On Friday, 23rd October 1998, FAA Administrator Jane Garvey issued a freshly-printed Type Certificate to Cirrus Design Corporation for their new SR20 aircraft. Earning a Type Certificate means the Federal Aviation Administration has approved the airworthiness of the design which permits Circus to commence delivering the brand-new aircraft.

The award ceremony kicked off the 1998 annual convention of the Aircraft owners & Pilots Association here and played to a standing-room-only crowd of several thousand aviators, media, and other interested parties.

In her presentation Garvey said she was issuing the first ever FAA certification to an aircraft which comes standard with an emergency parachute. Called CAPS - for Cirrus Aircraft Parachute System - the innovative system is capable of carrying the entire aircraft and all occupants to the ground in the event of airborne disasters.

Administrator Garvey spoke generously of the many technical accomplishments by the Cirrus Design team. The she focused on one component of the new aircraft that sets it apart from all other airplanes.

"But what is particularly unique about the Cirrus SR20 is that it is equipped with a Cirrus Airframe Parachute System, which is designed to recover the aircraft from a catastrophic emergency one in which normal emergency procedures would be ineffective", stated Garvey.

"The Cirrus SR20 is the first certified installation by the FAA of an aircraft with a parachute system as a primary safety device", Garvey emphasized.

"The CAPS installation is not an option as it will be installed on every SR20 aircraft that Cirrus produces", explained BRS Pesident and CEO, Mark Thomas. Cirrus Design presently has over 200 firm orders for the new high-performance four-seat airplane.

CAPS, the dramatic emergency parachute system to which Garvey referred, is supplied by Ballistic Recovery Systems, Inc, of South St Paul, Minnesota. BRS has been selling these systems to the recreational aircraft community for nearly two decades. The company has delivered nearly 14,000 systems mainly to non-certified sport aircraft. In actual emergency user deployments around the world, BRS has saved the lives of 121 pilots through June of 1998.

Because the Type Certificate went to Cirrus for their achievement, no separate certificate was issues to BRS. However, the company is the holder of a Supplemental Type Certificant for one of their emergency parachute systems for the Cessna 150/152, awarded in 1993. (An STC modifies a TC which has already been issued, and is required when a product like the BRS unit is retrofitted to a plane already being manufactured)

The canopy bilt by BRS for cirrus weighs approximately 55 pounds, has a 55-foot constructed diameter, and is certified for use up to 155 mph even with standard FAA factors of safety. CAPS has demonstrated the ability to recover the SR20 from stall/spins even if deployed after one full turn into a spin. BRS believes the parachute could be successful under some circumstances at heights of 300-500 feet above the ground.

BRS has been making these devices for nearly 20 years, and has delivered units around the world; about half of all shipments leave the United States, primarily to ultralight and homebuilt aircraft owners. The new Cirrus approval added to the earlier certification BRS earned for the Cessna 150/152 illustrates the potential of such emergency system for general aviation as well as other, even larger aircraft.

BRS is a publicly-traded company based in South St Paul, Minnesota (computer searches: use the stock symbol "BRSI"). Financial information is available on-line at the company's web site or on other financial information web pages such as Yahoo! Finance. Printed information is available on request via postal mail.

With customer requests adding up steadily, BRS has reached the conclusion of their study of ballistically-deployed emergency parachute systems for powered parachutes. The first model, for the Buckeye Industries brand of these sport aircraft was completed earlier this month and the company announced it would begin accepting orders for the unit.

Powerd parachutes are recreational one and two seat aircraft that are comprised of a sturdy undercarriage supporting engine and occupants attached to a ram-air-inflated square parachute canopy. Several brands are sold in the USA and the group of manufacturers building them claim better than 500 deliveries a year. Such a figure rivals the highest-producing aviation segments and eclipses many others.

"In the past sellers of these aircraft didn't see the logic of emergency parachutes, because `you're already under a canopy'", says BRS spokesman, Gregg Ellsworth. However, some mishaps have motivated some buyers and the sellers have seen the wisdom in a backup system.

"It isn't that these - or any other sport aircraft - are unsafe", explained Ellsworth, "but pilots make mistakes". For many years, accident/incident statistics compiled by the NTSB show that on overwhelming majority of fatalities are caused by pilot error, with a small percentage attributed to mechanical failure. "Now, those pilots have the same backup system prized by other recreational pilots", confirmed Ellsworth.

