And That's But One Of Over A Dozen Major Developments Planned For The Next Year Or So

Aero-News Network is now available on Roku and Amazon FireTV! That’s right folks. You can now get your daily dose of aviation news… right on the ol' giggle box! This is an EPIC development for our network, one of many to come, and we’re thrilled to offer you this new way to watch our news programming. Whether you’re a traditional website reader, podcast listener, or YouTube subscriber, we’re dedicated to giving you quality, honest, aviation news that you can trust and broadening our reach and audience aggressively in the coming years, so that we may both Grow and Inform the aviatio

Brand New! Avoid The Need For A Comeback... Get Your Marketing Right, Right Now!

Some time ago, the Aero-News Network, responding to numerous requests, established a marketing and communications sister company by the name of AEROPRENEUER... and it's been doing amazing work under these difficult circumstances -- and getting results! We're getting rave reviews from our clients, and working hard to earn the trust of a number of new marketing partners along the way. ANN's Amber Cedroni has come up with a few tips to help aero-businesses stay alive in these tough times, and

Emphasis On Growing The Future of Aviation Through Concentration on 'AFFORDABLE FLYERS'

It's been a number of years since the Latest Edition of Jim Campbell's HUGE SportPlane Resource Guide first saw the light of day. That massive 1100 page book last featured over 800 exciting sport aircraft from all over the SportPlane universe... at a time when the SportPlane industry was still a healthy, thriving enterprise (those were the days...). While there has been some consideration, off and on, toward updating the nearly 5 pound book, the near implosion of the SportPlane and kit industry over the last decade has made such a pursuit an unwieldy one... until now.

Aero Linx: International Aviation Fire Protection Association (IAFPA) IAFPA was first formed in 2000 by a group of airport fire officers in the UK.  From the initial UK site, the work of IAFPA spread throughout the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.  In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world and affected almost all economies on the world stage especially aviation and the hospitality industry. With this major impact, the Council decided that to be relevant in the fast changing times and to be mission ready in the post-Covid era, IAFPA needed to restructure itself going forward...  

Omnidirectional Approach Lighting System ODALS consists of seven omnidirectional flashing lights located in the approach area of a nonprecision runway. Five lights are located on the runway centerline extended with the first light located 300 feet from the threshold and extending at equal intervals up to 1,500 feet from the threshold. The other two lights are located, one on each side of the runway threshold, at a lateral distance of 40 feet from the runway edge, or 75 feet from the runway edge when installed on a runway equipped with a VASI.

Engaging The Aviation World's Pivotal Organizations, Interests And Viewpoints

The Airborne Partnership Initiative, we call it the API, is a plan developed by ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, to build a synergistic, industry-wide, aviation/aerospace news program. Our aim is to grow this program to include a significant portion, if not a majority, of the aviation world’s pivotal organizations, interests, and viewpoints.

"Polaris Dawn, the first of the program’s three human spaceflight missions, is targeted to launch to orbit no earlier than summer 2024. During the five-day mission, the crew will perform SpaceX’s first-ever Extravehicular Activity (more commonly known as an EVA or spacewalk) from Dragon, which will also be the first-ever commercial astronaut spacewalk. Interestingly enough, this historic milestone will also be the first time four astronauts will be exposed to the vacuum of space at the same time." Source: Some interesting details from SpaceX about the upcoming first use of their EVA spacesuit. 

The Chapter 11 Sale Process Appears To Have An Early Bidder... Maybe

As we understand it, a 'stalking horse bidder' is the initial bid on a bankrupt company's assets from an interested buyer -- chosen by the bankrupt company. And judging by the questionable history of Icon Aircraft, to date, we are interested in what qualified any company to be preferred by Icon... Be that as it may, the proposed stalking horse bidder, SG Investment America Inc., has been designated to 'set the floor price for the sale of ICON’s assets.' Icon claims that this step is aimed at maximizing value for the company’s stakeholders and facilitating a smooth transition through the bankruptcy process. Hmmmm... ok. 

