Affordable Aviation

Somebody forgot to tell Paradise Ind. Aeronautica about the major global economic meltdown. Chris Regis of Paradise, (see my spots about their acft. below), tells me the company just opened its new 70,000-square-foot-plant in Brazil, which will produce 120 airplanes per year. *** Customers can even keep track of their airplane’s construction progress on the […]

Epic Aircraft, known for high-tech personal jet and turboprop designs, announced an LSA project in the works. Called Focus, the carbon-fiber two-seat airframe, a pet project of company head Rick Schrameck since 2000, will also be available in three other configurations, including a 400-knot turboprop version! Market price is estimated at $115,000 to $120,000. *** […]

The ex-MIT whiz kids who formed their own company (Terrafugia) have just finished the fourth and final round of flight and ground testing on the Proof of Concept Transition® (POC) at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York. *** A total of 28 flights were made, designed to evaluate handling, climb, performance, take-off and landing. […]

I have seen the future and it is electric. Lots more to say about this than I have time, space or energy here, after my first day at Oshkosh, but this much is clear: electric flight is a reality, just as the Wright Brother’s Flyer made heavier-than-air flight a reality. *** I spent an hour […]

Last weekend, under popcorn-cloud, clear blue skies, the Greater Boston EAA Chapter 106 put on a doozy of a local LSA air show that drew several hundred folks. *** By my count 11 LSA models represented the industry, including the FPNA Valor (left), Flight Design CTLS (cockpit, right, with a guest and FD rep John […]

Two “Lookie what we can do!” stories – one accomplished, one getting under way this week. *** Avweb reports two chommies (Afrikaans for friends) expect to fly their modified D6 Sling light sport airplane around the world! These adventurous lads modified their South Africa-produced, metal LSA (not ASTM certified in the US) to carry up […]

So what do you do for a break from your regular airline gig? Fly around the world, of course! *** These two airline pilots plan to circumnavigate old Terra in 2010 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Swiss pilot license holders. *** In April, 2010, Yannick Bovier and Francisco Agullo will launch in […]

Sad news today that the father of hang gliding, Francis M. Rogallo, who I had the distinct pleasure to meet at Kitty Hawk a few years ago when I flew a competition on the dunes, has passed away at 97. *** That’s a nice old age for all to aspire to, but his passing will […]

P&P Newsroom FLASH UPDATE (okay, it’s just me): Dan Johnson reports on his website that the first production Skycatcher tabbed for delivery has arrived at Wichita. Dan reports that the delivery floodgates should open wide next year (2010). But having the first C-162 finally out there and flying is good news for Cessna – and […]

Had a chat with Randy Schlitter of Rans Aircraft about his SLSA, the S-19, today. It’s new name is the Venterra, which, says Randy, means open over the earth. Kinda poetic and a fitting moniker for such a fun, responsive, open-view low winger like the S-19. *** Look for my article on Randy’s incredible 25 […]