SkiGulls And Oshkosh And Drones ... Oh My

The Academy of Model Aeronautics found themselves caught up in the rush to register and regulate UAVs. And in the realm of full-size airplanes, Burt Rutan was back at Oshkosh with his latest, and he says final, sport airplane design. Here are some of the stories from the top of the world of Sport Aviation in 2015.

January

The Pegasus O-100 kit engine started off as a Continental O-200 being cut-in-half with the idea of providing a lightweight alternative for experimental aircraft requiring an engine in the 60 horsepower range. Now, we have updates on the progress on this project.
 

Dick Rutan is known for his many aviation achievements, and ballooning can be counted as one of the many aviation adventures Rutan has experienced.
 

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sent letters to the New York City Council opposing proposed legislation to restrict unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights in New York City. At least one of the bills under consideration would completely ground the educational hobby of flying model aircraft within the city.

Zenith's Sebastien Heintz and Roger Dubbert will be flying factory demonstrator aircraft to the event from their factory in Mexico, MO. They are making an offer for everyone to stop by to see the planes and meet with factory staff in sunny Florida.
 

A two-place Aero-Adventure amphibious airplane went down at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, FL. Officials have identified the two on board as as 56-year-old Dennis Gordon Day, of Groveland, and 44-year-old Jason Reid Spinks, of Orlando.
 

EAA reports that they and the general aviation community are already well ahead of the curve when it comes to finding ways to reduce GA loss-of-control accidents, because of several years of progress through the FAA’s General Aviation-Joint Steering Committee working group that has studied those accidents.
 

Through National Model Aviation Day celebrations around the country and the efforts of local modelers at approximately 200 AMA chartered clubs, the Academy of Model Aeronautics raised $100,000 in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. A large check was presented to Warrior Speak representative Norbie Lara during the AMA Expo held in Ontario, California on January 10.
 

Hartzell Propeller Inc. will become the propeller technical partner of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship series for the second consecutive year in 2015.

February
 

Some of history’s most iconic airplanes will be highlighted at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 during EAA’s 70th anniversary commemoration of the Allied victories in World War II. Most AirVenture attendees will hear and see a living history lesson, but others will relive it.

Chilhowee Gliderport is a stunningly beautiful place surrounded by rolling mountains providing excellent glider flying conditions. The owners of the Gliderport, Jason and Sarah Arnold have worked hard to make this event happen.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) was founded by a group of Montana pilots who realized the threat of recreational airstrip closure was of national concern. They also recognized that there was the need for a unified effort by pilots everywhere to protect public recreational opportunities.
 

The FAA has published a technical correction in the Federal Register that allows future installations of ADS-B "out" equipment to meet performance standards of the appropriate Technical Standard Order (TSO) specifications without meeting the complete TSO requirements.

No one said that air racing was easy... and the Red Bull style of air racing the least of all. However; it appears that Red Bull Air Racer Kirby Chambliss escaped serious injury when his canopy failed while staging for a Red Bull Air racing event.
 

Model aircraft flown recreationally will be treated differently than UAVs flown for commercial use. That's the assessment of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) following a preliminary review of the NPRM published by the FAA proposing rules for the use of unmanned aircraft.
 

Sonex Aircraft has reported the achievement of several major milestones in the SubSonex Personal Jet program during the month of February. The first SubSonex has kit shipped from the factory.
 
 

ANN reported that rule clarifications requiring ADS-B to be installed by the year 2020 could result in non-TSO ADS-B equipment being okay for experimental airplanes. EAA has just released an announcement that says they have now confirmed this is the case.
 

March

Air show pilot Spencer Suderman, the current Guinness World Record holder for “Most Inverted Flat Spins in an aircraft” will attempt to break his own record of 81 rotations set in 2014 with an even more impressive spin of over 100 rotations.
 

The question is; what does Alton Bay, NH have in common with McMurdo Station in Antarctica? The answer is; they both have ice runways.
 

We have recently seen airports with long-running annual airshows putting their events on hold, or discontinuing them all together. It’s discouraging, and it seems that a lack of funding is the biggest cause. However, if you’re trying to show the value of an airport to people who really don’t know much about it, there is another way to go. It’s called, an air event.

