Also: Shoreham Update, Aero-Calendar, AUVSI, Fighter Pilots, André Borschberg, Airport Crimes, Drone Conference

SpaceX, in the midst of a greatly accelerated launch pace, put two Falcon 9 Payloads into orbit, one of which was a reused first stage... AND then landed two first-stage boosters -- off opposite coasts. On June 23, 2017, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the BulgariaSat-1 satellite into orbit—the first geostationary communications satellite in Bulgaria’s history. This mission marked the second reflight of a Falcon 9 first stage, having previously supported the Iridium-1 mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base in January of this year. Following stage separation, the first stage of Falcon 9 successfully landed on SpaceX’s East Coast droneship “Of Course I Still Love You,” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean -- under what were termed to be

Also: DRL Winner $$, Kespry Enters Insurance Sector, Drone Sim Market, Automated Vehicles Symposium

Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI, issued a statement on the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (S. 1405), which was introduced late last week by the Senate Commerce Committee: “Like the House FAA reauthorization bill, the U.S. Senate bill demonstrates a strong, sustained commitment for the safe and responsible growth of commercial UAS in the United States. The bill contains several provisions that will help lay the foundation for more complex operations, such as mandating a coordinated effort between the FAA, FCC, and NTIA to report on spectrum needs for small UAS..." Intel has announced a long-term technology partnership with the International Olympic Committee, which will bring Intel’s drone light show technology to future Olympic g

A New Way To See Where Your Drone Is Going…

One of the new entrants into the FPV world is the Cinemizer, which the company says is a versatile and comfortable way to see where your drone is going. Annette Tindall, Sales and Marketing director for Cinemizer, USA, told ANN's CEO and Editor in Chief Jim Campbell, at the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo in January, that the new FPV device is made by a 160-year-old German optics company...

NBAA: Move Reflects Long-Held National Aviation Policy

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied a petition filed by the town of East Hampton, NY, which sought the court’s review of a 2016 decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit concerning airport noise.

Community-Based Organization Represents Nearly 25,000 Drone Users

A community-based organization (“CBO”) that represents close to 25,000 drone users, the Drone User Group Network (“DUGN”) proposed changes to both the House and Senate versions of the FAA Reauthorization bills that will help spur innovation, preserve the privacy of the public, preserve the privacy of drone users, and enhance the efficiency of the aviation system.

Early Confirmations Show An Amazing Assortment of Exciting New Products and Technologies!

It may be the most impressive line-up of new technology to ever be featured in our Innovation Preview series... but the early applicants for this year's showcase of all that is cool and innovative for this year's Oshkosh is impressing us -- greatly. The Innovation Preview project has turned out to be one of the best ideas we've brought to Wittman Field... ever. Our first opportunity to put it to a test was at EAA AirVenture a couple of years ago. We joined with our partner, EAA, to add a new feature to AirVenture. We called it the “AirVenture Innovation Preview,” or simply the AIP. The intent was to provide aviation industries represented at AirVenture a broad new international forum to present their innovations. 

One Would Protect Volunteer Pilots Flying With Nonprofit Organizations

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation committee and certified pilot with over 11,000 flight hours, has introduced two bills that will benefit Oklahoma’s aviation community. Inhofe introduced S. 1431, the Volunteer Pilot Protection Act of 2017, which extends limited liability protections to pilots who volunteer with nonprofit volunteer pilot organizations to fly individuals in need of medical treatment or for other charitable purposes. Inhofe also introduced S. 1432, which would ensure that the FAA Aircraft Registry Office in Oklahoma City remains open in the event of a government shutdown. Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK) introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives.

Department Launches Test Trials Of Technology For Surveillance In Northern Canada

Transport Canada is committed to enhancing the safety and security of Canadians while fostering innovation as it continues to explore the use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, to fulfil its mandate.

Financial Assistance Granted To 23 Students Aimed At Building The Pilot Community

AOPA has announced the names of the 23 students who earned scholarships through the 2017 AOPA You Can Fly High School Flight Training Scholarship Program.

Bulletin Focuses On Wake Turbulence At High Altitudes

EASA published today a Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) to remind pilots and air traffic controllers about the risks associated with wake turbulence encounters at high altitude and about the applicable precautionary measures.