News Headlines

Factory Tour: Matco Manufacturing Date December 9, 2009 KITPLANES editor Marc Cook visits Matco Manufacturing near Salt Lake City to see how the company's brakes, wheels and master cylinders are built.

Dynon SkyView Date November 23, 2009 Dynon Avionics has released a video showing its new SkyView EFIS in flight. This 5-minute video, produced by Dynon, shows the key features of the new system and provides in-flight footage of its synthetic vision.

Simple Log Celebrates 5th Anniversary Date November 18, 2009 ExperCraft's Simple Log has been providing aircraft builders and restorers a valuable resource for tracking and sharing projects online since its release in November 2004.

FAA Suspends New Certification of Zenith CH 601XL and CH 650 Aircraft Date November 13, 2009 The ongoing saga of the Zodiac series took a new turn Thursday, November 12, as the FAA advised Designated Airworthiness Representatives that they could not issue new airworthiness certificates until the applicants could prove the aircraft had undergone modification.

Garmin to Offer Online Training Date November 10, 2009 Garmin has announced the expansion of its eLearning computer-based training program and will soon offer training through an online portal. Starting in late November, customers for the first time will be able to access online training for the GPS MAP 396, 496 and 695/696, and the G1000.

UPDATED: FAA Publishes Special Airworthiness Bulletin on Zenith CH 601XL and CH 650 Models Date November 9, 2009 On Saturday, the FAA published a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin concerning Zenith CH 601XL and CH 650 models. Zenith has published a new Safety Alert.

Video Brief: Grand Rapids HX Date November 4, 2009 Kitplanes' editor-in-chief, Marc Cook, hosts a short segment on flying with the Grand Rapids Technologies' Horizon HX synthetic-vision EFIS. Featuring footage from actual flights, this Video Brief gives pilots an in-the-cockpit view of this stunning new technology.

Garmin's New Touchscreen aera GPS Date November 2, 2009 Kitplanes' sister publication, Avweb, has posted a new video on Garmin's touch-screen aera handheld GPS. The bulk of the flight testing was done aboard Kitplanes' editor's Glastar Sportsman. Avweb Editorial Director Paul Bertorelli reports on Garmin's latest offering.

Dynon Avionics Announces SkyView EFIS Pricing Date November 2, 2009 The much-anticipated second-generation EFIS from Dynon has been seen for some time, but now it has a firm price attached.

Oregon Aero Announces Discounted Pricing Through November 15, 2009 Date October 19, 2009 There are special deals on Experimental-class seats and headset accessories for all pilots.

Lance Neibauer Inducted into EAA Hall of Fame Date October 18, 2009 Lancair founder and designer joins six others, including legendary airshow performer Bob Hoover, as a 2009 inductee.

FAA Releases New Advisory Circular Governing Homebuilt Approvals Date October 8, 2009 After a lengthy wait and more than a bit of hand-wringing on the part of builders and kit manufacturers, the FAA has finally published Advisory Circular 20-27G, which forms the approval basis for Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. In the preamble, the FAA says that, "This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation. This AC describes an acceptable means, but not the only means, to comply certification and operation requirements of amateur-built aircraft." However, virtually…

News from Van's: 3000th RV-8 Kit Delivered, First Customer RV-12 Flies Date October 2, 2009 Despite a flaccid economy, the Van's Aircraft RV line is holding steady. Word has come that the 3000th RV-8 kit has been delivered. Tom Carter, of Big Fork, Montana, is the lucky recipient. “The RV-8 was everything I wanted,” he says. “You look out both sides of a big bubble canopy. It can fly like a fighter or I can put it on autopilot and relax on a fast cross-country flight, too."

The FAA Publishes “51% Rule” Committee Findings, But Not Final Rule Date October 2, 2009 The FAA has published the final report from the Amateur-Built Aircraft Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) that was re-formed in 2008 to take another shot at the advisory material controlling Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft.

Sennheiser Offers Wireless Headset with Purchase Date September 9, 2009 Customers who buy any Sennheiser aviation headset between September 1, 2009, and November 7, 2009, will receive a VMX 100 Bluetooth wireless mobile phone headset free.

Fritz Jabiru Flies! Date September 9, 2009 KITPLANES Senior Editor Bob Fritz sees his Jabiru J250 Light Sport well and truly launched.

Video Brief: Hlavac Breezy Date August 31, 2009 Building a Breezy is a special task for a special person. Meet builder Matt Hlavac in this Kitplanes exclusive video.

Video Brief: Dynon Avionics Date August 26, 2009 Kitplanes Magazine visits Dynon Avionics in Woodinville, Washington, to get an inside look at how the company builds and tests its electronic flight instruments.

New Owner for Safari Helicopters Date August 25, 2009 CHR International has acquired Safari helicopter, the Experimental kit formerly known as the Baby Belle for its resemblance to the Bell 47.

