Sportaircraft News Mix
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ANN Special Feature: Oscar Garcia, Interflight Consulting - 12.02. ...
ANN's Paul Plack talks with Oscar Garcia of Interflight Consulting about the growth of business aviation, and very-light jets in particular, in Latin America and the Middle East.
FMI: www.interflightconsulting.com
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Special Feature: John Cudahy, President, ICAS - 11.26.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
ANN Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell looks back at the the issues which faced air shows during the 2008 season, and looks ahead to 2009 and beyond, with John Cudahy, President of the International Council of Air Shows.
FMI: www.icashq.org
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Special Feature: James Coyne, President, NATA - 11.25.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
ANN Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell gets impressions on the challenges facing aviation from James Coyne, who has the unique qualifications of being both a former congressman, and current president of the National Air Transportation Association.
FMI: www.nata.aero
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Special Feature: CFII Bob Miller, Transition Training - 12.01. ...
ANN's Paul Plack talks with CFII Bob Miller of Over The Airwaves about a recent accident in which the pilot may have received inadequate instruction when transitioning from his Piper Archer into a Cirrus SR-22.
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 12.02.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
Airline delays got ugly over Thanksgiving.
Responders may now be underusing Maryland's medevac helicopters.
And a tale of two NIMBY battles.
ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 12.01.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
Endeavour makes a successful landing in California.
US experts will help the French investigate a crash in the Mediterannean.
And OPD disputes a CYA by the TSA.
ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 11.28.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
An Air New Zealand A320 mysteriously plunges into the Mediterranean Sea.
Eclipse Aviation tells customers and depositors they're now "unsecured creditors."
And NASCAR sues Cessna over the crash of a C310.
ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 11.26.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
It's official - Eclipse is in Chapter 11.
Diamond responds to ExxonMobil's Jet-A tantrum.
And AAI gets creative in finding work for its senior engineers.
ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 11.25.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
The FAA turns loose ADS-B for nationwide deployment.
Norway's Prime Minister wants the Joint Strike Fighter.
And Osprey production is halted over possible vandalism.
ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 11.24.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
EASA certificates the Eclipse 500...with with a catch.
The FAA investigates Maryland medevacs.
And...why is that TwinStar landing at a truckstop?
ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 12.02.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
Airline delays got ugly over Thanksgiving.
Responders may now be underusing Maryland's medevac helicopters.
And a tale of two NIMBY battles.
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 12.01.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
Endeavour makes a successful landing in California.
US experts will help the French investigate a crash in the Mediterannean.
And OPD disputes a CYA by the TSA.
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 11.26.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
It's official - Eclipse is in Chapter 11.
Diamond responds to ExxonMobil's Jet-A tantrum.
And AAI gets creative in finding work for its senior engineers.
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 11.25.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
The FAA turns loose ADS-B for nationwide deployment.
Norway's Prime Minister wants the Joint Strike Fighter.
And Osprey production is halted over possible vandalism.
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 11.24.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)
EASA certificates the Eclipse 500...with with a catch.
The FAA investigates Maryland medevacs.
And...why is that TwinStar landing at a truckstop?
Sponsored By...
www.garmin.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com
Wheels Up Landing At Pensacola (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Click for more photosFor an aviation photo buff, there's nothing like being in the right place at the right time and having the presence of mind to start shooting. Tom Callahan, of Pensacola, Fla., was shooting photos of the Blue Angels Homecoming practice day a couple of weeks ago when he noticed an FJ-4B Sea Fury on final approach without something important. Callahan said the owner and pilot of the beautiful Navy version of the F-86 Sabre forgot to lower the gear. The aircraft is repairable and work began the next day.
