Pilotcast #040 - OSH Update 1 2006.07.24

Pilot Kent gives us our first live report from the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006

Oshkosh:

Kent flew into Oshkosh, this year, and gives us a little taste of the approach and landing procedures. There are a lot on non-standard procedures so you need to be ready. If you are not current and proficient in these procedures, you shouldn't attempt flying into Oshkosh. To prove the point, he mentions a pair of fatalities that occurred when an aircraft stalled on the base to final turn. Kent parked in the Cessna Base Camp, new this year, and is spending the week camping under the wing of his 182. Cessna announced their Light Sport Proof of Concept as well as a new Single Engine Proof of Concept, the NGP.

Cessna:

Cessna President, Jack Pelton, announced their entry into the Light Sport Aircraft arena with the first public showing of a Proof of Concept aircraft. The craft will take it's first flight later this year, and is expected to be competitively priced with other LSAs. Cessna emphasizes they have not yet made the decision to enter the LSA market. That decision will be made in the first quarter of 2007, after assessing the LSA market. Here are some specifications on the concept aircraft:

• High wing, tricycle gear, two seater
• Maximum Gross Weight of 1320 pounds
• Level flight speed of 120 kts.
• Powered by a 100 hp, Rotax 912 engine
• Wingspan of 30 feet
• Dual control sticks
• Upward opening doors
• Toe brakes and a castering nose wheel
• Primarily aluminum, with some composite parts

Mr. Pelton, also announce Cessna will be developing a new generation of single engine, piston airplanes to augment the 172 Skyhawk, the 182 Skylane, and the 206 Staionair. No timeframe has been set, but they hope to unveil a Proof of Concept in the not to distant future. The prototype has been flying since June 23rd, and did a fly-by at the show.

Show Links:

• EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2006
• EAA website
• Cessna

Pictures and shownotes are at http://www.pilotcast.com