| |
|
|
Aircraft Spruce Catalog Keeps Expanding
The catalog reached 600 pages this year and is available free of charge. Aircraft Spruce now has parts numbers for over 30,000 different parts and stocks over a million items in inventory. They are constantly adding new products and expanding their customer base in the United States and overseas. Their new catalog will be shipped out to over 100,000 pilots, mechanics and FBOs. The impact of owners of certificated aircraft continues to increase at Aircraft Spruce with accelerating orders for replacement parts and upgrade component for Piper, Cessna, Luscombe, Aeronca and Stinson aircraft. Homebuilding has always been the core activity for sales at Aircraft Spruce and in recent yeas, with the array of plans, materials and products, the company has become one of the leading source for aviation supplies with a "One stop Shopping" label. At the same time, an increasing number of Aircraft Spruce Dealers around the world has enhanced the convenience of ordering. Iberia and Columbia have joined the list of Africa, Japan Europe, Brazil, Australia, Italy and Chile, which currently services aircraft builders and owners. For product information or to order a free catalog, contact Aircraft Spruce at (877) 4-SPRUCE; overseas call (909) 372-9555; or fax (909) 372-0555. Catalogs can also be ordered by e-mail through (Note : for airmail shipments of Canada, include $ 8; all other countries include $ 15 in US funds).
|
Avionics
continue to lead the new products section of the 2000-2001 Aircraft
Spruce & Specialty Catalog. GPS units continue to dominate, with headsets
close behind, particularly in the field of noise canceling. There are
also a considerable number of new items in the field of pilots supplies
and general aviation. The catalog is an invaluable resources book for
anyone building an experimental aircraft or refurbishing an antique
or classic aircraft.
|
Aerocomposites, Inc. Introduces New Composite
Propellers
Competitively priced, propellers by AeroComposites offer several benefits for aircraft owners. "Each blade has more twist for higher thrust, is stacked for even load on the bearings and the graphite makes it extremely strong", says Rick Hadden, President, AeroComposites. "In addition, the natural dampening characteristics of composites mean lower vibration and it's weight is only one half that of an aluminum blade, which is easier on the engine". Overall, the benefits of composites over the life of the aircraft make it a desirable alternative to aluminum propeller blades. "Each AeroComposites' blade features a foam core and layers of carbon fiber and fiber glass", says Hadden. "Erosion and stone damage to the outer fiberglass can be restored quickly and easily to the original airfoil shape. A metal sheath will help protect the fiberglass on the leading edge. As a result, the blade will only have to be replaced if damage is sustained through the fiberglass outer layers and into the carbon fiber". Initial production at AeroComposites will be for two and three blade constant speed propellers for homebuilt and other Experimental aircraft utilizing Continental and Lycoming engines. AeroComposites propellers are designed to handle up to 150 horsepower per blade. A three blade prop can be applied to engines up to 450 horsepower. AeroComposites is a privately held corporation with offices in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. The company's advanced propellers are constructed of graphite and fiberglass reinforced composite material representing substantial improvement in design and production technology. AeroComposites' blades are intended for use on general aviation aircraft. AeroComposites is taking deposits for production numbers at this time. For further information on AeroComposites' propellers contact the company by phone/fax at (215) 340-5331. Email after 1 August is
|
AeroComposites,
Inc. announces the introduction of an advanced technology all composite
propeller blade bringing a versatile new level of sophistication to
general aviation. The fiberglass and graphite fiber reinforced composite
blade is an innovative design and is manufactured using the advanced
resin transfer molding process. The company expects to complete initial
fabrication in time to introduce the propeller at EAA's Oshkosh AirVenture
in late July.