The NTSB has released its probable cause report from an accident which occurred June 20, 2014 in Sauk Rapids, MN, though the final determination leaves several questions about the accident.

Aircraft that are certificated as special light sport aircraft (S-LSA) must have a pathway established by the aircraft manufacturer for the installation of ADS-B. The FAA is also urging these manufacturers to establish similar pathways for the installation of angle of attack indicators.

Skydiving and paragliding are recognized as aviation sports. They are regulated by the FAA, and industry associations also add safety to these operations. On the other hand, parasailing is a completely different recreational activity. The special NTSB investigation of this activity seems to indicate some real problems.

We saw this headline from CBC news out of Canada that reminds us that when you hand prop an airplane, you had better know what you’re doing and follow appropriate procedures. The following is an abridged synopsis of the report.

April

The Wright “B” Flyer, a modern look-alike of the Wright Brothers’ first production airplane, has limited range and is tiring to fly. Despite this, it’s going to make the trip to AirVenture this year, but it won’t be doing it by air.
 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first delivery of the reintroduced WACO YMF. To celebrate the milestone, WACO is inviting owners of WACO built aircraft to come visit the factory, and fly together up the coast of Michigan to the beautiful destination of Mackinac Island.

Sonex Aircraft has announce that the SubSonex Air Show, flown by renowned performer Bob Carlton, will make its worldwide debut at the 2015 Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In & Expo. He is scheduled to perform on Tuesday April 20th and Sunday April 26th.

Hartzell Propeller has received a Type Certificate from the FAA for the new two-blade extremely lightweight Bantam propeller for use with the Rotax 912 and 914 four-stroke engines series, used mostly for light sport and ultra light aircraft.

Dynon Avionics, the leading Experimental and Light Sport avionics manufacturer, announces a new Remote Magnetometer for SkyView plus an upcoming SkyView 12.2 SkyView Software release.

The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS), a trade association representing the air show industry, has announced the launch of its 2015 air shows calendar in a new format. The calendar features quick and comprehensive access to up-to-the-minute air show dates, locations, and performer appearances in multiple formats.
 

Bristell announced that it’s Bristell LSA and Bristell TDO aircraft are now available with Garmin’s G3X Touch integrated glass cockpit. Garmin’s large 10.6” touch screens provide flight, navigation, communication and situational awareness information in an easy to use package. With the addition of an auto-pilot, the Bristell has what they call, “Envelope Protection.” This provides G-limit load factor protection and over and under speed protection.

The “Mystery Box” from last year’s Gathering of Eagles fundraiser at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh will beheading to Georgia to benefit an education program for young people, thanks to the combined efforts of EAA, Sonex Aircraft, and longtime aviator Ron Alexander.
 

NavWorx, Inc. claims they were the first to announce a truly affordable solution for experimental and LSA aircraft owners with the release of its ADS600-EXP. This announcement came on the heels of the FAA's ADS-B rule interpretation in February that devices must meet the "performance requirements" of TSO-C154c, but do not have to be TSO’ed.

May
 
It’s not uncommon for those that home-build their own personal airplane to also be involved in RC model airplane flying. Now, it appears that the connection between homebuilt planes and remote control airplanes, as in UAV, is getting closer.

A Georgia entrepreneur has had a dream for the past 15 years ... return the Lazair ultralight to production. And with your help, Gene Yarbrough might just get it done.
 

It seems like no matter what we do, general aviation remains in the doldrums. Organizations like EAA and AOPA have some great programs to get people interested in general aviation flying, and we at ANN fully support these programs, but there is more we can do.

 
The FAA published revision “B” to Advisory Circular (AC) 90-89, the Amateur Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook. The AC, first published in 1989 with extensive input from EAA, was last revised in 1995.
 

The use of diesel power for aircraft engines was experimented with early in airplane development. However, it never caught on because gasoline was plentiful and cheap, and the investment in diesel technology just didn’t seem worth it. Now, that has changed.

