Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

Signs of the Times -- OMF Undergoes Layoffs

One of the most promising aircraft in the two seat GA market is having some teething pains in getting it's North American production nailed down. OMF has confirmed that they have undertaken a series of temporary layoffs designed to bridge a gap in capital availability. OMF has been quick to respond to ANN inquiries, and unusually upfront (for this industry) about what can only be considered some disappointing issues. Statements from OMF explain the situation, "OMF GmbH (the German parent company) is experiencing financial challenges. The new North American company, OMF Aircraft, is also experiencing challenges as it starts up its operations."

Wright Flyer Tempting Fate Again

Ken Hyde (right) and the hard-aviating gang at the Wright Experience have resumed proof-of-concept tests with its reproduction 1903 Wright Flyer at The Wright Brothers National Memorial in advance of the breathlessly awaited Dec. 17 re-enactment of the world's first powered flight. The reproduction 1903 flyer is as close to the original flyer as can be engineered and was assembled by The Wright Experience with painstaking detail over the past four years. On Nov. 25, the aircraft was damaged during tests here, but repair work by The Wright Experience crew during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend returned the airplane to operational status in less than four days.

First Flight Centennial Tickets Start Selling Out

December 16 And 17 Sold Out -- Tickets Still Available For December 13-15 If the hype is as good as the reality, the coming Wright Anniversary celebration is going to be a heck of an aero-event. And... if you haven't already done so, please be advised that advance ticket sales end Sunday, December 7 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Worse; event planners for the First Flight Centennial Celebration have announced that general admission tickets for December 16 have sold out.

Rhode Island Issues Revised Aircraft Use Tax Regs

The Rhode Island Division of Taxation has issued a revised Regulation regarding the application of the use tax to noncommercial aircraft in Rhode Island. Due in large part to the efforts of NBAA and interested Rhode Island aviation groups, the new Regulation clarifies many of the uncertainties created by the issuance of the previous Emergency Regulation. The new Regulation makes it clear that the Rhode Island use tax applies only to noncommercial aircraft exceeding specified operating limits within the State of Rhode Island. The revised Regulation also makes it clear that it applies only to "residents" of Rhode Island.

Little Planes: Beware Jet Blast... Even From Small Airliners

Skyhawk Gets Blown Away By CRJ When operating in close proximity to jet aircraft, exercise EXTREME caution... the amount of thrust put out by even the lowest power settings is more than enough to turn any GA bird right on it's butt if caught at just the right angle. Beware the "business end" of jet engines!

Diamond Aircraft Grants TX Distributorship to Premier

It sure is nice to see GA companies grow and expand their services and influence... Following a strategic plan to expand their territory, Premier Aircraft Sales has been awarded the Diamond Aircraft distributorship for the state of Texas. Premier will soon promote and sell Diamond products and aircraft there in an effort to better serve the Lone Star state.

AR TFR: VIP Airspace Restrictions 12/03-12/04

NOTAM: 3/1444 Issued: 12/02/2003 20:51 Effective: 12/03/2003 22:35 - 12/03/2003 23:25 State: AR Facility: ZME - MEMPHIS (ARTCC),TN. Type: VIP Description: STUTTGART, ARKANSAS, DECEMBER 3-4 2003 LOCAL.

Check Ski-Season STMPs For Rocky Mountain Airports

Operators are encouraged to check NOTAMs to see if Special Traffic Management Programs (STMPs) are in effect during ski season at eight airports in Colorado, Idaho and Wyoming. When anticipated weather conditions or traffic volumes dictate, the FAA will activate STMPs at the following Colorado airports: Aspen-Pitkin County/Sardy Field Airport (ASE), Rifle/Garfield County Field Airport (RIL), Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE).

Rotor Won't Turn -- If Tied Down

** Report created 12/1/2003 Record 1 ** IDENTIFICATION Regis#: 103AE Make/Model: B206 Description: BELL 206B HELICOPTER Date: 11/28/2003 Time: 0408 Event Type: Accident Highest Injury: Minor Mid Air: N DESCRIPTION AIRCRAFT WAS STARTED WHILE ONE OF THE ROTORS WAS TETHERED, OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES ARE UNKNOWN, PARIS, AR

Upgraded: Gibson to Head FAA Human Resources

FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey, has named Ventris Cassandra Gibson as the agency’s assistant administrator for human resource management. Gibson will head the office responsible for personnel, workforce planning, recruitment and placement, professional development and performance-based compensation systems. Gibson comes to the FAA from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where she served as deputy assistant secretary for human resources management, overseeing a $59 million program with 226,000 employees in the United States and abroad.