The system for the Buckeye Eagle and Dream Machine models mounts high on the carriage where it has a clear exit path. The BRS emergency canopy - a round conical construction - is designed to "fly" at the same height at the main square canopy, based on extensive testing done with similar aircraft in europe.

Retail prices are based on their weight and speed capacity and match BRS prices for fixed-wing aircraft. All systems delivered by BRS come fully complete with all mounting hardware and components.

BRS is a publicly-traded company based in South St Paul, Minnesota (computer searches: use the stock symbol "BRSI"). BRS has been operating since 1981 and has delivered nearly 14,000 systems worldwide (about 50 % of all sales are shipped out of the USA). In actual uses of the BRS systems in the field through mid-year 1998, 121 lives had been saved, the company's most satisfying achievement.

In A significant development for RotorWay International, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia has issued a Certificate of Registration for the Exec 162F and placed it on the Australian Aircraft Register.

CASA's acceptance of the Exec 162F is the culmination of nearly five years in an extensive and comprehensive approval process.

"RotorWay International worked tirelessly in providing documents that supported the safe history of the aircraft as well as details of design characteristics that were required by CASA", says Graeme Smith, President of RotorWay Helicopters in Queensland, Australia (the appointed representative for RotorWay International).

The certification was based upon thorough inspections and studies of a completed Exec 162F constructed by Smith, and examination of all supporting data, manuals and documents regarding the aircraft.

In addition to the construction and maintenance manuals supplied by RotorWay International, was an Australian Supplementary Manual produced by Smith, which involve CASA required modifications to the design in Australia. Some of these modifications are done by the factory before shipping, others by RotorWay Helicopters, and the last by the builder himself.

CASA has stated that the RotorWay helicopter will be the last kit helicopter to get an ABBA and is the only two-seat helicopter in Australia to have one at all. This rating is slightly different than the experimental category, which is just now being developed based on US standards and requirements.

The ABBA is a rating superior to that of experimental in that it must meet higher standards and be signed off on by an aviation engineer. It is particularly good for resale of the aircraft since this rating means it is a "highly maintained" aircraft.

At this time, there are over a dozen Exec 162F's in Australia. The owners range from cattle ranchers and sugar cane farmers to urban businessmen.

"I believe that the Exec 162F is more financially justifiable for the property owner to muster, check and generally maintain his property with", says Smith, who expects numerous sales from the rural ranching and farming population of Australia.

"And the purchase price is at 1/3 the cost of certificated aircraft in Australia", he adds. "Now that CASA has certified the Exec 162F, Australians are taking another look at this proven aircraft, and they like what they see", says Smith.

John Netherwood, founder of RotorWay International, died on 26th November 1998 in England. The service was held on 4th December 1998.

After building an Exec of his own that he purchased from the previous RotorWay Aircraft, Netherwood bought the assets of the company from the bank in 1990, forming RotorWay International. That same year, the company made it's opening premiere with the Exec 90. Over 300 of the model were sold before the introduction of the Exec 162F, RotorWay International's current model. Over 350 of this model have been sold to date.

About three years ago, Netherwood sold the company to the employees of RotorWay International, who are the current owners. Though Netherwood had not been associated with the company since then, his leadership role as founder was very important to RotorWay International's current success.

The staff of RotorWay International have posted a tribute to Netherwod and sympathies to the family on the RotorWay website at www.rotorway .com.

After receiving Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to manufacture their new SR20 four-seater aircraft last month, Cirrus Design Corporation has begun to rev up their production engine. As part of this preparation, the northern Minnesota company has issued a purchase order to BRS, the Minneapolis/St Paul-area enterprise which builds the emergency parachute system that has been incorporated into the new aircraft.

The purchase order is for 100 units expected to cover the initial year of production and represents nearly $ 1,000,000 of purchases from BRS. "The first deliveries under this purchase order are expected before the end of 1998", says BRS Production Manager, Steve Swanson.

As the new year begins, Cirrus Design expects to steadily accelerate the production process and BRS will deliver an increasing number of parachute systems each month. By the end of 1999, Cirrus believes it will be building 15-20 aircraft a month with the pace quickening each month well into the new millennium.

"Our recently-certified parachute system will be installed on every SR20 aircraft that Cirrus produces", remarked BRS President and CEO, Mark Thomas. Duluth-based Cirus Design reports over 210 firm orders for their new airplane. "SR20 parachute deliveries are expected to have a significant impact on FY99 revenues for BRS", added Thomas.

