Sportaircraft News Mix

Short Final (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Report: Air Force Plan Considers King Airs For Recon — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

An exchange overheard while flying over the Mojave Desert:Joshua Approach:"Bonanza 50Y, traffic two o'clock, five miles. Unmanned aerial vehicle has you in sight."50Y (me):"50Y looking. If he's 'unmanned,' how can he have me in sight?"Joshua Approach:"Oh. He's got a T-38 spotter plane, so really it's a flight of two ... . Now you're three o'clock, three miles."50Y:Yeah, I was kidding. I know they have cameras and instrumentation. But I still don't have them in sight."Joshua Approach:"They're passing behind you now. No factor. And we usually reserve the 'I can't see him' jokes for the F-117s that come through here."Marc Zornvia e-mail

ANN Special Feature: Pilot Survey, AOPA Fly-In - 08.19.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.19.08 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 21:38:53+0100

ANN's Jim Campbell asks three questions of pilots attending the annual Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Fly-In at AOPA Headquarters in Frederick, Maryland.

FMI: www.aopa.org

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Special Feature: Meg Waterman, Aloft Technologies - 08.20.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.20.08 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 21:37:31+0100

ANN's Jim Campbell talks with Meg Waterman of Aloft Technologies to get an exhibitor's perspective on life at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

FMI: www.clarityaloft.com

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Special Feature: Jeff Bourke, Branson Airport LLC - 08.14.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.14.08 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 21:41:30+0100

ANN's Paul Plack talks with Jeff Bourke, Executive Director of Branson Airport LLC in Missouri. This company is building the first US commercial airport to be financed privately, without FAA grants and the resulting limitations. Jeff explains how this freedom will allow creation of a surperior customer experience compared to municipally-owned airports.

FMI: www.flybranson.com

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Special Feature: Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopters - 08.15. ...

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.15.08 — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 21:40:09+0100

It's hard to know whether Frank Robinson had any idea in 1979 that his little company would become the world's largest builder of civilian helicopters by unit volume. Eight-thousand machines later, it has, and Frank spoke to attendees at this year's Heli-Expo show in Houston to provide an update on the company.

FMI: www.robinsonheli.com ; www.heliexpo.com

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Special Feature: CFII Bob Miller, Avoiding Aeromedical Surprises - 08.18. ...

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.18.08 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:40:24+0100

ANN's Paul Plack talks with CFII Bob Miller of Over The Airwaves about how a candid conversation with your flight instructor can help avoid unpleasant surprises when you visit the aeromedical examiner.

FMI: www.overtheairwaves.com

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.20.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.20.08 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:19:32+0100

Grob Aerospace files for bankruptcy.
An Eclipse supplier is told to expect production cuts.
And the FAA warns Southwest to pay the fine, or else!

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.19.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.19.08 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:57:31+0100

A World War I dogfight reenactment ends with tragic realism.
A Cessna twin collides with an ultralight over England.
And Iran claims to be on the doorstep of achieving earth orbit.

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.18.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.18.08 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:41:44+0100

Russia threatens Poland with missle strikes.
Thielert owners get a seat on the insolvency board.
And military UAV pilots face a new form of PTSD.

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.15.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.15.08 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:55:45+0100

American Airlines is hit with big fines.
Eclipse introduces its new reclusive PR style.
And US airline travel dropped again in May.

ANN Daily Touch-And-Go: 08.14.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.14.08 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:16:55+0100

A maintenance audit of Qantas is turning up a few problems.
The US Air Force will be "reinvigorated."
And pilot hirings by US airlines have slowed abruptly.

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.20.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

Daily Aero-News Network Podcast — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:18:20+0100

Grob Aerospace files for bankruptcy.
An Eclipse supplier is told to expect production cuts.
And the FAA warns Southwest to pay the fine, or else!

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.19.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Special Feature: Meg Waterman, Aloft Technologies - 08.20.08 — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:56:24+0100

A World War I dogfight reenactment ends with tragic realism.
A Cessna twin collides with an ultralight over England.
And Iran claims to be on the doorstep of achieving earth orbit.

