Pilot Briefing

A new beginning: Piper Aircraft emerges from bankruptcy

Piper Aircraft has been renamed The New Piper Aircraft, Inc., to differentiate the post-bankruptcy company from its troubled predecessor. Piper emerged from a four-year bankruptcy July 17.

Piper also unveiled a new slogan: "Building on Excellence."

The Philadelphia investment firm of Dimeling, Schreiber & Park spearheaded the successful $95 million buyout plan. The assets of Piper Aircraft have been transferred to Newco Pac, an organization made up of the principal owners: Dimeling, Schreiber & Park, Teledyne Industries, and Piper creditors. Teledyne will receive 25 percent of the company and have an option to purchase an additional 25 percent owned by other Piper creditors. Dimeling, Schreiber & Park owns the remaining 50 percent.

When offers were first made for Piper two years ago, the value of the company was considered to be $35 million to $40 million. That value grew to today's $95 million price tag as Piper became increasingly profitable.

At a press conference in Washington, D.C., on August 3, Piper President Charles Suma said, "We are a new company with new ownership and an aggressive operating plan for the future." Challenging other manufacturers to try to catch Piper on the technological front, Suma declared, "We will be the manufacturer that launches the next generation of small aircraft." He said Piper is developing several new derivative models and is starting research on new product platforms incorporating cutting-edge technologies in powerplants, crash worthiness, and avionics.

Piper appointed Werner K. Hartlieb and George (Buddy) Watson as vice presidents. Hartlieb will supervise product services, while Watson will manage aircraft manufacturing.

Department of Defense JPATS draws fire from competitors

After the Department of Defense chose Raytheon Aircraft's Beech MkII to be its new primary trainer (see " Pilot Briefing," August Pilot), Cessna and Rockwell have protested the decision, thereby delaying the final contract signing.

Cessna and Rockwell, considered to be front-runners in the JPATS competition, have formally protested to the General Accounting Office. Cessna officials said the selection rules changed from a "best value" decision to a "lowest cost/price" decision. In that case, Cessna believes its airplane was not evaluated fairly.

Rockwell said its Ranger 2000 jet aircraft actually had a lower life cycle cost than the turboprop MkII.

Lockheed Martin has filed a complaint with the Department of Defense but has yet to make any formal protests.

As talk abounds of outside and political influences swaying the JPATS decision, the losing companies are demanding that the Air Force present documentation of the selection process. Although attempts to sway the decision at this point are considered unlikely to succeed, the losing contractors would like to recoup some of the money (about $1 million per month) that each contractor invested in the later stages of development.

In response to the protests, Raytheon said it is continuing with normal preparations for the $7 billion, 20-year project. Because of the protests, though, the actual contract award will probably be delayed until early October.

Van's Aircraft of North Plains, Oregon, confirms that more than 1,000 of its RV-3, -4, -5, -6, and -6A airplanes are flying. Van's shipped more than 550 kits in 1994.

WAAS contract awarded:  GPS takes giant step forward

The FAA, in awarding a $475 million contract last month to improve the accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS), has signaled the coming replacement of all ground-based aviation navigation aids with satellite navigation (see "Pilot Briefing," August 1994 Pilot).

"This is a key moment in aviation history," said FAA Administrator David R. Hinson. The contract went to Wilcox Electric and its partners, Hughes Aircraft and TRW, for a ground-based wide- area augmentation system (WAAS) to improve the error detection, accuracy, and availability of the nation's future GPS navigation system.

If all goes well, the system will be operational in 1998, clearing the way for elimination of most ground-based navigation aids, starting shortly after the turn of the century. It it hoped that the GPS system will become the sole means of air navigation.

Wilcox is to build 24 ground stations initially, locating them at air route traffic control centers. The contract covers a total of 35 stations that will be needed before GPS can become the sole means of navigation. Since the locations of the air route traffic control centers are known, the ground stations will be able to test the position reporting given by GPS satellites. Corrections will be sent to a central ground earth station and relayed to aircraft through a communications satellite. Near-Category I precision approaches will be possible at any of the nation's airports, without the need for special ground equipment at each field.

