Fly Away Simulation Flight Simulator Blog

Grand Forks International Airport (GFK) in Grand Forks, North Dakota has made a deal with The Hiller Group to supply Phillips 66 aviation fuel and equipment. Customers who use a Phillips 66 Aviation Cards with WingPoints Rewards Card at GFK Flight Support you can earn double points and relieve and additional 10 cents of per gallon with the use of a Phillips 66 Aviation credit card. 

Flying the Aspen Evolution from Sporty's explores everything to basic setup and shortcuts and advanced functions. Watch MFD, traffic, weather overlay, full ILS approach to feature PFD, MFD.

The DVD is $29.95. 

WASHINGTON — In a move to prevent potential conflicts of interests that could affect aviation safety, the Federal Aviation Administration is proposing to put limits on airlines and other operators hiring FAA safety inspectors and their managers for two years after those employees leave the agency.The proposed rule would prohibit air carriers, flight schools, repair stations and other certificated organizations from employing or contracting with former FAA inspectors and managers to represent them in agency matters if the former employee had any direct oversight of the certificate holder in the preceding two years. This rule also would apply to anyone who owns or manages a fractional ownership program aircraft.

“We’re committed to making sure operators don’t hire their former FAA inspectors and create even a perception of inappropriate activities,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “The ‘cooling off’ period we’re proposing actually exceeds the restrictions applicable to most businesses that hire former Federal employees.”

Current law basically forbids former federal employees (including those at the FAA) to represent an entity before the government on matters in which they were involved. It also places a 2-year restriction on those same former employees from representing anyone in matters that the employee was directly responsible for. The new proposal goes a step further by placing inspector hiring restrictions on FAA-certified companies and fractional ownership operations themselves.

FAA policy already provides for a 2-year cooling off period for newly employed aviation safety inspectors, prohibiting them from having certificate management responsibilities over their former aviation employer.
The rule would not keep operators from hiring former inspectors to serve in other positions (e.g. aircraft dispatcher, flight attendant, maintenance technician, pilot, or training instructor) as long as they do not represent the operator in FAA matters.

The FAA is asking for public comments until February 19, 2010. The text of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is at: http://www.federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2009-27852_PI.pdf
###

International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG) has developed a new data router for airborne applications. The AreoRouter 800 is a line replaceable unit (LRU) and is designed to be compatible with any communications business. The router has two internal 8-2.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi transceivers, Gatelink wireless connections, and ICG NxtMail service.

Aviation Fabricators recently received STC approval for its Learjet 55 Divan. To install it you need to remove all the existing seats and furnishings. It can be installed on the side of the aircraft.

International Communications Group (ICG) has debuted a new Cabin Telephony Unity (CTU), the AeroCom 1700.

We are pleased to announce that Astrasim Expo is now taking bookings for Summer Sim 2010. This year's event will take place at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. The show takes place on the weekend of August 28th – 29th.



We have restructured the website which has now gone LIVE.

The new website has been created to bring together everyone with a passion for flight simulation, a new community for the UK that empowers the user to get involved. Users can create their own profile upload images and videos, take part in forums, get the latest news via our feeds and even book their slot at the UK's premier flight simulation show this year.

It is FREE as a non commercial organisation to attend the show at RAF Cosford, although space is limited, all the information can be found at the site along with information on Commercial company participation.

Managing Director John Marshall said “we are very excited about the new website, although not new in idea; this is a bespoke site which offers flight sim enthusiasts a great opportunity to share and engage with other fans of the genre, it truly encompasses all we were looking to achieve, and bring together an ‘all in one package' for everyone who has an interest in the future of flight simulation in the UK"

Cosford will be a major event in the flight simulation calendar, a full two day show at this world class venue with everything from demonstrations to seminars and not forgetting the amazing museum itself with much of our national aviation heritage on display.

To find out more please visit http://astrasimexpo.co.uk

[youtube]5dHgvnZvbt8[/youtube]

01.02.10 / 10:29, Kategori: MS Flight Simulator.

Angle of Attack has released the first episode in the series &quot;Aviator90&quot;.<br />This first episode explains aerodynamics in an easy, well quite easy, way. Aerodynamics are complicated, but without them we could not fly at all!<br />The series will be a total of 45 lessons in total, all free.....