|
Alert for AIRVENTURE 2000 Please plan to visit with the following vendors and learn about their
new products at Oshkosh this summer: Teledyne Mattituck Services will be taking oders for the new XP-360. The new engine, developed with cooperation with Superior Air Parts and Teledyne Motors, will be on display at the Mattituck exhibit. Ask for the Phil Haponic. Aero Composites, Inc will have their new all composite propeller on display at their booth: Hanger A, space 1090. President Rick Hadden will be there daily from 9.00 to 10:00 am to discuss the new technology employed in the development of their composite propellers. This is a new company with some exciting breakthroughs in propeller technology. SkyStart Aircraft will be displaying their new Model 6 Kitfox. The design is 16 years old this year and if you have not seen the model 6, you may not realize how far the company has come since Dan Denny first introduced the aircraft in 1984. The new 6 files and handles MUCH differently from the original two models there were popular in the 1980s. The Kitfox 6 started its life on amphibious floats and will be debuted at Oshkosh on tricycle gear. Demo flights for media are available. Plan to visit Kitfox and meet with President ED Downs in the outdoor commercial area. They will be in the old North outdoor display area. Aviat aircraft will be back with their refined 110 Special. The design flies and handles very differently from the way it was last year. Stop by Aviat's outdoor exhibit in the new exhibit area…near the main entrance. Ask for company President Stu Horn. If you have any questions please call David Gustafson at (360) 676-5700 or email at
|
|
A Lyrical Aviator Dares to Dream
It was a dream come true. Sandra and Charles McClinton are two ordinary people who dared to reach for the skies. It Lyrical Aviator, they embark on a life changing journey, putting everything on the line to buy a Cessna 172-RG. The account of their journey through North and South America is an unforgettable story, as they venture across America and the wilds of Canada and Alaska, and island-hop the skipping stones of Caribbean islands. They visit the birthplaces of aviation history, meet engaging fliers and learn about those extraordinary people like Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh and the Wright Brothers who forged the way for modern fliers. By combining poetry, prose and pictures to express their remarkable journey, Sandra McClinton brings us a memorable book about a couple's struggle to achieve their dream, and the incredible sights and people they meet along the way. Sandra McClinton, a published author, has been an aviator and writer for many years. She has found to her surprise that her two passions combine to make a unique and memorable story. Sandra has written several articles and poems in flying magazines including Plane & Pilot. In 1976 Sandra joined a sailplane club, the Tidewater Soaring Society, where she learned how to fly sailplanes and soloed in a Schweizer 2-33. For many years she has owned a Cessna 150 and a Cessna Cutlass 172-RG and has helped copilot for her husband in their flights around North America. She has gained valuable flying experience in there thousands of miles of flights from the Arctic Circle in Alaska to the tropical Caribbean Islands. Lyrical Aviators, the 6" by 9" hardcover book, can be purchased from the publisher by sending $ 29.95 per copy (US) and include $ 4.00 for the first book and $ 2.00 for each additional book for shipping. Order by mail to Whistling Swan Press, PO Box 1677, Yorktown, VA 23692-1677. The five major credit cards that are being accepted are MasterCard, Visa, Dinners Club, JCB and American Express. Virginia residents, and 4 ½% sales tax ($ 1.34 per book). Call credit card orders to toll free (877) 278-0269 or fax (757) 898-4682. The book can be purchased online at
|
Two
people had a dream. She was afraid to fly. He had wanted to fly his
entire life but never had enough money. The dream was simple. To take
an old four-seater Cessna and fly to places they had never been, so
see tropical locales and craggy Alaskan passes, to meet and discover
aviators who had shaped aviation history, to push themselves further
than they had ever imagined.
|
Kitfox Lite will meet UK Cap 482 Standards for
Microlight
website : www.skystar.com
|
SkyStar
Aircraft is in the process of pursuing CAP 482 certification in Great
Britain for refined version of their Life aircraft design. To meet the
UK criteria, SkyStar has increased the gross weight by 50 pounds and
plan to use the 503 Rotax engine. The wings are slightly longer, to
decrease wing loading, the cockpit now has a door, shocks have been
added and the proposed design now sports a tricycle gear configuration
along with a new cowling. Once accepted by the British aviation authorities,
the new single seat EuroLite, which will be marketed in ready-to-fly
form, will go into production. The design will be sold in the United
states as a fast build kit that will require licensing in the Experimental
Amateur Built category. "We anticipate a positive response both overseas
and in the United States", said SkyStar President Ed Downs. "The flight
