Beta Technologies Alia 250 MAkes Transition Flight

Vermont-based Beta Technologies has marked a significant advancement in the eVTOL aircraft sector with the successful piloted transition of its Alia-250 from vertical hover to cruise flight. This development underscores Beta's commitment to pioneering practical and commercially viable eVTOL solutions. The transition, which occurred with a pilot on board, involved moving from a stationary hover to forward flight, showcasing the aircraft's dual capabilities. Beta's journey began in 2020, quickly positioning itself as a leader in real-world eVTOL application, a stance bolstered by military airworthiness approval for manned electric flights in 2021.

Climate Protesters Arrested for Invading Hanscom Field

On the morning of April 20, a protest by climate activists at Hanscom Field airport in Bedford, Massachusetts, led to the arrest of 20 individuals. The protesters, believed to be associated with the group Extinction Rebellion, were part of a larger gathering of approximately 25 people voicing opposition to the proposed expansion of the airport to include 17 new private jet hangars. Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Dave Procopio reported that the demonstrators breached a security perimeter, prompting a response from state and local police forces. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) noted that the breach led to a temporary closure of the airport as a precautionary measure. Charges against the arrested individuals included trespassing and disorderly conduct.

Aura Aero Inks Deal for INTEGRAL E to Norwegian Sporting Group

Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design of the usual tandem-seat LSA design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The 'E' model should offer some of the best of both worlds, the easy and simple maintenance of an electric motor with the affordable refueling costs of plugging 'er into an outlet. Aura Aero says the Integral E should be good for about 60 minutes of flight time at a stretch, with a sub-30 minute recharging time.

Situational Awareness and Flight Planning Application Picking Up Speed in App Market

Airmate celebrated a milestone of reaching a quarter-million registered users of its application at AERO 2024, heading to Friedrichshafen with good news in tow. Airmate is an EFB app, like so many others, but it manages to maintain a blessedly grassroots feel. It offers most of the same EFB accouterments one expects from the breed, like charting, mapping, flight planning, and situational awareness while in-air. Perhaps where it really shines is that it breaks from the pack of requiring hundreds of dollars a year just to maintain basic functionality - Airmate prides itself on being the "first fully free EFB," providing their services as a safety enhancer and trusting in the goodwill of its userbase to keep them afloat.

Add-On Crowdsources Turbulence Data From Users, Free with Performance Plus, Pro Plus Plans

ForeFlight has published a new feature showing live, automated turbulence information constantly updated with crowdsourced data. The feature should help those in lighter aircraft avoid and survive particularly turbulent weather conditions, though any pilot looking to provide a smoother ride for passengers will enjoy it too. As is often the case with nifty ForeFlight additions, the Reported Turbulence function will be available as an add-on for some ForeFlight plans. The Reported Turbulence (Low) grants access to turbulence reports below 14,000 feet, with an add-on for Reported Turbulence (All) that removes that altitude instruction. Those operating a Sentry or Sentry Plus device can get a 50% discount on the (All) layer by registering with the program. For those subscribed to the ForeFlight plans of Prop Plus and Performance Plus will see the feature included by default.

NTSB Praises New FAA Policy on Controller Rest and Duty Time

The NTSB has long highlighted the risks associated with fatigue among air traffic controllers, advocating for changes to ensure they receive adequate rest. Recently, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy praised the new FAA regulation requiring air traffic controllers to have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before a midnight shift. This policy adjustment aims to enhance safety by ensuring controllers are well-rested and alert. This initiative comes after tragic incidents that underscored the severe implications of controller fatigue. A notable example is the Comair flight 5191 crash on August 27, 2006, in Lexington, Kentucky, where 49 lives were lost when a plane took off from the wrong runway. The controller on duty had returned to work just nine hours after completing his previous shift, having managed only a two-hour nap in the interim. The lack of rest was pointed out in the investigation as a significant factor contributing to the accident.

First Kodiak 100 Series III Delivered at AERO Friedrichshafen

Daher Aerospace achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of its first Kodiak 100 Series III aircraft to a Polish customer, marking a new expansion in its European market presence. The event was celebrated at the AERO Friedrichshafen trade show in Germany, where the aircraft was officially handed over. The new owner, Polish businessman Mariusz Saran, was represented by Piotr Lasek of Plane4you, a company that assists clients in acquiring new and pre-owned aircraft. Saran, who began flying three years ago, sought a dependable aircraft to visit customers and partners across Europe. The Kodiak 100 Series III was chosen for its ability to operate from the diverse airstrips throughout Poland, including numerous grass strips, which are less accessible to more conventional aircraft.

With Acquisition Finished, NYSE Delisting is On the Way

Kaman Corporation has been fully digested by its acquiring company, Arcline Investment Management L.P. The transaction was announced in January, representing an all-cash transaction of approximately $1.8 billion adding ("Arcline”) in an all-cash transaction with a total enterprise value of approximately $1.8 billion. “We are thrilled to announce the completion of this value-maximizing transaction with Arcline and are proud to have delivered an outcome that is in the best interest of our shareholders, employees and customers,” said Ian K. Walsh, Kaman Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we enter our next phase as a private company, we are confident that we will benefit from additional resources and expertise that will enable us to build upon our strong foundation and take full advantage of the hard work we have done these past several years to reposition our company. This new partnership will accelerate our transformational strategy and drive

Savback Helicopters Debuts New Helicopter Advancements at AERO Friedrichshafen

Savback Helicopters is making an impact at the 30th edition of AERO Friedrichshafen, as it introduces advancements in helicopter technology and seeks to expand its market reach. The Sweden-based helicopter and fixed-wing sales specialist, which is the exclusive distributor for Konner helicopters in several European countries, is showcasing two models from its inventory: the Airbus Helicopters' H160 and the light utility H125. A pivotal development for Savback is the recent certification of Konner's K1-S19 turbine helicopter by Sweden's Civil Aviation Authority.

30th AERO Friedrichshafen Wraps

The 30th edition of AERO Friedrichshafen (April 17 - 20, 2024), the leading global trade fair for General Aviation, Air Sports and Business Aviation, has come to a successful close. "We already had high expectations for the anniversary AERO, but the trade fair far exceeded our expectations this year despite the far from ideal weather conditions," says Stefan Reisinger, Managing Director of trade fair organizer fairnamic GmbH. Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO, adds: "Over 680 exhibitors from 38 countries and the high number of visitors from all over the world underline the international significance of AERO..."