News

By Marc Cook Van’s Aircraft filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week begs the question: How can the largest and most successful company in the kit-aircraft world find itself in this situation? With more than 11,000 RVs flying and record kit sales over the last three years, it seemed Van’s was set for success. But countering […]

Van’s Aircraft announced Monday that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company pointed to recent material and financial challenges and emphasized that this move is crucial for its reorganization.  Van’s stated it will maintain operations, producing and delivering parts, servicing customers, and fulfilling kit orders, operating under court supervision for 90 days. […]

At 3 p.m. on August 4, 2021, a beautiful bright yellow T-6 took off from McCharen Field Airport (M83) in West Point, Mississippi. The sky was blue, with no clouds or obscurations to visibility. It was 88 degrees, with a light wind out of the north. It was a perfect day for a VFR pleasure […]

While nothing about aviation can really be called ‘cheap,’ there are a few projects you can do to extend the life of your airplane, protect its value, and improve your aviation skills. Most require less than $50, an hour or two of your time, and basic home improvement skills. Let’s look at one project that […]

Does Santa’s sleigh run on horsepower or reindeer power? The point is moot this week, as the jolly old soul opts for an updated mode of transportation. Santa Claus will make a grand entrance at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire in style—in a helicopter.  The touchdown is scheduled for 11 a.m. right outside the […]

By Julie Boatman The FAA Reauthorization Bill made it this far through a polarized U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year. Now it faces an equally charged path through the Senate in order to cross the finish line. With more than 2,000 “unique requests” logged from members of Congress and around the industry, according to […]

The supersonic jet trainer is blessed with movie star looks.

It’s not just me. Many of the pilot population in my circle confess to having the same difficulty: understanding what the heck ATC is saying, and what they want us to do. Controllers seem to talk faster, using lots of words. We hate to ask them over, but we also don’t want to misunderstand and […]

The LyondellBasell/VP Racing UL100E fuel becomes the first to pass a key PAFI durability test.

Hartzell Engine Tech, a prominent name in aviation, has successfully acquired Kelly Aero LLC, renowned for manufacturing aftermarket aircraft magnetos, replacement parts, and ignition harnesses for both general aviation and military aircraft. President Keith Bagley expressed the company’s excitement about this strategic move, stating, “With this acquisition, Hartzell Engine Tech is excited to add manufacturing […]