Short Final (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Overheard in IFR Magazine's "On the Air"Overheard on a busy Friday afternoon with Seattle Center/Approach:Center (handing off to Approach):"Cross JAXON at 8,000 and reduce speed to 250."Airliner 123 (checking in):"Approach, will we have to slow to 250 knots at JAXON?"Center:"Airliner 123, I wish I could say no, but approach insists that they need it for spacing."Airliner 123:"How's the ride at 8,000 feet?"Center:"No complaints so far, except for controller ability."Dave Chuljianvia e-mail
Revisiting The One-Wing Landing Video, Just For Pilots (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
While the very popular YouTube video of an aerobatic aircraft seemingly landing safely after losing its right wing appeared sufficiently unrealistic to most pilots, it's impressive editing (and poor resolution) did lend it some credibility and enough to lead us to create a video critique; but we did leave out one key point. AVweb has previously explained that the video is a promotional piece for a clothing manufacturer, but in catering to that broader audience, there is one more technical piece of information we left out of our video critique. It's a bit more complicated than mismatched paint schemes, but is truly the nail in the coffin for the video ... and for any real pilot flying an airplane like the one depicted. And so, here's the test. Have another look and pay close attention to the still frames -- particularly the one that frames the aircraft's nose as it rolls out after landing. Take a good look at that wing, or rather where that wing used to be, and see if you can remember how an aircraft's wing is constructed. There's something important missing from that wing root. Important enough that you'd not fly an airplane without it, and if you did, you'd be right to expect results similar to those in the video. We'll give you a hint: It's nothing to fight about.
Question of the Week: The Future of Eclipse, Post-Bankruptcy (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Everyone's talking about it; we've blogged about it — now we want to hear what you think of Eclipse filing for Chapter 11. What should happen to Eclipse? Plus: What are AVweb readers looking for in a new FAA Administrator?
Picture of the Week: AVweb's Flying Photography Showcase (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Happy Thanksgiving, to those of you reading AVweb in the United States! Here at "POTW" world headquarters, we have plenty to be thankful for — including the steady flow of reader contributions that arrive in our inbox each week. Semi-regular contributor Don Parsons of St. Peters, Missouri tops this week's list with a photo we can't get out of our head. (What a clever composition!)
On the Fly ... (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
FAA will build an Aviation Research and Technology Park in Atlantic City, N.J.... A homeowner allegedly attacked the operator of an RC airplane, after the airplane flew over the man's house... Tattoos in Flight blog features an online gallery of aviation-themed works of tattoo artists...The pilot of a Piper Navajo who ran into icing chose to land on a frozen lake.
New Paint Probed In A320 Crash (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
The Airbus A320 that crashed in the Mediterranean last Thursday had just been painted in Air New Zealand livery and The Australian says investigators are probing whether the fresh paint led to the crash. Although only two bodies have been recovered, it's assumed all seven people aboard the four-year-old aircraft died in the crash. The plane had recently been rented to a German airline and was in the process of being returned to Air New Zealand. The cockpit voice recorder has been recovered but the flight data recorder, which will likely provide more insight to the paint-clogged sensor theory, has not.
NASCAR Sues Cessna (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
The fatal crash of a Cessna 310R into a Sanford, Fla., neighborhood on July 10, 2007, has spawned a lawsuit prior to release of the NTSB's final report on the crash. Michael Klemm, a NASCAR pilot, and Bruce Kennedy were killed when the aircraft attempted an emergency landing, clipped a tree and crashed into two houses, in which three more people died as a result of the crash. NASCAR has already paid at least $1 million to Klemm's family and is seeking reimbursement for its payments to family members of those killed on the ground. Early investigations by the NTSB cited an aircraft mechanic's testimony that Klemm was aware of squawks with the aircraft, though the extent of his understanding of the reported problem is unknown. Aircraft records found at the accident site record a notation written by the pilot of the previous day's flight, which described a "smell of electrical components burning." According to the NTSB, there is no evidence that action was taken to address the issue. There were no witnesses found by the NTSB who could recall seeing either Klemm or Kennedy (who held a commercial pilot certificate) reviewing the aircraft's discrepancy log prior to the flight. NASCAR believes the accident was caused by faulty wiring installed by Cessna when the aircraft was built, back in 1977. Its attorneys allege that "the incident was entirely due to the negligence or fault" of Cessna and "not the negligence or fault" of NASCAR, according to Daytona Beach's News-Journal Online. Cessna's lawyers were not available for comment.
