Affordable Aviation

  In the previous article, I explained how high levels of flight activity can make access more affordable and, for most people, how that would likely be achieved only through some form of shared ownership/use. The use of the term “shared ownership/use” is deliberate because not everybody really wants or feels the need to “own” […]

In the normal order of things, a successful product will probably remain in production until demand slackens, technology changes or it can’t be built effectively. But there are other reasons, some not so obvious. Case in point? Kitfox Aircraft. Since 2009, when the company began selling the Series 7 Sport, it’s cranked out roughly 40 […]

Like X (formerly Twitter), my favorite fall airshow has altered its name. Actually, it changed subtly over 16 years of operation but is now called the Midwest Aviation Expo, or MAX. The major airshows have changed, too. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh was formally just “Oshkosh,” unless you live in Oshkosh, in which case it’s merely “EAA.” […]

My title avoided the word “ultralight” even if these two aircraft qualify. The American entry can readily fit FAA’s Part 103 as an Ultralight Vehicle, freeing the pilot from having to register the aircraft, or have a pilot certificate, or possess any sort of “medical” to fly it. The French entry cannot qualify as a […]

I’d seen the full-size Stampe SV4-RS replica at AERO a few weeks previously, and it really put a hook in me. I was fortunate enough to fly a Stampe several years ago and was very impressed—it being greatly superior to the DH Tiger Moth, with which it is often confused. Of course, even the youngest […]

For most pilots, the FAA Airmen’s Medical Certificate is a fundamental requirement for flight. This certification guarantees that the pilot meets the medical standards necessary for safe operation of an aircraft. But there are exceptions, and understanding them is crucial, particularly for pilots facing challenges with their medical certification. Medical Qualifications: Contention and Controversy Discussions […]

I was inspired to write this article by a comment made on a previous article I wrote on MOSAIC. I had indicated that MOSAIC had the potential to bring new aircraft to market at half the price of current legacy offerings. The commenter made the point that even at half the price, this would still […]

As part of our parent company’s coverage of AirVenture this year, I had a chance to sit with several in the industry and talk about what’s happening generally and about new (and even re-emerging) technologies. One of those talks was with KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye, who is working hard to educate pilots of […]

The journey to becoming a professional pilot has traditionally been a long and expensive one, requiring hundreds of flight hours and multiple certifications before being able to earn money. However, the FAA Sport Pilot Instructor Certificate (CFI-S) offers a potential shortcut for aspiring aviators, allowing them to start teaching and earning income with significantly fewer […]

Here at the ByDanJohnson.com site, we get questions all the time related to aircraft whose companies are defunct or have gone on to something else. “Where can I find this part?” “How do I get documentation?” Sometimes we have the answers and sometimes we don’t. But it’s something we talk about every week, so in […]