IAC President Vicki Cruse, Former KITPLANES Contributor, Perishes in Training Accident Date August 24, 2009 Cruse, practicing for the World Aerobatic Championships in England, was flying a Zivko Edge 540 that "nosedived" into the ground.

Product Minute: Brightline Bags Flight Bag Date August 13, 2009 Kitplanes Magazine editor Marc Cook has an eye for quality and he likes what he sees in the Brightline Bags modular flight bag.

Kitplanes Magazine Looks at The Sherpa Date August 13, 2009 Kitplanes Magazine contributor Ed Kolano took a first look at the Sherpa utility aircraft at the Arlington Airshow recently.

Product Minute: Garmin G3X Date August 13, 2009 Garmin rolled out the G3X budget EFIS for the light sport and experimental aircraft crowd. Kitplanes' Marc Cook gives us an inside look.

Zenith Aircraft Offers Hot Deal on CH 701 Date August 11, 2009 By combining the economical Jabiru 2200A engine with the LSA-legal CH 701 airframe, Zenair has been able to produce a “complete kit package” for a remarkable $29,980.

Glasair Sportsman: 360 vs. 390 Date August 10, 2009 If you're building a Glasair Sportsman, you have the choice of a 180-HP IO-360 or the beefier IO-390. Kitplanes Magazine editor Marc Cook analyzes the pros and cons.

Product Minute: Val 2000 Date August 10, 2009 If your experimental aircraft project needs a simple navcomm with a small form factor, Kitplanes editor Marc Cook shows you why you should check out the Val 2000.

Dynon Avionics Announces $1000 Rebate to Blue Mountain Owners Date August 6, 2009 ...offer applies to customers buying the new SkyView system starting on December 1.

RANS S-7 “Survivor” Celebrated Date August 4, 2009 As RANS says in its short description of N11632, one of three airplanes featured at the company’s booth, it is “not the shiniest or newest among the many airplanes on the field today."

CompAir Announces New Equipment, Continues Certification Efforts Despite Tough Economy Date August 3, 2009 The aircraft-kit manufacturer, despite not displaying at Oshkosh, is weathering the economic storm and pushes toward certification of its designs.

DRE Shows Improved Headset Date August 2, 2009 DRE Communications has made significant improvements to the monaural, passive-noise-reduction DRE1000 budget headset, now known as the DRE1001.

AeroMax Displays Corvair Aircraft Engine Date August 1, 2009 AeroMax Aviation of Georgia has entered the Corvair conversion market with several examples on display at AirVenture. The AeroMax 100 IFB (100 hp, integral front bearing) was featured on a Sonex, bringing the flying examples of the engine to three.

Cook's Tour: Rainy Days and Thursdays Date August 1, 2009 It occurs to me that there are two Oshkosh rain modes. The first kicks in when rain erupts with a certain amount of warning after a beautiful airshow day, one that began with no hint of precipitation.

Cook’s Tour: Tempting Tidbits Date July 31, 2009 I must confess to being torn between twin folding-wing temptations. Should I get on the Early Adopter list for the Terrafugia roadable airplane or the Icon A5 amphibious LSA? In the presence of the respective pitchmen, I can almost be persuaded.

EAA Previews New “51% Rule” Changes, Industry Breathes a Sigh of Relief Date July 31, 2009 A forum held today at AirVenture outlined changes to the so-called 51% rule relating to the construction of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. The new rule will likely curtail excessive use of commercial assistance but allow legitimate individual builders to proceed rationally.

Editor's Notes: Morning Flight, Night's Right Date July 30, 2009 My cell phone buzzed at 4 a.m., and I cursed Paul Bertorelli. Paul is the mainspring of video technology in our group that includes AvWeb, and he had the idea of shooting some early morning air-to-ground video using my Glastar Sportsman.

Vertical Power Adds Features to VP-200 Date July 30, 2009 The advanced power management hardware that Vertical Power introduced three years ago has continued to gain features and capabilities. At Oshkosh, VP showed an update to the VP-200 that provides a mode interface with an external EFIS display.

In the Pattern Over EAA AirVenture 2009 Date July 30, 2009 Sitting in front of your computer thinking how awesome it would be if you could at least get up in the air for a few minutes and fly around the patch at Oshkosh?

Dynon Announces Release Date for Next-Gen EFIS Date July 30, 2009 At AirVenture, Dynon Avionics showed more versions of its next-generation EFIS displays and offered details on the system architecture and launch features. It is committing to a December 1, 2009, release date for the new screens.

SMA Improves SR305-230 Diesel Engine, Drops Experimental Plans Date July 29, 2009 SMA displayed its new version of the SR305-230 diesel engine, the SR305-230-E, with the “E” standing for “enhanced.” Features include 30 more horsepower and a FADEC system.

Crawling through Hangar B Date July 29, 2009 EAA AirVenture’s giant Exhibit Building B revealed some interesting products and services that may be of interest to KITPLANES readers.