Here’s a story that would make any pilot wince with a hint of envy. Most all landlubber pilots look at flying off of water as something they would like to do but, all too commonly, just never get it done. In this case, becoming a splash-and-float pilot came as a prize.
 
Hollywood motion pictures can make heroes out of the most unlikely people, and we have certainly seen that in many poorly produced aviation movies. However, actor Jimmy Stewart was the real deal when it came to an aviation background. Fortunately, some EAA members have decided to restore one of his airplanes to honor his memory.
 
BASE jumping certainly falls into the category of extreme sports. Base jumping activists seek the unique thrill of skydiving from a fixed object but as the law reads now, they are not allowed to BASE jump in national parks. A petition has been started to rectify what they claim is the unfair application of an existing law.

June

Two aircraft reportedly en route to the Spiaggia d’Argento Air Show in Alba Adriatica on Italy’s east coast collided in mid air Sunday, resulting in the fatal injury of one of the pilots.

EAA published an interesting update regarding FAA reauthorization. While this may sound like something that is better left to the politicians then to recreational pilots, it is extremely important that we all pay attention. Reading this EAA synopsis is well worth your time.

Tavares, Florida identifies itself as "America's Seaplane City", and in an effort to bolster that image, the City Council is proposing to waive impact fees for new seaplane businesses that locate in the city.

CHEF Homeschoolers, the winners of the third GAMA/Build A Plane Aviation Design Challenge, will spend the next two weeks building a Glasair Sportsman airplane at Glasair Aviation in Arlington, Washington. The four students, one teacher, and one chaperone from Cuba City, Wisconsin won the all-expenses-paid trip to assemble the plane as part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition last month.

American Legend Aircraft Company announced the availability of Carbon Fiber Amphibious Floats for the Legend Cub and Super Legend. Designed and manufactured by American Legend Aircraft Company, the new LF1500A floats allow for takeoffs and landings on both water and land.

At the Paris Airshow Airbus displayed and flew its latest iteration of their E-Fan concept aircraft that they are calling the E-Fan 2.0. This aircraft appears to be closer to what might be the final configuration for their 2-place trainer version of the twin-engine electric powered light aircraft.

OK... it took nearly forever... and a lot of 'Bravo-Sierra' was transmitted along the way... but it appears that something that looks like an Icon A5 may actually be ready for delivery... maybe.

Adding a seaplane rating to your pilot certificate is the ambition of many pilots, and to help pilots move in that direction an ambitious technical upgrade to current equipment has lead the Victoria Flying Club to unveil the world’s first Full-Motion Seaplane Training Device.

This report is all about what EAA calls the Give Flight project to be held during EAA AirVenture 2015. As a follow-on to the immensely popular One Week Wonder project last year, this year three manufacturers have donated 5 sets of wings for their aircraft to be built during the AirVenture week.

July

The FAA says that, “A Loss of Control accident involves an unintended departure of an aircraft from controlled flight. Loss of Control can happen because the aircraft enters a flight regime that is outside its normal flight envelope and may quickly develop into a stall or spin. It can introduce an element of surprise for the pilot.”

Project 'Give Flight' will focus on constructing five sets of wings for various types of kit-built aircraft. The goal is to give those completed wing sets to five different EAA chapters to jumpstart five different building projects in hopes it will lead to the formation of five different flying clubs.

We cover a lot about what’s going on at AirVenture in AeroSports Update because it is, after all, the place where we celebrate sport and recreational aviation. It also gives us the opportunity to expound on some of our favorite aircraft, and the Republic Seabee happens to be one of them.

The slow-flying, open-air biplane isn’t designed for cross-country flights, so Wright “B” Flyer loaded the machine into its custom semi-trailer on Saturday, July 11, for the 490-mile journey to Oshkosh, Wis., where the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will stage its annual AirVenture convention and air show the week of July 20.

The one-of-a-kind jet-powered Cozy aircraft, featured in the November 2005 edition of Sport Aviation, was recently acquired by Ryszard Zadow, EAA 258833, of Waller, Texas, and the new owner has informed EAA this past week he intends to fly the airplane to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015. The unique Cozyjet Kerosene Dreams is powered by a modified 600 pound thrust General Electric T58 jet engine.

