Trust the Italians to take an already completed great work of art and make it, well, an even greater work of art. In something that simply has to be seen, Italian artist Mimmo Paladino has grabbed a paint brush and had his way with a Piaggio P.180 Avanti II. In what is said to be the first time in the world an aircraft has been painted by a contemporary artist, Paladino was apparently inspired to create this work of art from the Piaggio P.180 Avanti II because of its unique, unmistakable design. The P.180 Avanti II “Cacciatore di Stelle” (or “Star Hunter” in English) will be displayed in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan until April 28. So, who's on the next flight to Milan with me?
Avweb reports that this week's massive Sun ’n Fun Fly-In at Lakeland, Florida has been reduced to the unenviable position of having not a lot of sun nor fun. The event, and its many, many attendees and aircraft on display, yesterday copped a beating from a tornado, with aircraft overturned and apparently 70 frightened aviation enthusiasts being forced to bunker down in a hangar. You can read more and check out footage of the carnage by clicking here.
Speaking at Florida’s Sun ’n Fun Fly-In this week, Cirrus Aircraft Chairman Dale Klapmeier defended the company’s planned sale to Chinese state-owned interests, saying it will be good for Cirrus employees and the US aviation industry. “China is building airports as fast as they can,” Klapmeier said. “They want to see General Aviation grow, and we as a company will be front-and-center in that.” Once the deal’s sealed and Cirrus gets the cash injection from China, Klapmeier said it’ll pump more money into its Vision SF50 entry level jet program. The Vision SF50 program has been lagging in recent times due to a lack of cash flow, but apparently it’s the forthcoming Cirrus jet that attracted the Chinese buyers in the first place.
Warwick Daily News reports that local aviator, glider, historian and tireless pioneer Gus Mauch has had a road sign unveiled in his honour after spending much of his life promoting gliding and flying in the Southern Downs community. Born in Yangan, Mauch served as an RAAF instructor during WWII and helped establish the Warwick Aero Club in the 60s. Widely recognised as Queensland’s top gliding instructor, in 1994 Mauch was awarded the Order of Australia for his role in aviation and gliding, and a year later he was named Warwick Shire’s Citizen of the Year. Sadly, now 88-years-old, Mauch suffers from emphysema and had to give up flying three years ago.
The Australian division of the Royal Aeronautical Society has a new president in Andrew Drysdale, who succeeds David Forsyth. Andrew, who in theory at least is in retirement, was IATA vice president Asia Pacific. But he was also chief executive of both Air Pacific and Hazleton Airlines in earlier times.
Hawker Beechcraft has taken the crown for most turboprop aircraft sales in 2010, with nearly a quarter of all turboprops delivered last year being from the maunfacturer. For the record, Hawker Beechcraft’s ever-popular King Air family will reach its milestone 50th Anniversary next year.
Perth’s Burswood Convention Centre is hosting an Aeromedical Society of Australasia’s (ASA) Scientific Meeting from August 31 to September 3, offering the opportunity for health, IT and aviation associated industries to access a broad range of clinicians, aviation personnel and senior management staff of aeromedical services. If you’re keen to attend, click here for more info.
As if the Piaggio P.180 Avanti II wasn't already flamboyant enough, the Italians have made it even more dashing.
