Flying high in the Islander

GAN Staff | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

By JIM OLTERSDORF, For General Aviation News

Located by the small village of Nikiski, Alaska, is a tiny dirt and gravel strip that you could easily miss if you were driving by. But flying over it is another story. A plethora of aircraft are tied down, including Super Cubs, Huskys, Cessna 180s, 206s, and a smattering of 185s — the usual planes found at any airport in Alaska. However, at this place there are a few more interesting (and expensive!) airplanes that catches one’s eye. Yes, there is a brand new turbine Otter, outfitted with the latest toys, but the one that sits apart from the rest is a machine that just doesn’t seem to belong: A multi-engine Britten-Norman Islander.

Owned by Rediske Air, this aircraft seems quite out of place as it sits among the usual Alaskan flying menu. Continue Reading »

Alphabet groups ask FAA to make it easier for sport pilots to pursue additional certificates

Janice Wood | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

Four of GA’s alphabet groups are calling on the FAA to change the rules and make it easier for Sport Pilots to pursue additional training and higher level pilot certificates. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), and National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) petitioned the FAA to amend the regulations so that flight hours accrued while earning a Sport Pilot certificate can count toward additional ratings and certificates.

Continue Reading »

Congressman proposes guaranteeing NextGen equipment

Charles Spence | Capital Comments | February 13, 2011

Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) issued a proposal Friday to have the U.S. government provide grants and loan guarantees to enable general aviation, airlines and other aviation participants to begin installing technology for NextGen (the next generation air traffic system).

Continue Reading »

Regional GA award winners named

Janice Wood | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

The National General Aviation Awards Committee has named this year’s regional General Aviation Awards winners, who are also finalists for the national awards.

Continue Reading »

New facility for DeltaHawk; certification of diesel engine expected this year

Janice Wood | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

DeltaHawk Engines Inc. has been cleared for landing in a new manufacturing plant in Racine, Wis., according to a report at JournalTimes.com, which notes the city and state have both offered financial help to the start-up company, which is developing a GA engine that burns diesel fuel. The city gave the company $1.2 million in low-interest loans, in exchange for creating at least 100 new jobs, while the state Department of Commerce will provide $720,000 in loans. DeltaHawk President Dennis Webb was quoted as saying the company expects FAA certification this year for the new engine, adding, “I can assure you that sales will not be a problem. We literally have people calling every day, wanting them.”

Details about new Learjet emerge

Janice Wood | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

It has been more than 10 years since a new Learjet platform was introduced to the general aviation market. The latest, the Learjet 85, is featured in February’s issue of Manufacturing Digital. Expected to be ready for the market in 2013, the mid-range business jet will be built primarily from carbon composites.

Continue Reading »

Most memorable records of 2010

Janice Wood | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

Each year, the National Aeronautic Association tracks dozens of world and national record attempts. New U.S. records are certified and those qualifying as world records are then ratified with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). At the end of each year, under the direction of the Contest and Records Department, a list of the “most memorable” is created. The Class of 2010 includes an 82-year-old homebuilder to a Reno racer:

• Arnold Ebneter set a distance record from Everett, Wash., to Fredericksburg, Va., a distance of 2,327 miles. Ebneter, 82 years old at the time of the record, personally designed and built the airplane he flew.
• An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle remotely piloted by Christopher Kelleher and the Qinetiq HALE team set an absolute record for duration of 14 days, 22 minutes.
• John Parker flies a 3/4 scale P-51 Mustang known as a Thunder Mustang. In June 2010 he flew it over a 100-kilometer closed course at 364 mph, smashing the 35-year-old speed record of 282 mph.
• James Dexter piloted a new technology Zeppelin airship 441 miles non-stop along the scenic California coast, setting a new gas airship distance record.
• During the U.S. Air Force’s celebration of the 25th anniversary of the B-1 Bomber, four USAF pilots set a new time to climb record, besting the 1993 record by more than 9 minutes; quite a feat with 5,000 kilograms of payload on board.
• 41 women skydivers beat the previous record of 20 women skydivers in a head-down formation over Eloy, Ariz., in November.
• Douglas Cairns spent 5 days, 15 hours and 16 minutes in his Beechcraft Baron 58 visiting all 50 states and District of Columbia, beating the previous record by more than 8 days.

For more information: NAA.aero

Sun ‘n Fun unveils evening programs

Janice Wood | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

This year’s line-up of evening programs at Sun ‘n Fun ranges from a panel of Navy pilots commemorating the 100th anniversary of Naval Aviation and one of the most recognized names in general aviation for more than a half century  — Paul Poberezny — to a look into the future of aviation by the world’s most acclaimed futurist. This year’s fly-in takes place March 29–April 3 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fla.

Continue Reading »

World’s smallest transponder takes off

Janice Wood | General Aviation News | February 13, 2011

It’s the size of a business card. Weighing less than a cell phone, it’s the world’s smallest aviation transponder — and it’s on board Kansas State University’s unmanned aircraft vehicle.

The XPS-TR transponder was developed by Sagetech Corp., Hood River, Ore., and has shattered size records with a footprint smaller than that of a standard business card. K-State’s unmanned aircraft program is the first to use the transponder, Continue Reading »

Burnum joins Business Jet Access

Janice Wood | Products | February 13, 2011

Business Jet Access at Love Field (DAL) in Dallas has named John Burnum, Jr. as Director of Business Development, responsible for growing the company’s maintenance capabilities.

Continue Reading »