April 2014 Readback
Beechcraft Corporation recognized the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the King Air Model 90 with several three-ship passes of the company’s current production King Air models over its home airfield, Beech Field, in Wichita, Kan., as employees and guests watched.
50th Anniversary Of King Air's First Flight
Beechcraft Corporation recognized the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the King Air Model 90 with several three-ship passes of the company's current production King Air models over its home airfield, Beech Field, in Wichita, Kan., as employees and guests watched. Nearly 7,200 King Airs have been delivered, and the worldwide fleet has surpassed 60 million flight hours. "The significance of that first flight 50 years ago cannot be overstated, nor can the work of Beechcrafters over the past five decades, to turn that one model into the legendary King Air brand," said Bill Boisture, CEO of Beechcraft. "The King Air captures more than 50% of the worldwide business turboprop market each year because we've continued to innovate and build upon its foundation with the latest advancements in technology, durability, utility and comfort. Today's celebration launches a year-long commemoration of the King Air legacy that began in earnest with the first flight of that first prototype." Visit www.beechcraft.com.
Epic Aircraft Certification
Epic Aircraft is on schedule to certify its single-engine turboprop LT model by mid-2015. Initial aircraft deliveries of the Epic E1000 are targeted for the second half of 2015. "We already have more than 10 new confirmed reservations for the E1000, and we haven't yet started to market," said Doug King, Epic CEO. "We believe our performance and price point distinguish us in the industry, so we are ramping manufacturing to service that demand." Epic recently purchased a 204,000-square- foot manufacturing facility formerly owned by Columbia and Cessna, effectively tripling their production capacity. "We are firmly committed to achieving certification for the E1000," said King. "We have the resources, the knowledge and the experience to make it happen." Final customer builds of the experimental LT model will continue throughout 2014, but no additional orders are being taken. Visit www.epicaircraft.com.
Wipaire Receives Brazilian Approval On Grand Caravan
Wipaire has received Brazilian approval for Wipline 8750 floats on the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and the new Grand Caravan EX. Wipline 8750 floats are compatible with an aftermarket gross weight increase to 9,062 pounds for the Cessna Grand Caravan and Grand Caravan EX. The floats include a gross weight increase to 8,750 pounds for the Cessna Caravan. With no landing weight limitations on water or land, Wipline 8750 floats are well-suited to short-haul operations. Newly engineered designs include an improved main gear retraction mechanism, an improved oleo design and a new hull shape. Visit www.wipaire.com.
Win A P-51 Mustang Flight
Stallion 51 (www.stallion51.com) is partnering with Mercy Flight Southeast to raffle off a chance to fly in a P-51 Mustang warbird while helping Mercy Flight Southeast's worthy mission. Mercy Flight Southeast's network of 650 volunteer pilots provides free air transportation to lifesaving medical appointments for people who otherwise aren't able to get there. While pilots donate their airplanes, fuel and flight hours to complete more than 3,000 flights each year, the non-profit organization is reliant on donations and fundraising to pay for support services, and to keep passengers and pilots in the air. The raffle prize includes a half-day P-51 orientation experience at Stallion 51's headquarters at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport. Raffle tickets are $20 each, and the prize includes round-trip airfare up to $500 to Orlando. The winner will be announced on April 5th during the Sun 'N Fun Expo. Raffle tickets can be purchased at www.mercyflightse.org/events.
Save 50% On King Schools' ATP Course
Pilots wanting to beat the FAA deadline by getting their ATPs before August 1, 2014---after which new requirements make it much more difficult---are being treated to 50% savings on the ATP ground school and test prep from King Schools. The new $149 price will remain until August 1st, when new ATP training requirements go into effect. "If you have the hours, we want to motivate you to get your ATP now. Otherwise, you may miss an opportunity that will not come back. In fact, the high cost associated with getting an ATP after August 1st may prevent many pilots from ever achieving this cherished certificate," remarked Martha King. Visit www.kingschools.com/ground-school/atp.
