Aviation News

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

Two Riverside, California high-school students won their local science fair when they concocted a running jet engine from an assortment of auto parts and an old leaf blower. Propane provides the power and a gas stove igniter provides the starting flame. Congratulations to Anthony Mosallam and Jonathon Deming — and condolences to their neighbors.

Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) has unveiled a two-engine project that will bring jet fuel to the light-aircraft industry. The first, a 230-hp four-cylinder engine is expected to be certified next year. A follow-on six-cylinder, 350-hp version could follow as soon as two years later. TCM said the engine program stems from acquired technology — but […]

Beginning next month, more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will patrol portions of the U.S.-Mexican border from Arizona to the El Paso area of Texas. Three of the remotely piloted aircraft are already flying and the FAA approved a certificate of authorization (COA) for the expanded flights. A second COA is pending approval, championed in part […]

Canada’s Transport Minister John Baird is said to be preparing to sign a new regulation requiring most aircraft to have a 406-MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) in order to operate in Canadian airspace. The rule had been postponed, partly because critics claimed it would stifle private air traffic from the U.S. (where the new ELTs […]

May 25 marks the first meeting of a new committee formed by the Department of Transportation. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood formed the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee in March, and it consists of representatives from airlines, general aviation, airports, manufacturers, the financial community, academics and environmentalists. Cessna President Jack Pelton will serve on the committee, […]

Dornier Seaplane Company has selected Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec (a Montreal suburb), as the final assembly site for its Seastar twin-engine flying boat. Company President Joe Walker said he holds 25 letters of intent that are currently in the process of “being matured into firm contracts.” Among the factors in selecting the Canadian site are the skilled […]

Jason Blair, executive director of the National Association of Flight Instructors has been cleared of criminal charges related to his pre-NAFI employment. In what has been described as a “contractual dispute” Blair was arrested earlier this year on embezzlement charges based on his service as manager of an airport in Michigan. The dispute involved a […]

Italian aircraft designer Stelio Frati, perhaps best known for the all-wood F.8 Falco homebuilt, died last week at the age of 91. Among his other credits are the all-metal SIAI-Marchetti SF260, extensively used as a military trainer, but also well known as a speedy sportplane with full aerobatic capability. Frati graduated from the University of […]

Waco Classic Aircraft has announced FAA and EASA approval of its new YMF 5-D Model. The newest version of the classic biplane includes a new 300-hp engine, an elliptical MT propeller, Garmin glass panel, upgraded landing gear design and much more. For more info, visit www.wacoclassic.com.