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Alas, the hot-rodder’s adage that more engine displacement is always better is borne out by Lycoming’s two new engine models. Based on the IO-360 angle-valve engine, the IO-390-X produces 210 horsepower. A six-cylinder version tapes out to a whopping 580 cubic-inches version capable of 315 horsepower. Both engines are currently offered only for experimental applications, […]

Mistral’s two-rotor turbocharged G-230-TS Wankel engine was on display in the Piper Arrow airframe it pulled to the show. The Swiss-built 230-hp, liquid-cooled is being developed in Daytona Beach, FL, with the assistance of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The installation amassed more than 30 flights before arriving in OSH. Testing for FAA certification is underway. Although […]

Now part of the BRP group (which we think stands for Bombardier Recreational Products). Bombardier’s liquid-cooled, V300 engine debuted last year with fanfare at OSH … then mysteriously missed Sun ‘n Fun a few months back, and re-appeared at OSH this year on the nose of the massive Murphy Moose utility kitbuilt. (The company offered […]

The French-built SR305-230 is currently flying in several testbed aircraft, including a Cessna 182, Maule MX-9, and Piper Arrow. SMA expects to have STC approval for installation in the Cessna by fall. Including engine, prop, new cowling, engine mount and instruments, the update will sell for $77,000. SMA predicts traditional Skylane speeds on just 9 […]

…Slightly incestuous, but for the greater good. A version of Thielert’s electronic engine controls appeared on a Superior O-360 engine (a modified Lycoming) intended for homebuilts. The fully electronic, throttle-by-wire system uses many off-the-shelf automotive components and is, in this application, boosted by a small turbocharger. The installation includes a single throttle lever and full […]

Diamond Aircraft arrived in style with the DA-42 Twinstar, powered by dual 135-hp Thielert Centurion turbodiesels. The FADEC-controlled, four-cylinder, double-overhead-cam engine promises amazing fuel specifics: 4.5 gph in cruise, making the Twinstar less thirsty than many singles. Diamond has received type approval in Europe and is working toward certification in the U.S. The Thielerts fit […]

Aside from wandering into the wrong airspace at the wrong time (TFRs), being able to wander in it at all under the LSA rules (and with what medical conditions) was a hot topic generating concern, questions … and confusion. Blakey settled down to an hour of AirVenture’s annual question-fest in her best effort to clear […]

After slipping away from the media throng at the Sport Pilot center, Blakey and crew made a beeline for the ultralight area, where 2,000-hour instructor Kenley Snyder and his green and orange Quicksilver Sport 2S steed were waiting. Blakey strapped into the Quicksilver to the admiring comments of the ultralight faithful, winning minds and hearts […]

FAA Head, Marion Blakey, Returns to AirVenture… “I knew I couldn’t come back unless we had this rule out. This is going to be an important advance in aviation — it will encourage people to come into aviation.” — FAA Administrator, Marion Blakey. Blakey is no stranger to AirVenture, (she visited Oshkosh in ’03) but […]

Speaking of XM Radio, Avidyne announced that it would offer an XM-based datalink option for buyers of its EX500 multifunction display. Avidyne’s first datalink effort was based on Orbcomm technology similar to that used by Garmin — it was met with mixed reviews. The XM variant–which will co-exist with the Orbcomm receiver–promises faster, more reliable […]