Columbia aircraft to be rebranded as 'Cessna' CESSNA has bought the assets of bankrupt Columbia Aircraft. It paid $26.4 million during a bidding process in the Oregon Bankruptcy Court on 27 November. Earlier, Cirrus Design had dropped out of the bidding. Columbia's two aircraft models, the naturally aspirated 350 and turbocharged 400, will be become the Cessna 350 and Cessna 400."This is a significant day as it brings together two top ... more

THESE are the incredible Flying Bulls display team on their way to winning the team award at the World Grand Prix Aerobatics event held in Motegi, Japan in early November. They beat the Mazda and Pioneer aerobatic teams.Winner of the solo grand prix was current European Champion Mikhail Mamistov, followed by two fellow Russians, both woman. They were Svetlana Kapanina, who became the first woman to win one a major aerobatic event outright e ... more

THE prototype of Solar Impulse, a solar-powered aircraft that may fly around the world without fuel in 2011, was unveiled last month in Switzerland by project leader Bertrand Piccard. The aircraft has a wingspan of almost 200 feet and will be used to test the concept. The plan is for the prototype to fly non-stop for 36 hours, using solar power for its electric motors. It will charge its batteries by day and use the stored energy at night. ... more

THE group fighting to keep Lee-on-Solent open to General Aviation says the field has a great future as a thriving local aerodrome – and that it is determined to work with Hampshire Police who are behind the current closure row.The Lee Flying Association is campaigning to prevent the closure of the airfield to GA, which site managers Hampshire Police say is necessary because of Health and Safety concerns. Critics say there is no such conce ... more

THIS is the first 'spy' shot of the new turbine R66 helicopter being developed by Robinson Helicopters at its Torrance, California factory. It was snapped on a cameraphone by a member of the Robinson Helicopters Owners Group.Robinson registered R66 serial #0001 with the FAA as N466R several months ago but this is first time it's been seen. It's unmistakably a Robinson, and said to be a 5-seater with a baggage compartment behind the rear sea ... more