AirVenture digest

Updated July 30. Check out the Oshkosh news by section: Gear, Technology, Flight Training and Education and More News, and Events.

Featured

AirVenture highlighted by celebration, innovation

A week of celebration and innovation during EAA AirVenture at “The World’s Busiest Control Tower” attracted a flock of general aviation pilots and enthusiasts to Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s Wittman Regional Airport for the fiftieth time. Read more >

'Plane Savers' take Oshkosh by storm

A long-neglected DC–3 was brought back to life in time for D-Day, and the Buffalo Airways crew brought the fruits of their labor to EAA AirVenture. Read more >

Flying to inspire

Riley Speidel flew a motorglider from coast to coast, aiming to inspire other youthful pilots. That would be less remarkable were she not 14 years old. Watch the video >

Julie Clark's swan song

The legendary performer will fly her last show in October, and her last AirVenture this week. Read more >

Isn't that wheel on the wrong end?

Not everyone embraced CubCrafters' tricycle gear concept. A few taildragger aficionados cried "travesty," but some of us can't wait to get our hands on it. Read more >

Extra takes composite turn

Walter Extra kept his first all-composite airframe a secret—until now. Meet the Extra NG. Read more >

EAA celebrates 50 years at Oshkosh

Drenching downpours slowed arrivals to EAA AirVenture 2019 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, but sunshine and smiles broke out on opening day. Read more >

AirVenture through the lens

Our photographers love the scenery as much as you do, lucky you. Read more >

The (aviation) stars line up

A new breed of aviator spreads the joy of flight (and sometimes the perils) to the YouTube generation with a mission to inspire, and AOPA gathered them together under our tent. Read more >

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Gear

New GE turboprop bristles with technology

Imagine a stack of some 850 engine parts sitting next to a stack of 12 parts. That’s the difference that additive manufacturing or 3-D printing is making for GE Aviation as it spins out its new Catalyst Advanced Turboprop Engines for Textron Aviation’s Cessna Denali single-engine turboprop. Read more >

Bose lost weight

Bose has introduced its lightest weight headset yet. Billed “the industry’s smallest, quietest, and most comfortable active noise cancelling headset” the Proflight Aviation Headset weighs 4.9 ounces, fits in-ear, and costs $995.95.

Augmented reality product makes debut

SA Photonics of Los Gatos, California, has introduced a new product, PilotVision, at EAA AirVenture. The headset-mounted augmented reality display with a self-contained control system overlays groundspeed, altitude, attitude, and terrain information on a high-resolution field of view.

European avionics maker enters US market

German manufacturer TQ Aviation made its U.S. debut with a communications radio and a Mode S transponder. The firm is well-known in Europe as well as in the commercial aviation world. Read more >

Texas de Brazil

Texas Aircraft Manufacturing and Siemens eAircraft announced today that the two companies entered a new cooperative effort in the field of electric flight. Siemens is providing a propulsion system for the electrically powered version of Texas Aircraft’s new Colt LSA electrical demonstrator. Read more >

Garmin introduces new WAAS GPS/COM

Garmin International has introduced the GNC 355, a GPS touch-screen navigator that provides localizer performance with vertical navigation instrument approach capabilities and includes a built-in communications radio.

uAvionics testing space-based ADS-B solution

uAvionix is testing a version of its skyBeacon Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast solution that is designed to meet the requirements for the space-based ADS-B networks used over water, and in some foreign countries. Read more >

Smaller Sentry watches weather, traffic

Sporty’s Pilot Shop debuted a $299 subscription-free portable Sentry Mini ADS-B Receiver with GPS that brings ADS-B weather and traffic into the cockpit. The device weighs less than two ounces and works with the popular ForeFlight app.

Avionics discounts at Trig

Airshow attendees can stop by the Trig Avionics display (booth 3130, Hangar C) to discuss and view Trig products and receive a special discount voucher that will be redeemable at approved U.S. Trig dealers.

Sporty’s sprouts pop-up store

Pilots can visit the fully stocked Sporty’s Pilot Shop store (outdoor space 260) to try, touch, examine, and ask questions about the latest products. The aviation giant also presents forums on iPad usage, datalink weather, and more. 

ASA showcasing pilot and cockpit supplies

Educational specialists Aviation Supplies and Academics (hangar B, booths 2075 to 2078) is paying tribute to the 1940 introduction of the Boeing 307 Stratoliner and ASA's eightieth anniversary with the cover of the 2020 Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual. A new rotatable iPad kneeboard, the latest test preps, and additional pilot training material and cockpit accessories will be available at ASA’s display.

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Technology

Hydrogen propulsion shows promise

Examples of the coming generation of vertical-lift aircraft made for urban mobility were center stage in the Innovation Showcase at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Not settled there, though, was the debate about how to power them. Read more >

Personal aircraft?