Forums Grant Inside Peek Into the Most Interesting Career in Experimental Aviation

Legendary, visionary experimental aircraft designer and builder Burt Rutan will be honored with a slate of activities at the EAA's AirVenture 2024, kicking things off with 5 days of themed presentations, airshows, and exhibitions. Starting on Monday, July 22nd, the Theater in the Woods will host a viewing of "Life, The Universe, and Everything Else". Tuesday the 23rd will see the presentation of "50-Year History of Homebuilt Composite Canards" in Forum Pavilion 7, where most of the following will be held. Topics later in the week include "Voyager", "Commercial Space & WingShips - Arrested in Russia, 1993", "Burt's New Designs and his Heroes", and "Why Beech

Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization

After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to discontinue the manufacture of the Bushcat, the Knoll family (AeroSport) has come up with a heck of a second act... and it should be a strong one. Advanced Powerplant Solutions, LLC (APS), under the new ownership of Jeremy and Daniela Knoll has acquired Leading Edge Air Foils, LLC (LEAF). Better yet, effective immediately, APS will serve as the ROTAX independent Service Centre for the Central United States. The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out for help in rebuilding th

Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD

This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World War II aviation as the EAA launches a nationwide tour with its restored B-25 Mitchell bomber, known as the "Berlin Express." The Berlin Express will begin its journey at the TBM Avenger Reunion in Peru, Illinois, from May 16-19, before moving on to other locations including Cincinnati, Ohio; Olathe, Kansas; Rockford, Illinois; and Madison, Wisconsin. Textron Inc. reported a solid financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, indicating a strong start to the year with notab

Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal

To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. Lakeland’s Airport reported that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport, notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations..." After months of wrangling, an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation priori

Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview

Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (now in production with Pitman Air), has been lost in an aircraft test accident. Shortly after his appearance at SUN n FUN 2024, Bailey reportedly was asked to test fly a customer-built Dragonfly out of the Groveland airport in Florida... Recent investigations and a great deal of data has resulted in ANN’s SportPlane Resource Guide’s report card system having to deal with new and worrisome reports on a number of companies. Evidence and da

Private Jet Operator Continues to Build Momentum in a Post-Covid Market

Bombardier lifted the cover on a deal from last December, showing that NetJets bought 12 Challenger 3500 aircraft with an option to one day purchase an eye-popping 232 more. The deal for the firm order sees Bombardier snag about $326.4 million for its troubles, though that would swell to an impressive $6 billion with a couple hundred aircraft added to the ticket. Bombardier is pretty happy to see its 'super midsize' platform find footing in the market, being the newest addition to the corporate family. The first shipments of Challenger 3500s is slated to make its way into customer hands in the second half of 2025. 

New Order Expands Training Fleet to the Tune of 56 Aircraft

The Leadership in Flight Training, or LIFT Academy, has expanded its training fleet with a recent order with Diamond Aircraft, bringing on 56 new planes. The deal sees LIFT gain 50 new single-engine DA40s, and 6 twin-engine DA42s. The training facility has continued to expand thanks to a steady pipeline of students, some coming in from Republic Airways on one hand, and just as many brought into the industry thanks to record pay for airliners on the other. As such, LIFT has had to stretch operations a bit, bringing in fresh aircraft to take advantage of record attendance. 

Also: NAAA Asks UAVs To Give Way, Viasat-uAvionix, Oshkosh Defense, Wright Intros WEAETC

Skydweller Aero successfully completed the first flight of its solar-powered aircraft, the Skydweller, earlier this month. This groundbreaking aircraft, which boasts a wingspan exceeding that of a Boeing 747, undertook its inaugural flight autonomously--without any human pilot onboard or in direct control--from Stennis International Airport in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. VoltAero has commenced certification testing for the innovative electric-hybrid powertrain of its Cassio 330 aircraft. This testing phase marks a crucial step in the development of the Cassio e-aircra

State Has its Game Face On for Building New Industry

The Oregon UAS Accelerator, announced the installation of Joseph Wyno as its new executive director, noting that he took office from the interim director on April 15th to train into the role. Wyno will see the state's "only Center of Innovation Excellence dedicated exclusively to unmanned aircraft systems and robotics" through the coming years, drawing on his resume of business and entrepreneurial work in years past. Wyno got his start more than 25 years ago, working his way up to a position as a senior advisor and director for Octane's LaunchPad SBDC Accelerator.

New Facility Adds Even More Stocking Space for 150,000 Part Numbers

Another 180,000 square feet of storage space has opened up in Textron's hands after the grand opening of the company's biggest distribution facility in Wichita, Kansas. The company now has even deeper pockets to draw on when keeping its Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker lines going around the world, helping to sustain their mobile service unites and 24/7 1Call AOG support line. It's a daunting task to keep up with the better part of a century's worth of aircraft parts, particularly with so many legacy brands in the company's catalog.

