Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

Four Perish in Washington State Cessna 208B Grand Caravan Accident

In-Flight Breakup Suspected

A Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX was destroyed in a possible in-flight breakup and impact with terrain in Snohomish, Washington. The aircraft’s four occupants—all ostensibly employees of Raisbeck Engineering, a highly-respected Seattle-based company renowned for its aftermarket aircraft modifications—perished in the accident. An investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and local authorities is underway.

Balloon Federation of America Responds to FAA Medical Ruling

Of Federal Edicts and Hot Air

On 16 November 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) adopted a final rule requiring commercial hot-air balloon pilots to hold at least a second-class medical certificate when flying paying passengers or otherwise operating for hire. In the days following the FAA’s adoption of the final commercial balloon pilot medical certification rule, BFA president Pat Cannon issued a comprehensive statement addressing the legislation.

Ampaire’s Eco Caravan Flies

Successful Maiden Flight Bodes Well for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Architectures

Founded in 2016 under the guiding principle of establishing itself as the world’s foremost developer of practical electric aircraft, Los Angeles-based Ampaire has made headlines and demonstrable progress toward upgrading existing utility aircraft to hybrid-electric power. On Friday, 18 November 2022, Ampaire’s Eco Caravan made its maiden flight from Camarillo Airport (CMA)—thereby heralding the actualization of the company’s ambitious objectives.

Aero-TV: Mid-Continent and True Blue Power; Keeping Legacy Aircraft Vital

Of Flex Appeal and Power On Tap

For more than fifty-years, Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics has been competently and competitively overhauling, exchanging, repairing, designing, and manufacturing aircraft instruments, avionics, aviation batteries, and cockpit and cabin electric power solutions. Via its operations in Wichita, Kansas and Van Nuys, California, Mid-Continent operates one of the largest instrument overhaul and exchange programs in the world, supporting a customer base that includes original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fixed base operators (FBOs), instrument and avionics shops, flight schools, and government agencies

Scoda Aeronautica Announces New Petrel XP

An LSA Amphibious Seaplane

In a prelude to what may well prove a fundamental shake-up of the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) market, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Scoda Aeronautica recently revealed the prototype of its Super Petrel XP—a Rotax 915is-powered amphibious seaplane that conforms—ostensibly—to extant LSA regulatory requirements. Scada’s confidence in the inchoate design is evinced by an announcement stating the XP is to replace the Super Petrel LS as the company’s flagship.

EAA Joins Petition To US Federal Agencies to Extend 5G Deadline

Paroxysms of Progress

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)—a highly-regarded international organization of aviation enthusiasts based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin—has joined companies representing broad segments of the aviation industry in petitioning U.S. federal regulatory agencies for additional time to upgrade radar altimeters against possible 5G wireless signal interference.

Airborne 11.14.22: Awful B17-P63 Midair, Frank Robinson Goes West, SnF Pilot Hub

Also: First Completed Bearhawk Model 5, New Victoria Tower, Regional Airline Association, Virgin Galactic Class Action

It has been a tragic weekend. Two warbirds flying during the Wings over Dallas Airshow, a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F King Cobra, were downed via a midair collision in which the left banking P-63F overtook the Bomber from its left and took out the aft fuselage section, pretty much severing the airframe aft of the wing. The P-63F appears to have disintegrated on impact, while the two primary sections of the B-17 fragmented as they descended to impact near a highway. Robinson Helicopter has bid farewell to its founder, Frank Robinson.

Airborne 11.14.22: Awful B17-P63 Midair, Frank Robinson Goes West, SnF Pilot Hub

Also: First Completed Bearhawk Model 5, New Victoria Tower, Regional Airline Association, Virgin Galactic Class Action

It has been a tragic weekend. Two warbirds flying during the Wings over Dallas Airshow, a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F King Cobra, were downed via a midair collision in which the left banking P-63F overtook the Bomber from its left and took out the aft fuselage section, pretty much severing the airframe aft of the wing. The P-63F appears to have disintegrated on impact, while the two primary sections of the B-17 fragmented as they descended to impact near a highway. Robinson Helicopter has bid farewell to its founder, Frank Robinson.

Longtime EAA Museum Docent Honored

In Magnanimity’s Honor

In recognition of his innumerable contributions and selfless volunteer service to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), John Mellberg of Menasha, Wisconsin, was presented the Henry Kimberly Spirit of Leadership Award during the EAA’s 10 November 2022 Halls of Fame banquet.

NTSB Prelim: Hawker Beechcraft G58

Airplane Continued To Descend Under High Engine Power Before It Impacted The Ground

On October 31, 2022, at 1304 eastern daylight time, a Hawker Beechcraft G58 airplane, N495AU, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident in Alpharetta, Georgia. The pilot and a passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Preliminary air traffic control and radar information provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that the airplane departed from Jekyll Island Airport (09J), Jekyll Island, Georgia at 1152 with an intended destination of DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Atlanta, Georgia.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (11.22.22)

Aero Linx: European HEMS and Air Ambulance Committee (EHAC) European HEMS and Air Ambulance Committee (EHAC) is the more than 20 years old professional umbrella organization that unites, represents, and works for the interests of the international aero-medical community. EHAC maintains a well developed network between members as well as between renowned experts, authorities (especially EASA), industry and other organisations (e.g. AAMS and ASA).

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (11.22.22): Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP)

Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) A preplanned instrument flight rule (IFR) departure procedure printed for pilot use in textual or graphic form to provide obstruction clearance via the least onerous route from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure. ODPs are recommended for obstruction clearance and may be flown without ATC clearance unless an alternate departure procedure (SID or radar vector) has been specifically assigned by ATC.