NASA Conducts Pilot Cognition Studies (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
NASA is conducting a study using sophisticated imaging technology to track how blood flows in the brains of airline pilots as they interact with the sophisticated electronic gear that clutters today's cockpits. "What we hope to achieve by this study is a way to sensitively -- and, ultimately, unobtrusively -- determine when pilots become mentally overloaded," said Angela Harrivel, a NASA biomedical engineer who is leading the research project. "No matter how much training pilots have, conditions could occur when too much is going on in the cockpit." Her project aims to determine the best methods for monitoring brain activity, as part of a study designed to help airplane pilots recognize when they are operating under dangerous levels of stress, fatigue and distraction. The study employs functional near-infrared spectroscopy, also know as fNIRS, to measure blood flow in the brain's cortex and the concentration of oxygen in the blood as the test subjects work in a full-motion flight simulator. This emerging technology offers a non-invasive, safe, portable and inexpensive method for monitoring indicators of neural activity, according to NASA.
Liberty Joins Incentive Rush (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
As the year end approaches, aircraft manufacturers keep rolling out incentives and reminding prospective owners that the bonus tax depreciation applying to light aircraft will end on Dec. 31. To sweeten the pot, Liberty Aerospace is offering free fuel, free scheduled maintenance (125 hours worth for both) and free insurance for those who buy a Liberty two-place before the end of the year. It's also offering five hours of free training and matching deposits made on competing aircraft (up to $5,000) for those who pick a Liberty instead. LSA manufacturers continue to offer incentives, as well, the latest being the manufacturers of Sport Hornet LRS.
Jet Pack Flyer Crosses Colorado Canyon (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
With no parachute and no safety net, Eric Scott flew under jet-pack power across the 1,053-foot-deep Royal Gorge, in Colorado, on Monday. The 24-second flight carried him safely across the 1,500-foot-wide gorge to a gentle stand-up landing. Scott, 45, had previously flown the JetPack International system but never for more than a few hundred yards. "I had no idea how fast I could get here, and I just found out," Scott said after landing. "The winds were blowing out there. I tell you, concrete never felt so good." He has been piloting various forms of jetpacks for 16 years. The Jet-Pack device weighs about 135 pounds and carries about 33 seconds worth of hydrogen-peroxide fuel. The company developed it to be used for stunts and promotional events. Click here to see a video of the flight, from The Denver Post.
Got a Moment? Make Your Voice Heard with Aviation Consumer's Maintenance Survey (AVwebFlash ...
Our sister magazine, Aviation Consumer, wants your opinion on aircraft maintenance. If you'd like to participate, click here to complete a short, confidential survey.(The results will be used in an upcoming Aviation Consumer article on managing your maintenance. For subscription information, click here.)
Google Adds Military Trainer To Fleet (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Google has upped the ante to keep its corporate aircraft at the spacious and convenient Moffett Field thanks to some snags in the way such aircraft are certified. In September of 2007, NASA, which operates Moffett Field, just north of San Jose, Calif., admitted it had entered an agreement with Google to rent hangar space and allow the comings and goings of Google's Boeing 767, Boeing 757 and two Gulfstreams in exchange for placing scientific gear on the planes. That satisfied NASA's requirement that all Moffett traffic be NASA-related and it gave Google a convenient base for the aircraft, a five-minute drive from their Mountain View headquarters. But according to the New York Times, the problem with that deal is that adding electronics or just about anything else to the aircraft isn't allowed under FAA certification rules if Google still wants to use them for carrying people. So, Google bought a used military trainer, a Dornier Alphajet that will be registered as an experimental aircraft so NASA can modify it at will.
