Claims The Aircraft Was Violating Their Airspace, U.S. Disagrees

A U.S. Navy RQ-4A Global Hawk reconnaissance drone was shot down by Iran over the Strait of Hormuz late Wednesday (local time) in what the U.S. is calling an "unprovoked attack".

Also: ASKA Flying Car, SpaceX Sues U.S., Mitsubishi MU-2 SAIB, Aviation Safety Resources

An international team of 20 skydivers are claiming a new world record by completing four different formations on the same skydive while flying in an upright position on Sunday, May 26. The team traveled from around the globe for the record event at Skydive Spaceland—Houston in Rosharon, Texas. After leaping from an aircraft more than 16,000 feet above the ground, the group built the formations flying in a position that looks like sitting in a chair—“upright” in skydiving lingo. They had less than 60 seconds to complete the formations. United Airlines pilot Clarence Williams has filed a lawsuit against the carrier claiming racial discrimination, saying the carrier treated him unequally, retaliated against him, and demoted him because he is African-American. According to the lawsuit, Will

Also: Drone Safety At UAS Symposium, Microsoft FlightSim, Urban Air Mobility, Drone Airspace Webinar

Model airplane pilots in the UK are taking issue with proposed drone regulations set to go into effect in November, saying that the new rules could cause harm to their long-standing hobby. Representatives of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) met the Aviation Minister Baroness Vere last week to discuss the situation. Under the proposal, the UK CAA would require the operators of all unmanned aircraft, including model airplanes, to pay a registration fee equivalent to about $21, acquire a license and take a competency test every three years. BMFA chief executive David Phipps said the proposed regulations should not be applied to model airplane pilots. Amazon has taken the wraps off their latest drone concept -- combining elements of a rotorcraft and fixed wing airframe. This concept may serv

Also: Drone Airspace Webinar, ParaZero SafeAir Mavic, Aerovironment Acquires ulse Aerospace, Amazon Drone

Robotic Skies has been selected by Silent Falcon UAS Technologies to provide its customers access to a comprehensive UAS service and support package. Robotic Skies adds Silent Falcon to its list of commercial UAS OEMs seeking to improve customer service by providing access to experienced and OEM-trained maintenance technicians and support professionals. The turnkey field service programs are designed to keep customers’ aircraft flying safely, efficiently and affordably. Through Robotic Skies’ network, customers can schedule regular maintenance or deal with AOG situations at one of its more than 170 certified Service Centers across 40 countries. A technology kit developed by Sikorsky was used for the first time to operate a Black Hawk helicopter with full-authority, fly-by-wire flig

Says The U.S. Will Lead the World And Beyond In Commercial Space Transportation

Before an aerospace industry Commercial Space Panel at the Paris Air Show this week, Acting FAA Administrator Daniel K. Elwell told participants that the Department of Transportation is building a regulatory framework to retain United States leadership and enable the limitless potential and possibilities of commercial space.

Testimony Before The Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee On Security Calls For Accelerated Federal Rulemakings, Holistic Policy Solutions To Keep The Skies Secure

At a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Subcommittee on Security this week, Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), called for accelerated federal rulemakings and the development of holistic policy solutions that provide the framework to keep the nation’s skies secure.

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. 

Converting 30 A321neo Order Slots, Adding 20 More Airplanes

American Airlines will acquire 50 Airbus A321XLR aircraft, the new longer-range version of Airbus’ hugely successful A321neo. The purchase agreement includes the conversion of 30 of American’s existing A321neo slots to A321XLRs and incremental orders for an additional 20 A321XLRs.

Carrier Plans To Modernize Its Fleet With 20 New Super-Efficient 787-10 Airplanes And 10 More 787-9s

Boeing, Korean Air and Air Lease Corporation announced at the Paris Air Show the airline plans to add 30 new 787 Dreamliner airplanes to its fleet, with a commitment to purchase 10 new 787-10s and 10 additional 787-9 airplanes valued at $6.3 billion at current list prices. As part of this agreement, Korean Air will also lease 10 787-10s from ALC.

Michael Kaufman Brings 30 Years Of Not-For-Profit Experience To The Role

The International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation has named Michael Kaufman as its full-time executive director/CEO. He will assume his new position on July 15.