EXCEL-JET SUES FAA OVER SPORT-JET CRASH
Excel-Jet, Ltd., has initiated legal action against the FAA regarding the June 2006 crash of the company's Sport-Jet prototype aircraft. The company alleges that during test flight number 25, air traffic control cleared the aircraft for takeoff behind a large commercial aircraft, in violation of mandatory separation requirements. The Sport-Jet suffered a violent un-commanded roll immediately after liftoff and crashed. After a 15-month investigation, the company says that it has no option but to take this action to prove there was no fault with the aircraft or pilot. Learn more at www.exceljetair.com.

A LEGEND CUB JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS
American Legend Aircraft Company announced a limited number of available December delivery slots for its Legend Cub. The company says it will produce additional aircraft through the end of 2007 to make them available to a limited number of customers. "One of the greatest difficulties of buying a new airplane is the wait time for taking delivery, said Kurt Sehnert, American Legend general manager. "We have shortened this delivery time down to less than 90 days so new owners can enjoy their Legend Cub as the perfect Christmas present." For more information, call 903-885-7000 or visit www.legend.aero.

BANKRUPT PLANEMAKER DELIVERS 30 AIRCRAFT IN 3RD QUARTER
Columbia Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation may be on the auction block, but the company announced it delivered 30 new Columbia 350 and 400 aircraft in the third quarter of 2007. The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and its assets are being pursued by Cessna and several other potential buyers. "The fact that Cessna and a number of other entities are interested in purchasing Columbia as a going concern is a strong indication of the product's value proposition and of the company's potential for growth and profitability," said Carl Young, Columbia's chief restructuring officer. Learn more at www.flycolumbia.com.

LIBERTY AEROSPACE FINDS FINANCING
Liberty Aerospace, Inc., manufacturer of the Liberty XL-2, announced a major debt financing arrangement that allows the company to significantly expand its production capacity. The financing was arranged by Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain), which manages Liberty's major shareholder, Fernas Europe slf. "The finance is important as it gives strength, stability, and resources to Liberty that will culminate in Liberty's further success in aircraft sales." said Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat, KFH general manager and Liberty director. To learn more about the Kuwait Finance House, visit www.kfh.bh/. To learn more about Liberty Aerospace, visit www.libertyaircraft.com.

ROTAX 912 SEMINAR SCHEDULED
A free seminar on the Rotax 912 engine will be held in Lakeland, Florida, on January 5, 2008. Phil Lockwood, president of Lockwood Aviation Supply, will present ways to maintain and operate the Rotax 9-series aircraft engine. The all-day seminar is part of the FAA Production Studio's January Sport Aviation Seminar at the Sun 'n Fun FAA Safety Center at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL).

For more information, contact Terry Kurtz at 863-602-1032 or visit www.faaproductionstudios.com. The seminar will be repeated at the 2008 Sebring US Sport Aviation Expo on January 17-19. Visit www.sport-aviation-expo.com for more information.

'COLD WAR' VULCAN BOMBER RETURNS TO SKY
A Vulcan bomber has flown again after years of restoration work by engineers in Leicestershire, England. It last flew 14 years ago, capping a 33-year career in the Royal Air Force, including service in the Falklands War. Some 20,000 people worldwide helped raise money to restore the Cold War bomber, which conducted test flights from Bruntingthorpe Airfield after being cleared by the Civil Aviation Authority.

One of the pilots noted,: "She's absolutely magnificent and visually a very attractive aeroplane. All of us who have flown her have enjoyed her handling qualities but she really flies like a big fighter in some ways. It's a thrill to be involved with it."

COZY MARK IV MODEL AVAILABLE
The Cozy Mark IV is the latest homebuilt to be immortalized by the aircraft model industry. The 1:32 scale model is made of composite resins assuring the model will hold its size and shape. The model features retractable nose gear, a painted propeller and nightlights, a wingspan of 10.5 inches, and stands 3.6 inches high. No assembly is required. Available for $95, the Cozy model can be ordered through Aircraft Spruce online at www.AircraftSpruce.com or by calling 877-477-7823.

2008 WOMEN IN AVIATION CONFERENCE
The 19th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference will be held March 13-15, 2008, at the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego, California. The event features seminars, workshops, speakers, a job fair, Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics, social events, and a trade show. A pre-conference "Military Day" will be held at Naval Air Station North Island on March 12. All events are open to WAI members and non-members. For more information or to register, visit www.wai.org or call 937.839.4647.