News

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.

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.

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 has introduced FlashPass, a new software program that it says will make filing your eAPIS manifests for international flights a breeze.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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 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.