Cook’s Tour: Mass Consumption Date July 29, 2009 Day Two of AirVenture brought the massive crowds and spectacle for which the show is known. The warbirds performed precision drills overhead in great profusion, the extra-length program that always brings a huge crowd.

What a Shock! Electric Airplanes Are Abuzz at OSH Date July 29, 2009 EAA’s AirVenture is always hosting innovation in aviation, and Yuneec International took full advantage of the show’s reputation by showing a Chinese-built electrically powered airplane.

AV8OR Ace Debuts Date July 29, 2009 Honeywell has introduced its AV8OR Ace, a 7-inch touch-screen handheld GPS that provides geo-referenced FAA charts, eliminating the need to carry paper charts.

American Legend News on FloatCub, Avionics Date July 28, 2009 American Legend Aircraft announced a new amphibious FloatCub on Baumann floats and the Legend "Smart" Cub, which features an optional Garmin GPSMAP 696 multi-function display.

Maxwell Propulsion Upgrades Its Four-Cylinder Options Date July 28, 2009 Thanks to a stroke increase bumping the four-cylinder, single-overhead-cam Subaru engine's displacement to 2.6 liters, the current iteration of the Maxwell Propulsion firewall-forward package now produces 205 horsepower.

RANS to Build Airplane-Friendly Bicycle Date July 28, 2009 Among the many interests of RANS Aircraft’s Randy Schlitter is bicycle manufacturing, which he does with an uncommon philosophy of design and ergonomics.

Editor’s Notes: Starting OSH With a Boom Date July 28, 2009 It was going to be one of _those_ years, huh? At the pre-show press conference Sunday night at the Teledyne Continental Motors tent, the rain came down hard. Wind whipped the trees. I glanced toward homebuilt parking and wondered how good my knot-tying was.

Cook's Tour: Oshkosh Again Date July 28, 2009 Veteran journalist LeRoy Cook shares his thoughts on the first day of AirVenture.

Lycoming’s IE2 Flying, Other Projects Continue Date July 27, 2009 At a press conference Monday, Lycoming’s General Manager, Ian Walsh, proudly announced that the first Lancair piston Evolution had concluded its initial testing with the firm’s electronic engine controls and was at Oshkosh/AirVenture for all to see.

First Completed Belite Airplane Unveiled Date July 27, 2009 Belite Aircraft introduced its prototype airplane in Wichita, Kansas, on June 30. The Belite, which incorporates strong but light carbon-fiber components that meet Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 103 weight requirements, provides the handling and excitement of an airplane and the economy and fun of an ultralight, the company says.

Sonex Announces Single-Seat Jet Date July 26, 2009 An article in EAA AirVenture Today reported that Sonex Aircraft unveiled a single-place jet at its open house on Sunday. The design is called the Sub-Sonex.

KITPLANES Cover Boy Credited for OSH Grounds Reorganization Date July 26, 2009 Two-time KITPLANES cover subject Dave Klages, builder of a Van's RV-8 and a Wag-Aero "Cub" Light Sport, was credited today at the opening ceremonies of AirVenture 2009 for his work in reordering the physical layout of the show. The show has yet to begin, but KITPLANES staff on site report that the new arrangement is an improvement.

Round-the-World Light Sport Tour Begins Date July 22, 2009 Pilots Mike Blyth and James Pitman of South Africa have embarked on a round-the-world tour in the production prototype of their Sling Light Sport aircraft.

Aircraft Spruce Offers eAPIS Software Date July 16, 2009 Aircraft Spruce has introduced FlashPass, a new software program that it says will make filing your eAPIS manifests for international flights a breeze.

Continental Debuts 199-Pound O-200 Engine Date July 16, 2009 Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) has introduced its O-200 Lightweight Engine, the first American-made aviation piston engine purpose-built for the Light Sport and kit aircraft markets.

Blue Mountain Avionics Closes Date July 7, 2009 Blue Mountain Avionics, which produced one of the first electronic flight instrument systems (EFISes) for the homebuilt aircraft market, has posted an official announcement that it will cease doing business.

Fly a Legend Cub with Cooperative Ownership Date July 6, 2009 American Legend Aircraft Company announced a cooperative ownership program whereby its Legend Cub can be purchased for as little as $2900 down, and flown for as little as $28 per hour. The new program is available through LetsFly.org.

SeaRey Amphib LSA Flight Trial Date June 24, 2009 Here's an over-the-transom report on the SeaRey LSA amphibian from Aviation Consumer's Jeff Van West, who is having more fun than he deserves.

Lancair Update Date June 23, 2009 Kitplanes talks to Lancair's Joe Bartels about the development of the piston-powered Evolution kitbuilt and other company news.

Evolution Gear Mishap Delays National Tour Date June 23, 2009 Lancair International announced that its Evolution Turbine Serial Number 0001, which was on a sales tour in Northeast Georgia, experienced a gear-up landing after the pilot executed a go-around due to traffic congestion at an uncontrolled airport, KWDR.

