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By now you have all noticed that we have moved to a new format for our magazine. In December we displayed the magazine in a 2-page spread format. For the January issue, we have reverted back to a single-page format, and have adjusted it based on your feedback, even since yesterday's January issue launch. Please take a look
and let us know which format you prefer by clicking on each of the thumbnails below and compare.

SINGLE-PAGE	TWO-PAGE SPREAD

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Most of you have taken someone up on their first flight. What were some of the most memorable moments from those flights or some of the comments you received from one of your passengers?

Share with us below.

The other day, we received some feedback from a reader stating his displeasure by the lack of pages in our online publication. We’d like to ask the rest of you, do you prefer quality or quantity? Is our recent focus on editorial an issue? Would you like to see more ads? Let us know below.

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So many pilots donate their time and flying skills to the community around them & we want to know about it. Share your story and how others can get involved with your organization below.

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GA, This Week in Review
3/28/2011 - 3/30/2011

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U.S. Air Force flying daily humanitarian missions from Yokota into Sendai, Japan
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Sendai is the biggest city in the region hit by the tsunami March 11 and its airport was practically destroyed.  Within hours, a U.S. Air Force Special Operations team working with the Japanese cleared the runway allowing C-130s and eventually C-17 aircraft to land carrying much-needed disaster relief.  Sendai Airport has become a "symbol of hope" for Japanese people in the region.  To date, the Air Force has flown more than 643 tons of humanitarian relief supplies into Sendai Airport to be distributed to the Japanese people throughout the region. For additional information & photos from this and other missions can be found here: http://www.af.mil/japandisasterassistance.asp

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Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DYNON AVIONICS ANNOUNCES HAND HELD RADIO AUCTION.

As part of their initial entry into aviation communications, Dynon is offering a limited edition hand-held radio.  100 Dynon DX15 compact aviation band handleld transceivers were created as part of their plans to eventually supplement the versatile SkyView Glass Panel System with a panel mounted radio. As part of that program they have created the hand-held transceivers to learn about radio design, FCC Part 87 certification, and radio production. These 100 limited edition hand-held aviation radios are restricted to usage in the United States and are being offered to U.S. pilots through a unique auction. To participate, bidders must visit http://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/Radio.html and place a bid. A typical retail price for equivalent radios would be about $250, but bids will be accepted starting as low as $75. Participants can only bid once, for up to two units. Shipping in the U.S. is free. The top legitimate bids for the 100 hand-helds will be accepted. The price for all of them will be the lowest bid of the top 100.  Anyone who bids below the top 100 bids will not receive a unit. If there is more than one bid at the lowest price, then Dynon will accept the first bid submitted at that price. Bids will be accepted between March 29th and April 27th. Winners will be notified by email and will be expected to pay by credit card.

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NEWS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: USAG EXPANDING LIGHT SPORT SERVICE IN MIDWEST

Denton, TX – US Aviation Services, a division of US Aviation Group, is taking steps to become a national/regional factory authorized service center for the maintenance and repair of the majority of Light Sport Aircraft models. They already have Rotax and Jabiru qualified A&P’s on staff and factory authorizations from the majority of Light Sport aircraft manufacturers.

“We perform routine services such as oil changes and conditional inspections, and have the capability to accept aircraft in Texas instead of returning them to the factory for major repairs. This will ultimately reduce insurance premiums due to lower repair costs for the industry. We have a broad knowledge of Light Sport repair and manufacturing and have great relationships with the LSA manufacturers. This is critical to cost effective and legal maintenance for light sports.” said Scott Severen, Director of Business Development for US Aviation.

“Because of the way the ASTM Standards are written for LSAs, routine maintenance is a different issue than general aviation,” said Butch Johnson, Director of Maintenance. “The FAA requires that any replacement parts conform to original factory specs and there can be no substitutes without factory authorization. This means there must be a very close relationship between the maintenance facility and the factory to ensure that, in the event of an insurance claim or legal issue, the repairs and paperwork are all in order. It’s a technicality that is easily overlooked.” Johnson said there may already be a significant number of LSAs out there that are technically not in compliance. US Aviation provides Light Sport, Single and Multi Engine, Turboprop and Jet Maintenance services, is an FAA 145 Repair Station U9FR750K, and Full Service Executive FBO that delivers quick turn line and fuel services at Denton Airport, Denton, Texas KDTO. For more information on LSA maintenance contact US Aviation Services at 866.383.2400 or visit www.usaviation.aero.

