Indy Transponder 30-MAR-09 1000z

Fly-in draws thousands - Today's News-Herald, AZ
The 2009 “Fly-In at the Lake” hosted by Havasu Air Center consisted of 47 private aircraft, three military airplanes and two military helicopters on display during the weekend event, Marinelli said. The aircraft show-and-shine is the first overnight ...

Air-show snags bother visitors - Arizona Republic
30, 2009 12:00 AM Last weekend's air show at Luke Air Force Base surpassed previous attendance records, but the crowds created massive traffic snarls and frustrated visitors.

RUSSIAN ROULETTE - The smell of fear will be in the air this season as Russian pilot Sergey Rakhmanin unveils his all-new 350hp MXS-R race plane in Abu Dhabi on 17-18 April. Already revered by his fellow competitors for his considerable flying achievements gained in his pre-racing career, this potentially unstoppable combination of man and machine could see Rakhmanin moving up the ranks in 2009.

IAF's Suryakiran team enthralls Jaipur - Indopia, India
Jaipur , Mar 30 Shockwave, Phoenix, Yankee, Wedge, Tango were some of the mid air formations by the Indian Air force&aposs Suryakiran Formation Aerobatic Team which left the people of the pink city spell bound here today. ...

Two-Seat Supermarine Spitfire Going To Auction from AVwebFlash Current Issue
It may be the first time in more than 20 years that a two-seat Supermarine Spitfire has gone to auction and the current example (once stationed at RAF Lyneham in 1944) is expecting to draw bids of more than $2.1 million, next month. Some estimates put the number of flying two-seat Spits at seven (flying single-seaters may number closer to 60). That, from some 22,000 Spitfires flown between March 1936 and 1957. But this particular aircraft did not begin its life as one of the roughly 20 two-seat Spits originally built; it was born as a Mark IX. Classic Aero Engineering was hired by the aircraft's recent owner, Paul Portelli, to restore the aircraft and transform it into a two-seater. That process took seven years, and outlived Portelli, but met the authenticity requirements demanded by CAA to certify the aircraft as an airworthy genuine Spitfire. As such, the auction's lucky winner can expect to carry an annual insurance policy in the $70,000 range for serial number SM520 and about that much for annual maintenance. Fuel will be extra, provided the buyer has the fortitude (and skill) to risk flying the aircraft at all. The auction will be held by Bonhams' at the RAF Museum in Hendon, April 20.

Virgin Galactic's Eve Goes Faster And Farther from AVwebFlash Current Issue
WhiteKnightTwo (WK2, also dubbed "EVE" by Virgin Galactic's Sir Richard Branson), which will serve as the launch vehicle for Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo (SS2), has expanded its flight envelope with a third test flight that took the aircraft to 140 knots and 18,000 feet. The flight also tested engine thrust asymmetry parameters and in-flight engine restarts. Burt Rutan, founder of Scaled Composites, which has been instrumental in the development of the vehicles, believes WK2 will ultimately find niche applications "beyond the initial requirements of Virgin Galactic." Powered by four Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308A engines and slung below a 140-foot carbon composite wing spar, WK2 is designed for a payload capacity of more than 37,000 pounds and a "coast-to-coast" range. Tests to 50,000 feet (SS2's launch altitude) are expected to take place during the next few months. As for the huge aircraft's flight characteristics, pilot Peter Siebold commented that the aircraft "might look unique from the ground" but "it is not strange to fly" and is "in fact a great piloting experience." Rutan believes the capabilities of WK2 will find it work outside of space tourism, as well.

Aviation HS Receives $4M Gift Toward Permanent Home - Aero-News Network
Seattle's Aviation High School last week moved another step closer to realization of its goal of finding a permanent home on the campus of the Museum of Flight, with the announcement of a $4 million gift from benefactors James and Sherry Raisbeck.

On the lookout: WWII tower reopens - Philadelphia Inquirer
…and a museum in nearby Erma dedicated to the Navy dive-bomber pilots who trained there. It also includes stops at the Millville Army Air Field Museum, ...

Texas Glider Rally Sailplane pilots from across the USA gather at Marfa Airport near the Davis Mountains in southwest Texas to attempt glider altitude and distance records by soaring in wave and thermal lift. Introductory glider rides and lessons available by appointment. Marfa Airport (MRF), April 4-11, 2009.

Snow Buster Fly-In EAA Chapter 43 (Mile High) is hosting the annual Snow buster Fly-In and Pancake breakfast. Erie CO Municipal Airport (KEIK) 7 AM until ?, April 18, 2009. Bad weather date is April 25. Drive-ins welcome.

Cockpits from FenceCheck Forums - On short final yesterday to Bullhead City, AZ KIFP aboard a Cirrus SR22

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