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October 15, 2010 Volume 10, Number
48
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EAAER'S
CURTISS-ELY PUSHER REPLICA MAKES FIRST FLIGHTS
 At
8 a.m. Friday, October 8, Bob Coolbaugh's 1911 Curtiss-Ely Pusher
replica successfully flew for the first time on a grass strip adjacent
to Runway 6/24 at the New Market Airport (8W2) in Virginia. The airplane
was made to celebrate the one in which Eugene Ely made the first-ever
carrier landing, on January 11, 1911, on the deck of the United States
Navy's USS Pennsylvania in the San Francisco Bay - beginning the
era of naval aviation. The U.S. Navy will celebrate the Centennial of
Naval Aviation (CONA) throughout next year and has designated EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh 2011 as a Tier 1 Event. Read
more and see video, plus detailed flight test summary
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EAA'S
EARL LAWRENCE TO JOIN FAA LEADERSHIP TEAM
 Earl
Lawrence, who has been a part of the EAA staff since 1994 in government
advocacy roles, will be departing EAA on Nov. 1 to become Manager of the
FAA's Small Airplane Directorate in Kansas City. Lawrence's new FAA
duties will include development of airworthiness standards, policy and
guidance for small aircraft (airplanes, gliders, airships and
lighter-than-air); administer type, production and airworthiness
certification, in addition to the continued operational safety for the
general aviation aircraft. He will also manage the budget, personnel and
training for the Small Airplane Directorate which covers a large
geographic area from Alaska to Florida. Read
more
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FIRST
MANNED GLIDE FLIGHT FOR SPACESHIPTWO ON 10/10/10
 VSS
Enterprise, SpaceShipTwo, made its first manned free flight above the
California high desert Sunday, October 10 (10/10/10), Virgin Galactic
announced. The space ship, which had been on four previous captive-carry
flights attached to the WhiteKnightTwo mothership, was released from
45,000 ft. altitude and for the ensuing 11 minutes glided safely to the
Mojave Air and Spaceport. Read
more and watch the video
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BALLOONISTS
SHOT AT FROM GROUND
One of the balloons competing in last week's America's Challenge gas
balloon race was fired upon from the ground when flying north of
Lubbock, Texas, according to a report on KOB-TV in Albuquerque, New
Mexico. Troy Bradley and co-pilot Shane Robinson were among six teams
that lifted off Saturday from Albuquerque and were floating about 400
feet AGL around sunset when someone started shooting at the balloon, the
report stated. Robinson grabbed binoculars and spotted a pickup truck
with three people and a gun pointed at them. Read
more
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VIDEO:
IRAN UNVEILS SQUADRON OF GROUND EFFECT VEHICLES
 Late
last month (September) during its Week of Sacred Defense celebrations,
Iran debuted the first operational squadron of their domestically-built
Bavar 2 ground effect vehicle (GEV). The one- and two-seat flying boats
feature low-slung wings supported by outrigger pontoons and a raised
pusher prop aft of the cockpit. The Iranian Student News Agency reports
that the GEVs, which are designed to fly just above the surface, are
armed with machine guns, carry surveillance equipment, and have
radar-evading technology. Watch
the video
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VIDEO:
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING WE HOPE YOU'LL REALLY LIKE
 Gladys
Ingles was a member of a barnstorming troupe called the 13 Black Cats in
the 1920s. Ingles was a wing walker; in this film, she shows her
fearlessness in a classic barnstorming routine to save an airplane that
has lost one of its main wheels. Ingles is shown with a replacement
wheel being strapped to her back and then off she goes as "Up She
Goes," a duet from the era, provides the soundtrack. In the video,
Ingles transfers herself from the rescue plane to the one sans main gear
tire. She then expertly works herself down to the undercarriage only a
few feet from a spinning prop. It's certainly a feat many mechanics
wouldn't even try on the ground with the engine running. Watch
the video
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EAA
PROVIDES SIMPLE GUIDE FOR AIRCRAFT RE-REGISTRATION
The FAA notice of "Expiration of Aircraft Registration" forms
have started to arrive in mailboxes - EAA has received a batch for
several of its 200-some museum aircraft - and to help guide aircraft
owners through the process EAA has developed a simple guide based on a
sample re-registration form. Feedback we've received thus far has
reinforced our experience that the re-registration process can be
accomplished in as little as 5-10 minutes. If you own an airplane you
will have to re-register it at some point over the next three years
beginning this November 1. It's being done so the FAA can get an
accurate count of aircraft in the United States. Read
more
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LAWSUIT
CLAIMS RED BULL STOLE IDEA FOR ALTITUDE FREEFALL RECORD ATTEMPT
 The
Red Bull Stratos Program, which was attempting to break the altitude
free-fall record set 50 years ago, has been suspended pending litigation
by Daniel Hogan, who says the record attempt by Red Bull in its current
form was his idea first. Hogan claims in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles
in April that he approached Red Bull in 2004 with his idea. Hogan said,
according to Courthouse News Service, that Red Bull was initially
interested in the project but pulled out after a year of talks. The
lawsuit claims that Red Bull deliberately used the negotiation time to
extract as many details about the project as possible before ending the
talks. Read
more
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$60,000
ELECTRIC FLIGHT PRIZE COMPETITIONS AT AIRVENTURE 2011
Three flight competitions and an electric aircraft innovation award will
showcase the accomplishments and viability of flight powered exclusively
by electricity during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011. Cash prizes totaling
$60,000 will be awarded to winners in each category, as well as an
Overall Electric Flight Competition. Prizes and support for the
competition come courtesy of four companies that are very active in the
sport aviation community: Wicks Aircraft Supply, Dynon Avionics,
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty, and AeroLEDs. Read
more
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FIRST
LANCAIR SYNERGY BUILT FOR COLOMBIAN AIR FORCE IN FLIGHT TESTING
 The
first of 25 Lancair Synergy training aircraft being built for the
Colombian air force is completing its flight testing in Colombia. The
aircraft are being built through a multi-company partnership that
includes the government-owned Corporación de la Industria Aeronáutica
de Colombia S.A (CIAC), which was contracted by the Colombian air force
to provide a training aircraft. CIAC selected Sudamin A&D and its
U.S. subsidiary, Sudair, which partnered with Lancair in the bid. The
modified two-seat fixed-gear trainer draws attributes from both the
Lancair Legacy and Evolution. Read
more
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EAA
PRESIDENT SPEAKS TO APPRECIATIVE CROWD AT WICKS FORUM
 EAA
President Rod Hightower spoke to a group largely made up of EAA members
who attended Wicks Aircraft Supply's first-ever Wicks Forum last
Saturday at its headquarters in Highland, Illinois. Hightower, who began
his new position leading EAA on September 7, discussed EAA's future
missions in attracting more people to aviation, working with regulatory
agencies to help lower the barriers to flight, and further improving EAA
AirVenture Oshkosh. Read
more
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PILOT
REMINDER: WATCH OUT FOR POP-UP TFRS
With the fall elections approaching in November, the likelihood of
temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) being issued for VIP appearances on
very short notice during the campaign season is on the rise. FAA and TSA
officials are urging general aviation pilots to be ever vigilant and
always aware of TFRs when they fly. EAA reminds pilots to check the
NOTAMs before takeoff and make sure all intended flight paths steer well
clear of all restricted airspace. You can check for TFRs on the EAA
Flight Planner as well as during FAA Flight Service and DUAT/DUATS
briefings.
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ROMANCE
IN THE AIR DURING FALL COLOR FLIGHT
 Last
weekend's Fall Color Flight aboard EAA's Ford Tri-Motor is one Jill
Bowers will never forget. Flying with her daughter, Kendall, and her
boyfriend, Paul Reynebeau, the airplane took off from Pioneer Airport
and banked over Wittman Regional when Jill noticed colored letters on
the convention taxiway that read, "JILL, WILL U MARRY ME?