Sonex Kit Price Incentive: Free Shipping Date June 15, 2009 Sonex Aircraft, LLC is pleased to announce a special limited-time pricing offer for buyers of Sonex, Waiex or Xenos complete airframe kits. All buyers of those kits who purchase before August 31, 2009, will receive free shipping to the continental United States and Canada.

MGL Introduces V10 Com Radio Date June 7, 2009 MGL Avionics has announced its new V10 VHF radio transceiver, the first commercial product whose audio processing and much of the transmitter and receiver circuitry is digital, with the commensurate outstanding quality, the company says.

Lancair’s Piston-Powered Evolution Flies Date June 4, 2009 With less than 60 days until Oshkosh, the Lancair development team has been pushing flat out to get the piston version of the turbine-powered Evolution flying. We were in Redmond the week after Memorial Day to see the engine fired up for the first time on the airframe, and now Lancair says that the Evolution has committed its maiden flight.

Zenith Announces Slate of Summer Gatherings Date June 2, 2009 Among the events that will be taking place at the Zenith factory in the coming months are the Spring into Summer Fly-In on June 27, the 18th Annual Open Hangar Day on September 19, and various hands-on workshops throughout the summer. The factory is located at the Mexico Memorial Airport (KMYJ) in Mexico, Missouri.

Dynon Releases Software 5.1, Features GPS Assist and VOR/LOC Autopilot Tracking Date June 2, 2009 On the heels of Dynon Avionics releasing two new EFISes, the company has released Operating System 5.1, which adds several new features to both the flight displays but to its own autopilot as well. One of the key features in the 5.1 update is something called GPS Assist.

Dynon Introduces New Low-Cost Glass Date May 26, 2009 Dynon Avionics has added to its catalog of EFIS products with the new EFIS-D6 and EFIS-D60. Based on the EFIS-D10A and D100, respectively, these screens have slightly reduced feature sets to go along with their lower prices. The 7-inch-diagonal D60 is $1900, compared to $2400 for the full-featured D100; the D6 runs $1600 against $2200 for the D10A. The premise is to offer low-cost alternatives to steam gauges where the device is likely to be…

Such a Deal! Lycoming's Factory-Rebuilt Price Break Date May 19, 2009 Select pilots and owners will have the opportunity to purchase zero-time, factory-rebuilt engines for the price of a factory overhaul with return of a first-run core.

DynaVibe Prop Balancer Date May 19, 2009 RPX Technologies, Inc. has announced its dynamic propeller and rotor balancer for cost-effective, simple, straightforward vibration reduction.

Aircraft Spruce Introduces LED Cockpit Lights Date May 6, 2009 Featuring 110° angle adjustment, the new 754 series LED Cockpit Lights can rotate 360° around. According to Aircraft Spruce, the lights mount in a 1/4-inch hole, and are 3/4-inch diameter by 1 5/8-inch tall fully extended. Both 14- and 28-volt models are available. What's more, you can order them as all one color for $49.85 per light, or with two circuits (one white, one red) for $52.75. Two body colors are available; aluminum or black. A…

Video Brief: Aircraft Spruce Date May 5, 2009 Aircraft Spruce and Specialty is the leading supplier for the experimental and kit market. KITPLANES' Marc Cook recently visited the company's Corona, California facility and filed this video profile.

Italian Prop for M-14-Equipped Aircraft Date May 4, 2009 GT Propellers offers a new wood-carbon prop option for pilots who fly behind the M-14 radial engine. The company says it offers better high-speed performance, climb, fuel efficiency and shorter landings.

TruTrak EFIS Gains Features Date May 1, 2009 Now in the mix is an SL30 interface, and coming soon are a Garmin GNS 430 interface for the VOR and ILS capability, and a standby battery that will allow you to keep communicating and navigating until you can land, says TruTrak GM Andrew Barker.

Electric Dreams Prevail at the CAFE Aircraft Symposium Date April 30, 2009 Among the topics covered at the third annual Electric Aircraft Symposium were climate science, battery and motor technology, and aircraft designs, both real and imagined.

Kitfox LSA Flight Test Date April 30, 2009 Marc Cook reports on flying the Kitfox LSA.

Vans RV-12 LSA Light Sport Aircraft Date April 30, 2009 Vans' latest design, the RV-12 is a light sport aircraft that is already available as a partial kit and could be available as a complete aircraft, soon.

Be Located Quickly with the FastFind Max PLB Date April 29, 2009 The bright yellow PLB features built-in GPS and a 5-watt 406 MHz emergency transmitter for use in the air, at sea or on land.

Andair Introduces New, Tiny Fuel Boost and Transfer Pumps Date April 29, 2009 So you don't usually get excited about fuel boost pumps? Wait until you see Andair's new gems.

