World's biggest collection of helicopters expandsTHE Helicopter Museum (THM) in Weston-super-Mare has received a major cash boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund to enhance facilities.The money will be used for a film theatre, an archive and library block and a new restoration and conservation facility. Having just completed a new £150,000 hangar extension from its own finances, THM Chair, Captain Elfan ap Rees, said, "This year marks ... more

IT'S the ultimate fashion statement. A helicopter interior styled and designed by one of the world's most famous clothing brands - Versace.Italian helo manufacturer AgustaWestland is set to benefit from the makeovers. Versace chief executive Giancarlo Di Risio says interior design for helicopters is a natural extension following the design house's expansion into luxury resorts, private jets and exclusive cars. "The goal is to achieve t ... more

SPORTING north-easterly wind and less than ideal visibility gave competitors a stiff test at the Fenland Airfield aerobatic event on 27-28 April. First time competitor Richard Verrall in his Extra 300L not only bagged the Beginners plaque but also posted a fine 70% to take third place in the Standard level Elwyn McAully Trophy too. Richard finished just behind behind on-form 70-year-old John Wicks in his CAP-10C and Adrian Willis in his Ext ... more

AS the world watched the 3rd Round of the Formula One Grand Prix in Bahrain, the Blades display team buzzed the cicuit in their Extra 300 LPs.Team Leader and former Red 1 Andy Offer said, "Displaying above the Bahrain International Circuit was incredible. The views were fantastic and it was an honour to be able to showcase British skill abroad." The fantastic weather in Bahrain means The Blades are making good progress with t ... more

Ultimate High launch tie up with MazdaIT'S the car advert that you either love or hate, but the lyrics 'Zoom Zoom Zoom' certainly stick in your head. Car manufacturer Mazda hopes the excitement of zooming through the sky with Ultimate High at Kemble Airfield will help it market its latest range. Mazda UK PR director, Graeme Fudge, said they've chosen Ultimate High because it matches the excitement of the brand. "Flying an aerobatic aer ... more

THERE’S a chance that the proposed hike in the price of Avgas and Jet-A1 fuels might be avoided.The BBGA and AOPA, along with the GA Alliance, are in talks with the UK Treasury to try and class Avgas as a separate fuel. If they are successful, Avgas would face a 2 or 3p increase in November 2008 instead of a potential hefty 29p.The rise follows the announcement by the EU Commission that the UK can no longer enjoy a reduced rate of duty fo ... more

THE CAA has given an exemption allowing light aircraft to fly without an ‘approved’ emergency locator transmitter (ELT).It follows confusion over a new rule in January which said all aircraft flying more than 10 minutes from the coast need ‘approved’ equipment instead of ‘suitable’ equipment.Whilst the carriage of lifejackets, life-rafts and supplemental oxygen will still be required, the CAA intends to issue a general exemption s ... more

THE Isle of Man now has its own aircraft registry and the first aircraft to be registered is M-ELON!Users of the new M-reg will be able to benefit from the Isle of Man’s favourable tax regime – a zero rate of corporation tax.Corporate jets are the Island’s primary focus but the register is open to all non-commercial planes.Long-time resident on the Island, Jim Mellon, who registered M-ELON said, “The Manx register offers substantial ... more