Air Shows & Events

Cirrus started building the first production Vision SF50 this week. AVweb’s Russ Niles toured the plant in Duluth. view on YouTube

California-based FlyThisSim (FTS) was the first company to develop and manufacture an FAA-approved, touchscreen basic aviation training device (BATD). Its latest TouchTrainer can instantly switch between multiple aircraft with a wide variety of avionics systems and is also available as a Robinson R44 helicopter simulator. Aviation Consumereditor Larry Anglisano flew the devices at Sun ‘n […]

The FAA is exploring the idea, and the small airplane groups are gathering the information. AVweb’s Russ Niles spoke with Dan Johnson of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association (LAMA) at Sun ‘n Fun 2015. Duration: 5:35 File Size: 5.1 MB download here

Piper says it expects to certify its new M600 single-engine turboprop later this year and is flying three test articles to complete the cert project for start to finish in about 15 months. Piper announced the new airplane at its Vero Beach factory last week and this week, it’s showing a mock-up of the new […]

In a low-key event at Sun ‘n Fun’s opening day Tuesday, Mooney took the cover off a mock-up of its new M20T proposed training aircraft. Although it was developed in Mooney’s new facility in Chino, California, the airplane first saw the light of day last fall in the big Chinese aviation trade show in Zhuhai. […]

Cessna unveiled a new interior for its Caravan single-engine turboprops at Sun ‘n Fun today. The biggest change is the introduction of new seats that are about five pounds lighter than the previous design, with more room for under-seat stowage, an improved back angle for more comfort, and better sight lines in relation to the […]

Superior Air Parts says it will launch a full line of diesel aircraft engines starting with a 100-horsepower unit aimed at the LSA market and scaling up to as much as 600 horsepower. In a news conference at Sun ‘n Fun, company representatives said they acquired the rights to a liquid-cooled two-stroke diesel design developed […]

AVweb’s Russ Niles went along with Cirrus demo pilot Ivy McIver as she took a brand new SR22 G5 from the factory in Duluth to Sun ‘n Fun in Lakeland, Florida. Some typical spring weather patterns made it a challenge. view on YouTube

Redbird Simulations is taking three zero-time students to solo flight in seven days using simulators and diesel-powered RedHawk 172s. AVweb learns how the program works. view on YouTube

At Sun ‘n Fun 2015, Superior Air Parts introduced a new engine, a unique two-cycle diesel similar to the Jumo of World War II fame. AVweb shot a technical tour of the engine hosted by Scott Hayes. view on YouTube