Val Introduces Low-Profile, High-Memory VHS Com Date April 29, 2009 After 20 years in the avionics business, Val Avionics has introduced the thinnest com radio on the market. An inch high and 9.5 inches long, the Com 2000 brings with it a few features not available in its predecessor, the Com 760.

Peltor’s New ANR9500 Digital Headset Quiets and Soothes Date April 29, 2009 Peltor Aviation’s brand new active noise reduction headset, the ANR9500, recently debuted, combining the recognizable Peltor white ear cups with sophisticated, adaptable ANR technology.

Jotters Take Note: Here's the ArmBoard Date April 29, 2009 When Hussein Aboulezz, a marketing professional, was a student pilot, he hated his kneeboard. So he fixed his problem by developing the ArmBoard.

ULPower Engine Makes U.S. Debut on Zenith 650 Date April 29, 2009 ULPower's enticing 95-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which has tempted us from afar, is now flying in the U.S. on the nose of a Zenith 650.

LoPresti's New LED-equipped Ball Cap...You Gotta Have One Date April 29, 2009 At Sun 'n Fun, the LoPresti Speed Merchants showed one of those products you probably didn't think you needed until you saw it: An LED-equipped ball cap. Yep, you read that right.

Avemco Reduces SLSA Rates, Continues to Push Amateur-Built Biz Date April 29, 2009 Avemco Insurance's Jim Lauerman announced that 13 models of Special Light Sport Aircraft have been granted a reduction in rates.

New Sport Hornet Kit (ELSA) Pricing Date April 29, 2009 Higher Class Aviation now offers the Sport Hornet to customers as a fast-build kit for $19,495. All primary load-supporting structures are assembled at the factory, and completion time is as low as 400 hours, but this kit still meets the 51% requirement, the company says.

Cub Crafters Introduces Super Sport Cub Date April 29, 2009 Based on the Sport Cub S2, the new Cub Crafters Super Sport Cub turns its performance up to 11 by using an Engine Components O-340 four-cylinder engine. Rated at a maximum of 180 horsepower, in the ready-to-fly Super Sport Cub, the engine is derated to a maximum of 80 hp continuously.

American Legend Offers Lighter Engine for Cub Date April 29, 2009 American Legend Aircraft Company announced that it has selected the lighter weight O-200-D engine from Teledyne-Continental Motors (TCM) to power future models of the Legend Cub Light Sport Aircraft. The company completed and flew its first aircraft with the O-200-D powerplant and displayed it at Sun 'n Fun.

No News is the News at FAA "51% Rule" Forum Date April 29, 2009 The FAA's Don Lausman gave a talk today at Sun 'n Fun as an update on the revisions to the Advisory Circulars governing Experimental/Amateur-Built rules.

Epic Aircraft Shows First Customer-Built Victory and Escape Designs Date April 29, 2009 Epic Aircraft's Rick Schramek announced that the first two "customer-built" Victory and Escape turbine aircraft had been completed and were displayed at Sun 'n Fun. The Victory is a single-engine turbofan with a fuselage-mounted Pratt & Whitney PW600 engine.

TCW Introduces SmartStart, Adds Larger Intelligent Power Stabilizer Date April 26, 2009 Worried about aircraft theft? TCW's new SmartStart module allows you to hide a starter enable switch to foil thieves.

Two-Camera Digital Video System for Aircraft Debuts Date April 26, 2009 Milwaukee’s Datatoys has entered the aviation market with a compact two-camera video system, the XM-DVR Pro Plus 2.

JPI Announces New “Flat-Panel” Engine Monitor Date April 25, 2009 Recognizing the market demand for larger, more readable color displays in the cockpit, JPI has created a 4x3-inch flat panel that improves upon the original amber LED round display.

Upload Flight Plans into Garmin 430/530, G1000 with Voyager Date April 25, 2009 Seattle Avionics Software’s Voyager SmartPlan Premier Flight Planner is the first software package to upload flight plans directly into the WAAS-enabled Garmin 430/530 nav/com and G1000 series. Just slip the SD card from your G1000 into your computer, and upload the flight plan, or use a special reader/writer to do the same for the 430/530.

Pilot Communications Introduces Bluetooth Adapter Date April 25, 2009 The company's new BluLink module works with any general aviation headset to provide Bluetooth connectivity.

Company Profile: Kitfox Date April 25, 2009 Kitplanes editor Marc Cook profiles Kitfox during a visit to the company's Homedale, Idaho, headquarters.

Advanced Flight Adds Synthetic Vision to AF-4500 EFIS Date April 24, 2009 AFS recently announced that synthetic vision and approach plates are coming to its popular big-screen EFIS.

RC Allen Now Selling Solid-State Attitude Indicator Date April 24, 2009 RC Allen's new LCD attitude indicator is now TSO'd and ready for delivery in both 2- and 3-inch forms.