The present GPS satellite system provides navigational accuracy of 100 meters. With the WAAS system working, accuracy will increase to as few as seven meters.

VisionAire Vantage Biz jet to debut at NBAA

VisionAire Corporation recently received the primary fuselage section of its Vantage single-engine business jet from Burt Rutan's Scaled Composites, Inc. in Mojave, California.

The $1.5 million composite business jet is scheduled to be formally introduced at the National Business Aircraft Association's convention in Las Vegas this month. The primary fuselage section, which includes the nose, cockpit, and six-place cabin, will be on display at NBAA.

Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 that produces 2,900 pounds of thrust, the Vantage is expected to cruise at about 350 knots, stall at 70 knots or less, and use runways as short as 2,500 feet.

VisionAire has chosen Ames, Iowa, for its first assembly facility.

Aviation maintenance students competed in the Skills USA Championships in Kansas City, Missouri, in June. Winners in the secondary school division were: first place, Neil Schrepel of St. Louis; second, Randall Scott of McCloud, Oklahoma; third, Brandon Bassett of Dallas. Winners in the post-secondary division were: first place, Andrew Lubkemann, Mesa, Arizona; second, Michael Mandelski of Chicago; and third, Jeffrey Devine of Pocatello, Idaho.

Oregon bill to protect airports

Oregon has passed legislation protecting airports — mainly those in rural areas — from what have become some of the most ridiculous restrictions in the nation.

In the past, local officials have used farm-use restrictions to limit airport activities. At one airport, for example, skydivers were assessed $100 fines for missing the airport. Another airport was limited to 100 takeoffs and landings a month, while a farmer with a private strip was limited to only one flight operation per year.

Senate Bill 1113, introduced by Sen. Rod Johnson and signed into law by Gov. John Kitzhaber, is expected to protect many of the state's 400 licensed airports from urban encroachment and capricious bureaucrats. It establishes airport zones around airports and lists permissible activities that may be conducted within the zone.

The measure had the support of the Oregon Pilots Association, International 99s, Oregon Flying Farmers, and the U.S. Parachute Association. — Rick Beasley

Race set for U.S.-South America

Arc en Ciel, the French-based nonprofit race organization, plans an Air Race of the Americas beginning on March 31 from Essex County Airport in Caldwell, New Jersey. As many as 30 contestants will follow a route around South America, returning to the United States April 22.

Entry fees are $11,000 for piston aircraft, $13,000 for turboprop aircraft, and $15,000 for jet aircraft. In addition, there is a fee of $11,000 per person. Total costs — including fees for a crew of two flying a piston-engine aircraft, for example — are estimated to be $50,000. Entry fees are due by January 1, 1996.

U.S. coordinator Marc Mosier said the race is especially valuable for pilots who want to fly to South America with a group rather than tackle the journey alone. There are 10 entrants at present.

"It is a race only in the sense that the pilot must compete against the performance statistics in the pilot operating handbook." Commenting on earlier Arc en Ciel races, Mosier said, "We have a very good safety record, and have never had an injury or fatality." For information, call Mosier at 703/967-1720.

Italian firm launches new helicopters

The Dragon Fly Company of Cucciago, Italy, hopes to bring a two- place ultralight helicopter of the same name to the market, following certification in Italy early in 1996. Certification testing began in Italy during late 1994. Negotiations with the FAA could begin as early as September, but there is no schedule set as to when certification will occur.

Dragon Fly commercial director Arnaldo P. Ratto said the price of the factory-built helicopter, which features a semi-rigid, twin- bladed main rotor, will be approximately $87,000, depending on the exchange rate.

