FlightPrep Quietly Sues... And Then Reportedly Withdraws From Suit

As we noted last week, it was yet another case of “Oh-No-They-Didn’t” for the folks at FlightPrep... who stirred up VERY negative feelings in late 2010 and early 2011 with patent claims that had the potential to shut down much of the online flight-planning industry if those aggressive claims had been proved out in court. Via a series of legal threats and what many claimed to be ‘veiled’ intimidation tactics, FlightPrep had much of the industry on their toes until very negative public outcry pretty much forced FlightPrep to dial back their legal offenses and fold their tent... or so it seemed.

Also: Mama Bird Johnson, Lights out For LightSquared, New Cessnas and LearJets, Nextant 400, ACJs, MLX770 Certs, and Aero-Cat-tastrophe!

The FAA has just released a report called 'General Aviation Airports: A National Asset', which was compiled following an 18-month study to capture the many diverse functions of general aviation (GA) airports. The first customer-built example of the new Onex single-place, folding-wing, aerobatic sport aircraft has flown for the first time. Bill Fisher of Jackson Tennessee flew his AeroVee powered, standard gear Onex on Thursday, May 10th. Bill received the fourth Onex kit sold by Sonex Aircraft, shipped on August 5, 2011. An Arizona court said it will allow a lawsuit against Australian kitplane manufacturer Jabiru Aircraft Company to go forward despite the fact that its headquartered on the other side of the planet. The Arizona state Court of Appeals said that because Jabiru clearly understood that its kits were

Race Officials Offer Preliminary Details About 2012 Race Prep

ANN has received the following statement from Airventure Cup Race Organizers in regards to the 2012 Airventure Cup Race: Over the past week, there have been many posts on social media sites and web forums regarding the 2012 Airventure Cup Race. This statement is meant to clarify and correct some of the statements that were made, as well as provide the public with information regarding the fate of this year's race. Last week, we were contacted by EAA officials announcing they would no longer support air racing, including the Airventure Cup. This move was a shock to us as much as it was the rest of the aviation community and we are still in the process of evaluating our options to continue the race. However, in an effort to clarify some of the misinformation that was shared in the public forums, we would like to offer the following facts...

One Hundred Percent Screening Will Be Required As Of December 3, 2012

The TSA announced Thursday it has set a deadline for passenger air carriers to conduct 100 percent cargo screening on international flights bound for the United States. Beginning December 3, 2012, all cargo shipments loaded on passenger aircraft must undergo screening for explosives, fulfilling a requirement of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act.

Oversight/T&I Committees Document Millions In Wasted Dollars, Ongoing Management Failures In Handling Airport Security Systems

A new report released recently by two House Committees offers a critical examination of TSA management and its procurement, deployment and storage of airport security screening technologies.

Aircraft Was On Demonstration Flight

Indonesian special forces have located the cockpit voice recorder from a Russian passenger jet that flew into the side of a volcano, killing 45 people. It is hoped the recording of the plane's veteran pilots could help explain what caused the accident.

All Flights To Be Conducted Near Potential Landing Locations

With safety remaining his top concern, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has ordered the Air Force to take additional steps to mitigate risks to F-22 pilots, George Little, acting assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, said Wednesday. Beginning in 2008, a few pilots experienced hypoxia-like symptoms when flying the aircraft, Little told reporters at a Pentagon news conference. Hypoxia is a deficiency of oxygen. There have been a total of 12 cases of these hypoxia-like symptoms affecting pilots.

Aviators Again Avised To Carefully Check NOTMAS Before Flight

Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command Region fighters will be protecting the skies during the G-8 Summit at Camp David, MD.  Air Force fighter jets will be on alert during the event May 18-19 enforcing the FAA's Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone during the summit.

Don't Say I Never Did Anything For You, Randy

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Steel Workers Union Alleges Problems With Pinnacle's DIP Financing

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York has granted final approval to Pinnacle Airlines Corp. for $74.3 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing. The funding is being provided by Delta Air Lines.