-PAUL". At that moment, Paul produced an engagement ring and she
quickly said "yes!" Read
more
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DE
HAVILLAND HERON COMING TO COPPERSTATE
 Preparations
are in full swing for next week's 37th COPPERSTATE Fly-In, which runs
October 21-23 at Casa Grande Airport, Arizona. This year's event will
feature more than 50 commercial exhibitors, a full slate of educational
forums and workshops, in excess of 350 aircraft of all kinds - including
more than 200 showplanes - plus aircraft demonstration flights,
helicopter rides, and more. Read
more
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'CRANECAM'
PROVIDES LIVE WINDOW TO ANNUAL UL-LED MIGRATION
 Eleven
young whooping cranes and three weight-shift trikes have begun
the 10th year of effort to re-introduce the cranes into their
natural migration pattern. There are now approximately 96 whooping
cranes in the wild in eastern North America thanks to Operation
Migration's work. Nearly extinct in 1940, there are now about 570
whooping cranes in existence, approximately 400 of them in the wild. Now
you can be part of the action as Operation Migration is providing a live
"CraneCam" to follow the Class of 2010 whoopers as they learn
their migration route south. Read
more
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EAA
TO PARTICIPATE IN NEXT MONTH'S AOPA SUMMIT
EAA will be active before and during the AOPA Aviation Summit scheduled
November 11-13 in Long Beach, California. David Oord, EAA government and
advocacy specialist, will serve as moderator for a panel discussion,
"The Sport Pilot Solution: Is It Right for You?" scheduled for
3:30-4:30 p.m. on November 11. Panelists will include Dan Johnson,
president, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA); Tom
Gunnarson, transportation industry analyst - Light Sport Program, FAA
Small Airplane Directorate; Carol Carpenter, co-owner of Rainbow
Aviation Services; and Jill W. Tallman, associate editor, AOPA
Publications and an active sport pilot. Read
more
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YOU'RE
INVITED: 2010 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
Friday, October 29, 2010
 Join
EAA and keynote speaker, renowned aviation writer Mac McClellan, on
Friday, October 29, at the EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh for the 2010
EAA Sport Aviation Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony. We will
be honoring five inductees for their contributions to EAA and the
aviation community: John Ballantyne, EAA Ultralights Hall of Fame; Jimmy
Franklin, International Aerobatic Club Hall of Fame; Morton Lester,
Vintage Aircraft Association Hall of Fame; Harold D. "Hal"
Weekley, Warbirds of America Hall of Fame; and Dean Wilson, EAA
Homebuilders Hall of Fame.
Click
here for more information and to RSVP to the Hall of Fame ceremony
and dinner, e-mail Jo Ann Bauer or
call 800-236-1025.
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WEBINARS:
KERMIT WEEKS WILL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
Sign up for a special session of Q & A with Kermit Weeks, aviation
enthusiast, pilot, aircraft collector, author, and accomplished
aerobatic competitor. Weeks is the founder of Fantasy of Flight, an
aviation-based attraction in central Florida that boasts the world's
largest collection of airworthy vintage aircraft from the earliest days
of flight to the 1950s. He is also an author, recently publishing a
children's book, and was twice US National Aerobatic Champion. Weeks
provided key support to build the EAA research facility in Oshkosh that
bears his name.
All
webinars begin at 7 p.m. CDT. To
find out more about upcoming EAA
Webinars and to register, visit the webinars
page.
EAA
gratefully acknowledges the support
of Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co.
for their generous sponsorship of
our webinar programs.
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B-17
FALL TOUR HEADS SOUTH
 EAA's
B-17 Aluminum Overcast continues the fall leg of its US tour in
Atlanta, Georgia, October 15-17 hosted by EAA Chapter 690. The bomber
will then stop in Columbia, South Carolina, October 19-20, a guest of
EAA Chapter 242. With that, the B-17 will kick off the last month of its
tour in Charlotte, North Carolina, hosted by EAA Chapter 309 October
22-24. To see the remaining tour dates or to book a flight, click
here.
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GIVE THE GIFT OF FLIGHT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
 EAA
and Sporty's Flight Experience is a great way to give someone a ride,
even if you're not a pilot. The Flight Experience package is the perfect
way to get them flying - and a great gift for the aviation enthusiast.
Sporty's Pilot Shop and EAA partnered to put together everything they
need to get started, including: Introductory flight lesson, Pilot
logbook, 6-month membership to EAA, 6-month subscription to EAA's Sport
Aviation magazine, "Spirit of Aviation" DVD, Flight
training DVD, Cessna 182 cockpit poster, Sporty's Pilot Shop catalog.
All for only $139! Click
here to give the gift of flight or call toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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DEAL
OF THE WEEK: SAVE $20 ON WAG-AERO DIRECTIONAL GYRO AND GYRO HORIZON
 Take
$20 off Wag-Aero's new non-TSO'd, vacuum-operated instruments that are
ideal for light-sport and experimental aircraft. Choose from a
3-1/8" Directional Gyro or 3-1/8" Gyro Horizon, both
originally $469, now only $449. Click
here to find out how you can save $20 on these Wag-Aero
vacuum-operated instruments.
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EAA MERCHANDISE: SAVE UP TO 40% ON SELECT MODELS
 Model
month continues with great deals on model kits for all ages. Build two
of WWII's most recognizable fighter planes, the P-51 Mustang and the F4U
Corsair with The Heroes of the Sky model kit. Includes spinning
propellers, display stands, decal sheets, non-toxic acrylic paint in six
colors, and three paint brushes. Regularly $22.99, Sale price $18.99.
The Kids DIY (do-it-yourself) Airplane kit comes with two wooden
airplanes. Kit includes pre-cut wood parts, nails, sandpaper, paints,
paint brush, glue, and easy to follow instructions. Order
your kits online or by calling toll-free, 800-564-6322.