The Force Feedback Yoke as an innovative system solution meets the high demands of professional flight simulation. The combination of integrated force sensors and high dynamic servo drives allows for even the finest inputs realistic movements and excellent artificial feel.

The modular design allows use as a FNPT I, as well as a training device FNPT II MCC and FFS; for standard procedure training, as well as abnormal and emergency procedure training.
Productlink: http://www.beh.ch/index.php?id=143?&L=4

The FAA has issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD), effective immediately for all Teledyne Continental Motors. The AD issues TCM reporting three occurrences of rapid wear on the face of hydraulic lifters; if not corrected could result in loss of engine. 

Lycoming Authorized Service Centers have been appointed the sole installers for Lycoming's newest Echelon Supplemental Type Certificate (STC), which covers Mooney M20E, M20F and M20J. The Mooney owners will be able to choose from around 50 Authorized Service Centers to upgrade their power supply more powerful. The STC includes new or rebuilt IO-390-A3A6, Slick Start System and required documentation.

Harrison Ford has received "Spreading Wings" award from the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. The award recognized Harrison Ford's work in promoting aviation to youth in addition to his films. 

Carter Aviation Technologies LLC of Wichita Falls, Texas has completed negotiations with AAI Corporation. AAI Corporation is an aerospace and defense development and manufacturing firm in Hun Valley, Maryland. The 40-year deal covers all Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) using Carter's Slowed Rotor/Compound (SR/C) Aircraft Technology. 

The Transportation Security Administration has prepared new regulations governing security procedures at the repair stations. It'll require stations to establish security protocols to guard against unauthorized access to the facility, aircraft and parts. Read more at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/nprm_aircraftrepair.pdf

For Immediate Release

November 16, 2009
Contact: Laura Brown
Phone: (202) 267-3455

FAA Finalizes Changes in Hudson River Airspace to Enhance Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today finalized a federal rule, effective November 19, 2009, that will enhance safety by separating low-altitude, local aircraft flights over the Hudson River from flights transiting through the river airspace.

“Better separation of aircraft means a higher margin of safety,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “These new rules will ensure that aircraft can operate safely in the busy Hudson River airspace.”
"These changes will define separate corridors for aircraft operating locally and those flying along the Hudson River area," said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "Separating aircraft on different missions and improving pilot situational awareness will add more layers of safety to this high-demand airspace."

The rule also now requires pilots to follow safety procedures that were previously recommended, but were not mandatory. In a new Special Flight Rules Area over the Hudson and East Rivers, pilots must:
Maintain a speed of 140 knots or less.Turn on anti-collision and aircraft position/navigation lights, if equipped.Self-announce their position on specific radio frequencies.Carry current charts for the airspace and be familiar with them.In an exclusion zone below 1,300 feet over the Hudson River, pilots must announce their aircraft type, position, direction and altitude at charted mandatory reporting points and must stay along the New Jersey shoreline when southbound and along the Manhattan shoreline when northbound.

Pilots transiting the Hudson River must fly at an altitude between 1,000 feet and 1,300 feet. Local flights will operate in the lower airspace below 1,000 feet.

The rule also will incorporate provisions of an October 2006 Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricted fixed-wing aircraft in the exclusion zone over the East River to seaplanes landing or taking off on the river or those specifically approved by FAA air traffic control.

All three updated pilot charts that local fixed wing and helicopter pilots use for navigation will include these airspace changes on November 19, 2009.

The FAA will conduct seminars and coordinate with pilot groups to make pilots aware of the new requirements. The FAA also has developed an online training program that covers flight operations in the New York area.

FAA released its final version of the new flight rules for the VFR corridor for the Hudson River and it'll take effect on Thursday, November 19, 2009.

Former deposit-holders for Eclipse 500 jets recently filed four lawsuits in New Mexico district courts alleging various wrongdoing by Eclipse Aviation executive Vern Raburn, Roel Pieper, Peg Billson, Michael McConnell and Mark Borseth, as well as sales and support personnel about the company filed for bankruptcy a year ago. 

Solar Impulse is a European long-range solar-powered plane. Solar Impulse is also the first solar-powered plane.


