Vicki Cruse, former U.S. Aerobatic Champion and competitor in this year’s World Aerobatic Championships at the venerable Silverstone race track in England, was killed when her Zivko Edge 540 “nosedived” into the ground, according to witnesses. According to the International Aerobatic Club’s team manager Norm DeWitt “Cruse was flying the early round ‘Q’ program when she lost control of her Zivko Edge 540 aircraft by what appeared to be a mechanical problem in flight. She was at an altitude that prevented her from bailing out of the aircraft.”In addition to her success in aerobatic competition and Reno racing circles, Cruse was a contributor to this magazine and formed Berkut Engineering in the early 1990s to help resurrect the Berkut canard kit aircraft.
In Case You Missed it
Aero ‘lectrics
Author Jim Weir explains his preparation for the installation of an energy-efficient power system for a hangar or building shed-all on a shoestring budget. He explains how to choose equipment, calculate power needs, the right light fixtures, power generation, equipment suppliers and prices, and the basic legality of such systems;
2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer’s Guide
Some 320 current designs are arrayed with photos and specifications to beat the band. Compiled by Cory Emberson.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
From simple to complex, there's an Experimental aircraft for almost everyone.