Aircraft

When NetJets introduced large-cabin Gulfstream jets to its fleet, it set up a separate business entity to accommodate the new level of service. Though the fractional ownership model was essentially the same as for its smaller jets, there were significant differences — for example, fractional owners could specify pilots they wanted to fly with. The […]

The FAA has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems to install a dual 95-amp alternator kit in Lycoming-powered Cessna 182 and Turbo 182 singles. The system provides redundant electrical power for a weight increase of only 23 pounds. For more info, go to www.kellyaerospace.com.

June 2010 — BACK IN 1998 FLYING sent ace photographer Paul Bowen to Chicago to photograph a revolutionary new airplane, the Cirrus SR20. Editor-in-chief Mac McClellan flew the airplane and weighed in on such eye-opening new features as the BRS whole-airplane recovery parachute system, the down-and-welded landing gear (unusual at the time for such a […]

With enhanced features galore, Cirrus’ original airplane is faster, more sophisticated and even more luxurious than ever.

A lot has changed with my training since my last blog. I had a successful Lesson 8, which was inspiring after the Lesson 7 letdown, and I was eager for the next flight. But my subsequent lessons kept getting canceled due to weather or last-minute work-related issues and the weeks between flights just kept ticking […]

Scott Miller, a Lycoming spokesman, said, “Now we don’t have to worry if there is a supplier out there to fill our needs. We can fill our own needs.” He referred to an announcement last week that the engine maker has begun to produce pistons for its engines in-house for the first time in more […]

Most pilots are aware of the danger of wingtip vortices from heavy fixed-wing aircraft. And they understand the wisdom of avoiding the mini-tornadoes that flow invisibly outward and down. And intuitively, we all can easily imagine that a helicopter’s rotor wash stirs up the air in the immediate vicinity — picture a turbine-powered ceiling fan. […]

Fractional operator Flight Options, based in Cleveland, has accepted the first of 100 Embraer Phenom 300s ordered in 2007. The Brazilian light jet is destined to be the mainstay of the Flight Options fleet. See the June issue of Flying for a full report on the Phenom 300 by senior editor Robert Goyer.

Sierra’s update of the seminal Cessna retractable proves there’s lots of life left in these old birds.

A look at the NTSB’s report on the February 2009 crash in Buffalo, New York.