News

After the press conference today at Sun N Fun, Comp Air president Ron Lueck told journalists that a gentleman with a distinct Swiss accent had looked at the Comp Air 12 at the company's outdoor display and said, simply, You cant do that. It doesn't take much imagination to assume the man was thinking of the Pilatus PC-12 and the possible confusion with the massive composite from Merritt Island, Florida. Lueck chuckled at the…

Tuesday at Sun N Fun, Lycoming's Senior Vice President and General Manager, Ian Walsh, announced a continuation of the company's revitalization begun in 2004. Current projects for Experimentals include the Thunderbolt line, which is undergoing refinement and expansion of the options and a big push forward with the IO-580 powerplant. In addition, Walsh announced that Lycoming has received funding from parent company Textron ...

On February 5, the Reno Air Racing Association approved new rules for the kit-based Sport class to be implemented this September. The changes open a new top class, to be called Super Sport, that should bring greater speeds to this popular division. According to RARA, the new class "...expands the opportunities at the front of the …

On February 14, 2007, Vans Aircraft, Inc. received a nice Valentines Day present when they learned that the FIVE THOUSANDTH RV aircraft had taken to the sky. RV-8 builder Steve Fromhals, of San Antonio, Texas, submitted the 5000th first flight report. Later the same day, another report was received, bringing the total to 5001. …

Direct-To Avionics ceased operations as of late December, 2006, leaving potentially dozens of kitbuilders without equipment or immediate support for Experimental versions of the Chelton EFIS. Chelton sold Experimental versions of its EFIS systems exclusively through Direct-To. Despite repeated requests for comments from Direct-To, we have no more direct confirmation than what is posted on the company's web site: On December 22, 2006, Direct To Avionics was forced to close down its operation. We regret…

A free engine, perhaps, or an unlimited build fund from a wealthy member of the family? Keep dreaming. So heres something almost as good. The exceedingly popular and extraordinarily useful 11-part Build Your Skills: Metal Series is now available as a single PDF. This must-have addition to your library was written by RV-7 builder Dan Checkoway and carefully illustrated for first-time metal-workers and old hands alike. Most everything you need to now, from material handling…

Rarely does a column trigger as much discourse as did Tim Kerns Engine Beat report on the Hexadyne P60 (Four Strokes, Small Package, KITPLANES, October 2006). After that column appeared, we received reader feedback that made us suspect that all was not well in the world of the P60. …

American Legend Aircraft announced an incentives program for new Legend Cub customers to enhance their flying experience. New buyers of the Legend Cub will receive two Bose Aviation headsets, known for their quality construction and design, and valued at $1990. To take advantage of this offer, new customers must place an order for one of the most popular Legend configurations. The AL3 open-cowl model has a 100-horsepower Continental O-200 engine and composite prop, leather interior,…

Zenair is supplying the long-range tanks as standard equipment when ordering a complete 49% parts kit -- a savings of $900 USD. Please contact Tim Ward at Zenair for more information at 705/526-2871. Special offer valid until the end of October 2006. Shipping time is 6 to 8 weeks from 50% deposit.…

Build A Plane (BAP), the non-profit organization that helps kids learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics by building and refurbishing airplanes, is asking the aviation world for aircraft donations. BAP, in partnership with the FAA, places donated aircraft into high schools across the country that want to add aviation into their curriculum. It has 27 projects in the U.S., plus others in India, the United Kingdom and Nigeria. As a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, BAP…