The helicopter is powered by a four-cylinder, two-stroke, 105-horsepower Dragon Fly/Hirth F30A26AK engine. The helicopter is expected to cruise at 65 knots and is designed to have a maximum gross takeoff weight of 992 pounds. Specifications call for it to hover out of ground effect at 4,700 feet. For information call the company at 011 39 31 725190, or write Dragon Fly, Via Raffaello 1 A, 22060 Cucciago (CO), Italy.

Jeppesen plans simulation products

Jeppesen plans to add flight simulation to its integrated pilot training system, which currently includes videos, books, and computer-based courses for written test preparation.

As a step in that direction, Jeppesen has purchased MDM Systems of Charlotte, North Carolina, maker of the FS100 desktop cockpit. The simulators will use Jeppesen videos and training materials and will be called the FS200. Pilots will be presented scenarios to help them maintain and improve their instrument proficiency.

Jeppesen also plans to seek FAA approval of personal computer-based aviation training devices to satisfy pilot certification requirements.

Visitors to the Minnesota State Fair this year saw the assembly of two kitbuilt aircraft during the fair — an R-80 Tiger Moth and a Quicksilver ultralight aircraft. The exhibit was sponsored by the Minnesota Aviation Association and the Minnesota Office of Aeronautics.

American Flyers College of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has become eligible to offer federal student financial aid programs to its students. American Flyers will offer the federal Pell Grant program (offering up to $2,340 a year) for those in financial need; Stafford Loans (of up to $4,000 a year), which are partially interest free until six months after graduation; and Plus Loans for parents financing the entire cost of a college education. For information call 800/327-0808.

Jetta Schantz, AOPA 1106031, of Jacksonville, Florida, was awarded the Montgolfier Diplome by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and the International Ballooning Commission of Paris. Schantz' flight took her to a record 32,657 feet over China Lake, California, in a hot-air balloon. The award recognizes the best sporting performance by a balloonist.

Textron offers Lycoming engine financing

Textron has set up a new company, Lycoming Financial, offering financing for new, remanufactured, or overhauled Lycoming engines. Loans on other aircraft improvements, such as avionics and interior work, are also available to customers buying Lycoming products and services.

Lycoming Financial officials said interest rates are currently 11.5 percent for fixed-rate customers and 11.25 for those wanting a floating rate. The floating rate is determined by adding 2.5 percent to the prime rate. Terms are generally eight years but can be longer, especially for customers offering a down payment.

"We expect 95 percent of our loans will be done with no money down," said Lycoming Financial official Marc Kleinhans. He said the company is operated by a small group of general aviation enthusiasts, such as himself, who pushed for its formation within the Textron company. Lycoming Financial falls under the Aerospace Financial Division of Textron Financial Corp. Loan amounts may be limited by the value of the aircraft. For more information call 817/788-8943.

The U.S. Coast Guard was busy during June floods in Virginia, rescuing 15 people with a Sikorsky HH-60J helicopter based in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Victims included children clinging to trees and a man atop a flatbed truck surrounded by water for half a mile in all directions.

Two pilots from Louisiana won the U.S. Air Race and Rally sponsored by Signal Aviation Underwriters. Race organizer Marion Jayne of Trophy Club, Texas, near Fort Worth, said Charlie Horton, AOPA 1178237, of Metairie, Louisiana, and Jaime Gonzales, AOPA 893211, of Kenner, Louisiana, pilots of a Piper Comanche 400, received $5,000. Jayne is an owner of Tailwinds, a pilot supply company. Second place winner Paul Whistle, AOPA 567294, of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, won $2,500, and flew a Piper Archer II in the race. Jayne said she plans another race set to begin in June 1996. Pilots wanting information about entry rules should write to the U.S. Air Race and Rally, 123 Fairway Village Drive, Trophy Club, Texas 76262.