In winning government certification, the new Cirrus SR20 is one of two new designs representing the first small aircraft approvals in the last 15 years. The SR20 distinguishes itself by having the emergency parachute system as evidenced by FAA Administrator Jane Garvey's remarks during the certificate presenting ceremony last month. "The Cirrus SR20 is the first certified installation by the FAA of an aircraft with a parachute system as a primary safety device", Garvey emphasized.

BRS is a publicly-traded company based in South St Paul, Minnesota (computer searches: use the stock symbol "BRSI"). Financial information is available on-line at the company's web site or on other financial information web pages such as Yahoo! Finance. Printed information is available on request via postal mail.

Trikes are developing a strong following in the USA and comprise more than half of the recreational aircraft flying in Europe. BRS has long supplied ballistically-deployed emergency parachute systems to these aircraft but their simple construction makes BRS installation challenging on some models.

"Now we have a new mount that will fit many trike designs", says lead project engineer, Sano Kasahara. BRS indicated that the new mount will not work for every model, but the company's existing installations still function well on most other trike aircraft.

Since the new system is hand packed it can be field-repacked without the need to return the parachute to BRS periodically. For international buyers this can represent a cost savings and allows them to use local qualified parachute riggers for repack inspections. Most BRS systems rely on machine-packed canopies.

Attacked to any trike with a triangulated gear leg system - positioned front to rear across these structural members for adequate support - the new "Trike Softpack" will also hug thelongitudinal center of the trike. Early testing has shown the slightly asymmetrical mount poses no problems for these weight-shift-controlled aircraft. The mount system is all new and uses minimal hardware to keep the weight lower than other models.

"We expect an excellent response to this product for reasons of easy and closer-to-home maintenance", said sales manager, Grezz Ellsworth. He added that BRS will offer the new system in the 500,750, 900 and 1050 sizes; the numbers relate to the gross weight capacity of the systems. Each of which also have a speed rating for maximum deployment. Prices will follow the standard company list for comparable capacity systems.

"At this time, we are completing our engineering work and will begin preparing for production of the new `Trike Softpack'", said production manager, Steve Swanson. BRS believes it can begin deliveries before the end of 1998 and therefore will accept orders with deposits effective immediately.

BRS has been operating since 1981 and has delivered nearly 14,000 systems worldwide (about 50 % of all sales are shipped out of the USA). In actual uses of the BRS systems in the field through mid-year 1998, 121 lives had been saved, the company's most satisfying achievement.

A number of scholarship grants of up to $5,000 each are available for alumni of the EAA Aviation Foundation youth Air Academy programs who are pursuing private or commercial pilot training.

The scholarships are funded through the Friendship One Around the World Flight, which raised more than $500,000 for programs that assist young people. Any young person who has participated in the Air Academy youth programs at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh since 1984 is eligible. It offers matching grants of up to $5,000 for commercial flight training or $2,500 for private pilot training.

"Many young people who attend the EAA Air Academy have an interest in studying aviation when they attend college," said Tom Poberezny, EAA Aviation Foundation President. "As with many young people and their families, however, a major hurdle is financing that higher education. Through these scholarships, we hope to provide opportunities for the next generation of aviators."

Scholarship applicants must have attended one or more of the EAA resident aviation experiences for youth held each year at Oshkosh. They must also meet FAA qualifications for licenses, certifications and ratings in their specific level of flight training. Applicants providing documentation of financial need will be given preference in the selection process.

Letters of application must include the year of participation in EAA's education program, as well as current status and future goals of flight training. Letters of recommendation, flight training and schools records are also helpful.

All applications must be received by March 15, 1999. Final scholarship recipients will be determined from a list of finalists compiled by the EAA Education Office and Air Academy staff. The grants will be divided based on applications received. A recipient and alternate will be selected for each grant.

The Friendship One Around the World Flight was organized by Clay Lacy, the unchallenged holder of the highest number of flight hours of any active pilot. The 36-hour, 54-minute around the world trip in the Boeing 747SP "Friendship One" took place in January 1988. The trip was made with a passenger manifest of 100 aviation notables and celebrities who raised over $500,000 for Children's Charities of the World.

More information on the Friendship One Scholarships can be obtained by contacting: Friendship One Flight Training Scholarships
EAA Education Office
PO Box 3065
Oshkosh WI 54903-3065
Phone: 888-322-3229 or 920-426-6815
Fax: 920-426-6899
e-mail: education@eaa.org

A new and exciting competition between some of the world's top air show performers will be part of the daily afternoon air show at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh '99, which will be held July 28-Aug. 3, 1999, at Wittman Regional Airport.

