Top Stories

Sully & Skiles To Lead Young Eagles
The EAA has announced that Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles, known for their emergency landing in the Hudson River, are the new co-chairmen of the EAA Young Eagles. EAA member, pilot and actor Harrison Ford, who served for five years as chairman of this program, introduced his replacements at a September 29 ceremony at Santa Monica Airport. "I didn't come to aviation until late in my life," said Ford. "In a way, aviation helped me reinvent my life. The most important thing I've done, to this point, is to work with the EAA and the Young Eagles program." EAA President Tom Poberezny added, "Sully and Jeff are ideal candidates not only because of the skill they demonstrated on that fateful day in January, but also, and perhaps more significantly, because of the leadership they've shown since that time." Visit www.eaa.org.

New Finance Options From Cessna
Cessna Finance Corporation (CFC) has initiated a new finance program with lower rates for Cessna propeller aircraft bought in 2009. "Many people are ready to buy a new aircraft but are unsure about where to finance the purchase, so CFC initiated this program to ease their concern with a smoother process and lower rates," said John Doman, VP of worldwide propeller aircraft sales. "And since many of these aircraft are used for business, they may also qualify in the United States for accelerated depreciation, an option of the 2009 federal stimulus package that's set to expire this year." Visit www.cfcloan.com.

Avemco & Forbes
Forbes magazine has named HCC Insurance Holdings, the parent company of Avemco Insurance Company, as a global high performer for 2009. This recognition joins Avemco's prestigious selection this past spring by the A.M. Best Company into the Anniversary BestMark Program, which distinguishes insurance companies with at least a 25-year history of being rated "A" or higher. Visit www.avemco.com.

SkyCatcher Flies In China
The first production Model 162 SkyCatcher flew on September 17 at the Shenyang Aircraft Company factory in northeast China. The two-place, 100 hp LSA performed a number of handling quality tests during the flight. Following shipment to the U.S., the 162s will be reassembled for delivery. Cessna has received more than 1,000 orders. Visit www.cessna.com.

Icon Gets Award
Icon Aircraft has been awarded the 2009 IDEA/BusinessWeek Gold Award. The Icon A5 won over all cars, boats, planes, motorcycles and any other transportation products designed in 2008. John Barratt, a member of the 2009 jury, said of the Icon A5: "Nearly flawless execution from initial vision to final marketing. Innovative features and intriguing detailing complete the package. This is a powerful vision that could bring flying to a broader audience." The A5 also has been nominated for the People's Choice Award. Visit www.iconaircraft.com and www.idsa.org/IDEA2009.

New CubCrafters Sales Centers
CubCrafters has launched its Certified Sales Center (CSC) program, a worldwide network of independent aircraft resellers. General Manager Randy Lervold said, "Our goals for the new program are to provide improved product knowledge and customer support through our sales network, and increase access to demo aircraft in local markets." These centers now cover half the U.S., and CubCrafters plans to open more. Visit www.cubcrafters.com.

New Flight School Association
The Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) has formed the first aviation association dedicated solely to the flight training industry. The membership-based association represents flight schools, firms that provide services to the flight training industry, and supporting partners. Members will ensure that the industry is prepared to move forward and grow the pilot population. Become a founding member by December 31 to get a 25% discount off the regular membership rate. Visit www.fsana.com.

Vision Jet At PlaneSmart!
PlaneSmart!, an aircraft ownership program that offers managed ownership in the Cirrus SR22 Perspective, Cirrus SR22-G3 Turbo and Pilatus PC-12 NG, has just added the Cirrus Vision SF50 to its fleet. For a limited time, you can purchase a Â¼ share in the SR22 Perspective and get a reservation in the Vision SF50 at no additional charge. Visit www.planesmart.com.

New ATP Centers
ATP is opening two new training centers. Classes at ATP's fourth Southern California center---in Camarillo, Calif.---will start in November, and its White Plains, N.Y., center will open in early 2010. "ATP has received many requests for both a New York and another SoCal location," said Jim Koziarski, ATP's VP of flight operations. These new locations follow the 2009 launches of centers in Charlotte, Indianapolis, San Diego and Tampa. Visit www.atpflightschool.com.

New Cheetah XLS
The Cheetah XLS is a high-wing tube-and-fabric aircraft with a base price of $47,900. It's available as a kit until the S-LSA certification process is completed. Midwest Sport Aviation has been designated as the U.S. assembly center and distributor for the Cheetah XLS by Rainbow Aircraft of South Africa. Visit www.mwsportaviation.com.

FAA Certifications For Aspen
Aspen Avionics has received FAA TSO authorization for its EFD500 MFD, the EFD1000 MFD and the EWR50 Evolution Weather Receiver. Aspen will begin shipping its newest products to dealers immediately. The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an expandable and upgradable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor system for GA aircraft. Visit www.aspenavionics.com.

New Leadership At Lycoming
Michael Kraft is Lycoming Engines' new senior VP and general manager; he replaces Ian Walsh, who has been promoted to Chief Innovation Officer at Textron Systems. Formerly Lycoming's VP of research, development and engineering, Kraft led a team that accelerated product development with a focus on high engine safety and performance standards. He also led Lycoming's Air Safety Investigation unit. Visit www.lycoming.com and www.textron.com.

PRODUCT PREVIEWS

A P-51 Christmas
If you can't find a P-51 under your tree, the next best thing is Sporty's 2009 Christmas Ornament featuring the historic warbird. This is the 25th year for Sporty's Christmas ornaments, which have become a pilot holiday tradition. Pilots also can immortalize their favorite airplane on a custom crystal ornament. Contact: Sporty's, (800) SPORTYS, www.sportys.com.

Custom Aircraft Models!
Re-create your plane with a museum-quality desktop replica. Aircraft Spruce's custom-made models are built to your exact specifications, and can be fitted with a custom stand and plaque. Models are a maximum of 17 inches in either wingspan or length. Contact: Aircraft Spruce, (877) 477-7823, www.aircraftspruce.com.

Celebrate 2010 In Style
From famed photographer Philip Makanna comes two exquisite Ghosts 2010 calendars: The Great War (featuring WWI aviation) and A Time Remembered (with WWII warbirds). Makanna has dedicated himself to aviation photography for nearly four decades, and has published several collections of vintage warbird photos. Contact: Ghosts, (800) 331-8231, www.ghosts.com.