FBO of the Week: John H. Batten International Airport (KRAC, Racine, WI) (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDERCURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $4.58 (down 13¢ from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $4.59 (down 12¢ from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to the FBO at John H. Batten International Airport (KRAC) in Racine, Wisconsin.We've heard quite a few nice things about Batten Airport recently, but one of the earliest comments came from AVweb reader A. M. Radel, who wrote:The fantastic service that I experienced at KRAC should be used as a benchmark for every FBO across the U.S. The professionalism and low fuel prices made me a believer that there is still pride and personal care in aviation companies. Don't be foolish and overlook this FBO if [you are] able [to visit them]!Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!
FAA Flies To Antarctica On Its Own (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
It's springtime in Antarctica, and for the hundreds of researchers and support staff stationed there, it's the time when annual re-supply flights arrive, bringing much of the food, clothing, and scientific supplies that are critical for operations. But before those flights can begin, an FAA Aviation Systems Standards team must go in and certify the navaids that help pilots land their aircraft on the icy airfields at the National Science Foundation's McMurdo Station — America's primary Antarctic research center — and other South Pole outposts. In the past, those crews have hitched a ride on military C-130 transport planes. This year, however, the agency made history by flying a fully equipped FAA Challenger 601 to the South Pole, and conducting the entire flight inspection on its own. "The cost of a C-130 is way more than one of the FAA jets," said mission pilot Bill Geiser. "Secondly, whenever we used a C-130, it takes an airplane away from doing its primary mission of supplying the South Pole."
FAA Accelerates NextGen Implementation (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
FAA Acting Administrator Robert Sturgell said this week the agency will move forward rapidly to implement nationwide deployment of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system. ADS-B, which will replace radar-based services with data disseminated via satellite, will reduce the risk of midair collisions and weather-related accidents, provide more efficient routes in adverse weather, and improve situational awareness for pilots, the agency said in a news release on Monday. "ADS-B is the backbone of the future of air traffic control," Sturgell said. "NextGen is real and, as of today, NextGen is now. President Bush just last week stated that modernizing our aviation system is an urgent challenge, and today's announcement demonstrates that the Department of Transportation and the FAA are taking concrete steps to do just that." The ADS-B system is now being installed in Florida. By 2013, it will be deployed nationwide, with 794 ground stations, the FAA said. ADS-B will provide services everywhere there is radar coverage today, and will also cover areas that currently lack radar service, including the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska.
Exclusive Video: Honest, That One-Winged Landing Video Really Is a Hoax (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
On Oct. 29, Ric Lee sent us an amazing, actually unbelievable, video of an aerobatic airplane losing a wing in flight and landing successfully. We were initially amazed, then became skeptical, and finally, in our AVweb Insider blog, explained some of the reasons this dramatic video could be nothing more than an (ultimately very successful) attempt to create a viral video that flashes the name of a skateboarder clothing line in front of millions of viewers. Trouble is, people by the dozens keep sending us the video and urging us to present it on our site. Our video editor, Glenn Pew, spent some time illuminating the glaring shortcomings of this admittedly clever hoax and put them together in a single video. We should have thought of this a month ago ... . (Click through to watch.)
Exclusive Video: CrownAir's "New" Cessna 210 Centurions (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
CrownAir makes Cessna 210 Centurions new again. The company modernizes the old aircraft, upgrading its oxygen system, its avionics, its internal airflow and more. AVweb's Glenn Pew has the details. (Click through to watch.)