The Weeks Air Museum has gained attendance steadily after reopening several months ago. It was closed after Hurricane Andrew tore through Tamiami Airport near Miami on August 24, 1992. A dozen airplanes are back on display, including a Douglas A-26 Invader, a Messerschmitt BF-108, and a Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat. Others are set to return from restoration shops around the nation, including a Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk and the North American P-51D Cripes a Mighty 3rd. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 305/233-5197 for information.

Wag-Aero facing fines over U.S. customs fees

Wag-Aero of Lyons, Wisconsin, has pleaded no contest in federal court to a misdemeanor charge of making false certifications in 1991 on a U.S. Customs form to avoid import duties on aircraft transceivers from Japan. Under rules of law, the corporation was treated in the case as a person, and no Wag-Aero officials were named.

In return for the plea, an 11-count indictment against the company and its officers was dismissed by the U.S. Attorney's office in Milwaukee. Before the charges were dropped, Wag-Aero and its officers potentially faced millions of dollars in fines and possible jail sentences of up to 28 years.

At press time, Wag-Aero was awaiting the determination of fines by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Sentencing guidelines provide for $6,000 to $12,000 in fines, an attorney for Wag-Aero owner Richard Wagner said.

Now that the federal case is over, the U.S. Customs Service is expected to initiate a civil action against Wag-Aero in the next year, officials close to the case said. That action might result in a fine that could equal the value of the radios, or potentially $750,000, a federal official said. In addition, Customs officials are expected to seek the payment of more than $40,000 in duties on 990 radios imported in 1991 and 1992. Customs is expected to allege the radios did not have the FAA and/or Japanese Civil Aviation Authority approval required before duties can be waived.

Additional charges involving altimeters were among those dropped by the U.S. Attorney's office.

Diamond Aircraft's DA-20 Katana has been certified for night VFR flight by the FAA and the Canadian Department of Transport.

Squawk sheet

The top two longerons were found separated in the front cockpit of a 1991 Pitts S-2B two-place aerobatic aircraft on July 11, following an emergency landing on a farmer's private runway on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The breaks occurred just behind weld points connecting the longerons to cabane structures. Pilot Nancy A. Lynn said she heard a loud pop, felt a jolt, and then heard the roar of wind entering the front cockpit. The engine and gas tank assembly forward of the breaks dropped down six inches, stretching control cables and jamming the throttle and mixture controls. Two six-inch- wide cracks appeared in each side of the front cockpit while in flight but closed to two inches after landing. Since the cabane supporting the upper wing was just ahead of the break, the top wing was pulled forward as the nose dropped. Lynn was able to reduce power immediately following the break, but was not able to increase power afterward. Fuel lines were also stretched; this action buckled the top of the fuel tank. The incident followed by three months the failure of top longerons in a 1991 S-2B in Florida. In that incident, screws in aluminum side panels forming the skin of the aircraft held, preventing the engine from dropping forward. In both the Maryland and Florida incidents, it is believed one longeron failed weeks before the second. Each aircraft had about 800 hours on the airframe. The aircraft were built only eight serial numbers apart.

The FAA is seeking comments from owners of Piper PA-28 and -32- series aircraft after it became aware of two incidents in the Netherlands in which corrosion on the wing spar was severe enough to require replacement of the wings (see " AOPA Action," p. 6).

The Ninety-Nines are sponsoring tryouts from September 21 to 24 at Sevier County Airport in DeQueen, Arkansas, for pilots who want to become members of the U.S. Precision Flight Team. The team will represent the United States in world competition in Fort Worth, Texas, from September 28 to October 6, 1996. Events include flight planning, navigation, and spot landings in single-engine aircraft. Call 501/642-2508 for information or send $5 for an entry kit to Jody McCarrell, Route 1, Box 487B, DeQueen, Arkansas 71832.

Gulf Coast Avionics of Tampa, Florida, is sponsoring an aerial tour of South America for kitbuilt airplanes. The eight-week trek departs from Omaha, Nebraska, on December 22. For information call 800/474-9714 or 813/875-4514.