Wingspan 63mWeight 1,600 kg,Take-off speed 35 km/hAverage flying speed: 70 km/hMotor power 4 x 10 HP electric enginesBattery specific capacity: 220Wh/kgSolar cells: 11,628 (total area 200m²)Maximum altitude 8,500 m (27,900 ft)
The first flight was made on December 3, 2009 by the pilot named of Markus Scherdel.

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8393688.stm

Solar-powered plane makes first historic 'hop'
The Solar Impulse prototype plane, part of a planned solar-powered circumnavigation of the globe, has left the ground for the first time.
The maiden flight was dubbed a "flea hop" by project leaders, at 350m in length and a height of just one metre. 

The plane will now be transported to a different airfield for a flight of a few hours in March. 

The final version of the plane will attempt a transatlantic flight in 2012 prior to the round-the-world trip.

The prototype first ventured outside a hangar in November, with a range of on-the-ground tests and a run-up of the plane's motors.

Thursday's flight, with test pilot Markus Scherdel at the controls, was the first time the plane had been brought to takeoff speed.

"The airplane flew the way we have experienced it in the simulators," said Bertrand Piccard, a founder of Solar Impulse and the first person to carry out a round-the-world balloon flight.

"That's of course a very big comfort for all the engineers who've worked for six years to build this airplane."
The next flight, at the Payerne air force airfield in western Switzerland, will see the plane reach an altitude of nearly 9,000m.

Only after this flight will the plane make its first "solar flight" - that is, powered by the solar generators rather than the on-board batteries.

The team plans a flight of a full day and night in the summer of 2010, building up to a transatlantic flight in small steps as the crew ensure the plane's behaviour is well-understood.

"It's a completely new flight domain," said Dr Piccard.

"It's the first time in the history of aviation that an airplane so big and so light using so little energy gets in the air - basically everything is new."

Watch First Flight

Hawker Beechcraft has announced that AmSafe Seatbelt Airbags are now available for the pilot and co-pilot seats on its Baron and Bonanza aircraft.

I finally heard about this and updated my blog to the latest Blogger redesign (September 2009). To read more about it visit http://www.google.com/support/blogger/bin/answer.py?answer=156829.


New Features
Improved Image Handling
Improved Raw HTML
Add your Location to your posts with geotagging
Vertical Resizing
Easy Link Editing in Compose Mode
Full Safari 3 Support
New Preview Dialog
Placeholder Image for Tags
New Residing Toolbar

ACR Electronics has introduced its newest Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) -- the SARLink 406 MHz GPS PBL.

GPS-Integrated Personal Locator Beacon with Digital Display The SARLink™ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. The onboard GPS can fix your position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting SAR satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to your location.

The SARLink View™ takes PLB technology one step further with its breakthrough digital display. In an emergency, the high-visibility screen provides automatic prompts for optimizing the beacon and confirms critical data such as your exact GPS coordinates, data bursts and remaining battery power. Additional functionality allows the user to test and view GPS coordinates multiple times with minimal impact on useful battery life.
Calm in the Storm

The SARLink View’s digital display provides a measure of calm in an emergency — displaying critical data so that you know the beacon is working to summon help. • Most sensitive internal GPS in the industry, pinpointing your exact location faster than standard GPS-enabled PLBs • High efficiency electronics = performance you can count on • Professional grade design tested and built for years of backcountry use • Feature-rich self-test display • Super Bright LED Strobe • On Board 66 Channel GPS • Typical Performance 30 Hours • Made in the U.S.A Increase the functionality of your SARLink View with optional 406Link nonemergency messaging service. Product Number: 2885 Model Number: PLB-350 C Size: 2.25 x 5.88 x 1.29” (5.72 x 14.94 x 3.28 cm) Weight: 8.9 oz (258g) with lanyard Battery: Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium battery packs; 6 years from date of manufacture. 11 year storage Material: Engineered polycarbonate blend Color: High visibility ACR-treuse™ Deployment: Manual Activation: Manual Operation: 2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view of sky Waterproof: 16.40ft (5 m) @ 1 hr., 33 ft (10 m) @ 10 min. Factory tested: @ 70°F, exceeds RTCM waterproof requirements Radiated Power: 5 W +/-2dB (406 MHz), 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz) Operational Life: Exceeds required 24 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C) Typical Performance: 30 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C) Longer in higher ambient temperatures Storage: -40°F to + 158°F (-40°C to +70°C) Accessories: Attachment clip included, Optional flotation pouch (P/N 9504) Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC Pending: Canada, Europe Limited Warranty: 5 years Lead Free: Yes
and