The future landed at the 2019 EAA AirVenture campus with the display of the Airbus prototype of a tandem tilt-wing Vahana electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. This nonflying example of the type of technology Airbus is developing brings to mind the era of The Jetsons, when Americans believed we’d all be like George Jetson and have our own personal spacecraft. The Vahana  has a single seat and is powered by eight 45-kW electric motors. Vahana means “carrier of a god” in Hindu. But Airbus notes this particular aircraft was never projected to actually fly and carry someone—it’s the learning process, a vehicle to learning if you will.

Switchblade roadable airplane wears new clothes

The Samson Sky Switchblade roadable aircraft drew a crowd to view its new orange paint job and digital Dynamic Dash that transforms from an automobile dashboard to an aircraft panel as wings sprout from the vehicle's flanks. Test flights prior to AirVenture were scrubbed, but Samson’s Cebron Walker promised the $125,000 base price vehicle would “fly within the next three or four months.”

Certification for EPS V-8 diesel in progress

Engineered Propulsion Systems’ Graflight V-8 diesel aircraft engine has been tested to 37,000 feet and has completed restart testing, the company said at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019. Read more >

Epic E1000 nears certification

Epic Aircraft estimates it's only "a few months" away from certification of the E1000 turboprop, a factory version of the Epic LT kit. Read more >

Pipistrel intros Alpha King trainer

Pipistrel and BendixKing are working together on a new trainer that includes an integrated flight deck designed to be intuitive for student pilots. Watch the video >

Airspace authorization now available to recreational drone pilots

The FAA is opening the Low Altitude Authorization and Capability (LAANC) system to recreational drone users, the agency noted July 23. The system provides air traffic controllers with “visibility into where and when authorized drones are flying.” Read more >

Get to know your P&W PT6 engine

Pratt & Whitney launched Know My PT6, a data-rich app for turbine users that can help optimize the performance and availability of their PT6-powered aircraft. The Apple- and Android-optimized app includes service information, news alerts, videos, and customer care contacts.

Lycoming announces new electronic ignition

Lycoming officials believe the electronic ignition will make general aviation safer. Read more >

Alsim coming to America

France-based flight simulator manufacturer Alsim, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary during 2019, will add a Lake Worth, Florida, assembly and support facility in September. The company's reconfigurable ALX flagship can transform into four classes of aircraft and 10 flight models, and the AL172 replicates the modernized Cessna 172SP four-person trainer with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics.

Bye Aerospace eFlyer 2 powered by new Siemens motor

Bye Aerospace (booth 90) completed flight tests in the all-electric two-seat eFlyer 2 airplane powered by a new 120-hp (70kW) Siemens SP70D motor that “met or exceeded expectations in all performance indicator areas,” the company announced July 19.

Electric jetpack to debut

Electric Jet Aircraft (booths D-8 and D-9) will debut the EJ-1, a wearable battery-powered jetpack that weighs from 90 to 110 pounds depending on configuration and incorporates a single throttle controlling four thrusters. A previous design was entered into the GoFly prize competition sponsored by Boeing. 

Embraer displays EmbraerX eVTOL concept

Commercial jet maker Embraer (booth D6) will display a scale model of the EmbraerX electrical vertical takeoff and landing aircraft concept collaboration with ride-sharing giant Uber. 

Own an electric ultralight for under $25K

Aeromarine LSA (booth 195), the company behind the Merlin personal sport aircraft, is introducing the Electrolite Ultralight, a $25,000 single-seat Part 103-compliant electric-powered aircraft with “feather-like sink rate” that can also be used as a self-launching glider.

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Flight training and education

Honda reaffirms commitment to gender diversity

Honda Aircraft Company CEO Michimasa Fujino said the company was proud to raise awareness for females in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by supporting the annual EAA GirlVenture Camp for young women in grades 9 through 12. About 70 youth networked with pilots and industry professionals, attended aviation-focused workshops, and participated in flight simulation activities.

Solo in the sim

Building basic instrument flying skills with the fundamentals is a mix of mind-bending challenge and mind-numbing monotony. Read more >

ATP expands Cessna fleet

ATP Flight School added orders and options for up to 100 Cessna 172 Skyhawks through the year 2023 to supplement or replace the training facility’s 375-aircraft fleet across 36 U.S. locations.

Piper sales up

A surge in demand for flight training around the world boosted sales of Piper trainers during the first half of 2019. Read more >

Boeing predicts huge demand for pilots

Boeing expects “unprecedented” global demand for pilots through 2034 in the firm’s latest forecast revealed July 22. William Ampofo, vice president of business aviation and GA, said the firm provides financial support for workforce development and education programs to help meet the need.

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More news

Entrepreneurs sweep FAA national awards

The FAA presented National General Aviation Awards to three entrepreneurs at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Read more >

Textron donates $10 million for museum display

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum announced a $10 million donation from Textron will help transform the “How Things Fly” exhibition at the museum’s flagship building in Washington, D.C. Gallery construction is slated to begin in 2022, and the exhibit will feature a Cessna Skyhawk as its centerpiece, part of an interactive exhibit designed with upper-elementary and middle school students in mind.