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EAA Sport Aviation
Magazine
Can you help?
Join the Discussions!
Post of the Week!
"Nothing but love for EAA" …
wow! New member Frank Giger of Alabama got our attention with the title
of his recent
post on Oshkosh365, but it was the rest of what he had to say about
his experience at his very first EAA chapter meeting that we just had to
share. Read all about how happy Frank was to find a group of people who
"understood my kind of crazy," and we think you'll agree when
he says that this should be the "template" for how a chapter
should work. A hearty welcome to Frank, and kudos to the members of
Chapter 152 in Birmingham for showing the rest of us how it's done!
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If you have suggestions or
submissions for EAA’s weekly AeroInnovations column, please send them to
AeroInnovations editor Bob Waldron.
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Electric-powered
Quickie Under Development |
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The
Feuling Advanced Technologies team has taken the basic Quickie design
from the 1970s and updated it with modern lightweight materials and a
battery-powered electric motor. With a design empty weight of 240
pounds, the $25,000 aircraft, including battery and motor, may be the
least expensive entry in the Green Flight Challenge. |
Solar Powered Mass Transport Hovercraft to Use Finland’s Long Days |
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A solar hovercraft is the perfect mass transport vehicle for a Finnish coastal city which has to deal with snow, ice, and water along its travel route. This concept vehicle has a roof made of transparent solar panels and has two unique steering propellers in front to give much better control compared to standard hovercraft. |
New Engine Pre-Cooler on Spaceplane Instantly Lowers Intake Gases 1100 Degrees |
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At Mach 5, the SABRE engine powering the Skylon spaceplane will be exposed to intake gases at 1,000 degrees Celsius that need to be cooled to below -100 degrees. Reaction Engines team has developed a pre-cooler heat exchanger with thin-wall tubes the diameter of a human hair to achieve the 1,100-plus degree temperature drop in 30 milliseconds. |
Flying Saucer Airship Design Practical Solution to Strong Winds |
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The Skylifter’s unique shape would no doubt make some people think they saw a UFO, but the “flying saucer” design is intended to minimize the impact of high winds on this concept airship. The control and passenger pod also has a unique design, being hung below the aerostat balloon by suspension lines. |
Acoustic Engine Liners to Quiet Airport Community Complaints |
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A new turbofan engine design would provide quieter aircraft, especially appreciated in airports located near residential areas. The NASA-led acoustic liner design uses an open-cell metallic foam, which provides blade-failure containment with minimal aerodynamic penalty. |
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| AeroInnovations aims to highlight developments that have potential to impact the future of aviation. EAA does not necessarily endorse the ideas, products, services, or views contained therein. |
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HINTS FOR HOMEBUILDERS: LACING
ELECTRICAL WIRES
 John
Brecher shares his technique of lacing electrical wire rather than using
zip ties. John is an EAA SportAir Workshop instructor, an A & P
mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), and a homebuilder. Watch
the video
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TIMELESS VOICES OF
AVIATION: DICK RUTAN
 Before
becoming world famous as one of the two pilots to fly the Voyager
aircraft in a nonstop, unrefueled flight around the world in December
1986, Dick Rutan served for two decades as a fighter pilot in the United
States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, Dick flew 325 combat missions
in F-100 Super Sabres with the 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 37th
Tactical Fighter Wing out of Phu Cat Air Base in South Vietnam. 125 of
his missions were with Project Commando Sabre, an all-volunteer fast
forward air control unit under the call sign MISTY that flew into
North Vietnam looking for anti-aircraft missile sites. These missions
were exceptionally dangerous, and in September 1968, Dick was hit by
ground fire and forced to eject. Fortunately he was rescued by a Jolly
Green Giant search and rescue helicopter. Watch
the video
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Where
Are You Flying This Weekend?
There are 65
fly-ins and events this weekend in the EAA
Events Calendar. Find one near you or add your event! |
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Q
& A:
Question of
the Week
For EAA
Information Services
Can I use steel wrap on the brake
lines to lessen the frequency of ruptures on my 2005
Sting Sport LSA?
Answer: You’ll
have to refer to the Operating Limitations document
on board your aircraft. There will be a number of
paragraphs that give direction on maintenance and
inspections of the aircraft. All maintenance changes
for aircraft with S-LSA (special light-sport
aircraft) airworthiness certificates must be
approved by the manufacturer. You must receive prior
approval from them before implementing any change
from what is specified in the Maintenance Manual
published by the manufacturer.