Hartzell Sponsors Red Bull Racer
"Air show superstar Michael Goulian redefines what is possible in the air," said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. "Like Hartzell, he pushes the limits while adhering to strict safety standards. We are gratified to be able to sponsor him and his race team throughout their competition for the Red Bull Air Race World Championship." As the official propeller partner for the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, Hartzell will also provide its three-blade structural composite propeller known as "The Claw," carbon- fiber composite spinners and lightweight governors to each of the 12 race teams. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship will begin in February 2014. Visit www.hartzellprop.com and www.mikegoulian.com.
Cirrus Engineering And Design Team Receives Joseph T. Nall Safety Award
Cirrus Aircraft's SR-series Engineering and Design Team has been recognized as the recipient of the 2013 Joseph T. Nall Safety Award for pioneering a wide array of safety features designed for single-engine aircraft. The award is presented annually by the International Air & Transportation Safety Bar Association to honor industry leaders who have made noteworthy contributions to aviation and transportation safety. "We have the deepest regard for the aviation leaders who have received this award in past years, and Cirrus Aircraft is honored to join them," Klapmeier said. "However, our work is far from done, as we continue to challenge ourselves to make flying safer and more secure for new and seasoned pilots alike." Visit www.cirrusaircraft.com.
Aspen Avionics Partners With NextGen GA Fund
Aspen Avionics signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the NextGen GA Fund to accelerate the rollout of NextGen airspace mandates by providing access to quick and affordable incentives to help aircraft owners finance mandated avionics upgrades. Aspen Avionics is well-positioned to deliver ADS-B upgrades long before the January 1, 2020, mandate. The NextGen GA Fund will initially bring approximately $550 million as a capital base, supporting some $1.3 billion in recurring financing to the GA sector over the next 10 years. "This is a unique opportunity to provide our valued customers the guidance, expertise, products, services and financing to help aircraft owners comply with the ADS-B airspace mandate," said John Uczekaj, president of Aspen Avionics. "With over 157,000 general aviation aircraft cockpits to be modernized, meeting the needs of general aviation pilots through this unique relationship with the NextGen GA Fund helps boost the industry as a whole." Visit www.nextgenfund.com and www.aspenavionics.com.
PRODUCT PREVIEWS
Sunglasses By Serengeti
The eight-model line from the Serengeti Pilot collection features two new models: Aerial and Norcia. The sunglasses are fitted with ultra-light glass lenses that are made with borosilicate optical glass and chemically tempered for scratch and impact resistance. Frames are constructed with a range of premium materials, including titanium and acetate, chosen for light weight and durability. All Pilot Collection sunglasses have precision hinges and adjustable silicone nose pads. Contact: www.serengeti-eyewear.com.
Wood Chocks
Sporty's Low Profile Wood Chocks are only 1.5 inches tall and will fit all aircraft, including Cirrus and Cessna aircraft with wheel pants that sit low to the ground. The chocks are easy to spot as they're sealed against moisture with a high-visibility safety-yellow paint and are connected by a durable 18-inch braided nylon rope. Contact: www.sportys.com.
Limited-Edition Wright Brothers Watch
The Wright Brothers Limited-Edition Watch was created to honor the Wrights' contribution to America's history of innovation and industry. Each timepiece comes in a custom gift box with a certificate of authenticity, leather card wallet, leather carrying case and a hickory watch box. Also included is a leather-bound coffee table book that delves into the background and achievements of the Wright brothers. Purchase of watch includes membership into The Foundry, a private collectors' club established exclusively for owners of limited-edition Shinola wristwatches. Contact: www.shinola.com.
Gyrocopter World Tour
The Gyrocopter World Tour is a five-part documentary series by Melanie and Andreas Stuetz. Their Blu-ray, DVD and book document the 18-month flight that started in April 2009 and covered 100,000 miles of travel around the world. Highlights of their adventure include the Kalahari and Namib Desert in Africa, the Tasman Sea in Australia and Iguazu Falls in Brazil. Contact: www.weltflug.com.
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