EAA AirVenture '99 will be a showcase stop during the inaugural Northcoast Aerospace Air Show Pilot Challenge Series. The Oshkosh competition during the world's premier aviation event will be the third of four stops in the inaugural series.

"We're very excited to welcome this competition to EAA," said AirVenture Chairman Tom Poberezny. "The high energy and competitive edge of this event will be a great addition to AirVenture's daily afternoon air show, which already includes many of these world-class aerobatic pilots."

The competition, organized by the Championship Air Show Pilots Association (CASPA), includes three rounds of flying activities each day. A compulsory round requires flying pre-determined, high-energy maneuvers; the freestyle round contains a series of maneuvers decided by the pilot; and the challenge round pits two pilots against each other during a spectacular four-minute head-to-head competition.

Points will be awarded during each round by a panel of judges selected for each of the four days of competition. Each day, several of the judges will be chosen from among EAA members who attend AirVenture, giving them a unique chance to be a valuable part of the competition. By including members of the audience as judges, the event becomes a participation opportunity as well as a spectator event.

Among the pilots who have been invited to participate in the 1999 competition series are Gene Soucy, Sean D. Tucker, Mike Goulian and Matt Chapman, who have all flown at EAA AirVenture in previous years. Other pilots include top air show and aerobatic competition pilots from throughout North America.

"Since the theme at EAA AirVenture '99 is a salute to air show legends, it's the perfect year to welcome this competition to Oshkosh," Poberezny said. "EAA AirVenture has long been known as having the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic audiences in aviation. The Air Show Pilot Challenge Series is a great fit for the world's premier aviation event. If there's a place to see the best air show pilots in the world displaying their talents and imagination, Oshkosh is it."

Other competition sites include Detroit, Mich. (June 26-27); Dayton, Ohio (July 24-25); and Cleveland, Ohio (Sept. 4-6). Points earned at each site will be totaled to determine an overall series champion. A total of $150,000 in prize money will be awarded at the conclusion of the 1999 series.

The series is sponsored by Northcoast Aerospace, which manufactures the VR-220C high-performance, pen-based navigation computer, an outstanding tool for aviators or other transportation.

• Professional aerobatic pilots will compete for $150,000 and trophies in 1999;
  Inaugural competitions:
  • Detroit, Mich. (June 26-27)
  • Dayton, Ohio (July 24-25)
  • EAA AirVenture Oshkosh; Oshkosh, Wis. (July 28-Aug. 1)
  • Cleveland, Ohio (Sept 4-6)
• Organized by the Championship Air Show Pilots Association (CASPA);
• Fewer than 50 pilots in the world qualify for this competition;
• There are no minimum altitude limits for competitors;
• Three formats comprise the competition: Compulsory (a series of predetermined, high-energy maneuvers); Freestyle (four minutes of unrestricted performance by each competitor); and Challenge (two pilots at the same time, performing to outduel the other).
• Judging will be by a panel of fans who score each pilot's performance;
• Points will be accumulated to determine the series champion;
• Pilots invited to date are: Gene Soucy, Ian Groom, Sean D.Tucker, Mike Goulian, Matt Chapman and Sergei Boriak.
• The championship series is sponsored by Northcoast Aerospace, Inc., maker of the VR-220C navigation computer.

Aerobatic judges schools and special sessions for aerobatic pilots will be part of the International Aerobatic Club's (IAC) first-ever winter convention, which be held in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 25-28, 1999. This exciting off-season event will be held in conjunction with the annual National Aeronautic Association (NAA) air sports expo.

All IAC members are invited to attend the winter convention, which will also include a President's Council breakfast with IAC Chapter presidents, an aerobatic glider pilots' breakfast, a dinner for all members on Feb. 27 and the first 1999 IAC board meeting. The Division will also participate in the NAA event with an information and membership booth.

"We hope that many IAC members can join us in Knoxville," said Doug McConnell, IAC President. "We have put together an outstanding program that will benefit any IAC member. We hope to establish this winter gathering as a stimulating kickoff to each year's flying season." Call the IAC Executive Office at 920-426-6881 or 920-426-6805 to order a Convention Activity Registration Form via mail or fax. Attendees should call the Knoxville Hilton (423-523-2300) for room reservations using the special IAC room rate.

IAC is a division of EAA, the leader in recreational aviation, and is responsible for the administration, management, and promotion of the sport of aerobatics in the United States