EAA Would Ideally Like To See More Simplified Flexibility

Following a request from EAA and others, the FAA has released a policy that will make it easier for some owners of experimental aircraft to obtain special flight permits (SFPs) for their airplanes in order to reposition them for condition inspections. Rather than requiring a full in-person "condition for safe operation" sign-off from an FAA inspector, which was previously required for SFPs, the policy allows DAR-Ts (designated airworthiness representatives supervised by a FSDO) with appropriate function codes to remotely conduct inspections for the certificates.

"Felt Like The Tail Was Thumping"

On May 9, 2020, about 0630 central daylight time, an experimental Titan Tornado S airplane, N318WH, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident about 3 miles north of Haskell Airport (2K9), Haskell, Oklahoma. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he departed from 2K9 and climbed about 600 feet per minute to 2,000 ft where he intended to level off. He stated that the airplane was flying really well with no anomalies noted at that point. As he decreased the pitch attitude, very suddenly the airplane vibrated aggressively and it "felt like the tail was thumping."

Prototype Has Already Flown More Than Five Hours In Testing

Bearhawk Aircraft has announced the introduction of its largest Bearhawk model to date, the Bearhawk 5. The new aircraft was designed by engineer Bob Barrows and is the first in the lineup of Bearhawk aircraft to use a 300-horsepower engine, seating up to six occupants. The Bearhawk Model 5 made its first flight on May 3rd. The prototype has flown more than five hours in testing and is exhibiting excellent flight characteristics, according to test pilot Rollie van Dorn. Further flight testing is expected to confirm the airplane's projected 3,000 lb gross weight. The Bearhawk Model 5 has been under development for two years. Slightly wider and longer than the original 4-Place Bearhawk, the new design is powered by a spec-built Lycoming IO-580 engine. The first Bearhawk Model 5 was built in collaboration with avid Bearhawk builder Collin Campbell of Bolivar, Missouri. Collin has scratch built a fleet of different Bearhawk models and has a reputation for outstanding workmanship.