DRE Previews Upgraded Headsets Date April 24, 2009 Upgrades to the DRE Communications line of headsets are in the works, according to Sales Manager Pat Hartley. The mono DRE1000 headset will be replaced by the DRE1001, featuring the same flex mic boom already featured on the stereo PNR DRE4000 and the ANR DRE6000.

Aspen Avionics Growing, Secures New Funding Date April 24, 2009 Aspen Avionics celebrated its second visit to the Sun ’n Fun fly-in by providing information on new product improvements and announcing new funding that gives the company “the stability to move forward,” according to company CEO and president John Uczekaj.

Garmin Offers G600 Rebate Date April 24, 2009 Garmin is offering a limited time, $5000 “Spring Special” retrofit rebate on the G600 all-glass avionics system.

AV8OR Handheld Capability Expanded Date April 24, 2009 Honeywell has announced that owners of its Bendix/King AV8OR handheld navigator may now add XM weather products, an air traffic interface, obstacles and other functions via a free software download by going to Honeywell’s Wingman Services web site or the company’s web site.

Sonex Offers Incentive Pricing for Subkits Date April 24, 2009 Sonex Aircraft has announced that those who buy a Sonex or Waiex tail kit may receive a $2000 discount for buying all of the remaining subkits as a single purchase. The company says many potential Sonex builders buy the tail kit as a way to preview the kit and see if they wish to continue with the project.

Team Tango’s Limited Time Discount Pricing Date April 24, 2009 Team Tango is offering a new price structure for its aircraft kits in honor of the Sun ’n Fun fly-in. To get builders flying sooner, the price of the two-place, 212-mph, 1400-mile range Tango quickbuild kit has been reduced from $29,750 to $24,750. The four-place, 230-mph, 1800-mile range Foxtrot quickbuild kit is priced at $40,750, which is discounted from its normal price of $45,995.

Complimentary Pre-Paid Visa Card with CompAir Purchase Date April 24, 2009 Customers who purchase a CompAir 12 from April 15, 2009 through August 15, 2009 will receive a pre-paid Visa card worth up to $50,000 to use for fuel or whatever purpose one sees fit, the company says. Those who purchase a CompAir 9 or 11 will receive a card in the amount of $40,000.

Super Sport Cub SLSA Debuts Date April 24, 2009 CubCrafters has announced that its most powerful aircraft yet, the Super Sport Cub, is now available. The SLSA-certified (factory-built, ready to fly) Cub is a higher-power version of the company’s Sport Cub S2. The Super Sport uses a 180-hp, 340 cubic inch engine, which allows a 2100-fpm climb, the company says. The two-place taildragger can be outfitted with Tundra tires floats or skis for backcountry exploring.

Eggenfellner Announces 2-for-1 Pricing on Subaru Package at SNF Date April 24, 2009 Eggenfellner Aircraft has announced that it is offering 2-for-1 pricing on its 3.0L Subaru conversion engine package at this year’s Sun ’n Fun fly-in, in Lakeland, Florida (April 21 - 26). The offer is good only for this particular engine package and only at the show. The price of the engine is $29,995.

American Legend Aircraft Offers “Stimulus” Legend Cub Pricing Date April 24, 2009 American Legend Aircraft Company announced limited availability of its celebrated Legend Cub at the reduced price of $99,895. The Legend Cub is a certified Light Sport Aircraft. It will be available at the reduced price in a ready-to-fly configuration in quantities limited to the next five order positions. The Legend Cub is an advanced aircraft based on the popular original Piper J-3 Cub. “Cubs are recognized around the world and for good reason, not the…

Glasair Aviation Offers Limited-Time, 25% Discount on Two Weeks To Taxi Aircraft Date April 24, 2009 Glasair Aviation has announced that positions for six "Two Weeks To Taxi" Sportsman 2+2 aircraft are available at more than 25% off the normal price on a first come, first served basis.

AC Spruce Celebrates Grand Opening of Store in Canada with One-Day Sale Date April 24, 2009 Aircraft Spruce Canada will host an official Grand Opening on Saturday June 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 150 Aviation Avenue on Brantford Municipal Airport. Fly in or drive in for discounts and product demonstrations. Aircraft Spruce will provide free hot dogs and beverages throughout the day to the attendees.

Oregon Aero Announces Seat Cushion Upgrade Discount Date April 24, 2009 Oregon Aero is offering up to $500 off of its VK SmartCushion seat upgrade through May 31. The offer is $250 off of any single seat upgrade, and $500 off on any two single-seat VK SmartCushion upgrades. The company is also working with Aircraft Banking Centers of Locust Grove, Georgia, on financing and refinancing for these seat upgrades. The VK SmartCushion offers pain-free flying and meets all FAA specifications, Oregon Aero says.