Parks College of Cahokia, Illinois, has received two FAA contracts worth $75,000 to train FAA inspectors in digital avionics systems. The contract calls for the college to develop and teach two three- week courses in digital avionics, covering basic principles of aircraft systems and automatic test equipment.

Pacific Coast Avionics of Auburn, Washington, has become a sponsor of the AcroFlyers, an air show act featuring Phil Parish and Eric Beard. The two pilots are based in Seattle. Pacific Coast is supplying Bendix/King KLX-135 navcoms for the team's Pitts S-2B aircraft as part of the sponsorhsip agreement.

FAA releases Robinson recommendations

In the ongoing Robinson Helicopter saga, the FAA recently released its technical and operational recommendations intended to reduce accidents caused by main rotor/airframe contact.

The most notable operational recommendation was the prohibition of negative-G maneuvers or "pushovers."

On the technical side, the FAA recommended an improved governor design for controlling rpm to reduce the possibility of main rotor stall; the agency also recommended an improved warning system to better indicate low rotor rpm.

Remember your first flying lesson? If not, look at Aubrey Betts' smile to recall what it was like just before your first flight. The 17-year-old Lynchburg, Virginia, high school student will get her private pilot certificate free, thanks to a scholarship from Virginia Aviation in Lynchburg. She competed against a dozen candidates in a selection process that required her to make a presentation to a panel consisting of Virginia-area pilots, FAA personnel, and local government officials. The scholarship covers all books, ground instruction, airplane rental, and flight instruction, as well as the medical examination and checkride. Betts plans to use her certificate for recreational and business purposes.

Air classics museum founders killed in amphib accident

The Air Classics Museum of Aviation at DuPage Airport in West Chicago, Illinois, will continue in operation despite the death of founders Jack Rodgers and Robert Knoll, museum officials said. The two were killed in the crash of a Grumman Goose they were flight testing in preparation for sale. The pilots were performing touch- and-go landings at DuPage.

The two had financed the museum. They were instrumental in collecting a P-51 Mustang, a TBM Avenger, a B-25 Mitchell bomber, a Hawker Sea Fury, two Stearman PT-17 biplanes, and an F-86 Sabre jet fighter. The museum is located at 3N020 Powis Road between Route 64 and Hawthorne Lane, near DuPage Airport. It is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information about the museum, call 708/584- 1888.

AOPA members in the news

Russ Meyer, AOPA 1178175, chairman and CEO of Cessna Aircraft Company, has been selected as the recipient of the 1995 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy to be presented this December in Washington, D.C. Meyer was chosen for his "leadership in the revitalization of general aviation, effective public service, and active involvement in the creation and support of innovative aviation-related programs and opportunities for the disadvantaged and disabled."

James Conn, AOPA 675523, was named "Person of the Year" by the Wisconsin Council on Aeronautics. Conn was recognized for his efforts in developing the Rice Lake Airport, the state's first new airport in 25 years, which is scheduled to open on September 2. Conn flies a TBM 700.

Jonathan Marut, AOPA 1132353, of Arlington, Texas, won the Top Pilot Award at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association's Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference at Delta State University in Greenville, Mississippi.

John Ballantyne, AOPA 728165, of Frederick, Maryland, was presented the Paul Tissandier Diploma by the Federation Aeronautique International for his 20 years of service to the ultralight community in the United States. Ballantyne is the president of the U.S. Ultralight Foundation.

Dick Smith, AOPA 1065210, president of the Australian Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, has completed a 36,000-nm westerly journey around the world in his Sikorsky helicopter. The helicopter was photographed at right during a stop in Gibraltar. His wife, Pip Smith, took 10,000 photographs and plans to publish a number of books about the journey. The couple lives in Terrey Hills, New South Wales, Australia.

Barry Valentine, AOPA 461561, of Annapolis, Maryland, will head the FAA's "Challenge 2000" task force, which will review the FAA's regulation and certification processes. Valentine is the FAA's assistant administrator for the areas of policy, planning, and international aviation.