Head out with confidence. With three levels of integrated signal technology — GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal and 121.5 MHz homing capability — the SARLink™ quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of Search and Rescue satellites, reducing search time and increasing your chances of survival. It’s reliable signaling technology that has saved more than 25,000 lives since 1982. The SARLink™ broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are. The onboard GPS can fix your position to within 100 meters and then utilizes a powerful 406 MHz signal to relay your distress call to orbiting SAR satellites. As local Search and Rescue is deployed, a separate homing signal and integrated LED strobe light guide rescuers to your location. The SARLink is light in weight and small enough to be easily carried in a pack or pocket by skiers, hikers, hunters, kayakers, climbers, pilots, snowmobilers or any other outdoor enthusiast. Performing a full functional self test of the PLB’s internal circuitry, battery voltage & power, and 406 MHz transmission gives you the peace of mind knowing your PLB will work the moment you need it to the most. ACR Exclusive: Built-in GPS acquisition test mode allows you to test GPS functionality up to 12 times over the life of the battery life. Tap in to the same field-tested rescue technology used by the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, NATO Special Forces and Arctic explorers. No Subscription FeesSuper Bright LED StrobeOn Board 66 Channel GPSSelf-Test and GPS Test FeaturesTypical Performance 35 HoursNon-Hazmat BatteryMade in the U.S.A Model Number: PLB-350 B Size: 2.25 x 5.88 x 1.29” (5.72 x 14.94 x 3.28 cm) Weight: 8.9 oz (258g) with lanyard Battery: Class 2 (non-hazmat) lithium battery packs; 6 years from date of manufacture. 11 year storage Material: Engineered polycarbonate blend Color: High visibility ACR-treuse™ Deployment: Manual Activation: Manual Operation: 2 steps: deploy antenna, press ON button, giving clear view of sky Waterproof: 16.40ft (5 m) @ 1 hr., 33 ft (10 m) @ 10 min. Factory tested: @ 70°F, exceeds RTCM waterproof requirements Radiated Power: 5 W +/-2dB (406 MHz), 50 mW +/-3dB (121.5 MHz) Operational Life: Exceeds required 24 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C) Typical Performance: 35 Hours @ -4°F (-20°C) Longer in higher ambient temperatures Storage: -40°F to + 158°F (-40°C to +70°C) Accessories: Attachment clip included Optional flotation pouch (P/N 9504) Certification: Cospas-Sarsat, FCC Pending: Canada, Europe Limited Warranty: 5 years Lead Free: Yes

Power Flow Systems, has tuned exhaust systems on more than 3,500 aircraft, has designed a tuned exhaust system for the Beechcraft Bonanza. The company is planning on obtaining STCs for the IO-470, IO-520, and IO-550 configurations. Power Flow tuned exhaust systems increase engine efficiency and horsepower by doing a fantastic job of evacuating exhaust fumes from cylinders, allowing better fuel flow into the chambers.

Price: Unknown

International Women's Air & Space Museum (IWASM) in Cleveland, Ohio has produced the third collectible deck of playing cards for the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of World War II.

Price: $10.00
Online Store: http://womensairandspacemuseum.com/eshop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=298

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is making its 50th anniversary of the Beechcraft Baron by making a limited edition model.

The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien on NBC is officially over. “Walking away from ‘The Tonight Show’ is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. this is the best job in the world, I absolutely love doing it. I did it my way, with the people I love and I do not regret a second. I have more good fortune than any I know. Please do not be cynical. I hate cynicism. For the record, it’s my least favorite quality. Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” Some early reporters report that Conan O’Brien is going to Fox. But, he has to wait until September 1, 2010. Watch Conan O’Brien’s Tonight Show on NBC memories of the last 7 months. I wish Conan O’Brien the Best in all future endeavors.