If your aircraft has
been changed to an E-LSA (experimental)
airworthiness certification, you may do what you
like; you are no longer bound by the S-LSA
maintenance requirements. Again, the Operating
Limitations document will give guidance on
maintenance and inspections.
Have a question?
To ask a question regarding government issues,
e-mail EAA Government Relations.
For questions about registration, airmen, aircraft
and medical certification, safety records,
performance, or any other matter, e-mail EAA
Member Services.
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EAA
Desktop Calendar
October
2010
X marks the spot: Two P-38 Lightings create a
remarkable pattern when captured during a crossover
break at AirVenture 2010 by photographer Jay
Beckman.
Download
this wallpaper image from the EAA
website, where you can choose among several different
resolutions to suit
your screen - including three wide-screen
sizes...or select an image from the archive.
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VAN'S
AIRCRAFT ANNOUNCES 7000TH RV BUILT
On October 12, 2010, Van's Aircraft reported that the 7,000th RV had
been built after Ron Jagels of Novato, California, contacted the company
to report on his recently completed RV-12. "As I experienced with
the RV-8A I built a few years ago, the RV-12 performed exactly as it was
supposed to. It is nimble and really fun to fly," Novato wrote in
an e-mail. For more information on RV aircraft, click
here.
SPORTY'S INTRODUCES A-2 'ACE' FLIGHT
JACKET
Sporty's has updated its A-2 flight jacket to a contemporary version,
featuring full-leather cuffs, an all-leather comfort waistband, and
traditional A-2 snap and side-entry pockets. Interior pockets can be
used to store a cell phone, pens, and more. Authentic WWII details like
the bi-swing back construction make it easy for pilots to move their
arms without restrictions. Sporty's A-2 Ace Jacket is available in sizes
S-XXL and long sizes for $249. An additional $16 charge is added for the
XXL jackets. For more details click
here.
GARMIN G600 TO BE RSVM CERTIFIED ON
CESSNA CONQUEST II
Garmin International Inc. announced they are working toward a
Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for reduced vertical separation
minimum (RVSM) certification for installation of the G600 in select
aircraft. The STC is expected to be completed in early 2011 and will
initially be available for new G600 installations on the Cessna 441
Conquest II with an ARC 1000 autopilot. Once completed, Conquest II
operators will be eligible to fly RVSM flight profiles at 29,000 feet
through the aircraft's max altitude of 35,000 feet. This will allow
Conquest II pilots to gain fuel savings, reduce their vertical
separation from 2,000 feet to 1,000 feet required for RVSM altitudes,
and increase airspace capacity. For more information click
here.
ASPEN AVIONICS' EA100 ADAPTER NOW
AVAILABLE
Aspen Avionics Inc. announced the certification and availability of the
EA100 Adapter for attitude-based autopilot systems. The EA100 provides a
digital-to-analog data conversion between the EFD1000 and an aircraft's
attitude-based autopilot system. The adapter enables the Evolution
Flight Display's AHRS to provide attitude information directly to the
autopilot. The first version of the EA100 will allow the replacement of
the popular Bendix/King KI-256 attitude indicator and will support the
KAP 100/200 series, the KFC 200 series, and other Bendix/King autopilots
that require input from that model of gyro. For more information click
here.
TAILWIND ACQUIRES KELLY AEROSPACE
ENERGY SYSTEMS
Tailwind Technologies Inc., the parent company of Hartzell Propeller
Inc., purchased assets from Kelly Aerospace Energy Systems LLC. The new
Tailwind-owned company will be named Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC.,
and will offer products such as turbocharger systems, alternators,
starters, Janitrol Heaters, fuel pumps, oil filters, ignition harnesses,
magnetos, and a large range of other products for piston-engine GA and
military aircraft. For more information on the new company, click
here.
EXTRA AIRCRAFT MONTROSE ASSEMBLY PLANE
APPROVED
Montrose County, Colorado, commissioners unanimously approved the
Extra Aircraft assembly plant Wednesday evening at a public hearing,
Extra reported Thursday. The two sides restructured the original
incentives proposal in response to suggestions made during the due
diligence process. Extra aircraft also obtained the support of the
Montrose Economic Development Corp., the City of Montrose , the State of
Colorado and Region 10 to bring more than 200 jobs to the Region. The
County has agreed to build and lease a 25,000 square ft facility on
eight acres of airport property. Included in the approved arrangement is
the agreement to build additional square footage as Extra’s sales
demand increases over time.
Extra owner Ken Keith said nearly 400
applications have already been received. “This is a great day for both
Extra Aircraft and the citizens of Montrose,” he said. “Now we are
excited to start the process of opening up in Montrose.” |
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