Dr. Robert Schreckengaust, AOPA 630793, of Moscow, Pennsylvania, has been elected president of the Flying Physicians Association. Schreckengaust is an instrument-rated private pilot and owns a Piper Malibu and a Maule.

Tracy Dalrymple, AOPA 989407, of Denver, has become the recipient of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Ninety-Nines' Annual Recurrent Training Scholarship.

William Jones, AOPA 606432, of Champaign, Illinois, has published a new book, titled The Pilot's Outline Guide to Basic Aeronautics. The book is published by Eastern Dakota Publishers and retails for $12.95.

Bill Gabella, AOPA 121734, of Canon City, Colorado, has published a new book, titled Famous Aviation Lawsuits. The book is available to AOPA members for $26.95.

Gregory M. Penglis, AOPA 10677582, of Concord, California, has written The Complete Guide to Flight Instruction. The book is available for $29.95 by calling 800/356-9315, or by writing Upper Access Books, Post Office. Box 457, Hinesburg, Vermont 05461.

Oshkosh '95

Recreational limitations may be eased

Medical requirements and cross-country restrictions will be eased under a proposal by the FAA that could make the recreational pilot certificate more popular. Administrator David R. Hinson announced the changes during a press conference at the EAA Fly-in Convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Recreational pilots will be able to self-certify medically, meaning that they need no medical certificate. However, they must certify they are not on any medications that could inhibit their piloting ability.

Additionally, the current 50-mile limitation on cross-country flights would be lifted. Under the proposed changes to FAR Part 61, recreational pilots will be able to conduct flights of unlimited distances as long as they receive cross-country instruction and remain clear of airspace in which communiction with air traffic control is required. The prohibition on night flight would not be affected.

The New Meyers Aircraft Company of Sheridan, Wyoming, displayed the first prototype of the upcoming SP20. Based on the Meyers 145 two-seat taildragger, the SP20 will house a 200-hp Lycoming IO- 360 turning a constant-speed propeller, and will be capable of 160- knot cruise speeds. The low-wing, all-metal airplane will use stick controls and will be fitted initially with a Terra/ Trimble IFR- certified radio package. Compared to the 145, the SP20's cabin is wider and longer. It carries a retractable tailwheel and has a plexiglass canopy. Production is scheduled to begin early next year, with prices starting at $135,000 for a VFR-equipped airplane, ranging to $149,000 for the IFR airplane. — Marc E. Cook

Mooney's TLS and Ovation recently received certification for flight in known-icing conditions. The $34,500 option includes a TKS glycol-fluid distribution system on the leading edges of the wing and empennage, plus protection for the propeller, windshield, and stall warning device. The option weighs 89 pounds when the glycol tank is filled and approximately 40 pounds when it's empty. Included in this optional known-ice package is a system training course from Flight Safety International. The Ovation has now become the first normally aspirated piston single to be certified to fly in known-ice conditions.

Jim Bede introduced the new two-place BD-12 and four-place BD-14 at Oshkosh '95, where the BD-12 was displayed. According to Bede, the aircraft can be built in two weeks. Prices start at $22,000 for the 172-mph BD-12A model and rise to $94,000 for the 305-mph BD-14C.

Hinson flies TLS approach

FAA Administrator David R. Hinson flew a Transponder Landing System approach at the Watertown (Wisconsin) Municipal Airport during the EAA International Fly-in at Oshkosh.

Hinson said he found the TLS approach identical to a standard ILS, and he believes that TLS could have a bright future — especially at airports that pose unique challenges to standard ILS installations.

TLS utilizes the airplane's existing transponder and a series of ground sensors to provide standard localizer and glideslope readouts on the aircraft's course deviation indicator.

Currently, Advanced Navigation and Positioning Corporation (ANPC) has installed the system at the City-County Airport in Madras, Oregon, in addition to the Watertown location.