Viperjet LXR Ready for Production Date April 24, 2009 Viper Aircraft has announced that its new take on the Viperjet MKII, which debuted at Oshkosh/AirVenture four years ago, is set to begin production. The Viperjet LXR is designed to meet the changing demands of private pilots, with a larger cockpit, lengthened fuselage and Pratt & Whitney JT15D-1A turbofan engine. It offers increased range with fewer emissions and lower fuel consumption, the company says.

Cargo Pod/Motorbike Combo Coming Soon for RV-10 Date April 24, 2009 MotoPOD has announced that it is starting production of cargo pods that allow pilots to carry a street-legal motorcycle or other items underneath light airplanes. The company says that after the plane has landed, it takes only up to 5 minutes to remove the motorcycle, unfold the handlebars and ride away.

Forward Vision Available in RotorWay Helis Date April 24, 2009 RotorWay International and Forward Vision Systems, Inc. have announced that RotorWay will make the Forward Vision EVS-100 system available on its line of Experimental/Amateur-Built helicopters. By adding this option, RotorWay reinforces its commitment to providing additional safety to builder/owners, the company says.

RotorWay Moving toward Certified Heli with Acquisition Date April 24, 2009 Arizona-based RotorWay International announced that it has acquired PMC Machining and Manufacturing of Phoenix, accelerating its plans to build an FAA-certified two-seat turbine helicopter. RotorWay says PMC’s 20 years of providing quality manufacturing for the aerospace industry and AS9100 Rev. B and ISO 9001:2000 certifications will enable the company to be uniquely positioned to build the two-seat turbine, and give it a leg up toward FAA certification.

Emag Air Announces Pre-Airshow Sale on P-Mag Ignitions Date April 24, 2009 Citing the new economic realities that may keep many builders from attending the big airshows this year, Emag Air has decided that in place of the usual show specials, it'll offer a "pre-show" special on the Model 114 P-Mag ignition system for four-cylinder Lycoming and Continental engines in Experimentals. The special is 30% off the normal $1185 P-Mag model.

Feel the Buzz: Electric Aircraft Symposium Starts April 24 Date April 24, 2009 The Third Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium will convene on Friday, April 24 at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California (11 miles south of San Francisco International Airport). Among other core topics is the Obama Administration’s potential role in the realization of the future of Green vehicles. Tech experts will also discuss topics such as electric propulsion, next-gen batteries of 10X power, super-efficient aerodynamics, automated flight paths, funding Green industry growth and global imperatives…

Wicks Introduces New Adel Clamp Tool Date April 24, 2009 C'mon...we all have stories to tell about needing a third or fourth hand to install a padded (Adel) clamp in our projects. Builders attempting to close a pair of clamps around a wire bundle and an engine mount tube have resorted to everything from forceps to duct tape, tender fingertips to colorful language. Wicks Aircraft now carries a clever tool for the job.

Sensenich Introduces New Rotax 912 Prop, Small Lycoming Version Coming Soon Date April 24, 2009 Sensenich Propeller announced a new composite three-blade, fixed-pitch, ground-adjustable propeller last month that uses an innovative pitch-setting "slug" said to greatly improve blade angle accuracy.

Kuntzleman LED Landing Lights Date April 24, 2009 Kuntzleman Electronics introduces the latest addition to its LSA and Experimental line of aircraft lights called LTR, which stands for landing-taxi-recognition. The LTR consists of nine bright LEDs, focused through special lenses, resulting in a white beam of light that has been measured at 2.5 times the brightness of a 55-watt halogen lamp and 1.5 times the brightness of an HID lamp at about the same current, the company says.

Sonex Introduces Sub-Kits Date April 24, 2009 PRESS RELEASE Sonex Aircraft, LLC has announced yet another option for building Sonex Aircraft: Sub-Kits for Sonex and Waiex airframe. These Sub-Kits are designed to give Sonex and Waiex builders more flexibility and options for constructing the already industry-leading Sonex Aircraft kit values.

Sherpa Utility Aircraft Flying Again With Big Horsepower Date April 24, 2009 The massive Sherpa homebuilt, which has seen more than its fair share of delays, is flying again behind a new K650 Honeywell turbine, last seen as the Garrett TPE331, producing 740 shaft horsepower. While Sherpa Aircraft has used both the Walter turboprop and the massive IO-720 Lycoming (making 400 hp), the new aircraft, upgraded from the Sherpa’s original five seats to eight, makes good use of the new power. It’s called the K 650 T.

Aircraft Spruce Acquires SkySports Date April 24, 2009 Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co., a leading supplier of Experimental and certificated aircraft parts since 1965, has acquired SkySports International. Located in Linden, Michigan, SkySports was founded in 1979 by Marshall MacFarlane. SkySports produces its own line of single and dual fuel systems and fuel probes, and also carries a complete line of products such as instruments, radios, GPS, strobes, Comtronics helmet/intercom systems, Winter instruments, and hardware for the ultralight market.