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Press Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
FAA-Conforming HondaJet Achieves Maximum Speed  
Greensboro, NC, March 29, 2011 – Honda Aircraft Company, Inc., today announced that the first FAA-conforming HondaJet light business jet has achieved a maximum speed of 425 KTAS (489 mph) at 30,000 ft. and a maximum Mach number of 0.72 above 30,000 ft.  This achievement surpasses the company's performance commitment of 420 KTAS for the production HondaJet.

The FAA-conforming HondaJet's maximum speed of 425 KTAS was recorded on March 11, 2011.  While flight testing and the build of FAA-conforming aircraft continue, construction of the HondaJet production facility on the company's Greensboro campus nears completion.  Honda soon will take occupancy of the 263,400 ft2 production facility and begin the process of moving equipment and personnel into the facility and undertaking pre-production preparations and training necessary to support HondaJet production ramp-up beginning in 2012.  Click here to read more about this story or click here to learn more about HondaJet:  http://hondajet.honda.com 

 

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We get a lot of useful GA press releases, product announcements, fly-in info & more each week. Because we cannot possibly fit all of this in our weekly e-newsletter, we decided this is the best way to get the information out to you. Enjoy.

GA, This Week in Review

Welcome to our new weekly blog “GA, This Week in Review”.  We get a lot of useful GA press releases, product announcements, fly-in info & more each week. Because we cannot possibly fit all of this in our weekly e-newsletter, we decided this is the best way to get the information out to you. Enjoy.

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Press Release – New Product
Garmin® Announces the Future of Avionics. GTN™ 650 and GTN 750 series touchscreen avionics are certified and ready to fly. These panel-mount units are certified and approved for installation in hundreds of makes and models of general aviation aircraft. The GTN 650 and GTN 750 feature new capabilities for GPS/NAV/COM systems like touchscreen operation, graphical flight planning with victor airways and high-altitude jet routes, remote transponder, remote audio control (750 series only), SafeTaxi® and electronic chart capabilities (750 series only). For additional information visit www.garmin.com/gtn 

 

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Press Release – New Product

McFarlane Aviation, Inc. has announced a  new product for the general aviation market. They now have a FAA-PMA approved Cowl Saver™ baffle seals for 172R and 172S Cessna aircraft. For more information, call 800-544-8594 or go to http://www.mcfarlaneaviation.com/cowlsaver

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Press Release – New Product

Larson Electronics’ has announced that magnalight.com added a Class 1 Division 1 and Class 2 Division 1 explosion proof LED light alternative to incandescent and fluorescent trouble lights for hazardous locations areas.  The durable EPL-FL1524-LED-50-HR ships with an explosion proof reel, so the entire lighting solution can be installed and used in the hazardous location area.  You can learn more at https://www.magnalight.com or 1-800-369-6671 (1-903-498-3363 international). 

 

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PRESS RELEASE -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sonex Aircraft, LLC has announced that they are now accepting refundable deposits for the Onex Single-Place, Folding-Wing, Aerobatic Sport Aircraft. The deposits are to reserve kit productions slots. Customers can view full details, terms & conditions, and make their Onex Kit
Reservation Deposits at http://www.SonexAircraft.com/onex

 

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PRESS RELEASE -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 EAA has launched the date of the 2^nd annual International Learn to Fly Day it is going to take place Saturday, May 21, 2011.  The EAA views this event as a key way to introduce people of all ages to flying. They are championing their local EAA Chapters to lead the way by offering complementary adult orientation flights.  The EAA is hoping that this will help create a full year adult version of their already very received  and highly successful Young Eagles program. Learn more about Learn To Fly Day on May 21^st , 2011 here: http://www.learntofly.org   

   

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PRESS RELEASE -
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Lindbergh Foundation will be hosting its 2^nd annual Lindbergh Foundation Day at SUN 'n FUN on Thursday, March 31 from 9 a.m - 2 p.m. They have put together an array of aviation industry speakers to touch a variety of topics. Their forums will be held at the Central Florida Aerospace Academy in the multipurpose room on the Sun ‘n Fun grounds. Learn more about the Lindbergh Foundation Day at SUN 'n FUN here:

http://www.lindberghfoundation.org/docs/index.php/aviation-green/457-lindbergh-foundation-day-2011

 

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PRESS RELEASE - “Skydreamers” Exhibit at the Autry National Center. 