Raskey’s first Oshkosh arrival

Social media star Savannah Raskey flies from Florida to Oshkosh "under the hood" to work on her instrument rating. Find out what it's like for a young pilot to fly into the world's busiest airport for the first time. Watch the video >

FAA Deputy welcomes Administrator Steve Dickson

Acting FAA Administrator Dan Elwell, a GA pilot, said he was looking forward to working with incoming Administrator Steve Dickson after the Senate voted July 24 to confirm the former Delta executive. “I went to school with him, he’s a great choice and he will be a great administrator,” Elwell said at a news briefing. “Steve is an operator like me, a lifelong pilot and airline executive.” Elwell, who steered the agency for 19 months, added that Dickson had additional procedural hurdles to clear but expected the FAA leadership change to occur “between now and August.” Read more >

Power Flow Exhaust Systems acquires assets of competitor Leading Edge

Power Flow Systems of Daytona Beach, Florida, has acquired the assets of Leading Edge Exhaust Systems, an Anchorage, Alaska-based producer of high-performance exhaust systems. The combination follows the death of Leading Edge’s founder, Dane Wagner, in December 2017. 

Continental announces several engine initiatives

Continental Aerospace Technologies announced a handful of powerplant initiatives July 22: A hybrid-electric engine partnership with VerdeGo Aero; a 180-horsepower IO-370 D3A3 fuel-injected, four-cylinder, Prime drop-in engine replacement for Cessna 172 R and S series aircraft; and engine core “amnesty” with full credit toward factory new or rebuilt engines, regardless of the previous engine’s serviceability.

Hawaiian charter orders 15 HondaJets

The newly established Wing Spirit aviation group placed an order July 23 for 15 HondaJets to support inter-island transportation, charter services, medevac transportation, and aviation education in the Hawaiian islands.

Blackhawk King Air 300 upgrades discounted

Blackhawk Aerospace is offering a $100,000 discount on Textron King Air 300 XP67A Engine+ upgrades for orders placed before Sept. 31 as an EAA AirVenture show special. The STC includes Hartzell’s five-blade composite propellers and two factory-new 1200 SHP PT6A-67A engines that can help boost climb performance while lowering operational costs.

Weather woes

Weekend weather twisted two taildraggers tied down at nearby Appleton International Airport, one of the reliever airfields during EAA AirVenture. One aircraft was lifted and deposited in a drainage ditch, and another was relocated several feet by a violent thunderstorm that swept through July 20. Nearly five inches of rain fell at Wittman Regional Airport in the days prior to the July 22–28 event affecting vintage parking and other operations.

Opener donates eVTOL BlackFly to EAA Museum

The eVTOL BlackFly that made an inaugural AirVenture appearance in 2018 will become a permanent fixture at the EAA Museum, the aircraft’s manufacturer Opener announced July 22. BlackFly aircraft have cumulatively flown over 23,000 miles during more than 2,300 flights. A production version of the aircraft will be on display at the Innovation Showcase.

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Events

2020 Sweeps aircraft debuts

The bright yellow AOPA Sweepstakes Van’s Aircraft RV–10 turned heads when the aircraft debuted at the AOPA campus (near the famous brown arch) July 22. AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Dave Hirschman says the Lycoming IO-540-powered, four-place single will “give AOPA members new insights into the performance, technology, and value” of experimental/amateur-built airplanes.

Airshow performers, day and night

Daily airshow performances at show center from 2:30 to 6 p.m. highlight the event’s fiftieth consecutive year at Wittman Regional Airport; a pair of night performances light up the sky from 8 to 10 p.m. on July 24 and 27. For a slower pace, check out the Fun Fly Zone for nightly twilight festivities with short takeoff and landing (STOL) demonstrations, ultralight flights, powered parachute pilots, and more, beginning at 8 p.m.

Meet NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski at Gogo

Enjoy an ice cream with NASCAR’s No. 2 Ford Penske Mustang driver Brad Keselowski at the Gogo Business Aviation booth (outdoor space 444) July 23 at 2 p.m. Sign up online for access to Gogo events in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

NTSB promotes GA safety awareness

National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert L. Sumwalt, aviation investigators, researchers, specialists, and safety advocates will be presenting NTSB safety topics during AirVenture on how general aviation pilots can “Raise the Bar of Your Safety Culture.” The times and locations vary. 

Textron marks Baron’s fiftieth anniversary

Textron Aviation is marking the fiftieth anniversary of the Beechcraft Baron high-performance piston twin’s first flight on June 23, 1969, with a Beechcraft Baron G58 displayed at the Textron campus (booths 78 to 82 and 100 to 123). More than 3,100 Barons have been delivered worldwide since production began in 1970.

Red Bull racer Kirby Chambliss at Piper Aircraft

Red Bull Air Race champion Kirby Chambliss (2004, 2006) will make an appearance July 24 at the Piper Aircraft display (booth 140) alongside the Vero Beach, Florida, manufacturer's Piper Pilot 100 training aircraft and M-class, Seminole, and Archer lines.