Garmin Unveils Bigger, Better Multi-Function Display
GPS goliath Garmin International announced the debut of its latest system-the GMX 200, a multi-function display (MFD) with a high-resolution display the company says is almost 20% larger than any other panel-mount MFD unit on the market. According to the company, an advanced backlighting scheme improves the color and contrast on the 640x480-pixel unit, resulting in chart depictions and images that are brighter and more vivid in all lighting conditions. …
Kitfox Rights Acquired by Sport Plane, LLC
In a history punctuated by swirling eddies of ownership changes, bankruptcy and rebirth, another chapter of the Kitfox story opened on April 7, 2006, when John and Debra McBean purchased the SkyStar assets including the tradenames, tooling, engineering and rights to produce the Kitfox designs. The McBeans own and operate Sport Plane LLC, which specializes in builder assistance, service, sales and aftermarket parts for sport aircraft. …
Approach Systems and Park Rapids Join to Produce Modular Wiring Systems
Approach Systems, manufacturer of modular plug-and-play wirings systems for homebuilt airplanes, announced that it has formed a joint venture with Park Rapids Avionics. The new company will be called Approach Fast Stack Systems, and it will develop and sell a line of avionics products for the industry. Approachs modular wiring system interconnects avionics components with a central hub and ready-built cables for the majority of avionics available to homebuilders. Its designed to eliminate time and error…
The HeloWerks WASP: The Industrys First Turbine-Powered Two-Place Kit Helicopter
A year after its splashy public debut at Sun n Funs Choppertown in 2005, HeloWerks has announced receipt of an Experimental airworthiness certificate for its turbine-powered WASP helicopter prototype. According to company president Tony Pena, the WASP is the first kit-built, turbine-powered, two-place helicopter to receive an airworthiness certificate. The WASP is a small helicopter powered by a JFS-100-13A turboshaft engine. Pena says hes a composite specialist whos worked in the aerospace industry for 26 years.…
KITPLANES’ New Airplane: The 18-Day Sportsman 2+2.
Welcome to the first of what we expect to be many web-based updates on KITPLANES big project for the year, the construction of a GlaStar Sportsman 2+2, N30KP, that will be both a traveling tool for the staff and a testbed for new equipment and technologies in the future. Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook picks up the story: …
Plug-and-Play Electrical Systems for Vans RV-7 Through -10
Composite Design, Inc., supplier of pre-wired Power Panels and custom aircraft electrical components since 1994, has announced the debut of a complete line of electrical systems for Vans Aircraft models RV-7 through RV-10. The new systems will be available starting the summer of 2006. The wiring systems are modular in design with the basic systems including all airframe, instrumentation, avionics, engine power and control circuits. Minimum engine instrumentation wiring is also included as well as pre-assembled…
APS Engine Management School Goes Online
Following 13 months of intense development, including the creation of a system for viewing video online, Advanced Pilot Seminars (APS) has unveiled a web-based seminar that brings its breakthrough concepts to GA pilots worldwide. Now in its fourth year, APS has taught nearly 1000 pilots and mechanics science-based techniques of engine management, backed by hard data acquired on the most advanced piston engine test facility in the world. …
Sport Pilot TV Takes Flight
Nothing on TV? Try this-Sport Pilot TV, a weekly aviation program dedicated to flying for fun, recently debuted on The Mens Channel, a cable television network. Despite its name, Sport Pilot TV puts you in the flying seat of airplanes beyond those that qualify for the FAAs new Light Sport category. All kinds of aircraft are featured-conventional, homebuilts, ultralights, LSAs and others.. …
New KitLog Pro Adds Features, Online Hub for Builders
Aeroware Enterprises announced the release of the latest edition of KitLog Pro, v2.0. The program is a software-based organizational tool that allows an aircraft builder to create, archive, manage and display the entire construction process. The long anticipated release includes an entirely new look, added features, functions and flexibility and the ability to post construction logs to the internet. …
FAA Approves Dreams Fastbuild Tundra Kit for 51%
Dream Aircraft, manufacturer of the Tundra kit aircraft, announced that the FAA has approved its recently developed fastbuild kit as legal per the regs of the major portion rule. According to Luc Prmont of Dream, the company has completed as much work as possible on the kit while ensuring it still adheres to the 51% rule. …
In Case You Missed It
Unusual Attitude
If you want to install an alternative engine in your aircraft, make sure you've thought through the issues of weight, thrust line, cooling and cowling.
Free Flight
When testing a new avionics component in your homebuilt, you must be prepared to deal with any consequences that may develop.
Hatz CB-1 Classic
It took 10 years for Hansueli and Samuel Gautschi to complete the ultimate do-it-yourself project, and the result is an absolute gem. By Ernst Bickmeier.
Lockwood Super Drifter
Throttling back to enjoy the Florida scenery, Marc Cook is reminded of the reasons he first fell in love with flying as he pilots the new Lockwood Super Drifter.