Are electric supersonic aircraft possible?

Could a plane fly faster than sound powered only by electric motors? An article on EVWorld.com explains how it could be done.

The motors that would drive such and aircraft would not be like the one inside a hybrid car. Most likely, they would be powered by special superconducting cells that could store enormous amounts of electricity.

Before an electric plane breaks the sound barrier, it is more likely that electric motors would find use in smaller commuter aircraft first.

Companies use private aircraft to save time and money

The Daily Press in Newport News, Virginia, features a story about fractional ownership of aircraft by an expanding number of businesses.

Fractional ownership allows companies to share jet aircraft, reducing the cost that would normally place owning a private aircraft out of reach.

A senior vice president from Bank of America's Corporate Aircraft Finance division refers to private aircraft as "time machines", meaning that they give their owners greater flexibility with travel when conducting business.

Do you use an plane through a fractional ownership plan? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

Cessna tests new Williams FJ44-4A engine

The official site for Cessna Aircraft Company features a report the new Williams FJ44-4A engine's first test flight.

The Williams FJ44-4A will power the new Citation CJ4 being developed by Cessna as the newest member of the popular CJ line of Citation business jets.

First flight of the CJ4 is scheduled for the first half of 2008 and entry into service is set for the first half of 2010.

“The first flight of the new engine went very well, and performance exceeded our expectations during the 50-minute flight,” said CJ4 Program Manager Norm Baker III. “This new Williams engine is going to give our aircraft excellent capability in terms of performance, thrust, fuel economy and aerodynamics.”

The FJ44-4A has the best thrust-to-weight ratio in its thrust class, and it incorporates several proprietary aerodynamic improvements that yield a significant reduction in fuel consumption.

Small pilots concerned about new FAA regulations

The Decatur Daily of Decatur, Alabama, reports on the controversy over the Next Generation Air Transportation System Financing Reform Act of 2007 and its impact on small-plane pilots.

The FAA says more revenue is required for new air-traffic control systems, needed to handle increased cargo and passenger aircraft in the skies.

Pilots of smaller aircraft fear that the new rules would push gas taxes to four times present rates. Some pilots grounding their aircraft.

Other pilots fear that there will be battle between small plane pilots and commercial airlines over who should pay higher taxes.

What do you think? How would you be affected by the new FAA rules? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

Guide your aircraft using XM WX Satellite Weather

The XM WX Satellite Weather service provides crucial weather information for pilots, displaying radar data and other information on a dash-mounted or handheld device.

Flying Magazine's site features a profile devices used for XM WX Satellite Weather (or XM Weather for short) and the different versions and prices available to pilots.

While XM Weather devices offer information to small plane pilots that larger planes receive, pilots still have to interpret the data and respect the limitations of the technology.

XM Weather information works best when balanced with other weather prediction tools and sound judgment by experienced pilots.

40 percent increase in helicopter sales expected

If engine-maker Honeywell is correct, you'll be hearing the sound of rotors more often as helicopter sales increase.

According to Aviation Week, Honeywell is forecasting a 40 percent increase in helicopter deliveries over the next five years. Honeywell predicts 6,000 new helicopters will be needed between now and 2016

There was jump in helicopter sales by 9 percent in 2006 alone.

The demand for new helicopters ranges from business travelers, medical services, and law enforcement, with customers ranging from the United States to Africa and Asia.

Shared ownership of aircraft is growing

Flying magazine's website features a story on shared ownership of aircraft.

Businesses that want to own new plane, but are reluctant to shoulder the costs, can own a plane jointly with others in a timeshare arrangement.

While the cost of joint ownership is not cheap, the concept is growing and giving access to aircraft to businesses who might never have considered it before.

Flying sand may have cracked aircraft windshields in Denver

The recent mystery over cracked windshields at Denver International Airport may have been solved, with wind-driven sand blamed as the culprit.

On February 16, fourteen planes at the Denver Airport developed cracks on their front and side windshields, which prompted an investigation.

According to the The Denver Post, it is now believed that sand put down on the runway may have been driven the 48 mph winds that day, causing pitting damage, then cracks, on the windshields.

Demand and uses for helicopters on the rise

Aviation Week features a story on strong demand for helicopters and the services they perform.

Helicopters are needed for missions ranging from oil exploration to emergency medical services. The demand is so strong that manufacturers are working harder than ever to keep up.

The story also reports how newer helicopters use automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast(ADS-B) to fly in areas such as the Gulf of Mexico.

ADS-B networks track helicopters and relay their altitude, speed, and direction. This information is used to monitor and co-ordinate helicopter traffic over a wide area.

Cracked airplane windshields prompt investigation in Denver

ABCnews.com features a story on an investigation into thirteen cracked aircraft windshields at Denver International Airport.

An airplane windshield is supposed to withstand extreme temperatures found at high altitudes and speeds up to 400 knots. Windshields are also designed to withstand physical trauma, such as bird strikes during flight.

The reason for the cracking is especially puzzling because windshields have broken both in flight and while the planes are parked on the tarmac.