Eclipse Files For Bankruptcy Protection (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Eclipse Aviation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today and it appears ETIRC, the company controlled by current CEO Roel Pieper, is moving to consolidate its hold on the troubled planemaker. According to a news release from Eclipse, the company is "seeking court approval for debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing and procedures for the sale of substantially all of its assets under Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code." At the same time, it announced it has a buyer for the assets, described as "an affiliate of ETIRC Aviation S.a.r.l., Luxembourg" and that the deal is subject to "higher offers." According to court documents filed by Eclipse in support of the petition, the company owes investors about $577 million and has racked up about $135 million in debt to vendors and suppliers. "In the face of unprecedented economic challenges, it is clear that the sale of the Eclipse business through the Chapter 11 process is the right course of action to maximize the value of the business, secure its future and protect the best interests of Eclipse's stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, employees and creditors," Pieper is quoted as saying in a release. "The successful sale will position the business for aggressive global expansion, allowing the company to fulfill its promise and solidify its position as the world's leading manufacturer of VLJs." And to address the current cash crunch, Pieper has cut a deal with existing shareholders and lenders to keep the company alive in the interim. The company is asking the Delaware court, where the petition was filed, to approve the interim financing package quickly so Eclipse can honor its commitments. Once approved, this financing along with other relief requested from the Court, will position Eclipse to pay wages and salaries, honor employee benefits, service customer aircraft and continue manufacturing operations throughout the sale period. The company also announced that Peg Billson, president and manager of the company, has resigned "to pursue other career opportunities."
Diamond Says Keep Using Jet Fuel In Diesels (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Diamond Aircraft is advising its customers to continue fueling their diesel-powered aircraft with jet fuel in spite of a recommendation from ExxonMobil to dealers to stop selling jet fuel to diesel aircraft owners. Diamond CEO Peter Maurer told AVweb he's unaware of any service issues that might have led the oil giant to issue the letter sent to dealers last week. "It looks like they've come up with a solution to a problem that isn't there," Maurer said. He said he's in the process of arranging a conference call with ExxonMobil officials to discuss the decision, which he said caught his company by surprise. "We're frankly a little perplexed," he said. Diamond is also sending a letter to customers outlining the company's position. In the letter to fuel dealers, Martin Tippl, ExxonMobil's U.S. General Aviation Operations Manager, says the company has determined that jet fuel may not meet the technical requirements for safe operation in piston engines and the company "does not support or endorse the supply of jet fuel to aircraft powered by diesel engines." The letter is posted on the Thielert Owners Group Web site. Dealers are asked to sign an agreement not to pump jet fuel into diesels. There is a provision for diesel owners who insist on fueling with jet fuel, however. There's a waiver they can sign indemnifying ExxonMobil from liability if something goes wrong. "We're recommending [diesel aircraft owners] sign the waiver and continue using jet fuel," Diamond's Maurer said.
Cirrus Furloughs Production Workers Until January (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
About 500 production employees at Cirrus Design will be furloughed for about a month each as the company cuts production to clear out built up inventory. Bill King, Cirrus's VP of Business Administration told AVweb in a telephone interview staff were told of the move on Tuesday. Only production employees are affected and not all them will be off at the same time. Those at the beginning of the build cycle will be off first and will return first on Jan. 5. As the airplanes on the floor progress through completion, those farther down the line will be furloughed as they complete their part of the process. Last to be furloughed will be the painters. Each worker will be off for about 30 days. "We don't want to add to the bad economic news but we just think this is the prudent thing to do so we can hit 2009 hard," he said. King said the company is retaining all the workers and will be topping up their unemployment insurance and paying medical and other benefits during the shutdown. King said the company is strong and its financial backers, Arcapita, are solidly behind Cirrus. "We're very well positioned and the truth is that if we weren't well positioned we wouldn't be able to pay these benefits," he said.
