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On behalf of Sporty’s,We know you, like us, have never seen times exactly like these before. Almost 19 years ago, just after 9/11, we were grounded temporarily but were soon allowed back into our aircraft and the sky. Now we are free to fly, but with the shutdown of restaurants and many other businesses we are faced with nowhere to go.We are taking this opportunity to provide an update on Sporty’s status during the COVID-19 outbreak and make you aware of the steps we are taking to ensure you, our…

In the last three months, we have witnessed unprecedented events brought upon by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). TracPlus CEO, Trevor McIntyre, looks at the steps the company is taking to protect and offer certainty to our customers in this unsettling time. Dear customers and friends of TracPlus, In the last three months, we have witnessed unprecedented events brought upon by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Our hearts are with those who have been affected by this global crisis. We want to assure you that in the face of adversity, your safety…

Continental®, an AVIC International Holding (HK) LTD company (HKEX: 232.HK), announced today that Robert J. Stoppek has been named as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President. Stoppek was formerly the CEO for Waukesha Engine, part of the former GE Distributed Power business prior to joining Continental®.“We are pleased to welcome Robert as our new CEO,” said Mr. Fu Fangxing, Chairman of the Board for Continental Aerospace Technologies Limited. “Robert is an experienced CEO who has excelled at navigating along a strategic-tactical continuum and is well-positioned to lead Continental’s continued…

Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, has gained Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from the Federal Aviation Administration to manufacture new replacement airbox gaskets for a variety of Cessna single-engine piston aircraft. “This was a natural extension of our popular airbox PMA and repair business,” said Katie Church, head of sales and marketing for Air Plains. “Airbox assemblies should be checked often since they’re subject to a lot of vibration, and replacing the gasket with our new PMA version is easy and inexpensive. A…

Wichita, KS – (March 18, 2019) – Wilco Vice President Mike Hattrup announced today that Wilco will offer all customers, both website and phone, a discount as a result of the postponed 2020 Sun-n-Fun Aerospace Expo. Wilco’s Covid-19 Response and Sun-n-Fun 2020 Wilco Inc. does not anticipate being able to participate in the rescheduled SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland FL this year. We recognize the impact this will have on the aviation community and we will greatly miss seeing our friends and customers at the Expo. However, we…

CESSNA 172L thru 172Q, 172RG REAR SEAT SHOULDER HARNESS UPGRADE. This upgrade is applicable to Cessna 100 series aircraft models 1971 172L thru 1985 172Q (SN 17259224 – 17276515), and model 172RG aircraft that are not equipped with 3-point diagonal rear shoulder harnesses. The aircraft models referenced above are factory equipped with nut plates mounted aft and outboard of each rear seat that will allow for the installation of shoulder harnesses. This installation will require a log-book entry signed by an appropriately rated mechanic. The restraints are available in kit…

CESSNA 150, 150A thru 150K, DUAL OVER THE SHOULDER HARNESS UPGRADE This upgrade is applicable to Cessna 150 and 150A thru K aircraft (SN 17001 – 15072003) that are not equipped with shoulder harnesses. The aircraft models referenced above are factory equipped with rear spar nut plates directly aft of each pilot position that will allow for the installation of a dual over the shoulder harness. This installation will require a logbook entry signed by an appropriately rated mechanic. The restraints are available in kit form and include 1 (one)…

Superior Air Parts is totally committed to the safety of its customers and is working closely with the FAA to determine the root cause and best course of action. Coppell, TX (February 25, 2020) — Representatives of Superior Air Parts, Inc., announced today that the company is aware of the FAA’s recent notice of proposed rulemaking (NRPM) concerning a proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for Superior Air Parts (SAP) model O-360, IO-360 reciprocating engines, and certain Lycoming Engines model AEIO-360, IO-360, and O-360-series reciprocating engines. “Unfortunately, we were only informed of…

WELLINGTON, KS (February 25, 2020) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, will feature its newest avionics packages as well as its industry leading line of Cessna engine upgrade STCs at the AOPA Fly-In in San Marcos, Texas, May 29-30. “We’ve added new lines of avionics components in the past year as well as new parts and services we are eager to share with customers in San Marcos,” said Katie Church, head of marketing for Air Plains. “We are very excited to showcase…

Procedures specified in this service bulletin must be accomplished in accordance with accepted methods of aircraft maintenance and applicable government regulations. Appropriate log book entries must be made. COPYRIGHT © 2020 Page 1 of 7 I. SUBJECT This service bulletin addresses material defects found in some of the extruded material used in McFarlane Aviation, Inc (McFarlane). aileron hinge assembly, P/N: MC0523816-1. An inspection method to identify the defective material and the corrective actions are given in this document. The affected aileron hinge is used in Cessna aircraft models 150, 152,…

WELLINGTON, KS (Jan. 20, 2020) – Air Plains Services, a world leader in general aviation engine and avionics upgrades, has gained Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) from the Federal Aviation Administration to manufacture new replacement airboxes for a variety of Cessna 180, 182 and 188 aircraft. The airbox, Part Number APS0750144-33, is certified for use on Cessna 180s produced since 1960 (C thru K), Cessna 182s produced from 1959 thru 1986 (B thru R), and Cessna 188s produced from 1966 thru 1975 (thru B). This airbox is also eligible for installation…

