Affordable Aviation

Somebody at the L.A. Times has got a sweet tooth for the flying car, specifically the Terrafugia Transition SLSA-legal “roadable” airplane. No less than six feature articles about flying cars have appeared in the prestigious newspaper’s online edition in the last month alone, in departments as diverse as Business, U.S., Nation Now, Tech Now and […]

Aero 2012 is one of those shows that has interesting aircraft in more nooks and crannies than even a crack reporter like Dave Unwin can find. Thanks to Tom Peghiny (of Flightstar eSpyder, and Flight Design USA fame), we have more from the German show. —DJ |||| At Apple press events, the late Steve Jobs […]

Aero 2012 is history and here’s the wrap up view from our roving reporter. —DJ |||| Despite the precarious state of the global economy and contrary to the expectations of many industry observers, I judge 2012 Aero was a success. Held in the picturesque town of Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee) in […]

Aero 2012 concluded and we present a final round of aircraft news to be followed by a wrap up view. All photos by Dave Unwin —DJ |||| LSA SUPPLIERS & ENGINES Garmin had a pretty big presence at the show. I spoke to Matt Harran who told me that the newest items Garmin had at […]

We begin coverage of the Aero 2012 event, brought to you each day that Dave’s Internet connection permits. All photos by Dave Unwin —DJ |||| Celebrating its 20th Anniversary, Friedrichshafen Germany’s Aero show has grown in both size and popularity. Indeed, many feel it is easily the largest and most important general aviation show outside […]

As Aero 2012 moves toward a conclusion our wandering reporter updates you on several more attractive aircraft. All photos by Dave Unwin —DJ |||| Having already decided that the Cicare Spirit was pretty minimalist as far as helicopters go, you may imagine my surprise when I saw an even more minimalist machine! This was the […]

Dave Unwin continues daily coverage of the Aero event… wandering through the gymnasium-sized exhibit halls of Aero. All photos by Dave Unwin —DJ |||| As I made my way through the cavernous exhibition halls I was amazed as always at how many new aircraft were showing. Aviation is a curious industry and — be it […]

On Day 1 of Aero 2012, Dave Unwin reported hearing many comments about EASA’s halting move toward acceptance of the concept of SP/LSA, which was invented in the USA. The European Union, with an equally proud heritage of aviation, is showing familiar reluctance to embrace what another country has achieved, even when aircraft builders in […]

This article has been updated; see at end. According to a French dealer for Cessna, 80 Skycatcher orders have been cancelled. Why? Well, possibly this… *** For many months, my LAMA Europe colleague, Jan Fridrich and others have tried to convince EASA to adopt the U.S. version of LSA rules including acceptance of ASTM standards […]

*** While at Sun ‘n Fun I heard the good news that the long-in-development Terrafugia Transition® Street-Legal Airplane (that’s it’s latest name) hit the road, then the skies on its first production prototype flight. *** You may remember there was a “Roadable” in the name at one time, but whatever the official moniker, everybody pretty much […]