If you have been looking for a reason to get out to Los Angeles, or you live in or around the area, we have something for you to check out. The Autry National Center is putting on an exhibit called “Skydreamers”. You can go through the history of flight with their exhibition of art and photography. It shows not only the history but impact of flight. They have everything from the first hot-air balloon ride to the exploration of space. The “Skydreamers” exhibition goes on from April 29th through September 4th, 2011. For more information visit: http://theautry.org/exhibitions/skydreamers

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PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has confirmed that FIFI, the world’s only airworthy Boeing B-29 Superfortress and country music star/patriot Aaron Tippin will take their "CAF’s Red, White & Loud Tour" to AirVenture 2011. FIFI will arrive at AirVenture on Tuesday, July 26^th staying until July 31^st.  FIFI will appear in Friday’s air show as a part of the AirVenture’s day-long veterans salute. Aaron Tippin will take the stage on Saturday, his concert will precede the Night Air Show and Daher-Socata Fireworks. For more information about FIFI and Arron Tippin's appearance at AirVenture 2011, visit: http://www.commemorativeairforce.org/?page=cms/event&eventID=105 or www.AaronTippin.com or
http://www.airventure.org/news/2011/110323_b29fifi.html

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Press Release –
New Product
Trisoft Panels interlock to cover wings and horizontal stabilizers, protecting them from dropped tools, flashlights, spray cans, and all the other hazards that can fall onto thin metal and painted surfaces. The XLPE foam is resistant to sunlight, heat, and cold; and its closed-cell structure is chemical resistant and will not absorb water. Sized in two foot squares and packed four to a case, the squares have a natural resistance to sliding on the surface. For more info: 800-844-2371 or www.trisoftcovers.com

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PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
The University of North Dakota (UND) John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences will host its Spring Aviation Safety Seminar on Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Chester Fritz Auditorium. The seminar, presented by National Transportation Safety Board vice chair Robert Sumwalt, will focus on professionalism in aviation. This safety seminar meets the credit requirements for those aviators who are participating in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Wings Pilot Proficiency Program. The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information: http://www2.und.nodak.edu/our/news/story.php?id=3401 

Despite the economic downturn, I am regularly reminded of the constant innovations that are made in General Aviation.

Yes, I know that the basic premise of aircraft design has not changed all that much over time. After all, neither has the basic design for boats. But once in a while someone comes up with something that’s really neat.

Martin Jetpack Is Still Coming
I was reminded of this again today when I received press packet concerning the Martin Jetpack. Here is an outfit that, that many thought would disappear into the pages of history after their initial appearance at Oshkosh back in 2008. But they are still around, seemingly improving their product and poking fun at those who said they were a flash in the pan.

The Jetpack as you recall if you were there was a somewhat bulky looking device that someone rode a couple of feet off the ground at their OSH exhibit – with people stabilizing the modest ascent all the while. Low and behold, it looks like they have made progress since then. The current pictures show someone hovering about 20 feet off the ground. This video shows it flying remotely quite a bit higher than that.

The thing I really like about this is that these guys have not given up. They have gone so far as to compare Jetpack operations to a light helicopter. A bit optimistic perhaps – one might even call it hyperbole – were it not for the progress these folks have made over the last several years. I wish them luck and continued success.

Inexpensive Traffic Avoidance Could Save Your Life
Other innovations also continue to be refined add to the overall safety of our General Aviation flying. One of my favorite categories are the comparatively inexpensive traffic avoidance devices. These include the likes of the Zaon XRX and MRX systems which could save you from a mid-air collision. I have recently purchased the XRX and trust me, there is much more traffic out there than you ever have a chance to eyeball. These are worthwhile investments no matter where you fly.

Getting ready of another trip into the Baja and mainland Mexico, I am also taking along another fairly recent innovation: the SPOT locator beacon system. Not only can these inexpensive devices help notify others of your location in an emergency, they also allow friends and loved ones to follow your travels on Google Maps (OK, if you don’t want to send your location all the time you don’t need to have it on all the time)!

Other innovations we can use include the portable and low cost pulse oximeters which you can use to periodically check your blood oxygen content when flying at higher altitudes. To make sure you are breathing the right stuff, you can now purchase inexpensive CO detectors to go along with it.

I-Pad Type Devices Are Information Pads for GA
Several friends have recently purchased I-pads and subscribed to one of several flight planning Web sites that provide everything from weather to online approach plates. This industry is still in its infancy and yet they are providing capabilities we would only have dreamed about a few short years ago.

I absolutely love my seat-of-the-pants flying, but I am also so pleased at all of the innovations coming out in support of General Aviaiton. These can make our flying even safer and in many cases more fun.

Another Summer Of Great Flying Is Upon Us!
I am also getting excited about the summer flying season and looking forward to all the flying coming up this year. As I mentioned, that begins with my nearly annual flying trip to Mexico which will coincide with the first fly-in I usually attend in Casa Grande, Arizona, the Cactus Fly-in the weekend of March 4 – 5, and then Sun ‘N Fun in Lakeland, Florida, March 29 through April 3. I have not decided what I’m taking to Sun ‘n Fun this year but it may just be my recently restored Paramount Cabinaire. But we’ll see. For sure I will be there all week.

