History Channel's 'Modern Marvels' finishes jet sailplane shoot

24 November- History Channel's 'Modern Marvels' spent all day Tuesday filming the jet sailplanes. Despite predictions of storms and snow, the weather was perfect for the morning flying. After lunch, we went back to hangar 56 and filmed tests of a new smoke system (lots of smoke!) and re-assembly of the Super Salto. We're not sure of air dates, but we'll post them when available. Click here to see photos of the shoot.

BIG NEWS - History Channel's 'Modern Marvels' to film segment on jet sailplanes

18 November 2010 - We have been contacted by Modern Marvels. They will film Bob and the jet sailplanes. This is very exciting. We will keep you posted when the episode will air.

KRQE News Segemnt and Transition Training

5 October 2010 - Bob Martin's news segment on NM soaring aired over the weekend. Two vodeos are available on KRQE's website. Click here for videos
Click the links below the big sailplane photo. Click your browser's back button to return to this page.

We are receiving the final (hopefully) version of the FAA paperwork to begin transition training. We're still ironing out the insurance details.

Desert Aerospace News Begins

23 August 2010 - I am finally taking the time to begin a news page for Desert Aerospace. So much has happened in the last few months since I retired from my day job, it's been hard to take a breath and catch up. The BonusJet is now flying regularly out of Moriarty. All systems are working perfectly, and I'm really enjoying being back in the soaring game again. I've logged about 40 hours now in as many flights, all self-launched. Last week, I flew 4.8 hours and revisited a lot of the Estancia valley that I hadn't seen in years. Cloud base was 17,000+ and lift was great. Cloud streets to the horizons in all directions had the lads going every-which-way.

The response from Oshkosh has been tremendous! Thanks to EAA for their support, and to everyone who stopped by the booth to see the BonusJet. The BonusJet has been getting a lot of press lately. I'm seeing references to articles in literally hundreds of magazines, and e-mail requests for more information are still pouring in. A Google search for "BonusJet" is now returning over 20,000 hits!

Bill Hill and I have been working on a syllabus for jet sailplane transition training, and FAA is tweaking our Letter Of Deviation Authority (LODA) per 91.319(h) to allow training in the BonusJet, despite its Experimental classification. Last week, Bill finished the requisite number of flights for the insurance, and soloed. After a pattern and touch & go, he powered up to altitude, caught a nice cloud street and had a great soaring flight. I stood by, watching like nervous parent, and also seeing - for the first time in years - one of my creations flying. It was a very moving experience.

Last Thursday, Bob Martin brought the KRQE news helicopter out to Moriarty, and we did some great air-to-air and in-cockpit work. He came back out Friday, and we shot videos with mini-cams mounted to the wing and tail. Should be some great shots! It should air this week. I'll send out e-mails as soon as I hear the schedule. Thanks to Bob for his efforts!

Oh, and by the way, I'm not missing the day job a bit. Until next time...