From Avionics Installations to 7X Initials, NBAA Partners Offer it All

The National Business Aviation Association announced the lucky batch of scholarship recipients in its 2024 maintenance offerings, granting a variety of courses, classes, and certifications to young members on the upswing. Drawing from a variety of NBAA company members, the scholarships provide useful, accessible education in things that make a direct, easily apparent impact for students breaking into their lifelong career. FlightSafety International handed out a course on line maintenance for the PT6 turboprop, as well as a 5-day class on avionics and a handful of initials for Dassault Falcon maintenance. Gogo Business Aviation gave out a 3-day master tech and install cour

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Takes Advantage Of A New Category Of Aircraft Established By The FAA…

Gyroplanes are among the most misunderstood aircraft, but the recent certification of the factory-built AutoGyro Calidus as a primary category aircraft has gone a long way towards making the public more aware of what the aircraft are, and their capabilities. That is the assessment of Andy Wall, CEO of Autogyro USA, who told ANN's Tom Patton at the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo in January that the company has been inundated with inquires since the certification was granted in December of last year.

'Airplane Bounced Twice On The Grass Runway, Resulting In The Nose Wheel Separating From The Airplane...'

Analysis: The pilot reported, “upon touchdown, the plane jumped back up as I reduced power all the way back.” He said that the airplane bounced twice on the grass runway, resulting in the nose wheel separating from the airplane. Subsequently, the nose landing gear strut dug into the ground, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane’s fuselage, wings, and empennage were substantially damaged.

There Are SO Many Ways To Get YOUR Aero-News!

It’s been a while since we have reminded everyone about all the ways we offer your daily dose of aviation news on-the-go...so here is a full list of ways you can subscribe to our channels and get notifications when there are new episodes or breaking news! 1) Subscribe To Our Newsletter When surveyed, almost half of our audience shared with us that they rely on our daily newsletter to get their aviation news for the day and stay up-to-date in their field or craft. Are you subscribed yet? If not, use the link below to receive our daily Propwash emails that always feature a feed of our latest stories and breaking news. SUBSCRIBE >&g

Aero Linx: JAARS Nearly 1.5 billion people, using more than 5,500 languages, do not have a full Bible in their first language. Many of these people live in the most remote parts of the world, where JAARS is uniquely called and equipped to reach. We work tirelessly to get there—so every person on earth can learn the truth of God’s love, follow Jesus Christ, and make disciples in their own communities.

New Products And Programs From The Leader In Aviation News Online

The Airborne Partnership Initiative, we call it the API, is a plan developed by ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, to build a synergistic, industry-wide, aviation/aerospace news program. Our aim is to grow this program to include a significant portion, if not a majority, of the aviation world’s pivotal organizations, interests, and viewpoints.

Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) An airport lighting facility, similar to VASI, providing vertical approach slope guidance to aircraft during approach to landing. PAPIs consist of a single row of either two or four lights, normally installed on the left side of the runway, and have an effective visual range of about 5 miles during the day and up to 20 miles at night. PAPIs radiate a directional pattern of high intensity red and white focused light beams which indicate that the pilot is “on path” if the pilot sees an equal number of white lights and red lights, with white to the left of the red; “above path” if the pilot sees more white than red lights; and “below

"Burt is best known to the public for his historic designs of SpaceShipOne, Voyager, and GlobalFlyer, but for EAA members and aviation aficionados, his unique concepts began more than a half-century ago with fiberglass canard aircraft that revolutionized the amateur-built airplane community. Every time Burt joins us at Oshkosh, his presentations draw big audiences that are eager to hear his unique perspectives on flight." Source: Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions, commenting on the news that Burt Rutan will be returning to Oshkosh once again... 

Koppert Breaks Down the Application Process in Quest for Perfection

Embraer's agricultural aircraft has started testing Koppert's new sprayer systems in Brazil, continuing the firm's efforts to refine their long-running workhorse for the next generation. Koppert should be a good partner for the operation, given their experience in the haughtily named world of 'bio-control agents'. Working with Embraer, Koppert wants to develop a regiment that will assess the overall efficacy of sprays, creating a methodology to evalueate a whole host of aspects surrounding sprayer design and utilization.

Rough and Deteriorating Runway May Be Hampering Annual Fly-In Attendance

The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out to rotor flyers, as well as interested parts of the sport aviation community, for help in rebuilding their private runway in Mentone, IN -- the home of the PRA, itself. "We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help. We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting effect on the gyro community. Those of you who have attended any of the PRA conventions in the last few years are well aware of the current state of the runway, and the toll the elements have taken on it over the years."