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.18.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Special Feature: Pilot Survey, AOPA Fly-In - 08.19.08 — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:37:15+0100

Russia threatens Poland with missle strikes.
Thielert owners get a seat on the insolvency board.
And military UAV pilots face a new form of PTSD.

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.15.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Special Feature: CFII Bob Miller, Avoiding Aeromedical Surprises - 08.18.08 — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:54:29+0100

American Airlines is hit with big fines.
Eclipse introduces its new reclusive PR style.
And US airline travel dropped again in May.

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

ANN Daily Aero-Briefing: 08.14.08 (Daily Aero-News Network Podcast)

ANN Special Feature: Frank Robinson, Robinson Helicopters - 08.15.08 — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:16:03+0100

A maintenance audit of Qantas is turning up a few problems.
The US Air Force will be "reinvigorated."
And pilot hirings by US airlines have slowed abruptly.

Sponsored By...

www.garmin.com
www.velocityaircraft.com
www.diamondaircraft.com
http://caravanpostcards.com/
www.cirrusdesign.com
www.clarityaloft.com

Young Eagles Fundraiser Yields Record Haul (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Hawker Beechcraft Working Through Strike — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

The EAA's major annual fundraiser included the participation of Harrison Ford, John Travolta and Arnold Palmer and yielded $2.88 million, with proceeds to benefit EAA's programs "to inspire youth, provide education, and preserve aviation history." EAA announced in a release last week that the AirVenture event attracted more than 1,000 attendees "bound together by a common passion for flight," according to EAA President Tom Poberezny. Major contributors included Palmer and Ford as well as Cessna Aircraft Chairman Emeritus Russ Meyer, Cessna President Jack Pelont and his wife Rose, and Florida-based highway contractor Bill Bachshmidt. EAA has partnered with ConocoPhillips and Embry-Riddle to advance development of educational and experimental activities designed to help young people pursue their interests or careers in aviation. "I didn't come to flying until I was 53 years old," said actor Harrison Ford, who has donated time to participate in helicopter rescue missions in Wyoming. "But it has made me feel young and challenged again and given me an opportunity to give back."

Wagstaff Denies Impaired Driving 'Rumors' (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Piper Avoids Overall Piston Downturn — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Air show pilot Patty Wagstaff is denying "rumors" that she was impaired by alcohol when she was taken into custody by Winnebago County Sheriff's Department officers late July 31 on a runway at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. She told AVweb she was not tested for alcohol impairment during the incident. A report in the Green Bay Press Gazette last week said the Sheriff's Office has asked the Winnebago County District Attorney to press first-offense drunken driving charges against her and it will be up to the DA to decide whether the charge will proceed. "I do deny the allegations," she told AVweb. "And I did not do a breath test, a blood test or a field sobriety test." Although we still don't know all the details surrounding the runway incident, Wagstaff has provided AVweb with a statement.

Wagstaff Court Date Set (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Angel Flight Down In Mass.; Third This Summer — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Airshow pilot Patty Wagstaff (or her representative) will appear in court in Oshkosh on Sept. 2 to face two charges relating to the incident on a runway at Wittman Regional Airport July 31. According to court records, Wagstaff is charged with first offense drunken driving and failure to submit to a sobriety test. If the second charge is proven, then it amounts to an automatic conviction on the first. Wagstaff has denied she was impaired by alcohol on that night but does admit to taking a wrong turn and ending up on the runway.

Video of the Week: Cessna 140 Watching (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Biplane Pilot Killed At Old Rhinebeck — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Among the AVweb readers we were lucky enough to meet at Oshkosh this summer was John von Linsowe, a semi-regular contributor to our "Picture of the Week" contest and Cessna 140 owner who shares his passion for flying with fellow members of his 120/140 club. Under duress, John admitted to having a few videos of the Club doing its thing on YouTube and even agreed to send us a link after the show. While we probably won't make it to Dayton, Ohio for the group's September 25-28 shindig, this video gives us pangs of regret. (Click through to watch.)

