Ultralight Aircraft Safety Concerns Raised

A series of recent crashes in southwest Florida involving ultralight aircraft has highlighted the risks of operating these non-standard, unregulated aircraft – for the pilot, and people on the ground…

Aviation Day 2013

Chapter 99 of the Experimental Aircraft Association, based in Vero Beach, Florida, invites aviation enthusiasts to join them on Saturday March 2, 2013, for a bit of ‘Airplane Time’…

FLS Microjet Flight Tests Exceed Expectations

The FLS Microjet by BD-Micro Technologies, Inc. (BMT) completed Phase I flight testing on May 5th 2011. During testing, all performance expectations were either met or exceeded. Better known as the “James Bond jet”, the BD-5J Microjet for the first time ever is available as a complete and modernized, ready to assemble, integrated airframe, avionics, and powerplant systems package. BMT is currently taking orders for a limited production of the FLS Microjet kit.

Experimental Aircraft Research

A look at the evolution of aviation reveals that many times it was flight enthusiasts and amateurs who led the way in developing foundations on which improvements could be made to transform and develop the world of aviation as it is known today. It is for these very reasons that the National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting research into the technology and innovations of amateur built and experimental aircraft. Not only will it give the board insight into the world of experimental aircraft but assist them in establishing what safety measures are being used, as well as the experience levels of these builders.

Homebuilt

Homebuilt airplanes are aircraft built by individuals and then licensed as “experimental”. They are used solely for educational or personal purposes. Many thousands of homebuilt airplanes are being flown in the world, and there are four main types. The first is built from steel tubing which is welded together and then covered with fabric. The [...]

Pietenpols Honored at EAA AirVenture 2009

Just more than 80 years ago Bernard Pietenpol set about designing some of the most user-friendly and original aircraft concepts in the world. He quickly set about building a company and marketing his products. His brand of homebuilt aircraft designs made flying accessible to millions and many of them are still built regularly today. This year the Pietenpols Experimental Aircraft Association will be celebrating their 80th anniversary during the 2009 EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh.

Aerial Fun at Camarillo Air Expo

Every year thousands of people gather to enjoy the excitement and entertainment provided by the Camarillo Air Expo. The event takes place at the Camarillo Airport and will showcase a wide variety of aircraft. It has a little something for every aviation enthusiast and will no doubt appeal to a lot of newcomers too.

Looking Back at the Farnborough Air Show

Despite rising fuel prices and crashing economies, the Farnborough Air Show in England enjoyed a massive turn-out. There was the usual collection of aircraft manufactures, shareholders, customers and rivals. Members of the general public also made sure that they got to enjoy the show.

AirVenture 2008 Casts Spotlight on Homebuilt Aircraft

Every year the Experimental Aircraft Association holds its AirVenture celebration, but lately fans have been worried that that the event is slipping further and further away from its homebuilt roots. Indeed, it has been giving more and more floor space to plane manufacturers like Cessna and Cirrus over the years, but this year the EAA is attempting to ensure that homebuilt aircraft gets the spotlight.

The Challenge of Manned Ornithopters

The idea of sculpting a flying machine based on the flapping mechanism used by birds is not a new one. Man has likely always dreamed of imitating the freedom that the flight of these birds would allow them. The ancient Greek legend of Daedalus and Icarus tells of how young Icarus sculpted wings of wax and feathers for himself in his pursuit of his dream of flight. But since the first successful flight of the Wright Brothers, the idea of designing an aircraft based on the exact same mechanisms of propulsion used by birds has been largely forgotten.

Next Page »