briefs

Aviator Gus McLeod had hoped to launch from Maryland this month and circumnavigate the earth via both poles in his single-engine Firefly — but the effort is now on hold at least until spring. A landing-gear glitch had already caused delays, but now there’s a problem with a thick yellow fluid contaminating the fuel system. […]

AVweb has learned that those in attendance at a recent Cessna dealer’s meeting were encouraged to pore over Columbia and Cirrus aircraft — but also were introduced to renderings of what could become Cessna’s new aircraft. We’re told attendees learned that the aircraft’s basic design would incorporate a strutless high-wing planform built of composite material. […]

AVmail: November 7, 2005Reader mail this week about fuel prices, closing Potomac Airfield and more.

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___________AIRMANSHIP Night Flying SafetyFlying at night can be fun, but it’s even more fun if we know the pitfalls and plan accordingly. If you think that nighttime flight is the same as daytime flight — only with less light — then you need to read on. Some illusions only occur at night and could end […]

The FAA will install new runway-incursion warning systems called Airport Surface Detection Equipment Model X (ASDE-X) at 15 large airports, starting in January, to replace the sometimes unreliable Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS) now in use. “Reducing the risk of runway incursions is one of our top safety initiatives,” FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey […]

Alcohol and flying don’t mix but if you’re having a post-flight pop, reach for red wine if you can and you may extend your flying years. Dr. Ingrid Zimmer-Galler told a forum at AOPA Expo that the antioxidant properties of red wine (primarily resveratrol) have been shown to reduce the incidence of cataracts by up […]

Although many pilots wouldn’t buy a plane with fewer than four seats, the dirty little secret is that many if not most of us fly alone a lot. An Arizona ranch hand has introduced a downright neighborly concept for putting like-minded pilots together that not only helps people out, but can reduce costs and boost […]

Symphony Aircraft Industries says a host of small problems (lining up suppliers, ensuring parts quality, etc.) and one large one (setting up the shareholders agreement to satisfy investors and take advantage of liberal tax incentives offered by the Canadian government) bogged down production in 2005 and it will only push 13 aircraft out the door […]