Unmanned Gliders To Seek Their Own Lift (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Eclipse Hits Back At "Speculation" — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

"Automated on-board energy aware planning" is being developed by the U.K.'s Roke Manor Research to allow autonomous gliders to find naturally occurring lift and sustain unpowered or prolong powered flight, according to a report in ElectronicsWeekly.com. Ultimately, aircraft equipped with software and hardware that actively processes video feeds of cloud conditions and surface type (cool grass, or hot pavement) data would be processed along with other elements (models assessing weather and predicting vertical air movement due to thermal and orographic lift) to identify thermals and share that information with similar aircraft nearby. With that information, a virtual and real-time lift map could help produce waypoint sequences for use by integrated flight management systems aboard the aircraft as they hopscotch from lift-point to lift-point along a route.

Two Weeks To Taxi For Build-A-Plane Kids (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Eclipse Update - Temps Let Go; NTSB On Recent Accident; Status Of Refunds — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Three youngsters from the West Coast are taking part in a first-of-its-kind aircraft construction project this week and next week in Arlington, Wash. The high schoolers are building a brand-new Glasair Sportsman under the wing of Build A Plane, the nonprofit group that helps to match up school kids and aircraft construction projects -- generally finding a good home for old and unwanted airplanes whose owners donate them to the cause. This is the first time the group has built a new airplane from scratch. "I was hoping I'd get to solo this summer, but I didn't earn enough money yet," said Brian White, 16, who is from Washington state. "But this is about the coolest thing I could have gotten to do!" Liz Kaiser, 17, from Bellevue, Wash., wanted to build an aircraft for her senior project, so when she heard about this opportunity, it was a perfect fit. Cody Freeman, 17, flew from California to work on the Glasair, his first-ever aircraft-building project. The new Sportsman should taxi out of the hangar in just two weeks, and start flying a few days later.

The Coming Electric Airplane Revolution (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Young Eagles Fundraiser Yields Record Haul — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Randall Fishman's public AirVenture Oshkosh 2008 demonstration (see AVweb and Kitplanes video interview, here) of his virtually silent, nearly vibration-free and fillup-less single place ElectraFlyer-C (capable of flying for an hour and a half on 75 cents worth of lithium-polymer battery power) is just the tip of the iceberg. Fishman is seeking partnership with a suitable airframe manufacturer of an existing light efficient two-place aircraft in which he can install a larger electric motor. Meanwhile, Greg Cole (previously chief engineer of research and development at Lancair), who recently created the 36-foot span, 155-pound carbon composite Sparrowhawk sailplane (soon available for about $73,000 with electric power), is working toward a two-place "Goshawk" electric-powered sport aircraft that aims to cruise at up to 115 knots on 21 (electric) horsepower for about an hour. Cole and Fishman are both American pioneers funding their own projects, but overseas, the European Union has contributed about 20 percent of a reported $2.3 million applied to the development of Slovenian aircraft manufacturer Pipistrel's two-place side-by-side self-launch electric motorglider.

Some New Military "Pilots" May Never Fly (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Controller Directs Aircraft Via Cellphone Text Message — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Flying unmanned Predator and Reaper aerial vehicles for the Air Force used to be a job for trained (manned) aircraft pilots, but that is changing. Previously, pilots would rotate from manned aircraft to unmanned aircraft for a period of three years before rotating back into the air, but demand for UAV pilots has caused the Air Force to seek full-time career UAV pilots not otherwise trained to fly manned aircraft. Currently a program set in motion to train such officers is seeking to recruit non-pilots as UAV operators -- the staffing transition may take up to four years. The military is outsourcing some of the training and the University of North Dakota, which has set up a UAV center -- the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence -- and has received a $50 million training contract from the Air Force. Currently, there are over 100 Predators and Reapers in service with over 200 crews supporting them. UAV pilots have been enabled by new equipment to handle multiple aircraft at the same time, but in practice pilots rarely handled more than two well.

Question of the Week: What's Your Reaction to the TSA's Reported GA Security 'Expansion'? ...

Liberty XL2, Piper-Germany Seek To Capitalize On Economy — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

The TSA plans a "massive expansion" of security measures, many of which will affect GA flights into major airports. This week, we want to know how you would characterize the plan. Plus: What did AVweb readers think was the biggest story to come out of AirVenture 2008?

