Moving Map GPS technology for you Iphone.

If you have an Iphone or Blackberry you can have instant access to the latest aviation weather reports, the latest notams, file flight plans and all the other stuff you need a computer for. You will also have GPS capability with moving map display. Add to that airfield diagrams and procedures and you have everything you need. If you fly IFR it has all you need for that too. If you need somewhere to stay when you arrive at your destination you can book it in flight. That is if you live in the USA.
This is the latest WingX software from Hilton.
But this technology will also make it possible for the government to track anyone in the air using their Iphone. Could be good or bad.

Epic Aircraft may Rise Again

Would you pay US$1.8B for an aircraft kit? What if it was a six place pressurized 1200 hp turbo prop that climbed out at 3000 ft/min fully loaded, and the price included factory assembly space with technical assist? It is called the Epic LT.
Or maybe you would like a single pilot VLJ (Very Light Jet) for less than a 1 billion US dollars? It called the Epic Victory.
Unfortunately Epic Aviation closed it doors last August, but there are four companies interested in buying the company and re-opening the doors. Good news for the owners of the fifteen aircraft still under construction in the factory.
One of the companies is a well known (but un-named) aircraft manufacturer and when the Epic range is looked at they would seem to fill gaps in the aviation industry. Where do you go if you want to buy an aircraft between a light twin and a biz jet from a major company?
There is also the Epic Elite a single pilot twin VLJ. The interesting thing is that all Epic aircraft appear to have the same basic fuselage and interior fitout and the same wing. If that can be made to work it will certainly cut manufacturing costs.
If Epic was bought by someone like Cessna you could forget the 'kit' bit, but it would fit a very nice range of next generation aircraft into a big gap in the market.
There is a lot happening in the aircraft industry. Companies like Epic are using technologies that are bringing costs down and pushing performance envelopes. The technologies used are suited to low volume production. It would be a pity if someone substantial did not buy Epic Aircraft and push the concept to the limit.

Solar Impulse Continued

The result of bringing this collection of brilliant scientists together was the formalisation of quantum physics into something recognizable today. 1927 is the year that Newtonian certainty gave way to uncertainty as a way of life.
Max Bohr became the founder of the mantra for quantum physics, the 'Copenhagen Interpretation.' It is a rambling mantra that boils down to 'We don't know why it works (quantum physics) but it does. So don't worry, be happy.' Nearly everything in modern life relies on quantum physics.  So when you next use your mobile phone please remember that the only reason it works is because it probably does.
On a social level Ernest Solvay established a social security system, a pension scheme,(both in 1895) an eight hour working day (1897) and paid vocations for his workers (1903).
With the backing of the Solvay group of companies the Solar Impulse project will probably achieve everything it sets out to achieve. Maybe soon we may be able to fly to London non-stop in 2 days in complete comfort without adding and any greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. And with zero fuel cost the fares should be very competitive.
   The flight of the Solar Impulse is comparable with the Wright Brother first flight. If progress is as rapid now as it was then commercial solar powered flights will soon be with us.