Building on the experience of building many “One Week Wonder” airplanes at Sun ‘n Fun and Oshkosh, Zenair Ltd. is offering the quick-build experience to amateur builders of the CH 750 Cruzer.

It may be the only feasible modification to have not been previously done on a Cub. But today, Superior Air Parts announced that American Legend Aircraft Company will offer its Gemini diesel engine as a factory option on the legend Cub.

Assembly has commenced on the 2-seat prototype “Sun Flyer” solar-electric training aircraft being developed by  Aero Electric Aircraft Corp (AEAC). The company has contracted with Arion Aircraft to help build the initial prototype trainer.

The National Model Aviation Museum has completed the installation of several new exhibits, with new artifacts and hands-on platforms for museum visitors to enjoy. Many of the new pieces are on loan and will only be on display throughout the summer months.

August

The Lee Bottom Flying Field "Aviation Migration" ... "Where everyone goes at the end of the summer," has added a friendly competition to the event, schedule for September 18-20 at the southern Indiana airfield.

In July, a brush-fire broke out in the vicinity of Phelan, CA that was both dangerous and spectacular, and well covered by the media. These reports also focused on the fact that airborne firefighting operations were hampered by what was reported to be 5 recreational drones being flown in the fire area.

Despite the press releases, displays, and prototype aircraft, when a kit-airplane company has their first customer-built kit completed and flying, it’s living proof that their hard work has paid off. Such is the case with Sport Performance Aviation LLC (SPA).

The owner of a UAV that was shot down by a neighbor who claimed it had been spying on his sunbathing daughter has released a video of the flight.

Saturday is National Model Aviation Day, and around the country, model aviation enthusiasts are getting together to celebrate their sport. National Model Aviation Day was created to encourage clubs to celebrate the hobby and share it with the public.

If anything new and exciting is going to happen in extreme sports, you can expect to find Red Bull involved. Published on the Red Bull website is the story of a new world record being set for linked group skydiving.
 

Last week, the final pair of the five sets of wings built by EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 volunteers and attendees were shipped to a waiting EAA chapter, which will build the remainder of the airplane in its own community.

The Experimental Aircraft Association manages many aviation related scholarships, and ardent aviation enthusiast, Harrison Ford, provided a contribution to be used for the purpose of flight training.

September

It’s hard to determine how many people are exercising sport pilot privileges while holding a higher level pilot certificate because the FAA only keeps track of actual new certificates issued. However, one way to get a feel for it is to look at the sales of kit-built airplanes designed to qualify as an LSA.

It’s been reported on the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) website that United States National Aerobatic Champion and U.S. Team pilot, Rob Holland, won the Gold in the "Final Freestyle" at the World Championships.

The FAA has today published updated guidance on model aircraft operations that reflects current law governing hobby or recreational use of unmanned aircraft.

Lee Bottom Flying Field, an airport favored by grassroots aviators, will once again hold its fly-in in September. This time though there’s a special challenge. Within the usual event, will be a sub-event called CHAMPS VS CUBS. Designed to be a good natured challenge among old foes, the intent is to once and for all put an end to the question, “Which is better? The Champ or the Cub?” So far, Team Cub is ahead.

It’s reported from the United States Parachute Association (USPA) that the U.S. team met at the Nouvel Air Skydiving Center in Farnham, Canada where it competed against an international field of 77 canopy pilots in a well-organized, beautifully run competition.

The annual pilgrimage to Reno by dozens of heavily modified racing aircraft is not without is hazards... and today, Unlimited racing lost a major player as 'Precious Metal' -- a highly-modified P-51 was lost in a fire shortly after refueling on the way to Reno.

Aerobatic pilot John Mohr, air show announcer M.A. “Sonny” Everett, and the formation and aerobatic flying Red Baron Pizza Squadron recently earned selection into the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation Air Show Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of Hall of Fame air show pioneers to 59.

Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the Precious Metal Racing Team hopes to rebuild the highly-modified P-51 that was badly damaged this week during a ground fire.

