Aircraft

The Hawker 400XPR engine test article made a successful first flight this week, paving the way for certification of the upgraded jet this September, Hawker Beechcraft announced. The dual Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines slated to power the new 400XPR – announced last year – will provide 470 pounds of additional combined thrust over that provided […]

History buffs and Boeing enthusiasts alike can now retrace more than 95 years of Boeing history through the company’s first ever iPad app, released on Monday. The app takes users back to the company’s roots, which took hold in 1916 with the construction of the first B & W, a two-seat seaplane used for airmail […]

Hawker Beechcraft filed for bankruptcy on Thursday after reaching a restructuring agreement that will wipe out approximately $2.5 billion in debt and $125 million in annual cash interest liabilities. The plan includes $400 million in financing that the company says will allow it to continue meeting its financial obligations to its employees — Hawker Beech […]

Piper Aircraft deliveries shot up more than 40 percent during the first quarter of the year in comparison to 2011, according to positive performance numbers announced by the company on Tuesday. The increase constitutes the third consecutive year Piper has posted Q1 growth, and illustrates the growing impact of international sales on the company’s bottom […]

We might all be familiar with the efficiency benefits that winglets can provide, but our ideas of what they’re supposed to look like are quickly changing. Boeing on Wednesday revealed the design for its 737 MAX “dual-feather” winglet, saying the unique shape will provide an extra 1.5 percent gain in fuel efficiency compared with the […]

Cessna Aircraft has signed a strategic agreement with the China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA) Company for final assembly, sales and customer support of Cessna Caravans in China for the Chinese market. What does that mean exactly? Cessna wants to make it very clear: Caravans for the Chinese market will continue to be manufactured in […]

Bombardier Learjet broke ground on a new $53 million factory near Wichita Mid-Continent Airport on Monday as the company prepares for production of its newest business jet, the super-midsize Learjet 85. “This is an exciting day for the future of Learjet and the Learjet 85 program in Wichita,” said Learjet Vice President Ralph Acs. “We […]

The numbers aren’t huge compared with the massive layoffs that have swept across Wichita, but Cessna had positive news this week, confirming it is adding 150 employees by bringing back some laid-off workers and hiring new ones. Unfortunately, the announcement comes days after Hawker Beechcraft sent 60-day layoff notices to about 350 workers in Wichita. […]

Have you ever noticed how old married couples sometimes start to look like each other? Or that ardent dog lovers possess a startling resemblance to their bassett hounds? Crazy as it sounds, I fear that I am beginning to look like my airplane. The 1980 Cheyenne I that my wife, Cathy, and I own is […]

Thirty-five years ago, Frank Christensen started a revolution. He introduced his kit for the Eagle aerobatic biplane at the EAA Fly-In, and with that, he changed the image of homebuilding. Prior to that historic annual Fly-In Convention, no one had ever seen or even envisioned anything like the Eagle kit. On opening day it became […]