Piper Continues Jet Flight Testing (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

AVwebFlash Current Issue — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

"The PiperJet has flown 12 times now," Piper spokesman Mark Miller told AVweb on Tuesday. The jet, which flew for the first time just last month, is undergoing tests to explore stability, control and handling throughout the flight envelope. In the coming months, it will typically be flown for one to three weeks, and then down for one to three weeks for systems upgrades and the installation of additional flight test equipment, Miller said. "We are just finishing a two-and-a-half-week flight test block and are about to go into a two-week maintenance/upgrade block to get ready for flutter testing and put paint stripes on the airplane," he said. Piper says the jet will hold six or seven seats, cruise at 360 knots, and carry 800 pounds of payload with full fuel and a range of 1,300 nautical miles.

Piper Avoids Overall Piston Downturn (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

NASA Announces Winners Of GA Technology Challenge — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Although piston aircraft deliveries for the first half of this year are down 16 percent overall, as the General Aviation Manufacturers Association reported last week, not all companies have seen declining numbers. Piper Aircraft increased its piston sales by 18 percent, driven largely by sales of its Piper Matrix, an unpressurized version of the Malibu Mirage. By July 1, Piper had delivered 48 copies of the Matrix, accounting for more than half of Piper's deliveries. "We have orders for 101 Matrix models this year," said Piper CEO James Bass. "The Piper Matrix fills a niche in the market that hasn't been truly addressed until now. To date, our entire first year of production is sold out and market demand continues to be very strong."

Picture of the Week: AVweb's Flying Photography Showcase (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Look out! We've got another massive batch of photos comin' atcha this week, most of them directly from the cameras of AVweb readers who managed to attend EAA AirVenture '08 in Oshkosh. Gregory Palmer of Palatine, Illinois had us scratching our heads and trying to figure out how to crop his winning photo (taken at Oshkosh!) for the slideshow on our home page. Despite our best efforts, though, you should still make it a point to click through and view the full-size version of this one ... .

On the Fly ... (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Picture of the Week: AVweb's Flying Photography Showcase — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

ATA has sued FAA over airport slots auction...Thielert Engine Owners Group is now on a committee overseeing the insolvency...FAA has posted details of the TFRs for the Democratic and Republican conventions...Qantas has grounded six of its Boeing 737 airliners pending a safety review.

New TSA Rules In The Works Will Affect GA (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

FAA Mandates Special Training For Pilots In D.C. Area — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

The Transportation Security Administration is taking a close look at general aviation and new rules are expected to be issued soon, but for now at least, the agency's attention is focused on aircraft that weigh 12,500 pounds and more. A story in USA Today on Monday said the TSA is planning "a massive expansion" of security measures. The business aviation community, of course, is keeping a close eye on the regulators. "The new security proposals must be workable and should strike the right balance between the need for security and for mobility," Dan Hubbard, spokesman for the National Business Aviation Association, told USA Today. AOPA said it supports reasonable security measures but will oppose any regulations that unduly restrict GA with no significant security benefit. "While the details of the rule proposal are uncertain, one of our major concerns is that this is the first time a new segment of the aviation population will be regulated," said Andy Cebula, AOPA executive vice president of government affairs. "The real effects of this proposal will become clearer after it's released."

NASA Announces Winners Of GA Technology Challenge (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Wagstaff Court Date Set — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

NASA awarded $97,000 in prizes last week at the 2008 General Aviation Technology Challenge, which was held in Santa Rosa, Calif. The largest prize awarded was $50,000 for best safety features, which went to Vance Turner's team from El Dorado Hills, Calif., flying a modified Pipistrel Virus. The Pipistrel team also won prizes for the shortest takeoff distance and best angle of climb, and shared the lowest cabin noise prize with a team led by John Dunham of Carson City, Nev. Dunham's team flew a customized Lambada aircraft and won $20,000 for the community noise prize. Pilot Bob Basham, flying a Flight Design-CT, won a prize of $3,750 for best glide ratio at 100 mph. A $50,000 Green Aviation Prize purse was offered, but no team was able to exceed the minimum requirement of 30 miles per gallon, although all the competitors came close. The prize money not won this year will roll over to next year's competition, which will offer over $600,000 in prize money.