Under the partnership agreement with Lycoming, beginning January 06, 2020, Lycoming factory overhauled and rebuilt engines will no longer be shipped to the end-customer with alternators or accessories. Going forward, customers will now purchase Plane-Power components directly from Hartzell Engine Technologies. Montgomery, AL (January 06, 2020) — Representatives of Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET) announced today that the company has partnered with Lycoming to now be the exclusive direct-to-customer provider of Plane-Power alternators and alternator assemblies for a factory overhauled and rebuilt engine. “As the manufacturer of Plane-Power alternators and components,…

OWATONNA, MINN., Sept. 5, 2019 – Alpha Aviation Inc’s. 3-point Diagonal Shoulder Harness STC kit for Cessna Models 150/152 is now FAA approved using OEM quality AmSafe restraint assemblies meeting TSO-C114. FAA STC SA04389CH includes belt assemblies and hardware for the installation of 3-point diagonal shoulder harness restraints in the pilot and copilot positions. Cessna 150, 150A, B, C, D & E aircraft will require this STC for the installation of nut plates to accommodate the addition of 3-point diagonal restraints. Cessna 150F, G, H, J and K have existing…

OSHKOSH, July 22, 2019 – Continental, an AVIC International Holding (HK) LTD company (HKEX: 232.HK), announces a new STC to install a Prime IO-370-D3A3 engine into Cessna R and S series 172s. The economical, fuel-injected four-cylinder power-plant is an economical option to replace the original engine at TBO for 180 hp Cessna 172 R and S models. The Prime IO-370-D3A3 delivers 180 hp, includes roller tappets and comes with a recommended TBO of 2,200 hours that extends to 2,400 hours for high utilization aircraft. The STC includes the engine, a…

WICHITA, KS (June 27, 2019) – Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, celebrated its leadership of the light jet segment with the delivery of the 300th Cessna Citation CJ4, the industry's top performing aircraft in this segment. The milestone aircraft was delivered today to McNeilus Steel, based in Dodge Center, Minnesota. “The Citation CJ4 continues to be a standout in the light jet segment due to its combination of high performance, low operating costs and class-leading cabin amenities,” said Rob Scholl, Textron Aviation senior vice president, Sales and…

Nothing is worse than walking toward your aircraft and noticing a stream of black liquid running down your landing gear strut. It always happens when you need to fly somewhere. But cleaning struts is such a pain. You must carry around a rag and hydraulic fluid. How do you store a can quart of non-resealable hydraulic fluid on your aircraft? Most people use a dispenser, which leaks all over the place. That’s why people tend not to clean their aircraft struts—and it ends up costing the owner in time and…

New for 2019 is Tech Tuesday, a forum designed for A&Ps COPPELL, TEX., May 15, 2019 – Scott Hayes, vice president, sales and marketing for Superior Air Parts, Inc., announced today that the company is again hosting its series of 45-minute educational forums during Oshkosh AirVenture 2019. “We are very proud of the outstanding support that our forum series has received over the years,” Hayes said. “We see many of the same people returning year-after-year and each time they tell us they’ve learned something new about the care and operation…

April 24, 2019 – Garmin is pleased to announce it has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the GFC 500 autopilot in the Cessna 180/185. Intended for piston single-engine aircraft, the GFC 500 delivers superior in-flight characteristics, self-monitoring capabilities and minimal maintenance needs when compared to older generation autopilot systems. Specific aircraft models approved for the GFC 500 autopilot include: • Cessna 180 – Models 180, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K • Cessna 185 – Models 185, A, B, C, D, E, A185E, A185F…

Garmin is pleased to announce aviation webinars through June of 2019. Ranging from Garmin Pilot tips and tricks, cost-effective autopilot upgrades to low-cost avionics solutions, these free webinars offer pilots and customers with a broad overview of the latest Garmin has to offer, while also providing a general operational overview of its vast product line. Autopilot Retrofits The GFC 500 and GFC 600 retrofit autopilots offer reduced maintenance, as well as safety-enhancing capabilities such as Garmin Electronic Stability Protection (ESP), underspeed/overspeed protection and coupled approaches. This webinar focuses on the…

Oshkosh air traffic procedures are required reading for all aviators flying to AirVenture EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 9, 2019) — There are several important Federal Aviation Administration-approved changes in the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2019 Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), featuring arrival and departure procedures for the Experimental Aircraft Association’s 67th annual fly-in convention July 22-28 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. These changes are based on pilot feedback and FAA review of arrival procedure recommendations. The NOTAM, which is in effect from 6 a.m. CDT on Friday, July…

Unique group of aviation and e-commerce experts create site to deliver evolutionary e-commerce experiences to the business and general aviation industries SARASOTA, FLA., April 02, 2019 – Today, Ana Cunha-Fontes, CEO of Aviators Market Publishing, LLC, announced the launch of AviatorsMarket.com. The new site has been created to meet the changing needs of everyone in business and general aviation (B&GA) that relies on the internet to buy, sell or just window shop for an aircraft or aviation-related products and services. “While you can find anything related to aviation on the…

Fun, food and friendship is planned for our 15th annual Gathering in Waupaca, Wis. July 20 - 21, 2019. Cessna Flyer and Piper Flyer Association members fly in to beautiful Waupaca (KPCZ) and partake in a welcome reception Saturday evening. A full slate of informative seminars on Sunday and Sunday evening banquet at the Waupaca Ale House, and then enjoy the air-conditioned motor coach to AirVenture on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with an optional night bus on Wednesday to accommodate viewing the night air show. As usual, we’ll have some…