Aviation News

On the plus side, the bill introduced last week by the Senate Commerce Committee would fund the FAA for two years-with a budget of some $35 billion-and without user fees. The bill also includes a mandate to move forward with implementing the NextGen modernization of the air traffic control system. The down side is the […]

The most recent issue of FAA Aviation News (available at the FAA Safety Center at EAA AirVenture) focuses on the Light Sport category. The official FAA publication highlights pilots’ opportunities related to light-sport flying. It also includes an overview of sport-pilot certificate privileges, offers training advice and notes maintenance requirements for light sport operations. Master […]

The F-22 Raptor will cease its production run at 187 units, with funding shifted to the multirole F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). While the Raptor is a more sophisticated air superiority fighter, the less expensive JSF is intended to replace both F-16s and A-10 attack jets. The F-35 would also be available to Navy and […]

New FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt has a fresh view on how to handle controllers responsible for “operational errors.” These events are defined as when proper distance between aircraft is not maintained. Previously, the controller on duty had his or her name included in the report and was automatically removed from their position. Under the new […]

Tom Peghiny’s e-Spyder At last year’s AirVenture, Randall Fishman hushed the crowds with his whisper-quiet single-seat ElectraFlyer-C. This year, he’s doubled down on that bet with plans to bring a two-place version called the ElectraFlyer-X. This one will draw juice from Fishman’s self-designed 50-hp motor and battery combination. Pending development progress, he plans to fly […]

Dating back to the 1970s, the Aero Commander line of piston singles had limited success in the marketplace, but the airplane still enjoys strong support among its proponents. They appreciate its large, comfortable cabin and two-door ease of entry, as well as its tall, trailing-link landing gear and sleek appearance. Now, a former Commander owner […]

The National Transportation Safety Board has determined that mountain downdrafts-as strong as 400 feet per minute-exceeded the climb capability of Steve Fossett’s borrowed Bellanca Decathlon. He crashed into the side of a mountain in eastern California after taking off from a friend’s ranch airstrip for a pleasure flight. High density altitude (estimated at 13,000 feet) […]

Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes Magazine and the owner-pilot of a 2005 Cirrus SR22 GTS will address the opening session of this year’s National Business Aviation Association Convention. The meeting runs from October 20-22 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Karlgaard will be the keynote speaker. He said, “I look forward to […]

Icon Aircraft has announced a fresh round of equity financing for its unique A5 light-sport-capable amphibian. The company plans to have an A5 flying-from land and water-at this month’s EAA AirVenture show in Oshkosh. Founded by former fighter pilot and current airline pilot Kirk Hawkins, Icon holds a $40 million sales backlog and is sold […]

Cessna’s parent Textron has announced the cancellation of the Columbus large-cabin jet program. First announced in 2006, what would have been the largest Citation had notched orders for some 70 units at a price of $27 million each. The current sales climate caused Cessna to suspend development of the Columbus a little more than two […]