Just a reminder, if you have not been flying that much this winter, it’s time to get out when you can and brush off those winter cobwebs for a safe and enjoyable summer of great fun and adventure. We look forward to seeing you at a fly-in or other aviation gathering this year.

If you are thinking about buying an aircraft for use in your business in 2011, you need to know that the income tax laws have changed recently and, if you follow a whole bunch of complicated rules, these changes can substantially reduce your cost of owning and operating that aircraft.

First, a warning.  I am not a tax attorney.  I know enough about tax to get myself in trouble in a hurry.  Everyone’s tax situation is different, and the rules and regulations change constantly.  If you are contemplating the purchase of an aircraft and are interested in the actual tax consequences that will apply to your situation, you should contact an accountant who specializes in aircraft taxation.  There are several good ones around the country.  Your regular CPA generally is not going to know about any of the special rules relating to aircraft.  Some CPAs may not even know that there is stuff they don’t know.  If you just use your regular CPA, without verifying that he or she knows about aircraft accounting procedures, you are asking for trouble down the road.  Use a specialist.  It is worth the extra expense.  Also, this article is only about federal income tax.  It does NOT address other types of taxes like sales taxes, use taxes, ad valorem taxes, or other similar taxes and fees.

As in most years, favorable tax treatment in 2011 depends upon whether you are buying a NEW aircraft or a USED aircraft.  The treatment for both types of aircraft has improved dramatically over the past years, but it is VERY different between the two types.

In general, there are three types of expenses that we are concerned with in this article:  “standard” depreciation; “bonus” depreciation; and “Section 179” expenses. 

The most-talked-about of these three items is “bonus” depreciation.  The term “bonus” refers to the fact that the income tax laws currently require that aircraft which can be depreciated usually have to be depreciated over a schedule of either five or seven years (depending on the type of use).  At this rate, the taxpayer would not be able to deduct more than about 20% of the cost of the aircraft in the first year of ownership.  Beginning in 2004, as a way to stimulate the economy and create jobs, however, the government began using the concept of “bonus” depreciation, which allowed people who ordered and placed into use new aircraft to “front load” the depreciation deduction in the year they made the cash outlay.  This had the result of stimulating people to buy new aircraft, which, in turn, kept people employed building them.

For 2011, the way in which bonus depreciation works, is that 100% of the cost of new aircraft, and of new equipment added to used aircraft, on contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2008, and placed into service prior to December 31, 2011, may be taken as a depreciation expense in the year of purchase.  If you have a large liability for taxes in 2011, this is huge.  It has the effect of allowing you to deduct the cost of your aircraft from your taxable income, resulting in less tax due for the year 2011, and might even result in a tax refund.  The current law changes in 2012, the “bonus” is not as much, but is still nothing to sneeze at.  Up to 50% of the cost of the new aircraft can be deducted in 2012 if the aircraft is put into service during that year.  There are even some circumstances where the aircraft owner can receive an extension of up to one year (to December 31, 2013) to put the aircraft into service and still write off 50% of the purchase price as “depreciation” in the year the aircraft is placed into service.  Again, this can result in less income taxes due, or even a tax refund.

“Regular” depreciation is applicable for all aircraft which are legitimately used for business (as distinguished from “hobby”; “personal use”; or “entertainment”).  The rules regarding regular depreciation haven’t really changed much.  Depending upon the type of business use to which the aircraft is put, the most you can depreciate in any one year is dependent upon the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery system (MACRS) formula, which is only slightly “front loaded”.

Section 179 expensing is different.  It allows you to deduct certain regular operating expenses, within strictly controlled limits.  For 2011, those limits have been made much more liberal than they have been in the past.  For USED aircraft, as well as NEW aircraft, a taxpayer who invests up to $2,500,000.00 in an aircraft may take up to the first $500,000.00 in expenses incurred in 2011 as deductible expenses in 2011.  Again, this can have the result of making the cost of purchasing and operating a used aircraft much less onerous, since much of the purchase cost may be recovered in tax savings in year one.  [Although Section 179 expensing applies to new aircraft as well as used aircraft, in MOST cases, it will be more beneficial for the owner of the new aircraft to use bonus depreciation rather than Section 179 expensing.]

In 2012, this expensing will become much less generous.  At that time, unless there is a change made before the rules become effective, only the first $625,000.00 of investment is eligible to be considered for Section 179 expensing.  Only a maximum of $125,000.00 can actually be expensed in year one.  The benefit of Section 179 expensing is phased out for investments in aircraft in excess of $625,000.00