Briefing: February 2015

Solar Impulse, the one-of-a-kind solar-powered aircraft designed to fly around the world, is now in Dubai, where it will launch in March. The aircraft was built and tested in Switzerland. It was then disassembled and flown to Dubai aboard a cargo airplane. Andr Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, who have led the effort, said they are confident in the aircrafts capability and their own training, and they will take turns as pilot. The expedition is expected to take 25 days of flying, and will be completed in stages over four or five months. Some legs above the Atlantic and Pacific will require five to six days of nonstop solo flight. The aircrafts wings measure about 236 feet across, and carry more than 17,000 solar cells.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The Solar Impulse, a unique solar-powered aircraft, is set to launch its round-the-world flight from Dubai in March.
Amazon is pressuring the FAA over slow progress in drone testing regulations, warning that delays could lead to job and innovation loss in the U.S.
The air show season is gearing up with major events like Aero Friedrichshafen, Sun 'n Fun, and EAA AirVenture, featuring debuts such as the oldest flying jet and new educational programs.

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Solar Impulse Preparing For Global Flight
Solar Impulse, the one-of-a-kind solar-powered aircraft designed to fly around the world, is now in Dubai, where it will launch in March. The aircraft was built and tested in Switzerland. It was then disassembled and flown to Dubai aboard a cargo airplane. Andr Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, who have led the effort, said they are confident in the aircraft’s capability and their own training, and they will take turns as pilot. The expedition is expected to take 25 days of flying, and will be completed in stages over four or five months. Some legs above the Atlantic and Pacific will require five to six days of nonstop solo flight. The aircraft’s wings measure about 236 feet across, and carry more than 17,000 solar cells.

New Aviation Film Headed For Theaters
A new film by Brian Terwilliger, who produced the popular 2005 GA documentary “One Six Right,” will be released to theaters nationwide in April in partnership with National Geographic. The new film, “Living in the Age of Airplanes,” is narrated by Harrison Ford, and explores the ways aviation has transformed civilization. The film was shot in 95 locations, in 18 countries across all seven continents. “It’s an eye-opening view through the lens of how the airplane has enriched our lives,” Terwilliger told AVweb. “I definitely think pilots are going to enjoy the film.”