Part 103 Legal Flying Machine Looks Very Much Like A Regular Airplane That Shrunk In The Wash...

We recently saw that Aeromarine-LSA's Merlin Lite made its first flight, quite successfully. The Merlin-Lite is an uncommon aircraft -- in that it is a legal Part 103 ultralight, while pretty much mimicking all that you would expect from a conventional airplane... just smaller. Just as intriguing, the whole machine... in Ready-To-Fly configuration, includes the engine, EFIS, EMS, and Electric Trim, as well as a BRS Emergency Parachute Recovery System, for $35,500. Again, that's complete and ready to fly.

Also: Honeywell Forecast, NBAA Airmanship Award, Fortress UAV, True Blue Power for PC-12

They have  finally taken the wraps off its supersonic demonstrator, XB-1, reportedly the first independently developed supersonic jet. To design and build XB-1, Boom recruited a team of experts from around the industry, forged relationships with key suppliers, and built a strong safety culture. XB-1 is slated to fly for the first time in 2021 and will undergo a 100% carbon-neutral flight test program. Boom’s innovations include developing one of the highest-efficiency civil supersonic engine intakes ever

Rule Modernizes The Way FAA Regulates And Licenses Commercial Space Operations

SecTrans Elaine Chao has announced the publication of the FAA Streamlined Launch and Reentry Licensing Requirements Final Rule for commercial space transportation launches and reentries. “This historic, comprehensive update to commercial space launch and reentry licensing requirements facilitates greater growth in this industry and helps America to maintain our #1 position in the world,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. This rule modernizes the way FAA regulates and licenses commercial space operations and allows the burgeoning aerospace industry to continue to innovate and grow, while maintaining public safety.

Adds First AW139 Helicopter

Leonardo has announced that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has taken delivery of its first AW139 helicopter (file photos, pictured below).  The October 13 handoff included a small ceremony at Miami Executive Airport (TMB) in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Officials from the County, including Mayor Carlos A. Giménez, spoke at the event. “As a former firefighter, I’ve been very impressed with this world-class search-and-rescue helicopter,” Mayor Giménez said. “Replacing antiquated helicopters, the AW139 is a vital addition to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s fleet. They will provide a heightened level of safety and security for our Fire Rescue workers and those whose lives they wo

Klyde Describes The Proper Looking Supersonic Aircraft...

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

The Airport Has Already Fielded Numerous Calls About The Program

West Houston Airport has announced a novel program in which one can take advantage of a GREAT rate for IFR flight instruction. From November 1, 2020 to March 14th, 2021, their flight school will be offering a Winter IFR (Instrument Rating) Special which will provide based aircraft owners the opportunity to earn their IFR over the next several months at 1960’s rates. “$10 a flight hour!” said Woody Lesikar, Airport Manager at West Houston Airport, “Any based customer that tops-off their aircraft will be charged only $10 an hour with a Certified Flight Instructor to get their Instrument Rating, good until March 14 th . It’s a program designed to keep you l

From 2009: MedEvac Means Saving Lives

Airborne in minutes and on-site shortly thereafter, the presence of the helicopter at the scene of a serious medical emergency can be as critical as the medical team itself... if the care is not there in time, then the effort often goes for naught. In the case of TriState Careflite, responsible for covering a three state area with A119 Koala single-engine turbine helicopters and Augusta 109 Power Twin-turbine helicopters, the work that they shows measurable results with nearly every flight. 

Aerospace Valley Air Show 2020 Was The First Of Its Kind

The 412th Test Wing held its first air show in more than 10 years at Edwards Air Force Base California, Oct. 9 and 10. Dubbed the “Aerospace Valley Air Show 2020,” the event was the first of its kind, so-called “hybrid” air show. The base featured interactive 360-degree photo showcases of the various aircraft assigned to the base. The base also conducted a parade of aircraft in the skies over the local community including Antelope Valley, Bakersfield, the Victor Valley, Barstow and Fort Irwin.

Pilot Reported The Airplane Had A Loss Of Engine Power And He Performed A Forced Landing

On September 24, 2020, about 1350 central daylight time, a Beech V35 B airplane, N3958A, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Terrell, Texas. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to initial information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the flight departed from the Propwash Airport, near Justin, Texas, about 1320, and was destined for the Van Zandt County Regional Airport, near Wills Point, Texas. The pilot reported the airplane had a loss of engine power and he performed a forced landing. The airplane impacted trees

AD 2020-21-02 Requires An Inspection To Determine The Part Number And Serial Number Of The Cargo Fire Extinguisher Halon Bottles

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Kidde Aerospace & Defense cargo fire extinguisher halon bottles installed on various transport category airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that certain cargo fire extinguisher halon bottles installed in the cargo compartment had low charge pressure. This AD requires an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the cargo fire extinguisher halon bottles and replacement of affected parts with serviceable parts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective November 19, 20

Aero Linx: The Soaring Association of Canada (SAC) The Soaring Association of Canada (SAC) is the governing body for the sport of gliding in Canada. Mandated to safeguard and promote our sport, we render support and representation to glider pilots and gliding clubs across the nation through a variety of committees. On a national level, we represent our affiliated clubs and members on issues related to licensing, medical requirements, airspace and regulation. Internationally, we maintain representation within the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale and the International Gliding Commission. We invest in the renewal and expansion of our sport by offering bursaries for y

Coupled Approach An instrument approach performed by the aircraft autopilot, and/or visually depicted on the flight director, which is receiving position information and/or steering commands from onboard navigational equipment. In general, coupled non-precision approaches must be flown manually (autopilot disengaged) at altitudes lower than 50 feet AGL below the minimum descent altitude, and coupled precision approaches must be flown manually (autopilot disengaged) below 50 feet AGL unless authorized to conduct autoland operations. Coupled instrument approaches are commonly flown to the allowable IFR weather minima established by the operator or PIC, or flown VFR for training and safety.

“As a former firefighter, I’ve been very impressed with this world-class search-and-rescue helicopter. Replacing antiquated helicopters, the AW139 is a vital addition to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s fleet. They will provide a heightened level of safety and security for our Fire Rescue workers and those whose lives they work to save.” Source: Miami Mayor Carlos A. Giménez, discussing their acceptance of the first AW139 of a four ship order. MDFR ordered the AW139 aircraft in December 2019 for fire suppression, emergency medical services, and search and rescue missions. Each helicopter features a cargo hook, rescue hoist and Bambi bucket. The remaining three aircraft are expected to be delivered by the end of 2020.