Scott Hayes, V.P. Sales and Marketing for Superior Air Parts, Inc., announced that Zenith Aircraft has selected the company’s popular XP-320 engine as a builder option on its STOL CH750 and CH750 Cruzer kit aircraft.

Paul Bonhomme won his fourth Red Bull Air Race of the season on Sunday in Fort Worth with a sensational performance in the Texas heat, but Australia’s Matt Hall stayed right on his heels in the championship battle with a solid second place finish.

October

For many years pilots have used the practical test standards (PTS) for guiding them through testing for pilot certification. The PTS ultimately determines the level of training because of the requirement for new pilots, or pilots obtaining additional ratings, to comply with the standards. Very soon, something new will replace the PTS.

The purpose of this column is not to detail the changes that occurred but to talk about why they have occurred and to point out that history has repeated itself. Some readers are accepting the changes as something that’s necessary, while others are going to fight it to the death. Whichever side you’re on, it’s coming down to whether or not we win the war by taking some calculated losses.

The Vickers Aircraft Company was founded by Paul Vickers who is now its CEO. The company builds the Wave aircraft which is a two-seat next generation ASTM S-LSA amphibious aircraft. The company is based in New Zealand, and deliveries of the Wave are scheduled to begin in 2016.

The words in the Pilot's Bill of Rights-2 (PBOR2) regarding the third class medical have been revised and both EAA and AOPA say this may be the only way to get third class medical relief. However, the issue remains that a special issuance medical may still be required in some cases.

For many years there have been attempts to bring recreational aviation a true ultimate ‘Walter Mitty’ machine in the form of a personal, single-place jet. It wasn’t until Sonex came out with their kit-built version of the SubSonex that we finally got what we wanted.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and its community of more than 187,000 members across the globe are uniting today to welcome and encourage the next generation of model aviation enthusiasts. In a public awareness campaign titled Discover Flight, AMA will show the world why it’s never been a more important, or exciting, time to take to the skies.

Last month AeroSports Update printed a tweet from airshow pilot Chuck Aaron that stated, “I am retiring from the "Airshow Circuit". After 10 years and about 250 Airshow[s]...My last Airshow will be at the Red Bull Air Race in Las Vegas on October 17-18. I will continue to be a pilot of course, but I'll be done with the Airshow Circus.”

ANN has been sent a letter on behalf of Quicksilver Aeronautics indicating that the company, first known on the Sport Aviation scene as an early manufacturer of powered hang gliders over 4 decades ago, is currently insolvent.

I'm having a hard time getting my thoughts encapsulated in light of the facts that continue to emerge from what appears to be yet another attack on an aviation icon. I'm a bit outraged and more than a little concerned...

ANN's stories about the recent legal attacks against Van's Aircraft and FloScan has kept our phone ringing and the email jammed for many hours now... but we're pleased to see EAA come out swinging as well. The outrage being expressed by the Aero-Verse has been considerable.

November

Recreational aviation includes thousands of pilots that are instrument rated and exercise their instrument privileges. Whether for business or recreational flying, maintaining instrument proficiency and staying up-to-date on issues dealing with instrument flying can be a challenge. Now, EAA and IMC Clubs have joined to make instrument flying safe.

The SkiGull is a next-generation seaplane developed by Rutan and Regan Designs. The aircraft is designed to land on a variety of surfaces (water, snow, and unimproved land), allowing access to remote areas like never before. As could be expected, it is Burt Rutan at his best designing and building an airplane for his personal use.

When it comes to the sport and recreational side of aviation, having fun in the sky is even better when you can share it with others. Now we have a new way to share…it’s called the miniature video recorder. These little gadgets seem to be a perfect combination of technology and fun in our aviation activities. However, there is a dark side to this sharing tool that we need to take a look at.

While at Sun ‘n Fun 2015, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, checked into something called the Sport Pylon Air Races (SPAR). To get the details, Tom talked with Christopher “Doc” Bailey, who is promoting the event. Bailey says it’s about time that we stop limiting pylon racing to the super-fast and super-expensive aircraft.