While high winds and cold temperatures have buffeted the Denver area recently, the number of windshield problems in one place is unusual.

Air traffic control fees and taxes could lead to bitter fight

The Orlando Sentinel features a story on a controversial Federal Aviation Administration proposal to raise fees on small aircraft and business-jet owners. The proposal would create a more stable source of revenue for the FAA and fund for air-traffic control use.

By shifting more of the cost (about 23 percent) from commercial airlines to private aircraft, private airlines would save 2 billion under the new plan. The plan would triple fuel taxes, increasing to 70 cents a gallon.

The FAA proposal will need congressional approval before moving forward.

Aviation Week also features a story on the FAA proposal and the political fighting which could result over the plan.

What do you think? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

Honda aircraft building plant in North Carolina

Assembly Magazine reports that Honda Aircraft is building a 215,000-square-foot headquarters and hangar complex at North Carolina's Piedmont Triad International airport.

The plant will produce the HondaJet, Honda's entry into the market for light jet aircraft.

The new facility is already taking orders for new aircraft, which should be delivered around 2010.

Imagine Air offers air charter service to mid-sized companies

Gwinnett Business Journal profiles a new charter air service, Imagine Air, offering Georgia business travelers and alternative to busy airports and security hassles.

When a NASA-led study found that the Atlanta-area could benefit from an air-taxi service, two pilots used the opportunity to start their own airline.

Imagine Air is aiming to serve mid-sized companies with their service, who need charter flights as much as big corporations do.

To ease booking fights, Imagine Air designed their own software for flight booking. Passengers can book flights quickly and know the exact price.

Cessna hiring more workers to meet demand for planes

The Wichita Eagle features a story on Cessna Aircraft Co. and the strong demand for aircraft. Cessna's revenues have soared from $3.48 billion in 2005 to $4.16 billion in 2006.

Cessna plans to add 600 workers to deal with its backlog of orders.

While busy factories are good news for Cessna, the booming business also brings the challenge of keeping costs under control and factories stocked with enough parts.

The competition for customers will get even tougher as Honda Motor Co. and Embraer plan to introduce new aircraft. Cessna may add three new models to expand its line of aircraft.

Deer saved from frozen lake by news chopper

WCSH in Portland, Oregon features the story and dramatic video of the rescue of a stranded deer by a TV news helicopter.

The helicopter, from KWTV in Oklahoma, spotted the deer trapped in the icy waters of a frozen lake. Realizing that the deer would die unless helped, news chopper pilot Mason Dunn used the rotor blast to push the animal to safety.

Used small plane sales are taking off

The Wichita Eagle reports that small aircraft sales are rising, thanks to a strong economy and growing demand for planes. 2006 was the fifth year in a row that used small plane sales were up.

The demand for new planes is actually helping used aircraft sales. Orders for new planes take time to fill. Customers are buying used planes rather than wait for an order.

The hassle of increased security at airports is another factor. Small planes give businesses an option to fly with more flexible schedules and with fewer delays.

Have you bought a used small plane lately? What factors made you decide in the favor of buying a used plane instead of new? Tell us your story and post a comment below.

Looking for a used plane? Check out the selection on Aero Trader Online.

Gliders take passengers on silent and amazing flights

The Seattle Post Intelligencer features a story on glider flying over the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Glider passengers fly over the island to take in the gorgeous scenery and crystal blue waters.

You can rent a seat on a glider with an FAA certified pilot to handle the controls. Gilders have no engines, making the flight whisper quiet. Small planes tow the glider to reach a flying attitude, and then release the cable to start the glide down.

Glider flights can be placid trips downward towards Earth, or they can be daring flights with rolls and loops for more hearty passengers.

Have you flown on a glider recently? Do you have any stories to share? Leave a comment below and tell us about it.

Should you buy a new plane or used?

Flying Magazine features a story on the choice between buying a new plane over a used plane. What factors make a new plane the best choice?

A big difference is when a plane being purchased for business use over private use. A business usually has more money to finance and support a new plane purchase.

Newer planes feature the latest technology and advancements. Warranties with new planes are easier to project over the long term.

Are you planning to buy a new plane? Post a comment below and tell us about it.

Too many planes and not enough hangars?

The private aircraft business is booming. Demand for jets and other aircraft by businesses and individuals has increased the number of planes, but hangar space in big cities like New York is becoming scarce.

The New York Times reports that firms that service and fly private aircraft in the New York area are having a tough time finding space to grow.

Airports can only expand so far due to zoning issues, and they need space to serve commercial airlines as well as private aircraft. Now rents are soaring (no pun intended) for prime space at busy airports.

Tornado damage cleanup begins at Florida flight school

It was a tough Christmas for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, after a tornado damaged over fifty aircraft.

Aircraft Maintenance Technology's website features a report on the storm damage and amazing photos of the damaged planes.

No one was killed by the high winds and flying debris, but aircraft at the flight school were flipped over or had their wings snapped off.

Despite the heavy damage, the University hopes to have the cleanup done in time for the spring semester.