Liberty XL2, Piper-Germany Seek To Capitalize On Economy (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Unmanned Gliders To Seek Their Own Lift — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Liberty Aerospace, which promotes its XL2 as the only FAA-certified piston-engine aircraft equipped with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), has entered a distributorship agreement with Piper-Germany, which will sell and distribute the Liberty XL2 in Germany, Austria and the U.K. Liberty said in a press release that it "looks forward to continued exponential growth in both national and international markets," and hopes to capitalize on current economic conditions by offering the XL2, which it calls "the most economical IFR certified aircraft in production." Liberty says it has done very well this year and made the move to address a "need to increase its sales and support structure overseas." Together, Liberty and Piper-Germany will focus on marketing the XL2 to the two-seat training/touring market.

Jatropha Plant May Produce Jet-A Bio-Fuel (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Short Final — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Poisonous seeds found in the nut of the jatropha plant contain 30% - 40% oil that may be refined at a significantly lower cost than crude oil and will soon supplement Jet-A to feed one of four engines powering an Air New Zealand 747 -- test flights are currently scheduled for November. Boeing, Air New Zealand, Rolls-Royce PLC, and agricultural experts in Hawaii are all part of the program. The plant apparently grows well in warm environments with little care (it's a weed), and with jet fuel prices up roughly 70 percent since one year ago the weed could soon be a popular site at every airline executive's vacation home. One hectare of jatropha can produce up to 500 gallons of fuel, which experts say is multiples better than a hectare of corn. Analysts predict jatropha fuel could be produced at about $43 per barrel (versus crude oil's roughly $125 per barrel) and without adverse effects on food supplies or farming (versus corn or sugarcane-based ethanol).

Hawker Beechcraft Working Through Strike (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Jatropha Plant May Produce Jet-A Bio-Fuel — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Management at Hawker Beechcraft last week staffed some production-line slots with engineers and salaried workers in order to support production while its machinists strike. The company last week passed its 12th day of work stoppage following the Machinists Union rejection of an Aug. 2, three-year contract offer. Beechcraft Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Schuster said that the company is not running at full strength, but that the company was "pleasantly surprised" -- presumably that it is able to conduct business at all with 4,700 workers at the company's Wichita location currently represented by the striking union. The company says more than 1,000 of those workers remain on the job. Meanwhile, the union is confident it can use the tight labor market to leverage its position, "The qualified workers just aren't there," Machinists Union spokesman Bob Wood told The Wichita Eagle. At least for now, the company (which offers aircraft ranging from the "super-midsize" 14-seat-capable Hawker 4000 business jet to the G36 Bonanza) appears to be on solid financial footing.

FBO of the Week: Air 51 (LEX, Lexington, KY) (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Piper Continues Jet Flight Testing — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDER CURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $5.59 (down 2� from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.85 (down 9� from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->Althought it's still a relatively new FBO, Air 51 in Lexington, Kentucky keeps popping up on our radar. The latest recommendation comes from AVweb reader Don Hagedorn, who calls this popular pit stop the "best FBO I have ever visited," prompting us break with tradition and make Air 51 our "FBO of the Week" for a second time.Don writes:We were delayed due to weather ... when returning to Columbia, SC from Oshkosh on 2 August. Their great staff went out of their way to take care of my 13-year-old nephew and make him feel welcome while we waited. Fine staff, great facilities, reasonable fuel prices, and wonderful amenities. Plus, my nephew was especially thrilled by the TV in the men's room. (Ah, simple pleasures!)Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!