characteristics and low maintenance requirements, make the EuroLite
highly attractive on both sides of the Atlantic. US consumers will have
to go through a building process, but time to the flightline with a
EuroLite is going to surprise a lot of builders. It's fast". Introductory
price for the EuroLite in RTF form, complete with a BRS parachute system
will be $ 27,995. The fast build kit will be $ 18,995. For further information
on the Lite, EuroLite and popular Kitfox 6, contact SkyStar at (800)
554-8369; overseas : (208) 454-2444;
|
Hot Aire Trading Cards announces the Final set
of The Inaugural Edition Series Hot Aire Trading Cards plans to close out its original series with the tenth edition (1991-1999). Hot Aire Trading Cards began with the introduction of its inaugural set at the 1991 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Since that time the company has produced hundreds of thousands of balloon trading cards for pilots and events around the world. This years set commemorates the end of the millennium as well as the tenth limited edition. "The cards have been a lot of fun for our company", said Patrick O'Hea Hot Aire Trading Cards originator. "We've heard of people receiving and collecting our cards as far away as the Arab Emirates and Australia." This year's cards are framed an antique patina background graphic and the millennium logo. "We hope that collectors can finish our their sets and begin their new series in 2001 which also promises to be a significant year for collecting. Each of the series reflects a piece of ballooning history beginning with the 1991 series which commemorated the first trans-Atlantic balloon crossing. In fact, the Double Eagle II card became the fastest selling balloon card of all-time. "The original sets in original boxes in mint condition are fetching upwards of $250. We've done just about every special shape balloon in the trading cards but we're always adding new ones from around the world." For further information log on to or call Hot Air Balloon Trading Cards at 505-292-6479 or E-mail :
info@hotaire1.com
Hot Aire Trading Cards is a privately held New Mexico corporation with offices in Albuquerque, NM and Live Oak, FL.. All correspondence should be directed to Patrick O'Hea (505) 292-6479 or FAX (505) 323-7982 or E-Mail :Patrick@hotairport.com
|
|
Two-place Unlimited Aerobatic Sailplane to be
Featured at COPPERSTATE Long-time COPPERSTATE performer Jason Stephens will debut a new aerobatic sailplane routine at the 29th annual COPPERSTATE Regional Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Fly-in at Williams Gateway Airport in Mesa, Ariz., on October 12-15, 2000. Stephens, 26, started flying gliders at the age of 13 and currently is a flight instructor at Arizona Soaring Inc. in Maricopa, Ariz., where he specializes in aerobatic glider instruction. Either Stephens or his father, Bruce, has flown in every COPPERSTATE Fly-in airshow since 1994. This year Stephens debuts a new routine in an MDM-1 Fox sailplane. First manufactured in Poland in 1993, the Fox is used extensively in Europe by soaring schools and in aerobatic competitions, and has won at least one World Aerobatic Championship and several European aerobatic championships. The only two-place unlimited aerobatic sailplane currently in production, the Fox is gaining popularity in the United States due to its extraordinary aerobatics capability. The Fox is rated to +9, -6 G's and can perform inverted loops, half-loops, spins, Cuban eights, tail slides, and other maneuvers usually reserved for powered aircraft. Stephens will be accompanied by several other airshow acts, including Ken Brock in his gyrocopter, Ken Fowler in his Harmon Rocket, Ed Hamill in his Pitts S2-C, T.K. Harris as airshow announcer, and Bill Mayberry in his Pitts S-1. More acts are awaiting confirmation for the COPPERSTATE 2000 airshow. COPPERSTATE is more than just an airshow, however. Like other EAA Fly-ins, it is a gathering of like-minded people of all aviation trades. Homebuilts, Classics, Antiques, Warbirds, Replicas, Ultralights and Rotorcraft are all represented at COPPERSTATE, with awards given out to the best aircraft in several showplane categories. Pilots have ample opportunities to participate in flying activities, such as the Copperstate Dash sponsored by Aircraft Spruce and Specialty, the Manufacturer's Showcase, or just performing fly-bys to show their aircraft to the crowd. Ultralight aircraft, including powered parachutes, have their own area and runway on the field, and can earn national points in flying contests administered by Aero Sports Connection. Free flights in general aviation aircraft are offered for youth as part of EAA's national Young Eagles program. COPPERSTATE attendees can also participate in many ground-based activities, such as educational forums and hands-on workshops for kids and adults which run all four days of the event. Over 60 forums were conducted over the 1999 event, with topics ranging from FAA Certification procedures, NTSB safety reports, and border crossing procedures to building RV aircraft. For the youngest aviation enthusiasts, Bruce Schoenberger's award-winning rib-building program allows kids of ages 8-15 years to build