Evaluations Aim to Build Experience in Battery Flight for AFWERX Program

The 96th Test Wing of the US Air Force published a handful of shots illustrating its test flights of their new battery-powered Pipistrel Felix Electro, showing two fatigued airmen squished into the 2-seat LSA. The program sees about 20 volunteers put the aircraft through its paces at Eglin AFB, in town for a 3-week tour. Those involved are taking plenty of notes and observations about what works for the aircraft, helping to build a base of knowledge for the AFWERX program, among others.

Some Good, Some Bad, but the FAA is Here to Stay

The Regional Airline Association commented on the recent bipartisan reauthorization of the FAA, thanking everyone involved in keeping the industry going a few years more. RAA president and CEO Faye Malarkey Black highlighted a few of the most standout aspects of the upcoming legislation, commenting on some of the most interesting aspects of what's to come. With the RAA's pet themes seeing mprovements on one hand, and hamperings on another, this year's reauthorization seems to be a little bit of a mixed bag.

Finish Supplier Gets an 'Attaboy' from Biggest Name in US Aviation

Aero Fluid Power was selected under Boeing's Premier Bidder Program, recognizing its "consistently high-performing suppliers" with a nice little title and preferential treatment. The Premier Bidder Program aims to 'strengthen Boeing's commitment to first-pass quality', granting selected recipients improved visibility towards upcoming bids, additional weight in proposal consideration, and access to exclusive supplier events with the manufacturer. 

Drone Systems Keep Moving Off the Shelves As Planners Learn Painful Lessons Abroad

AgEagle Aerial Systems will ship 40 of its eBee VISION systems, along with 9 more eBees, with all the parts, support, connections, control stations, and miscellany required to keep the fleet operational in French army service. The eBee Vision is a sensible choice for the French army, offering a fixed-wing, single-engine camera platform with 32x zoom, HD video capture, and thermal imaging as standard fitment. Add in semiautonomous operations, scanning, and targeting and it makes sense that the platform can be a strong force multiplier when used as a small, mobile scouting unit. 

Nifty Little Cargo Drone Takes Flight

The US Marine Corps’ latest toy is coming along nicely in the form of Kaman Corporation's latest autonomous delivery vehicle, the KARGO UAV. The platform just had its first successful flight test, proving its mettle as a medium-lift multi rotor drone that can be airdropped from afar in order to resupply far-flung units. The KARGO looks much like an upscaled civilian drone sporting 4 arms and rotors with a stubby but streamlined fuselage to carry its components. An underslung cargo pod provides about 800 pounds of payload accessible from the ground. Kaman says the full package is good for a 121-knot top speed, a ceiling of 10,000 feet, and a 500-nautical mile range.

Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..."

Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “all of a sudden the back of the plane kicked to the right and at the same time caused me to takeoff [to] the left.” He attempted to abort the takeoff; however, the airplane impacted marsh terrain adjacent to the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing and main wing spar.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Kitfox Introduces A New Version Of The Venerable Speedster…

In 1992, Kitfox brought its first Speedster to Oshkosh. In 2017, the company gave the public the first look at the newly-redesigned variant of the aircraft. Working from the very successful and robust Kitfox S7 Super Sport, Kitfox has created a clipped wing, aerodynamically refined and superbly stylized tail dragger that is guaranteed to get the heart rate up to redline.  With Rotax fuel injected power, the 2017 Kitfox Speedster is signif

Aero Linx: Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE) SAFE is a member-oriented organization of aviation educators fostering professionalism and excellence in aviation through continuing education, professional standards, and accreditation. Together with our industry partners and the Federal Aviation Administration, SAFE provides the aviation community with resources to advance the profession and to assist aviation educators in developing skilled, knowledgeable, and safe members of the aviation community. We invite you to get to know us. Explore the SAFE website. Visit us often as we grow. Ask questions. And if you share SAFE’s goals of accountability, transparency, fairness, and

UAS Traffic Management (UTM) The unmanned aircraft traffic management ecosystem that will allow multiple low altitude BVLOS operations and which is separate from, but complementary to, FAA's Air Traffic Control System.  

How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming

How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbell via the link below. Please include the following information when submitting a story idea or lead: who the intended subject is, a general story outline of said subject, important dates or deadlines for the story lead, and any appropriate contact information for both yourself and related subjects.

"We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help. We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting effect on the gyro community. Those of you who have attended any of the PRA conventions in the last few years are well aware of the current state of the runway, and the toll the elements have taken on it over the years." Source: Part of the plea from PRA, in an attempt to raise funds for a new runway.