While Slovenia-based Pipistrel has aggressively expanded into electric aircraft and has dozens in the field, it acknowledges that lack of battery capacity still makes electrics less than fully functional airplanes. One possible fix: rapid charging systems that use water cooling to potentially halve the amount necessary to top off the batteries. In this exclusive AVweb podcast recorded at AirVenture 2018, Pipistrel's Michael Coates goes into the details.

Billed as the world's first flying sports car, the Switchblade roadable aircraft is nearing first flight. Developer Sam Bousfield spoke with AVweb's Russ Niles about tweaks and changes that he said will make it an even better performer.

While some light sport aircraft manufacturers may have misgivings about a higher gross weight for LSA, Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association president Dan Johnson says it's a good idea and will be a boost for the entire GA industry. In this podcast recorded at AirVenture 2018, Dan Johnson outlines the possibilities.

With a robust design, a projectable overhaul (not replacement), and Dick Rutan assisting with flight test, the EPS Diesel engine project is finding funding and meeting key milestones. AVWeb caught up with CEO Michael Fuchs and VP/CTO Steven Weinzierl at AirVenture 2018 for this podcast update.

Stratos Aircraft announced the 716 light business jet at AirVenture on Monday. It's a six-place version of its original four-place 714 and Manager of Engineering Carsten Sundin explains the change.

Vulcanair's V1.0 has arrived in America and has a future in the training market according to Ameravia spokesman Mike McMann. We spoke with him at AirVenture 2018.

AVweb spoke with AirVenture Director of Communications Dick Knapinski about highlights of this week's show.

Redbird Flight Simulation is expanding its Guided Independent Flight Training (GIFT) program, including making it available for the company's the at-home Jay and TD models. GIFT, which was introduced at AirVenture last year, is a series of smart simulator scenarios that can be used to augment private pilot training. Redbird will also be holding STEM labs for students at AirVenture 2018 and other events throughout the year.

The Lindbergh Foundation will be holding its first Innovation Forum featuring talks by industry innovators at AirVenture 2018. Topics include artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, electric flight and autonomous aircraft. The forum will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, at the EAA Aviation Gateway Park forums tent.

With the engine overhaul and aftermarket parts business growing ever more competitive, Superior Air Parts announced this week that it's extending the warranty on its Millennium cylinder line to 37 months. A longer warranty will also apply to other components Superior markets into the field overhaul segment. In this AVweb podcast, Superior's Scott Hayes explains the economics that made this possible.