CATEGORIES

Piper's '60s workhorse

It’s dependable, robust, and can take full fuel with all six seats occupied. A landmark of the golden era of GA, the Aztec is a surprisingly pleasant and easy aircraft to fly

SEP over London

Why we should not be doing it! The CAA has a gentle word in our shell-like ear

Latest Microsoft Flight Simulator launched with large GA fleet

After a lengthy wait, Microsoft launched in August its latest Flight Simulator (also known as FS2020), which features up to thirty different types of general aviation aircraft. The simulator, whose first version was released in 1982 (with the extremely simplified graphics available at the time) has been praised by game experts for the extremely high, photorealistic level of graphic rendering.

Flight training

News from the clubs, schools & ATOs

Celera 500L ‘most fuel-efficient aircraft in the world'

Otto Aviation announced at the end of August that the prototype of its Celera 500L has now logged more than thirty successful test flights. The company claims that the Celera is the most fuel-efficient, commercially viable passenger aircraft in the world. Other claims, such as a maximum cruise speed of 390kt, a range of over four thousand miles, and a fuel economy of twenty-five miles per gallon are equally impressive.

Airfields

What's happening at our airfields, aerodromes & airports

Virgin Galactic And Rolls-Royce Aiming For Mach 3

Virgin Galactic and its subsidiary The Spaceship Company announced last month that they plan to build a high-speed aircraft design, and have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Rolls-Royce to collaborate in developing engine propulsion technology for high speed commercial aircraft.

Microsoft's Eagerly Awaited Flight Simulator

Microsoft FS 2020 Xbox & PC flight simulator www.microsoft.com £59.99

Moving Forwards... Slowly!

Following a burst of activity when it seemed like UK Airsoft was about to return, frenchie ponders the result and how things are now moving forwards.

Why ADS-B is the way forward

The well-known earthrounder pilot and avionics engineer makes the case for following the US lead and standardising on a single technology for reliable Electronic Conspicuity

Super STOL +speed!

Combining the takeoff and load-carrying performance of the Pilatus PC-6 Porter with hot-ship cruising speed, this new utility aircraft from Germany lives up to its claim to be the ‘ultimate STOL aircraft’

Rotorheads

The latest news from the world of rotary - wing aviation

New Regs

New Regs

Ivan bounces back

Having won fame with the Europa then enjoyed less success with the Liberty XL2, the great aircraft designer has a new project under way

Flight training

News from the clubs, schools & ATOs

CLASSIC JET OR 21ST CENTURY TURBOPROP?

Gnat, Hawk or PC-21? Three generations of military trainer compared. Although we have a clear winner in 2020, all of them are fun to fly

Airflow launches eSTOL aircraft

California-based Airflow is developing the first electric Short Take-Off and Landing (eSTOL) aircraft designed for middle-mile logistics.

Airfields

What's happening at our airfields, aerodromes & airports

Pipistrel And Green Motion To Create Electric Aircraft Charging Network

Green Motion, a Swiss company which specialises in electric vehicle charging, is joining forces with Pipistrel Aircraft to create a charging network for airfields.

THE REAL MOVIE STAR

Whether it’s Superman, Bond or Mission: Impossible, Marc Wolff is the unseen hero flying and filming those unforgettable action sequences

Under-rated ‘Pocket Rocket'

It has an unfortunate reputation but it’s fast, aerobatic and looks like a fighter. It’s time to reconsider the Globe Swift

SAFE Return for Douglas

As reported in July’s ‘Old Timers’, Douglas DC-6B N151 arrived at Sola, Norway on 2 June destined for the Sola Flyhistorisk Museum.

Diamond Aircraft launches DA50 RG

Austrian aircraft manufacturer Diamond recently debuted its DA50RG. Aimed squarely at the market currently dominated by the Cirrus SR22, the DA50 RG is powered by a 300hp turbocharged Continental CD300 V6 diesel.

Five-bladed H145 gains EASA type certification

Airbus Helicopters’ five-bladed H145 has been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Civil Air Patrol supports marine life rescue effort

The UK Civil Air Patrol recently completed one of its most ambitious missions to date.

Cessna SkyCourier twin makes its maiden flight

Cessna’s new twin utility turboprop, the SkyCourier made its maiden flight from the company’s east campus Beech Field Airport on 17 May.

Brunting thorpe briefing

Much has happened since Cox Automotive acquired C Walton Ltd’s vehicle services business at Bruntingthorpe in March.

Bell Boeing delivers 400th Osprey

A major milestone was passed recently when Bell Boeing delivered its 400th aircraft, a CV-22, to the US Air Force Special Operations Command.

An homage to the Moon watch

Undone Urban Sport Speedy custom watch £246 inc shipping www.undone.com 316L stainless steel case, hardened K1 (glass) crystal, Seiko VK64 meca-quartz movement

DIVE!

Paolo Portuesi builds the Airfix 1/48 Ju87B-1