraft experience is coming to an airport near
you via the Company’s new “Fly Columbia Tour”
kicking off May 6-8 at the Central Texas Air Show in Temple,
Texas.
Power Flow Systems, manufacturers of a tuned exhaust system that
is now available for a wide range of single engine aircraft, has
introduced a new "short stack" exhaust pipe that can be
retrofitted.
The DoD POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) has
announced that the remains of two U.S. Army officers, missing
in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned
to their families for burial with full military honors.
Returning Vets May Find New Home At The Lancair Company
The Lancair Company has announced that it is actively
soliciting veterans returning from active duty in Iraq to help fill
some of the approximately 100 positions it’s currently adding
as part of a major expansion program.
Proposed cutbacks in the US Air Force's prized F/A-22 fighter
program could have a major impact on both the scope and composition
of the world market for fighter/attack/jet trainer aircraft over
the next 10 years, according to a new Forecast International market
analysis.
A bright yellow DC-3 is on display at Sun 'n Fun this week from
the National Aviation Hall of Fame's SkyReach program. "Duggy" is
the name of the brightly painted airplane with the happy smile that
has made its national debut here in Lakeland.
McCauley is offering Blackhawk King Air XP operators another
option to improve the performance of their aircraft. The FAA
granted Blackhawk Modifications a STC for installation of a
McCauley C762 four-bladed propeller for the Blackhawk King Air
XP.
ACI-NA and the Project Finance Institute (PFI) of the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
signed an agreement to improve and defend the tax treatment of
airport bonds.
"...people
looking at Mr. Thompson now need to know you do go to jail. They
need to know Mr. Thompson is not their hero. He is going to
jail."
Source: US District
Judge William B. Shubb, while sentencing tax-cheat and former
aviation busness person, Al Thompson, to six years in Federal
prison.