FBO of the Week: Poplar Grove Airmotive (C77, Poplar Grove, IL) (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Short Final — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

>>> AVWEB FUEL FINDER CURRENT PRICE FOR 100LL: $5.59 (down 2� from last week)CURRENT PRICE FOR JET A: $5.85 (down 9� from last week)Fuel prices provided weekly by AirNav, based on prices from the past 2 weeks. Changes are relative to last week's prices. /TEXT_ONLY-->AVweb's "FBO of the Week" ribbon goes to Poplar Grove Airmotive, located (where else?) at Poplar Grove Airport (C77), an hour north of Chicago.In a week filled with great recommendations, it was this testimonial from AVweb reader Steve Langdon that brought Poplar Grove to the top:Poplar Grove is the Mecca for fun aviation. The field hosts numerous biplanes, homebuilts, etc. The owners, Steve and Tina Thomas, will bend over backwards to make your visit enjoyable and memorable. The field has two sod strips ... great for obtaining your tail wheel endorsement in either the Piper Cub or the Cessna 140 that are available for rent at the FBO. Good food is just up the road, and a car is usually availabe. Adjacent to the airport is the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum, which celebrates the early years of aviation and other forms of transportation.Sounds like a destination FBO, Steve � thanks for the tip!Keep those nominations coming. For complete contest rules, click here.AVweb is actively seeking out the best FBOs in the country and another one, submitted by you, will be spotlighted here next Monday!

FAA Mandates Special Training For Pilots In D.C. Area (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Two Weeks To Taxi For Build-A-Plane Kids — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

The FAA issued a final rule this week that requires "special awareness" training for anypilot who flies under VFR within a 60-nautical-mile radius of the Washington, D.C., VOR/DME. The training consists of an hour-long online course that focuses primarily on the procedures for flying in and around the DC Metropolitan Area Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the DC Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ). Since the ADIZ was created, in 2003, there have been over 3,000 incursions, the FAA says. The agency hopes the new rule will reduce the number of unauthorized flights into the ADIZ and FRZ by educating the pilot community. The free course will be available at FAASafety.gov, and pilots can print out a certificate of completion when they are done. That certificate would have to be presented upon request to authorized representatives of the FAA, NTSB, TSA, or any federal, state, or local law-enforcement officer. The final rule is effective on Feb. 9, 2009.

Eclipse Update - Temps Let Go; NTSB On Recent Accident; Status Of Refunds (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

On the Fly ... — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Eclipse Aviation has let go about 190 of its temporary workers, the company said in a statement on Friday. "This is not a layoff because it does not affect any direct employees," the statement read. "It is not uncommon for manufacturing companies to hire temporary workers when adapting to fluctuations in production," Eclipse continued. "The reduction in workforce is based on efforts to reduce expenses and be better positioned financially. Eclipse will not be releasing any further information at this time, and will not be conducting interviews surrounding this event." Rumors continue to fly that a major shakeup is in the works at Eclipse, and AVweb is following the developments closely. However, Mike McConnell, Eclipse's VP of sales and marketing has told AVweb the rumors are just that. "Your story today, Shakeup at Eclipse, is an account of rumors that bear no resemblance to the facts," he said in an unsolicited response to our request for information in Wednesday's BizAv email. "We will not react to rumors. As we have said, we are focusing on operational excellence and profitability going forward." Eclipse's Communications Director Alana McCarraher also said specific rumors that we have heard but details of which we have not published yet are not true.

Eclipse Hits Back At "Speculation" (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

The Coming Electric Airplane Revolution — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Eclipse Aviation founder and former CEO Vern Raburn wants nothing more to do with the company and will not accept a post promoting the airplane internationally. Raburn issued a press release late last week saying he has some irons in the fire and will let his "media friends" know what he's up to. Meanwhile, his former company is essentially asking the media to stop asking so many questions about its future. In an unusual statement on Thursday, the company denied unpublished rumors that the company was moving out of Albuquerque. The statement reads, in its entirety:Today, Eclipse Aviation confirmed that the executive management team is working diligently to develop a plan to achieve operational excellence. We are evaluating every aspect of the company and we will announce a plan to profitability by the end of the month. Eclipse also confirms it has no intention to move its production facilities outside of the United States in contrast to some current media speculation. Eclipse will not be releasing any further information or conducting interviews surrounding this media alert at this time.