Garmin has introduced the GAD 27, a small, lightweight and solid state integrated controller that provides a solution to many of the typical airframe interfacing needs. With the GAD 27, pilots are provided a consolidated system that would otherwise require multiple adapter modules, which streamlines configuration of their experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light sport aircraft (LSA).

Tom Poberezny, the president and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association for more than 20 years and chairman of the annual EAA fly-in convention for more than three decades, is one of four renowned aviators who will enter the National Aviation Hall of Fame next October.

As the FAA continues to craft regulations for the recreational use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and as the DOT's Registration Task Force releases its recommendations for UAS registration, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) reminds the public and model aviation community of its dedication to protecting the model aircraft hobby and supporting its more than 185,000 members – no matter what or where they fly.

Over the years we’ve all learned that when Burt Rutan has an idea, his ideas often translate into designs that look odd, yet they do exactly what he intends them to do. We have all become used to Rutan being on the cutting edge of anything he’s involved with. Therefore, the SkiGull fits right in.

For over 30 years, the staff of Aero-News -- as part of ANN and its prior iterations -- have attempted to practice aggressive investigative journalism when Aviation issues appeared to require such attention.

December

If winter weather has you in the doldrums, maybe this news from EAA will make the future look a little brighter...and warmer. EAA says the number of improved campsites at EAA AirVenture’s Camp Scholler is increasing for 2016, and a new system will help people secure those campsites more quickly and easily.

In a report from the FAI, they say it’s rare to find competitors from the U.S. in Paragliding Aerobatics competitions. The sport of paragliding has a relatively small following in the U.S., and there are few pilots who embark on the niche daredevil discipline of performing aerobatic maneuvers in the sky.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and Best Buy are teaming up to educate consumers purchasing drones this holiday season. As part of a recently formed relationship with AMA, Best Buy locations will display brochures with AMA safety guidelines on store shelves and also feature regulation and safety information on the store receipts of drone purchases. In addition, Best Buy is offering one-year AMA memberships for purchase.

When EAA AirVenture Oshkosh rolls around, the exciting news seems to surround new gadgets, products, and especially new kit-built aircraft. However, sometimes it’s easy to overlook aircraft that are proven through years of dependable service. This year, the RV-6 gets the recognition it deserves.

ANN regrets to confirm that Red Bull Champion Race Pilot, skydiver and airline Captain, Mike Mangold, has perished in an accident at Apple Valley Airport, in Southern California.

The U.S. Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA) is racing to raise nearly $2 million in an effort to, in their words, save the sport of free flight in the U.S.

Our friends at Lee Bottom Flying Field clued us in on the news that the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Museum flew its replica of the Spirit of St. Louis earlier this week. We checked in with the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome website and here’s what we found.

The FAA required UAS registration rule is aimed at the operations of multirotor drones, but it goes much further than that. RC model aircraft flying, which includes fixed wing and helicopters, has been around for a long time, has operated safely, and has posed no threat to the public. However, these hobbyist have now been snatched up by a registration regulation that has nothing to do with them.

The Merlin PSA is a new affordable high-performance single-seat Personal Sport Aircraft for the US market. Aeromarine LSA notes that the all-aluminum aircraft has a cantilevered wing, 120 mph cruise speed, plenty of cabin and luggage space -- all for under $35,000 (Base Price)!

The release of the FAA's UAV registration rule that includes model airplanes long flown without such rules has prompted one model airplane hobbyist to try to change the agency's mind.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is recommending that its members wait to register their model airplanes, saying the new rule contradicts the carveout for model aircraft in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

The Merlin PSA is a new affordable high-performance single-seat Personal Sport Aircraft for the US market. Aeromarine LSA notes that the all-aluminum aircraft has a cantilevered wing, 120 mph cruise speed, plenty of cabin and luggage space -- all for under $35,000 (Base Price).

The release of the FAA's UAV registration rule that includes model airplanes long flown without such rules has prompted one model airplane hobbyist to try to change the agency's mind.

The NTSB has released its report from an accident that occurred last January at the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo involving an Avantura II homebuilt airplane.

FMI: www.aero-news.net