US Flying reports that a recent study by AOPA’s Air Safety Institute in the US interestingly reveals that the introduction of technologically advanced aircraft (a broad term that basically covers aircraft with glass panels in the cockpit rather than analogue instruments) has not decreased accident rates, as some expected to happen. Glass panels have become increasingly more popular over the last decade, and today nearly all new models of light aircraft feature flat-panel avionics as standard. But according to the report, glass cockpit-equipped aircraft had, “demonstrably higher rates of accidents during takeoffs, landings and go-arounds,”. The study included aircraft from Cessna, Cirrus, Piper, Hawker Beechcraft, Diamond, Lancair/Columbia and Mooney. Click here to read the AOPA Air Safety Institute’s The Accident Record of Technologically Advanced Airplanes report in full.
That Transition Roadable Aircraft (read: flying car) LSA from US company Terrafugia, Inc. that we’ve previously reported on is set to make its auto show debut at the 2012 New York International Auto Show from April 6-15 in NYC. At the event, Terrafugia will unveil the latest generation Transition production prototype as well as details of the company’s future plans. Public attendees at the show will get up-close and personal with the street-legal vehicle, witness wing-folding demonstrations, and meet some of the staff behind the futuristic design. Video of the Transition in flight and on the road will also be shown. More info on the Transition Roadable Aircraft can be found here.
The Tenterfield Star reports that the retired RAAF F-111 (A8-142) that’s slowly making its way – by road on the back of a massive truck – from RAAF base Amberley to the RAAF base in Wagga Wagga all but bought the town to a standstill when it rolled through earlier this week. The paper reports that at about 1100 the retired ‘Pig’ was greeted by a large crowd of students from Tenterfield High School, as well as some local business owners and their customers who came onto the street to wave and take photos. The aircraft will be put on display once it reaches Wagga. Get the full story here.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE: Archerfield Airport is looking for an Aviation Planning and Policy Manager to develop standards, write policy and ensure compliance with airside regulations. The position will also hold responsibility for the airport's environmental plan, safety and security; as well as the promotion of effective working relationships with external stakeholders and agencies. Contact Roslyn Bowen-Day 0409 688 880 for more info.
Italian manufacturer Tecnam has launched a new blog to allow interested parties to keep up to date with its latest. If you’re keen, you can check it out here.