Aircraft

Among the capabilities required in a good jump plane? The ability to carry a full stick of skydivers, and take them to altitude as quickly as possible—and return to base just as fast for another load. The Kodiak 100 has applied for this mission, with its healthy cabin capacity and a time-to-climb to 12,000 feet […]

The FAA recently published an airworthiness directive—2020-26-16—covering many single-engine Pipers that carry either a PA-28 or PA-32 model number. “This AD was prompted by a report of a wing separation caused by fatigue cracking in a visually inaccessible area of the lower main wing spar cap,” the directive said. “This AD requires calculating the factored […]

Backcountry Adventure Alaskan Bushwheels Alaskan Bushwheels are one of the most ubiquitous backcountry and off-airport mods available. They’re popular for good reason: The rugged, low-pressure tires provide a huge footprint and increased flotation, enabling operation on soft, loose surfaces such as sand and gravel. Many pilots lower their tire pressure to the single digits to […]

Today’s new private jet aircraft offer the very latest in-flight deck technologies to enhance safety and reduce pilot workloads, while efficiency advancements in airframe design deliver higher cruise speeds resulting in longer distances between city pairs. All of this aerospace engineering produces exceptional performance; however, the real reason anyone buys in this market segment is […]

When flying regularly takes a course over inhospitable terrain or open water through instrument meteorological conditions in the dark of night, that’s when many pilots depend on the safety and security of having a second engine in case of trouble. Today’s multiengine piston aircraft are extremely capable, and with advances in both engine and avionics […]

New turboprop aircraft are one of the most exciting market segments for 2020 and beyond, with plenty of innovation being delivered in current and future models. While the General Aviation Manufacturers Association reported 525 turboprop shipments in 2019—down from the 601 turboprop units delivered in 2018—new models and upgrades to existing models point to continued interest from […]

California-based Archer, creating the world’s first all-electric airline, plans to collaborate with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to access the automobile giant’s low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, and engineering and design experience. Archer will manufacture high-volume, composite, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with the intent of starting production in 2023. FCA, the parent company […]

Tecnam has partnered with ultra-freezer manufacturer Desmon to retrofit the P2012 Traveller for COVID-19 vaccination transportation, into a new version dubbed the Travelcare. The P2012 was deemed a good platform for transportation of the critical materials to remote locations in Europe and around the world. A special ultra-freezer designed by Desmon can maintain product temperatures at minus 86 […]

When you and your bank account finally decide it is time to buy a new airplane, the choices vary widely in price, features and mission. Every make and model has specific mission capabilities that offer the owner-pilot the most efficient return on investment, and where you settle on the “mission” question ultimately determines the price […]

The US Department of Transportation and the FAA issued a Final Rule (PDF) on January 6 2021 to facilitate the safe development of civil supersonic aircraft. The rule streamlines and clarifies procedures to obtain FAA approval for supersonic flight testing in the United States. The rule will help ensure that companies developing these aircraft clearly […]