China Halts Aircraft Orders Due To Overcapacity (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
The booming aviation market in China -- expected by some manufacturers to support nearly 15 percent of worldwide demand for mid-sized commuter and airline jets over the next two decades -- has gone bust, at least for now, upon news that the Civil Aviation Authority of China has halted all future aircraft orders until overcapacity within the country can be resolved. That condition means that manufacturers like Bombardier, which had expected significant Chinese orders for its CSeries aircraft, can only count on existing orders to be honored as forecasts for future orders fall into question. Running a reported $758 million loss and stuck with reduced demand (passenger numbers dropped more than 6% year over year for the month of October), huge losses on fuel hedges and expensive mergers, the Chinese government has sunk about $541 million into just one of its airlines. The government is planning bailouts for other Chinese airlines, according to the Financial Post. The situation is a huge turnaround from predictions that called for rapid expansion of air travel and has now left the Chinese fleets overpopulated in a depressed economy. The Chinese government is reportedly considering lowering fuel prices for its state-owned carriers and cutting taxes imposed on the airlines until demand catches up with seat availability.
Boeing Floats Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft Idea (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Boeing in August filed a patent that states the company believes an unmanned liquid hydrogen powered aircraft might be designed to fly for up to 10 days at 60,000 feet carrying loads of up to 2,000 pounds. Liquid hydrogen's physical properties would help both dictate and optimize the aircraft's design. To create the same energy, liquid hydrogen must occupy more than four times the volume of jet fuel, while, at the same time, it takes about 2.9 times more jet fuel (by weight) to produce the same energy. That being the case, Boeing's proposed design would use a higher volume fuselage for fuel storage and highly efficient, very high-aspect ratio low-camber wings not aerodynamically compromised by internal fuel-carrying requirements. The wings particularly could be optimized for load carrying and high-altitude, long-endurance performance. To make power, the aircraft would "use one or more internal combustion engines adapted for hydrogen combustion" to drive propellers, not jet engines. The resultant aircraft, according to Boeing, would be useful for loitering on station as an airborne observation platform or flying cell tower. It would theoretically be more capable than an airship in negotiating winds and could increase its endurance toward 30 days if operated near sea level.
BRS Lays Off A Quarter Of Staff (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Ballistic Recovery Systems, which supplies the all-aircraft parachutes used by many manufacturers of general aviation and sport aircraft, said late last week that "in light of recent cutbacks from two of its major customers," about 25 percent of its workforce has been laid off. Most of the staff cuts were made at the BRS headquarters in South St. Paul, Minn. The company said the layoff may last several weeks to several months, depending on when its customers see their own sales improve. "The ups and downs of the marketplace, especially with this most recent and current economic downturn, require us to make difficult choices with regard to the labor component of our business," said BRS CEO and President, Larry Williams, in a news release. "The general aviation and sport aviation markets have taken a substantial nosedive recently (off 18 percent this year) with a potential further erosion of sales through at least the 1st half of 2009." Williams noted that BRS has other customers from outside of aviation to keep the company going, but nonetheless, "our core business lines are taking a substantial hit and we need to react proactively to this reality," he said. Cirrus Design and Flight Design are BRS's major aviation customers, according to AOPA.
Aerocar Serial Number 2 On eBay (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
The Moulton B. Taylor Aerocar registered N103D and built in 1956 has become available through auction on eBay. The seller claims it is a Model One and carries the manufacturer serial number of "2." The Aerocar is an FAA-registered aircraft that can cruise at 100 mph for about 300 miles in the air. When operated without its removable wings and tail, it becomes a roadable vehicle capable of legal highway driving while towing its aerodynamic appendages. This particular one comes complete with 1,103 hours of flight time and 303.3 hours of road time. The vehicle is powered by a 160-hp Lycoming 0-0340B1A that's seen 22 hours since its last major overhaul. Those interested in flying it should know that the vehicle had its last annual inspection in 1976. Those interested in purchasing it should know that the listed "buy it now price" is $3.5 million. Merry Christmas. For reference, at the time we posted this story, the same seller was offering a 1973 Boeing 727-200 for just under $3 million. The Aerocar auction ends Dec. 16, and all potential buyers must be approved by the seller before they're allowed to bid. Or you can bypass the whole bidding war and contact the seller directly through the Web site, here.
