AEROBATIC two-seater, the Micco SP26, looks as though it might go back into production. The type certificate and assets of the former Florida-based aircraft company have been bought by James E Billie, a chief of the Seminole Native American tribe. W: www.miccoaircraft.com ... more

THE real star of the movie Top Gun, the F-14 ‘Tomcat’ fighter jet flown by Tom Cruise, has retired from active service. The F-14’s final official flight was at Oceana Naval Air Station in September, in front of 3000 guests - former pilots, mechanics, engineers and suppliers. W: www.tomcat-sunset.org ... more

LEARJET 60 has set a new world speed record for its class of 0.81 Mach flying a round trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg. W: www.learjet.com ... more

Thirteen years after the first production R44 helicopter rolled off the assembly line, Robinson Helicopters has delivered its 3000th R44. The R44 was developed in the mid-1980s before receiving certification in late 1992 and deliveries began in february 1993. Since then the R44 has become the best-selling helicopter in the world.W. www.robinsonheli.com  ... more

FANS of TopGear presenter Richard Hammond have raised almost £150,000 towards a new helicopter for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Richard was flown by air ambulance to hospital in Leeds after his crash in a jet-powered car.  Doctors say he could be "back to his old self" within six months.W: www.pistonheads.com  ... more