The Avidyne Entegra Release 9 is optional avionics for the Piper PA-46 Meridian, Piper PA-46 Mirage, and Piper PA-46 Matrix aircraft. The Avidyne Entegra Release 9 is a high-resolution IFD5000 displays, dual-redundant FMS900W systems with QWERTY keypad, digital 16-watt VHF NAV/COM radios, and dual WAAS/RNP-capable GPS receivers.

The certification of the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 for the Piper PA-46 Matrix is expected to come out in the 2nd half of 2010 and the certification of the Avidyne Entegra Release 9 for the Piper PA-46 Mirage and the Piper PA-46 Meridian are expected in 2011.

Price: $50,000.
Information: http://www.avidyne.com/landing/release9.asp

NavWorx, Inc. now has available its ADS6000-series receivers, which provide display of TIS-B traffic and FIS-B weather Information. The ADS6000 line of Universal Access Transceivers (UAT). The UAT is designed to capture and display broadcast information from Air Traffic Control, enhancing situational awareness for pilots.

The NextGen system ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast), is a combination of ground-to-airplane-to-satellite. The UAT ADS-B is operating on 978 MHz frequency.

Header Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

SAIB Number:
CE-10-08

Issue Date:
11/07/2009

Subject:
Wings: Zodiac CH601XL and CH650 Wing Structural Modifications

Title:


PDF Copy:




SAIB Scope

Full Text of the SAIB
Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin informs you of an airworthiness concern on all variants of Zodiac CH601XL and CH650 airplanes, all serial numbers, including special light-sport category aircraft (S-LSA), experimental light-sport aircraft (E-LSA), and experimental amateur-built aircraft.

Background

Since April 2009, the FAA has been conducting a special review of the Zodiac CH601XL and the nearly identical CH650 to evaluate design and operational details of these aircraft. This review was a continuation of efforts to investigate several in-flight structural failures of the CH601XL dating back to 2005. Five in- flight structural failure accidents have occurred in the United States and several abroad. The U.S. accidents involved two S-LSA, one E-LSA, and two experimental amateur-built kit aircraft. The design of all CH601XL & CH650 airplanes is essentially the same, but only the S-LSA aircraft are designed and produced to ASTM International LSA standards. We quickly launched the FAA special review because of the accidents exhibited signs of structural failures. After the review we made a determination that these accidents did not clearly indicate a single root cause. Instead, it implicated the potential coupling of design and operational aspects of the aircraft.

Our analysis did reveal several areas of concern regarding the CH601XL design that may impact the overall safety of the design. Those causing the greatest concern are as follows:

· Wing structure: FAA analysis shows bending loads used to design the wing structure were non-conservative and the basic static strength of the CH601XL/CH650 does not appear to meet the intent of the ASTM standards for a 600kg (1320 lb) airplane, given the current flight envelope in the Pilot Operating Handbook.
· Structural Stability: Other aviation authorities have noted the presence of buckling in the wing structure, including in the center section. Such structural instabilities can have a significant effect on static strength and flutter characteristics.
· Flutter: Our detailed review of available flutter analysis reports was inconclusive. However, accident photos clearly indicated flutter was present during the in-flight structural failures. The FAA believes flutter may either be a first order root cause of in-flight structural failure or a secondary cause after some initial wing structural deformation or twisting.
· Airspeed calibration: Calibration procedures do not appear to adequately account for basic static pressure source error due to the location of the static port. This could lead to potential airspeed indication anomalies, particularly since the CH601XL/650 derivatives can be delivered/built with several different airspeed indicators installed or without an indicator at all. The situation could lead to the potential of operating the airplane above the maneuver speed and/or the design cruise speed, potentially leading to structural failure.
· Stick force characteristics: Flight test data from foreign authorities indicates at aft center of gravity the stick forces become very light. The FAA believes this may be a contributing factor in structural failure accidents if coupled with operations over gross weight, at speeds higher than VA, and/or for aircraft loaded improperly. In such conditions, it would be very easy to dynamically load the CH601XL/CH650 wing beyond its design structural load limit.

Recommendations

In order to prevent potential catastrophic structural failure, we strongly recommend that all owners and operators of Zodiac CH601XL/CH650 comply with actions outlined in a forthcoming Aircraft Manufacturing & Design, LLC (AMD) Safety Directive / Safety Alert to address the above-referenced concerns before further flight.

For SLSA owners and operators: We remind all owners and operators of their regulatory obligation to comply with Safety Directive / Safety Alert issued by AMD in accordance with the ASTM International consensus standards safety directive process and recommend the following:.

· Reference 14 CFR §21.190(c)(5) – The manufacturer’s requirement to issue safety directives.
· Reference 14 CFR §91.327(b)(4) – Owner/operator compliance with each safety directive.
· Obtain and install AMD’s modification kit (i.e., major alteration) per drawings and instructions.

Contact AMD for any requests to correct the unsafe condition in a manner different from that specified in the safety directive. Since the AMD safety directive adheres to the applicable consensus standard, the FAA will not likely issue any waivers from the provisions of the safety directive. · Adhere to the manufacturer’s drawings and instructions. These drawings and instructions address the structural design changes that are required to meet the ASTM design and performance standard T they also address other operating limitations.
· If necessary, obtain a special flight permit to fly the aircraft to a location where the safety directive modifications can be made. The FAA may add special requirements for operating your aircraft to a place where the modifications can be done. The FAA may also decline to issue a special flight permit in particular cases if we determine you cannot move the aircraft safely. To apply for a special flight permit, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 21.199.

For amateur-built and E-LSA owners and operators: Due to shared design characteristics that amateur-build and E-LSA aircraft have with S-LSA, we strongly recommend compliance with the drawings and instructions contained in the AMD Safety Directive/Safety Alert and recommend the following: · Reference 14 CFR §91.7: “(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition. (b) The pilot in command of a civil aircraft is responsible for determining whether that aircraft is in condition for safe flight. The pilot in command shall discontinue the flight when un-airworthy mechanical, electrical, or structural conditions occur.”
· Obtain and install the kit manufacturer’s structural modification kit. The modification kit addresses the structural design changes and operating limitations required to meet a safe condition for operation.
· Contact the kit manufacturer with any modifications already incorporated to correct the identified unsafe condition to validate safety-of-flight issues.
· If necessary, obtain a special flight permit to fly the aircraft to a location where the safety directive modifications can be made. The FAA may add special requirements for operating your aircraft to a place where the modifications can be done. The FAA may also decline to issue a special flight permit in particular cases if we determine you cannot move the aircraft safely. To apply for a special flight permit, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 21.199.

For Further Information Contact

Wes Ryan, Manager ACE-114, Programs & Procedures, FAA Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106; Phone: (816) 329-4111; Fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: wes.ryan@faa.gov.

(Optional) For Related Service Information Contact

AMD, LLC (SLSA Manufacturer) Mailing address:
Heart of Georgia Regional Airport P O Box 4277 Eastman Georgia 31023 USA
415 Airport Road, TEL: 478-374-2759
Eastman, Georgia 31023 USA FAX: 478-374-2793
Email: http://www.newplane.com/

Zenith Aircraft Company (Kit Manufacturer) TEL: 573-581-9000
Mexico Memorial Airport, PO Box 650 FAX: 573-581-0011
Mexico, Missouri, 65265-0650 USA. Email: http://www.zenithair.com/

On November 7, 2009 FAA has issued a Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) on Zodiac CH601XL and the CH650 airplanes because of the several in-flight structural failures. The FAA did this because of the accidents involving in these particular Zodiac models.

On Tuesday, November 10, 2009 aerobatic pilot, Matt Younkin survived a plane crash that happened at 3:00 P.M. in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He didn't have any life threatening injuries, but he did have a broken hand that got treated on and fixed. The doctors also had to stitch up a cut on his leg. He will perform again!

Younkin's family released the following statement through the Younkin Airshows website:

"Matt Younkin was injured while flying the Younkin Mullicoupe on Tuesday afternoon. During his flight he experienced a loss of power and was forced into an emergency landing near a model airplane field south of his home in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Matt's injuries are non-life threatening and he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2010 airshow season. We would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers at this time."

Younkin Family