Van’s Offers RV-6 Kit Discount Date April 24, 2009 Van’s Aircraft has just announced that it has lowered the price of the RV-6/6A fuselage kits by $1000. The discount applies to both standard and quickbuild kits. This is a limited time offer, applied only to orders or deposits received by May 4. After that, the fuselage kits will revert to their pre-sale 2009 prices.

Garmin Introduces Light Sport/Experimental Panel-Mount MFDs Date April 24, 2009 For all those homebuilders working on ways to mount Garmin’s new GPSMAP 696 directly to the instrument panel, hold up. Garmin has beat you to it. Introduced at this year's Sebring Light Sport show are the GDU 370 and GDU 375, functional equivalents of the 696 but packed in a front-mount case intended to be positioned directly in the instrument panel.

Fisher Flying Reintroduces Two Aircraft Date April 24, 2009 Fisher Flying Products is bringing back into production two popular kits from its extensive product line, the Dakota Hawk and the FP-202 Koala.

RVs Top 6000 Flying Date April 24, 2009 Van's Aircraft announced that the 6000th RV has been completed and flown.

ECI Introduces Angle Valve Cylinders for Lycomings Date April 22, 2009 Pilots flying Experimental category airplanes powered by Lycoming 360/480/540 engines equipped with angle valve cylinders will soon have a second option when it’s time to replace their cylinders.

Marc and Paul's Sportsman Pre-Sun 'n Fun Video Blog (Part 5) Date April 18, 2009 The guys finally make it out of Winnemuca after two days of snow and ice and cross the Sierras back into the Golden State.

Marc and Paul's Sportsman Pre-Sun 'n Fun Video Blog (Part 4) Date April 17, 2009 Marc and Paul runnamucca in Winnemucca! That's in Nevada, by the way — and home of the friendliest FBO on the planet. Good thing, 'cuz the boys have been snowed in there for two days.

Marc and Paul's Sportsman Pre-Sun 'n Fun Video Blog (Part 3) Date April 17, 2009 "Do you realize how obsessive you are?" That's Paul's observation as the boys wing their way across Idaho and Nevada. Ya notice things when cooped up in the same cockpit for three days ...

Marc and Paul's Sportsman Pre-Sun 'n Fun Video Blog (Part 2) Date April 15, 2009 Marc Cook and Paul Bertorelli continue their Sportsman odyssey with a look at this unique aircraft.

Marc and Paul's Sportsman Pre-Sun 'n Fun Video Blog (Part 1) Date April 15, 2009 Gearing up for the Sun 'n Fun extravaganza in Lakeland, Kitplanes editor Marc Cook and AVweb editorial director Paul Bertorelli are motoring around the west in Cook's Glastar Sportsman visiting companies prior to the show.

Hang Gliders Departing Concourse C Date April 9, 2009 Double Glastar builder and hang glider innovator Chris Wills will have one of his early designs on display at the Santa Ana/John Wayne Airport in California through May 15. An example of the Wills Wing T2 will be hanging in the Thomas F. Riley terminal. According to the press information, “Orange County: Birthplace of Modern Hang Gliding” is the title of this exhibit featuring photography and video celebrating the graceful sport of hang gliding.

Lambada Powered Sailplane Date April 9, 2009 Dave Martin introduces you to the Lambada powered sailplane, following his test flight in one.

U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2009: LSA Engine Survey Date April 9, 2009 For an overview of the three top choices in the light sport segment, Marc Cook visits Rotax, Jabiru, and Continental on the grounds of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida.

Cessna 162 SkyCatcher Update Date April 9, 2009 Marc Cook talks with Neal Willford, Cessna Aircraft's project engineer on the 162 SkyCatcher. Neal was kind enough to share the inside scoop on the SkyCatcher's journey to market.

EFIS Advanced Deck Preview Date April 9, 2009 KITPLANES magazine interviews Advanced Flight Systems president, Robert Hickman, to learn about his company's latest EFIS, engine monitor and angle of attack systems available for experimental aircraft.

Video From Sebring: An LSA Engine Primer Date February 27, 2009 In the world of Special Light Sport Aircraft, three powerplant families dominate: Rotax's 912, Jabiru's 2200 and 3300, and Continental's evergreen O-200. KITPLANES editor in chief Marc Cook, unable to avoid the steely gaze of AvWeb's omnipresent video gear, offers a comparison of the three most popular LSA engine.

Garmin Introduces a Big-Screen Portable GPS Date January 30, 2009 Garmin International has announced the GPSMAP 695 and 696, a new series of portable aviation navigation units. The GPSMAP 696 includes the features of the popular GPSMAP 496 plus new capability including airways, electronic charts and expanded weather on a screen that is three times the size of the 496's. …

First Customer Texas Sport Cub Flies Date December 30, 2008 Builder Larry Markey's Texas Sport Cub becomes the first of the company's SLSA-based Experimental/Amateur-Built example to fly.

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