Even those who are not Apple fans agree the trend-setting California company’s focus on design beauty draws attention to its products. From its position near the back of the pack a dozen years ago, Apple has become the most valuable tech company in the world. Could this be due to its highly-refined sense of esthetics? More to the point of aviation enthusiasts, is artful design an ingredient in pleasing customers?
Microsoft recently announced the return of Flight Simulator, once one of the best-selling games on computers. Well, in truth, it’s no longer called Flight Simulator, rather simply “Flight.”
In 2009 Microsoft abruptly dropped Flight Sim, leaving only the techy X-Plane for digital joystick jockeys. It’s way above my pay grade to understand why the Microsoft billionaires dropped a good seller but, who cares? It’s back with one Great Big Surprise: The iconic Icon A5 LSA seaplane is the default aircraft and shows even titanic Microsoft sees where the action is in aviation. The other two aircraft coming with Flight are an RV-6 and a Boeing Stearman, a significant change from the Cessna 172 or bizjet of Flight Sim.
Tecnam already released news about its new Sea-Sky Hydroplane option of straight or four-wheel composite amphibious floats for the Echo Classic or Eaglet models. For the Echo, also known as the P92 (referencing 1992), this represents the sixth generation of that model. The in-house-designed Sea-Sky Hydroplanes (pictured) should be present for Sun ’n Fun, according to importer Tecnam North America.
As late-night TV ads shout, “But there’s more…!” Tecnam also introduced its brand-new taildragger version of the venerable Echo, done in what Phil Solomon calls a “retro style,” with a wood panel and other touches. Continue Reading »
The eighth running of the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, just finished and a resounding success it was on nearly all counts. Smiles were broad from most attending or exhibiting at Sebring 2012. The weather was the best ever with temperatures hitting 80° and every day sunny and pleasant.
We can look at several ways to measure the action at Sebring:
The eighth running of Sebring just finished and a resounding success it was on nearly all counts. A few dour faces noted exhibitors were off a rather modest 5% (according to officials) but in every other category, smiles were broad from most attending or exhibiting at Sebring 2012. Read my full run-down of the show here.
In the year following Piper’s departure from the LSA market, you may have expected a big slow-down for importer U.S. Sport Aircraft (USSA). Many believed the removal of the Piper brand would cause a loss of loyalty and that sales would flat line. Those people may have forgotten how well the SportCruiser did before Piper got involved.
Life is good if you like LSA seaplanes. Here’s a quick look at five that are either on the market or in development.
Today SeaRey reigns as far and away the most successful and proven design, with nearly 600 flying. Continue Reading »
“I’m of mixed feelings over this,” express many LSA industry participants who have caused my phone to ring regularly since late September. That’s when EAA and AOPA came together to address requests from some members for a driver’s license “medical,” which would allow aviators with certificates beyond Sport Pilot to fly GA aircraft with clearly defined limitations without the need for an FAA medical.
Happy New Year! Everyone in aviation from hang gliders to jets is hoping for a year of improvement in 2012. Certainly it’s been a tough four years since 2008’s tumble.
Many see hope and promise in the arrival of a new year and that mood is powerfully amplified by the Sebring LSA Expo in January. Starting its eighth run with new management, the Florida event, slated for Jan. 19-22, is a welcome respite. More than 10,000 attendees will flock to the Sunshine State to catch the action in the newest, most dynamic slice of the aviation pie.
While AirVenture, Sun ‘n Fun, and Germany’s Aero may have more LSA professionals in attendance, the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) Dinner at the Sebring U.S. Sport Aviation Expo is big.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Throughout 2011, the National Transportation Safety Board conducted a study of Experimental Amateur-Built (E-AB) aircraft to evaluate the s...
Microsoft recently announced the return of Flight Simulator, once one of the best-selling games on computers. Well, in truth, it's no longer called Flight Simul...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pilot’s Bill of Rights is moving along through Congress after Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) recently introduced a companion bill to one int...
This is the first post of our new GA Security Blog, written by Dave Hook, an expert on general aviation security: With the Barefoot Bandit now doing hard tim...
WASHINGTON, D.C. — General aviation is a vital part of our economy and national infrastructure, and we are concerned about the repercussions of your statement...