a wooden airplane rib in 90 minutes or less. One unique aspect of COPPERSTATE forums is the emphasis on auto engine conversions. An entire forum tent is dedicated to auto engine conversions, from GM V-6s, to VW and Subaru conversions. Engine workshops will also be available on the COPPERSTATE grounds, as well as fabric-covering (sponsored by Poly-Fiber), woodworking, metalworking, composites, welding, engine repair, and avionics workshops. For the aircraft builder looking for aviation memorabilia or out-of-production parts, the Exhibitor Hall and the Fly Market present a variety of shopping choices. Over 100 exhibitors, including aircraft and kitplane manufacturers, are expected to offer goods ranging from books, clothing and collectibles to tools, aircraft parts and accessories in the indoor exhibitor hall. The Fly Market offers a place for enthusiasts to sell their good aircraft parts on a consignment basis, including instruments, airplane parts, tools, engines, cases, and even whole aircraft projects. EAA members can renew their memberships and purchase EAA merchandise in the Sky Shoppe. The largest EAA Fly-in in the Southwest, COPPERSTATE '99 hosted attendees from over 24 states and four foreign countries, 660 fly-in aircraft, and over 120 exhibitors. For more information regarding the event, call 520-400-8887 or visit
|
|
Icarus Crossfire HISTORY: For some time now we have had the "Icarus Crossfire" a High Performance ZP 9-cell "on ice" waiting to be released. Our intention was to release this parachute several months ago, as we have had a gap in our current range for some time. Specifically, between the Safire (Mid-Range Performance) and the EXTreme (extreme performance). As most of you are aware - our positioning statement is "Measurably superior in every parameter" and we only release a canopy when we are confident of this claim. Every canopy must exceed other canopies in IT'S CLASS - these requirements include Openings, Forward Speed, Slow Speed, Stall Speed, Lift, Stability etc. Waiting this long has cost us sales however, with the Vengeance being released, from a company that we respect greatly, we could simply not release the Crossfire until we had the availability to test these two parachutes side by side (as we'd done with other designs in the same class) and be confident with our Measurably Superior statement. We have now completed this process and know that we have a solid path
to tread. And what we believe to be the Highest Performance (non cross-braced)
9-cell canopy available. The Icarus Crossfire is a High Performance Elliptical ZP 9-cell canopy designed specifically for experienced ram air pilots. The Crossfire is Highly and Truly elliptical in its planform shaping on both the leading and trailing edges. The cells vary in width across the canopy maintaining a constant cell aspect ratio to control distortion, and drooped wing tips are incorporated to minimize wingtip drag. Unlike any other 9-cell, the nose is partially formed to give the canopy
a more efficient leading edge (much like an aircraft wing). Our nose
design not only improves the aerodynamics SIGNIFICANTLY, it also assists
in controlling the openings. The structure of the nose also diagonally
supports the non-loaded ribs during flight creating further rigidity
at the leading edge & reducing distortion during the flare. One big problem with HP elliptical canopies to date has been diving
off heading openings. Through our development work with the Crossfire
we have almost eliminated this completely. The Crossfire openings are
among the most consistent and comfortable "stress free" openings available. The turns are snappy and the canopy has a large recovery arc enabling
it to dive for a long time and making it very easy to pick up speed.
The flare is powerful and only exceeded by Cross Braced Tri-Cell Canopies
like the EXTreme FX & VX. An AERODYNAMIC WING with LESS DRAG, INCREASED RIGIDITY & MORE LIFT offering a greater performance than other 9 cells at both low and high speeds. The Crossfire is specifically designed for experienced skydivers wanting Maximum Performance from a Modern HP Elliptical who don't want to go as far as a Cross Braced Tri-Cell, or for those who have been wanting to fly high performance 9-cells but have been previously cautious about opening issues. THE ICARUS CROSSFIRE: An impressively balanced, No hassle High Performance Wing. Truly Elliptical - High Performance ZP 9-Cell - No Cross-Bracing or
Valve Systems - Fully Formed Nose - Superb Openings - Impressive Landings.
As with all our canopies the Crossfire is available in any size you
choose. We recommend wing loadings from 1.00psf to 2.00psf. Standard
sizes: 89, 99, 109, 119, 129, 139, 149, 169, 189. Backed by Icarus Canopies
"EXCLUSIVE" 31 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Expect to see the first demo's
at the end of July or check them out at Quincy. Immediate lead-times are 8-9 weeks. Lead-times will reduce to 4 -7
weeks by mid / late June.
|
|
OTHER ARTICLES OF ASI AUGUST 2000 ISSUE
| News In Brief | Letters To The Editor | World Records | | Powered Parachutes are Taking off | | The Fouga Magister | | Sun n' Fun 2000 | | The Gimli Glider | | A Peep into the Future | |