Controller Directs Aircraft Via Cellphone Text Message (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

FBO of the Week: Poplar Grove Airmotive (C77, Poplar Grove, IL) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

The pilot of a Piper Seneca with five aboard was last November instructed to land via text message. The report from the Air Accident Investigation Branch was published Aug. 6 detailing the complete electrical failure aboard the Seneca and the 39-year-old pilot's reaction to fly clear of clouds after departing Kerry airport for a flight to Jersey, in the U.K. The pilot attempted to contact Kerry airport and air traffic control in Cork via cellphone. After making contact with Cork and then losing contact, he received a text message from a Cork controller advising him that air traffic control had him on radar and he was cleared to land at the airport. The aircraft landed safely at the airport after performing a fly-by to confirm wheels down. The report praised the efforts of the controller. "In this incident the positive and proactive initiative of the ATC controller, who, on realising that mobile audio communication from the pilot was intermittent, quickly switched to texting his instructions instead," reported air accident investigator John Hughes.

Biplane Pilot Killed At Old Rhinebeck (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

FBO of the Week: Air 51 (LEX, Lexington, KY) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

The pilot of a replica biplane died when the aircraft reportedly spun during a mock dogfight at Old Rhinebeck in upstate New York, Sunday. Witnesses said the aircraft entered a spin and crashed near the historic airfield. The pilot was not immediately identified.

Angel Flight Down In Mass.; Third This Summer (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

New TSA Rules In The Works Will Affect GA — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

A Bonanza pilot was taking a patient and his wife to Boston for cancer treatment on Tuesday morning when the airplane lost altitude and crashed into a parking lot in Easton, Mass., killing all three. The flight had been arranged by Angel Flight Northeast, which released a statement expressing sadness and sympathy. It was the third charity flight since June to end in tragedy, and prior to this summer, Angel Flight organizations, which fly about 20,000 missions per year, had never lost a passenger in their 25-year history. On June 3, a Socata TBM-700 flying for Angel Flight Central hit the ground during initial climb from Iowa City Municipal Airport; the pilot and one passenger received serious injuries, and the patient, a two-year-old girl, was killed. On July 17, a Beech Bonanza flying for Angel Flight Southeast collided with an instrument landing system antenna while climbing out from Vandenberg Airport, Tampa, Fla., and the pilot and both passengers died. "The entire Angel Flight world is saddened and surprised and shocked that this is happening all at once," Christel Gollnick, CEO of Angel Flight Central, based in Kansas City, Mo., told The Associated Press. She said that safety protocols for the groups' planes and roughly 7,000 volunteers have not changed and there are no obvious links in the three crashes this year.

Report: Air Force Plan Considers King Airs For Recon (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Europe To Spend 1.6 Billion (Euro) On Clean Aircraft Research — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Seeking full-motion video reconnaissance platforms, the Air Force "is quietly rushing to field more than three dozen" twin-engine propeller-driven aircraft to provide that capability "on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan," according to Inside The Air Force. The report from InsideDefense.com says that according to a July briefing from Air Combat Command, the Air Force would use the aircraft in a program called "Project Liberty." Aircraft considered for the task would likely be modified Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350s carrying video and communications equipment, according to the report. However, Hawker Beechcraft this weekend told Kansas.com that the company does not have a contract to provide aircraft. The plan as reported called for collection of the aircraft at a rate of about two per month beginning in 2008 and deployable within a year.

Europe To Spend 1.6 Billion (Euro) On Clean Aircraft Research (AVwebFlash Current Issue)

Video of the Week: Cessna 140 Watching — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:54:50+0100

Europe's Clean Sky initiative is targeting a 50-percent reduction in CO2 emissions, an 80-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions and a 50-percent reduction in perceived noise levels (all from baseline year 2000 levels) to be met by the year 2020. The plan involves research intended to demonstrate smart wing technologies based on natural and hybrid laminar flow research, active load control and materials development to conclude in flight demonstrations. Powerplant integration will be considered with specific attention paid to the impact of airframe flow fields on propeller efficiency with "open rotor configurations on the airframe, and innovative empennage design," according to engineerlive.com. Development of the demonstration aircraft is expected to evolve, but the initial design will be a direct-drive pusher design -- a point from which to diverge. Contributing members include universities and research centers as well as the European Commission and industry names that include Rolls-Royce, EADS, Eurocopter and others. Aviation emissions account for approximately 2 percent of global CO2 emissions, according to aircraft manufacturers, and by some estimates jet engines are today 70 percent more environmentally friendly in that regard than they were 40 years ago.