For the user, TLS requires only standard IFR avionics and a transponder. According to ANPC's Dale Johnson, TLS will cost approximately $500,000 to install on one runway. Since TLS can share the use of sensors, four systems at one airport would cost approximately $800,000 to $1 million. Atypical ILS installation can cost as much as $1.2 million per runway and cannot share equipment, Johnson said.

Lopresti introduces F-22 to U.S.

The Italian firm of General Avia has granted marketing and manufacturing rights of its two-place F-22 aircraft to LoPresti Aircraft Company of Vero Beach, Florida.

On display at Oshkosh were the aerobatic, fixed-gear F-22B and retractable-gear F-22C. They are certified in Italy and the United States but are currently produced only in Italy.

The F-22 was designed by Stelio Frati, designer of such sleek machines as the Falco and the SIAI Marchetti SF.260.

According to LeRoy LoPresti, the F-22s will appeal to the same market as the SwiftFury, a similar endeavor undertaken by LoPresti and Piper Aircraft Corporation that ended after a lack of funding killed the program.

LoPresti says the company is looking for a site to produce the F-22 and is considering Chattanooga, Tennessee; Redmond, Oregon; or Louisa, Virginia. He hopes to start production by late 1996. For now, the airplanes will be crated and shipped to the United States for assembly in Vero Beach.

TCM offers computer service

Teledyne Continental Motors announced at Oshkosh a new computer system intended to benefit both aircraft owners and FBOs. At the consumer level, individuals signing up for the $35-a-year Gold Medallion Club can gain access to the engine maker's computer bulletin board. This service will include a database of service bulletins and engine-related airworthiness directives. Owners are required to insert the serial and model numbers of their Continental engines; this narrows the SB and AD search criteria automatically.

In addition to the service information, the consumer may receive online news information and operating tips from Continental.

For the FBO, the service is even more involved. TCM's system will give businesses direct computer access to any of Continental's distributors for parts. The system can advise the FBO on parts availability and cost. In addition, an online, Windows-based graphic service clinic will be available to FBO personnel. We saw an example of the service, a six-minute multimedia presentation covering a current service bulletin. After the video, we were convinced we could make the changes spelled out in the SB ourselves. A troubleshooting guide will also be part of the FBO package.

Continental says that it will begin testing the system with a limited number of FBOs soon and expects the whole service to be available by the end of the year. — MEC

Cessna considers 185, twin revival

Cessna CEO Russ Meyer, speaking at a manufacturers' forum, hinted at restarting production of the company's conventional-gear model 185 in a few years, after single-engine production begins at the new Independence, Kansas, plant.

When asked about resuming production of twins, Meyer said it will be unlikely in the first five years after production starts. If the company were to begin producing twins again, it would probably be an all-new design, said Meyer.

Van's Aircraft, maker of the ever-popular RV series of kit airplanes, showed a new model at Oshkosh this year called the RV-8. No, it's not V-8-powered, nor is it a much larger offering than anything in the current catalog. Instead, the RV-8 is a stretched and widened airplane similar to the RV-4 taildragger, with two seats in tandem. But while other RVs carry engines up to 180 hp, the -8 employs a 200-hp Lycoming IO-360. Also noteworthy is that the increased fuselage width, which makes the RV-4's cheeked cowling unnecessary. And while the wing planform remains the same constant-chord variety as that of the other RVs, it is said to be strengthened significantly. Van's has not finalized plans for marketing the kit or decided whether the new model will replace the RV-4.

Murphy Aircraft displayed a cabin mockup of its model 2500 four- place kit. The airplane appears to be the size of a Cessna Skylane, with boxier dimensions. The tricycle- and conventional-gear airplane is designed for a variety of Lycoming powerplants, but the most popular will probably be the 180-hp O-360. Current kit prices are $16,900, excluding engine, paint, interior, electrical, and avionics. Murphy expects to fly the prototype 2500 late this year and commence kit deliveries shortly. — MEC