ADAM AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS 'SUSPENDED'
In what the company called "a difficult but necessary move," Adam Aircraft Industries suspended operations Monday and sent about 500 employees home at its facilities on Centennial Airport in Englewood, Colorado. A news release posted to the company's website said the move was made "due to the inability of the company to come to terms with their lender for funding necessary to maintain business operations."  Read more

SPORT PILOT/LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT SEMINAR IN OSHKOSH
A Light-Sport Pilot/Aircraft safety seminar will be held in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on March 29. The all-day seminar features a series of six free presentations by various guest speakers, including EAA's Joe Norris. Attendees will learn about sport pilot/light-sport aircraft, maintenance issues, and qualify for credit in the FAA Wings program. The event takes place at the FAA Safety Center at Wittman Regional Airport. Learn more at www.faasafety.gov.

BUDGET CUTS HALT VIRGINIA AVIATION AMBASSADORS AWARDS
But program continues
Last week we featured a story about the Virginia Aviation Ambassadors Program, which was created in 2005 to promote aviation in the state by encouraging pilots and others to visit Virginia's airports and aviation museums, attend safety seminars and the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight. This week, the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV) announced that due to budget cuts, the recognition awards portion of the program has been suspended until further notice.  Read more

CIRRUS DESIGN EXPANDS TO VENEZUELA
Cirrus Design Corporation announced that Millennial Technologies, LLC, an FAA Certified repair station that specializes in the sales and installation of avionics equipment, will serve as the facility for Aero-Acciones, C.A., Cirrus' Venezuelan sales center for distribution in the region.

Aero-Acciones, C.A. will be based at Caracas Airport in Venezuela, with Millennial's Fort Lauderdale location serving as the satellite office. All product sales and demonstration flights will continue to be performed at the most convenient locations for prospective clients. For more information, visit www.cirrusdesign.com.

RECORD YEAR FOR GENERAL AVIATION MANUFACTURERS
The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) reports that GA's 2007 year-end shipment figures show another record high in industry billings. Alan Klapmeier, chairman and CEO of Cirrus Design Corporation and GAMA chairman, said a strong worldwide market, especially outside of North America, was a driving factor for general aviation in 2007.

Record industry billings totaled $21.9 billion, eclipsing last years' figure by 16.5 percent. Year-end, worldwide shipments of GA airplanes totaled 4,272 units, the most in more than a quarter century, and up 5.4 percent from the previous year. The industry also experienced an all-time high in business jet shipments, delivering over 1,000 units for the first time ever. For more information, visit www.GAMA.aero.

NASA AERONAUTICS OFFERS UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
NASA's Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate will accept applications from undergraduate and graduate students through March 17, 2008, for its fall 2008 scholarship program. The purpose of this new scholarship program is to attract highly motivated students to aeronautics and related fields. Undergraduates in their second year of study can earn up to $15,000 per year for two years, and graduate students can earn up to $35,000 per year for three years. For details or to apply, visit: www.asee.org/nasaasp. For information about NASA's aeronautics programs, visit www.aeronautics.nasa.gov.