OSHKOSH – The Kit Industry Association, or AKIA, formally organized during AirVenture, in response to the recent NTSB report on accidents involving homebuilt aircraft. During last week’s show, the members of the association agreed on a mission statement: “AKIA’s mission is to represent aircraft kit manufacturers, designers, suppliers and supporters with a unified voice in […]
Airshows & Fly-Ins
Making general aviation even safer
OSHKOSH — “What we see at Oshkosh is the foundation of what makes the U.S. great — passion, innovation and freedom,” FAA Acting Administrator Michael Huerta told an AirVenture crowd today. “But with freedom comes responsibility.” This was the first visit to AirVenture for Huerta, who grew up just down the street from historic Flabob […]
Getting more people into the air
OSHKOSH — The FAA’s medical certification staff has two main goals, Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton told a crowd today at AirVenture. The first is to make sure that the airspace is safe. “Safety is our first commitment,” he said. “Our next goal is the make sure we get everybody that we can into the […]
Continental plans line of diesel engines
OSHKOSH — With funding from its Chinese owner, Continental Motors is embarking on development of a line of diesel engines ranging from 160 hp to 350 hp. Continental President Rhett Ross reported at AirVenture said that the company plans to certify its first diesel engine this year, and have it on the production line by […]
Turbine-powered Zenith CH 701 at AirVenture
OSHKOSH — Showcased at the Zenith Aircraft exhibit at this week’s AirVenture is a scratch-built Zenith CH 701 that has a jet fuel starter from an A-7 Corsair hanging out front. I asked co-builder Scott Ehni, “Why?” “Well, I have an idea for a new airplane, and I wanted to get some building experience before I start […]
King Schools offer free private and instrument flight training syllabi
OSHKOSH — Today at AirVenture, John and Martha King announced the immediate availability of free King flight training syllabi for the Private Pilot Certificate and the Instrument Rating. The syllabi are targeted at independent flight instructors and their customers, and include guidance on incorporating the King Schools Knowledge Test Courses, Practical Test Courses and special […]
Women in Aviation partners with National Learning for Life
OSHKOSH — Today at AirVenture, Women in Aviation, International and Learning for Life joined forces to find common ground and complement each other’s resources to promote aviation careers among youth from kindergarten to high school. WAI President Dr. Peggy Chabrian and National Learning for Life Executive Director Dr. Diane Thornton signed a Memorandum of Understanding […]
‘Hero’s Total Eclipse’ unveiled
OSHKOSH — Today at AirVenture, Eclipse Aerospace unveiled the Eclipse jet it is donating to the Veteran’s Airlift Command (VAC). An anonymous patron, deeply touched by the compassionate and unparalleled selflessness of the volunteer aircraft owners and pilots who donate their aircraft and time to transport wounded troops and their families to facilities throughout the […]
The only thing that can save aviation is…
OSHKOSH — “The only thing that can save aviation is aviating,” stated OpenAirplane co-founder Rod Rakic at a Wednesday AeroInnovate forum at AirVenture. OpenAirplane is, very simply, a program to qualify a pilot to rent a plane from any in-network FBO in the country, without a local checkout. In 2011, general aviation flight hours totaled 26.3 million. Of that, 10.9 […]