EAA AirVenture DAY 1   Special Coverage

Photos by Shahn Sedeberg 

Although dollars from the state's aviation fund will continue to be used for non-aeronautical purposes, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported as good news that $2 million less was transferred out to help meet deficit woes.  

The Arizona Airports Association (AzAA) reported recently that they received a response to a letter they sent last month to John Halikowski, Director of ADOT, objecting to a scheduled $6.5 million sweep of the State Aviation Fund.

Casey Denny, President of AzAA, said in an announcement to membership, that while disappointed that aviation funds are being used for non-aviation purposes, he was encouraged by several things outlined in or represented by the letter.

The Air Force Association today announced twenty grants promoting aerospace education for hundreds of students through Civil Air Patrol squadrons.
These AFA grants, each $250, are awarded four times each year, twice to units and twice to educators. These AFA grants were distributed to 20 squadrons for use in any Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) activity or materials that promote aerospace education.

Caravella Aerospace returns to AirVenture this year with a prototype of the “CaraVellair,” first introduced in mock-up form at AirVenture 2008 and then detailed in the 2009 AirVenture forum, “Affordable Roadable Aircraft Design.”

Since the design and engineering continue to meet or exceed expectations, Caravella Aerospace has started taking orders (without deposits) and are continuing to seek motivated people to accelerate development.

Initially offered as a single-seat kit, the “CaraVellair” will fly as an experimental aircraft and drive as a DMV registered motorcycle. Optional upgrades will enable it to meet top-level Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) requirements. The prototype on display features the unique combination of design concepts

Virgin America today announces it plans to order 40 new Airbus A320 aircraft, with options for 20 additional aircraft.  The new aircraft would be delivered from 2013 through 2016 – with 10 firm orders per year on average, and options for 20 additional aircraft in 2017-2018. With today's order of 40 new aircraft and growth from other sources, Virgin America’s fleet is projected to grow from its current 28 aircraft to 90 aircraft by 2016 – a compounded annual growth rate of 21.5 percent.  David Cush, Virgin America President and CEO, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, make the announcement of their memorandum of understanding today at the Farnborough International Airshow.

“This MOU reflects confidence in our financial performance, business model and unique service.  Despite the tough economic climate since our 2007 launch, Virgin America has experienced record growth, strong financial progress and a sweep of the major reader-based travel awards.  At a time when most carriers are contracting and shedding jobs, we’re pleased to be growing and bringing our low-fare, innovative service into new markets,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush.