NASA ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE ASTRONAUTS
NASA is accepting applications for the agency’s next class of the Astronaut Candidate Program. Qualified individuals can submit their applications through the federal government’s USAJobs.gov website. Those selected will be among the first to pioneer a new generation of commercial launch vehicles and travel aboard a new heavy-lift rocket to space. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or math and three years of relevant professional experience. NASA will accept applications through January 27, 2012. For more information, click here.

ROTORCRAFT WELCOMED INTO GAMA MEMBERSHIP
GAMA’s Board of Directors voted to expand the association’s membership to include rotorcraft manufacturers and to accept Bell Helicopter as the first GAMA member from that sector of GA products. “Growing our membership to include rotorcraft manufacturers allows GAMA to better advocate for and promote the interests of the entire general aviation industry throughout the world,” said GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce. For more information, click here.

WOLF AVIATION FUND GRANT PROPOSALS DUE DECEMBER 15
Each year the Wolf Aviation Fund provides grants for a number of individuals and organizations doing great work in GA. To date, 307 projects or programs have received awards, with their worthy applicants receiving the funding and recognition for working on new ideas. Applications must meet certain criteria and fit into the fund's seven major program areas: Developing Public Policy and Airports; Networking and Mutual Support; Development and Alternative Resources; Communications, Media, and Community Relations; General Aviation Technology, Safety, and Noise; Improving Public Understanding and Perception; and Aviation and Space Education. For more information, click here.

TEMPEST FIGHTS WINTER WITH ENGINE PRESERVATION SYSTEM
With winter approaching, Tempest’s AA1000 EPS can help reduce corrosion in engines by reducing the humidity level. The system pumps dry air into the engine oil filler cap and removes the moisture already in the engine, and continuous operation will prevent any additional moisture from accumulating. If continuous operation is not possible or practical, running the EPS for approximately one hour after engine shutdown will displace most of the moist air and help preserve the engine. For more information, click here.

PIPER BEGINS INDONESIAN FLEET DELIVERIES
Piper Aircraft Inc. recently delivered the first six of an 18-unit fleet order for Piper Warrior training aircraft to Sekolah Tinggi Penerbang Indonesia (STPI), the government flight school at Budiarto Airport in Curug, Indonesia. STPI educates pilots under the auspices of the Ministry of Transportation for the Republic of Indonesia. The Piper Warriors join a number of other training aircraft in STPI's fleet, which includes the Beech Sundowner, Piper Dakota, Socata Tobago, and Beech Baron. For more information, click here.

HOLD-IT HELPS YOU KEEP TRACK OF THAT ‘LITTLE RED STRAW’
HOLD-IT Inc. has created a product that will make sure you always have that “little red straw” for pinpoint accuracy on all your aerosol cans. HOLD-IT is made of a durable rubber/elastic polymer that stretches to fit just about any size can, making it adaptable to lubricants, choke cleaners, degreasers, carburetor cleaners, and more. HOLD-IT will be available at all Lowe’s stores in February 2012. For more information, click here.

YIKEBIKE PROVIDES ALTERNATIVE TO ‘AIRPORT CAR’
Zone Performance Wear has created a small, light, foldable electric bicycle, giving pilots an alternative to an “airport car.” The bike takes 55 minutes to charge, has a range of 6 miles, top speed of 14 mph, and weighs 23.8 pounds. The carbon fiber version costs $3,795, and the aluminum version costs $1,995. Introductory pricing and free shipping is available until 2012. For more information, click here.

US AVIATION LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE, FACEBOOK PAGE, HANGAR
US Aviation, a full-service FBO, has launched a new website to highlight its multi-million dollar expansion and growing list of services: luxury concierge; full serve quick turns; pilot, guest, and crew amenities; gift and pilot shop; maintenance; avionics; advanced flight training; and hangar leasing. The new Facebook page shows current opportunities for savings, activities, and more view of the modern facilities. Those who "Like" the page will get updates whenever fuel prices change. At the same time, US Aviation has opened a new 15,000-square-foot corporate hangar in Denton, Texas.

HUMAN-POWERED HELICOPTER WORLD RECORDS CERTIFIED
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) has certified that the University of Maryland-Clark School's Gamera human-powered helicopter team set world records earlier this year for flight duration and flight duration with a female pilot. The FAI certified the 4.2-second flight of May 12, 2011, and the 11.4-second flight of July 13, 2011, which supersedes the first. Gamera was designed and built by a team of students at the Clark School, and piloted by biology student Judy Wexler. The team is now working on a new lighter and more efficient vehicle in pursuit of the American Helicopter Society's (AHS) Sikorsky Prize, which awards $250,000 for the first controlled flight of a human-powered helicopter. The team hopes to have it completed this spring. To learn more about the project, click here.