Also: #HonorTheWASP, NASA Funds Research, Boom Supersonic And Dassault, New FlightSafety CEO

Amid recent reports of yet another sinking of an Icon A5 airframe, a heretofore unsuccessful attempt to raise more capital, and GAMA stats showing that Icon’s promised production targets are not being met, along comes news of company layoffs. An Icon A5 was sunk in Washington state last week after witnesses reported it to have suffered a hard landing... not the first such report. The airframe sunk to wing level and required winching out of the water, for repair. Reported attempts to raise additional capital appear to be unproductive and promises of completing as many as 12-20 airframes per month have definitely not been reached as GAMA noted that their First Quarter production total tallied only 14 aircraft... less than 5 birds per month. Airbus Perlan Mission II has launched its fourth season of ope

Aero-News Talks With The Airplane's Builder

One of the many unique airplanes at AirVenture 2018 was a 1/3-scale B-17 bomber built by Jack Bally, who talked about the 17-year project with Aero-News at the show last summer. Bally said that the idea was born over "too much beer one night with a bunch of buddies" as they talked about what kind of airplane they could build that would be the only one of its kind.

Also: Langley Aerodrome, $9.3 Million For ResponDrone, DJI Drones Comply, Restrictions Near Navy Vessels

The FAA is implementing changes for recreational drone flyers. While recreational flyers may continue to fly below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace without specific certification or operating authority from the FAA, they are now required to obtain prior authorization from the FAA before flying in controlled airspace around airports. The new requirement to obtain an airspace authorization prior to flying a drone in controlled airspace replaces the old requirement to notify the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower prior to flying within five miles of an airport. Lilium has taken the wraps off its new five-seater air taxi prototype. The Lilium Jet completed its maiden unmanned flight in Germany earlier this month. The full-scale, full-weight prototype is powered by 36 all-el

Michael Chasen, Chief Executive Officer For PrecisionHawk Named As The New Chair Of The Panel

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today formally announced new appointments to the FAA Drone Advisory Committee (DAC).

Company Developing eVTOL Air Taxi

During his keynote address on 21 May, Volocopter CEO Florian Reuter said the company’s electric air taxi was “the perfect complement and addition to business aviation,” and finding industry partners brought him to this year’s European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2019).

ANN Keeps Pushing Aviation Media (Kicking and Screaming) Further Into The 21st Century...

ANN is, again, radically updating its social media campaign for the upcoming 2019 Oshkosh AirVenture Fly-In. This is just the latest step in a series of massive upgrades we're making as Aero-News becomes the 'Aero-Verse.' This program will concentrate on the three most persuasive forms of social media outreach -- short succinct messaging, compelling high-resolution still photography, and carefully formatted HD video. Our staff of journalists will be beating up Wittman Field all week long looking for suitable subjects for this effort, and you’re welcome to help us make sure that YOU don't get left out. You are welcome to text suggestions to 863-860-5790, or email news@aero-news.net with your suggestions. You can also Skype us directly at AERONEWSNET. 

FAA, EASA Join ANAC In Approving The Aircraft

Embraer announced at EBACE 2019 that the company’s new Praetor 600 super-midsize business jet was granted its Type Certificate by EASA and the FAA. “Now certified by the key aviation safety agencies of the world, the Praetor 600 has proven to be the most disruptive and technologically advanced super-midsize business jet to enter the market, paving the way to begin deliveries now in the second quarter,” said Michael Amalfitano, president & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets.

Aircraft's Range Increased By Up To 450 Nautical Miles

Airbus has announced that the A220 Family aircraft, the newest addition to its single-aisle portfolio, will now be offering increased range starting from H2 2020.

An Amazing Experience Awaits The Chosen Few...

E-I-C Note: There's very little we can say yet, but there is a reason why this may be a TRULY exciting year to throw in with ANN to cover the extraordinary event that is OSHKOSH. Like in years past, we have something up our sleeves -- actually SEVERAL big somethings -- BUT, this year, they could be some of the biggest upgrades/surprises we've pulled off yet -- so we're going to be changing quite a few things about how we cover Oshkosh, as a result. IF YOU want to be a part of this unique adventure, speak up NOW, rather than later, because we're going to looking for the best volunteer folks we can find and are planning to do so ASAP. You've been warned (grin)....

Marks Important Milestone Towards EASA CS-23 Certification

After several months of work, Elixir Aircraft has reached an important milestone regarding EASA CS-23 certification. The OneShot Elixir wing has successfully passed its resistance test.