AVweb Insider Blog: Should Pieper Retain Eclipse? (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
As Eclipse Aviation's biggest investor, CEO Roel Pieper has the most to lose in the company's collapse. Does that mean he's the right person to try and save it? AVweb's Russ Niles still has high hopes for Eclipse's future, but in the latest installment of the AVweb Insider blog, he tries to wrap his head around the restructuring plan.
ASF Offers Online Course On Weather (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
Pilots who have some extra time over the holiday weekend might want to spend 45 minutes to improve their understanding of the weather and enhance their safety. The latest free course in the online Weather Wise series offered by AOPA's Air Safety Foundation addresses icing and precipitation, two of the worst weather-related dangers pilots face. "An alarming number of pilots become accident statistics because too many of them underestimate the dangers of precipitation and icing," said Bruce Landsberg, executive director of the ASF. "This course will remind them how to recognize the hazards... develop a strategy for avoidance, and react appropriately if and when they encounter unexpected conditions." You must create an account to log on and take the course, but it's free and available to all pilots, not just AOPA members. Those who pass the quiz at the end can qualify for the FAA Wings proficiency program.
AOPA's Fuller Meets With Obama Transition Team (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
With a new administration preparing to take over in Washington next January, AOPA's incoming president, Craig Fuller, met with members of the Department of Transportation transition team on Monday to press the case for GA. Fuller, along with AOPA Executive Vice President of Government Affairs Andy Cebula, met with Mortimer Downey, head of the DOT transition team; Duane Woerth, former president of the Air Line Pilots Association (and touted as the next FAA administrator); and Jane Garvey, former FAA administrator (and maybe the next Secretary of Transportation). Fuller told the team that priorities for general aviation pilots include quickly naming a well-qualified FAA administrator; investing in aviation infrastructure; addressing proposed regulations that target aviation gasoline, emissions, and noise; modernizing the Air Traffic Control system without placing undue burdens on GA aircraft owners; and ensuring that aviation taxes (not user fees) pay for the FAA.
A320 Crash In Mediterranean (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
An Airbus A320 crashed into the sea off southwest France, Thursday, at about 1600 GMT, killing at least two, according to the first reports, and leaving five of the seven aboard so far unaccounted for and presumed dead. The jet "made an attempt to climb but fell back down again immediately," one witness told local paper L'Independant. "I saw an enormous splash of water, then, a few seconds later, I heard the noise. It was terrifying." Those aboard were all technical personnel or airline crew. It is believed four are Air New Zealand personnel and one is a Civil Aviation Authority representative. The aircraft's wreckage was found about 3.5 nautical off the coast east of the French city of Perpignan, on the Mediterranean, where the jet was serviced. It was being flown following maintenance and prior to its return to Air New Zealand, which had leased the airliner to German charter airline XL Airways. The accident is being investigated by the French civil aviation authority as at least one search and rescue aircraft, two helicopters, and five ships are searching the seas around the crash site. A spokesman for the maritime department at Toulon told French newspaper Le Monde that "there are no survivors." Airbus had not provided comment at the time of this report.
A Rare Chance To Bid On A Tri-Motor (AVwebFlash Current Issue)
One lucky bidder on Jan. 17 will get to be the new owner of a completely restored 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor, after an auction to be held in Scottsdale, Ariz., during a car show, EAA said on Wednesday. It's not very often an airplane of this pedigree becomes available on the open market, according to EAA. The airplane, NC9612, is one of only six in the world that is known to be airworthy. It has flown many different missions in several different mission configurations, including a stint as a transport in Hawaii in the early 1940s, and was hit by bullets during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It was fully restored in 2005, with a reworked airframe and an all-new interior. The fuselage and wings were completely re-skinned. The landing gear is complete and original. A special buyer's preview and inspection is scheduled for Dec. 6 and 7 at Goldsboro-Wayne Municipal Airport in North Carolina. The airplane will not be on site at the January auction in Arizona.