Affordable Aviation

Most of the factory-built Light Sport aircraft that rolled after the FAA defined the category in 2004 were rather utilitarian—with rudimentary avionics and spartan interiors. Some of today’s Light Sport planes, however, are better equipped and more luxurious inside than GA planes that cost significantly more. Tecnam Aircraft was among the first manufacturers to recognize […]

Industry wide progress on a so-called drop-in replacement for high-octane avgas always seems to go in fits and starts. Lots of noise then a period of silence. Is anyone actually doing something on this, you may ask? The answer is most definitely yes, but the recent news has come more in dribs and drabs than […]

Here’s a helicopter-like aircraft you might actually consider. I have often reviewed what I call multicopters (several articles). I searched for aircraft you might fly for fun; several of them can enjoy the freedom and special benefits of Part 103. I’ve stayed away from commercial “air taxi” projects. But what if a longtime producer of […]

As we Floridians prepare to face Hurricane Milton starting later today, I’m pleased to give an update on one of our leading companies in the LSA space. I refer to Flight Design, which gained fame for the enviable success of its CT-series aircraft (CT2K, CTSW, CTLS, CTLSi, CT Super). In the United States, more of […]

I probably shouldn’t admit this, but some features that come with the latest electronic flight instruments have left me a little, um, disinterested. Until I try them, that is. A good example is the concept of “safe glide” or even autoland. Garmin introduced both concepts a few years ago, though the full-autoland idea is more […]

Purchasing a used airplane can be risky because it’s sometimes difficult to determine whether the aircraft has been taken care of properly. Buying a used kit aircraft? Even riskier. Not only do you have to worry about wear and tear, but also whether the builder knew what they were doing. But that doesn’t mean buying […]

The FAA has published a glut of rule changes affecting CFR Part 1, 11, 61 and 91 regulations that affect, among other things, pilot privileges across a wide range of activities. But for owners of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft, the best news is the rescinding of the so-called LODA rule. Recall that in 2021, the FAA changed […]

Sometimes the simpler the better. At least that’s the philosophy James Weibe has always seemed to follow. He’s definitely embraced that approach with the new visual angle of attack (AoA) indicator. No electronics. No special pitot tube. The Radiant AoA is a simple vane-style pointer you mount to the wing nearest you—well, because you want […]

Was this aircraft the star of MAX, the airshow? Maybe. “It drew a lot of attention,” said a company representative, “a sleek taildragger single seater with a 912 up front.” That it was accented with red inside and out helped, as proven by big auto companies that spend millions to advertise red cars when they […]

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has announced a successor to current president Mark Baker, who is set to retire at year’s end. In his place comes Darren Pleasance. The association notes that this is only the sixth president in its history, dating back to 1939. Baker has been on the job for more than […]