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First flight, last flight

August 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

This August 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.

Aircraft: RV-6A. Injuries: 1 Fatal. Location: Nampa, Idaho. Aircraft damage: Destroyed.

What reportedly happened: The pilot was performing a series of high-speed taxi test runs and planned to complete his first flight in the recently completed homebuilt later in the day. During the first test run, the nose wheel began to shimmy. [Read more...]

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Green with envy?

August 9, 2012 by 1 Comment

No matter where he goes, Tim Fox’s green Ercoupe draws a crowd

“The first time I saw it, I thought, ‘my God, that is green!’” says Tim Fox, of Fort Wayne, Ind., describing the first time he laid eyes on his Ercoupe. “Green” does not even come close to describing Fox’s 1946-C model. At last year’s AirVenture, the bright color drew people to the aircraft in the Vintage parking area and Fox stood by, proudly basking in the appreciation for his airplane.

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Political convention TFRs demand serious study

August 9, 2012 by 2 Comments

The FAA has issued first notices of flight restrictions for the two political conventions and flights to, from or through the areas — Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, N.C. — will be affected, with pilots needing to be alert not only for the announced early Temporary Flight Restrictions, but also for any last-minute changes or additions that may come about.

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Airplane shipments increase

August 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Airplane shipments increased 5.9% in the first six months of 2012 compared to 2011,  while the accompanying value of the airplane deliveries rose 13.2%, according to figures released today by  the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

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Burt Rutan launches new website

August 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Aviation icon Burt Rutan has launched a website, www.BurtRutan.com, which will include details of his career, awards, hobbies, and the development of many of his aircraft designs. Rutan will “continuously update the site with a ‘treasure trove of photographs’ and considerable autobiographical information,” according to a report at EAA.org

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Autonomous robotic plane flies — indoors

August 9, 2012 by 2 Comments

For decades, researchers have been working on control algorithms for autonomous helicopters — robotic helicopters that pilot themselves, rather than requiring remote human guidance. Dozens of research teams have competed in a series of autonomous-helicopter challenges posed by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI); progress has been so rapid that the last two challenges have involved indoor navigation without the use of GPS.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Robust Robotics Group — which fielded the team that won the last AUVSI contest — has set itself an even tougher challenge: Developing autonomous-control algorithms for the indoor flight of airplanes.

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Tips for pilots working abroad

August 9, 2012 by 1 Comment

With the global reach of aviation increasing, it has become common for pilots to fly in several different countries. And while it may seem fascinating, moving and working abroad is a serious decision in one’s life and career. What should pilots consider before accepting a job abroad? How should they act while working for a foreign company? How can they ensure the best possible conditions away from home?

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Norway flight school orders Skycatchers

August 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Cessna reports it sold three Skycatchers at AirVenture 2012 in Oshkosh. Executives with Pilot Academy of Sandefjord, Norway, noted that the effort to facilitate EASA certification by moving the Skycatcher into the primary category with the FAA played a large role in the decision.

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Aerospace leaders say workforce, regulations main concerns

August 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Representatives of 13 aerospace manufacturing companies that operate in Skagit County in Washington State recently met at the Port of Skagit to discuss how to promote a robust and dynamic local aerospace industry, now and into the future.

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Filed Under: Airports, News Tagged With: , ,

Sporty’s updates Flying the Aspen Evolution

August 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Sporty’s recently updated its “Flying the Aspen Evolution” program with the addition of Evolution Synthetic Vision (ESV) displayed on the PFD and MFD, which includes 3D terrain and obstacles, unusual attitude guidance, distance line and range markers, dynamic traffic display and the dynamic flight path marker.

“Now that thousands of general aviation pilots have upgraded their panels with Aspen, this video will help them use all the features and benefits Aspen offers,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke.

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