EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is launching the next century of flight during EAA AirVenture 2004, which will be held July 27-August 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh (WI). The 52nd annual EAA gathering, which draws more than 10,000 airplanes and attendance in excess of 750,000 each year, will pay special attention to the what lies ahead for the world of flight, along with recognizing the legacy that has been built by a century of aviation.

Ultralight manufacturer North Wing Design has changed its product pricing to include BRS parachutes with each aircraft. "We're doing this for two reasons," said North Wing president, Kamron Blevins. "First, we think it's the right thing to do for our customer's safety. Secondly, we see a business opportunity. These parachute systems are popular and their sale adds to our income. It's important to stay healthy financially." He says that even the saving of one life is worthwhile. He personally knows of which he speaks.

George "Poppy" Bush is no stranger to skydiving. In fact, he made his first jump in 1944 at the tender age of 20. He called it a "non-elective" jump, after his Navy torpedo plane was shot out from under him by groundfire as he was flying operations in support of US troops on the Japanese-held island of ChiChi Jima in the Pacific. Speaking at dedication ceremonies for the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola (FL) over the weekend, Bush told the audience he's jumped twice since then -- in 1997 and on his 75th birthday in 1999. Now, the former president plans to jump out of a perfectly good airplane once again -- this year, for his 80th birthday.

Two Dead -- Cause Unknown Numerous media reports have trumpeted the tragedy that has befallen two men who were killed after their "ultralight" aircraft went down near the Hollister Municipal Airport (CA) Thursday. Authorities said William Dieck, 60, of San Jose, and James Riley, 77, of Saratoga, were killed instantly. Mind you, there is no, technically, such thing as a two seat ultralight... only two-seat vehicles that have been waivered/allowed to operate under expanded regs for the purposes of ultralight training and familiarization... but asking anyone in the general media to do such homework is probably way too much to hope for. For the record, as defined by FAR Part 103, an ultralight is a SINGLE occupant vehicle... or more specifica