Contract Modification Grants Crew-7, 8, and 9 to California Company

NASA has awarded another trio of missions to SpaceX for more of their crew transportation services to the ISS, reaffirming the use of the company for 6 more Crew missions in all. The modification to their previous Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contract reaffirms the agency's reliance upon SpaceX and serves as a stamp of approval on their work so far. Now, the company will launch a total of 9 missions, 3 more than initially expected at the outset of the CCtCap program as SpaceX takes up the slack of its competition. The contract comes in at an eye-watering $3,490,872,904 for the fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity agreement.

New Stations Installed In Effort to Inform Pilots, Enhance Safety for VFR Fleet

True to its word, the FAA has begun expanding its services throughout the Alaskan region in an effort to further enhance weather reporting. The installation of 8 new AWOS stations will provide continuous, real-time, and accurate weather observations with minimal manpower in the often sparsely populated state. The new sites are expected to be operational by October of this year. Outgoing administrator Steve Dickson said the new gear is his way of following through on commitments made to enhance the safety of flight within the state following a year-long study of Alaskan aviation.

Planners Told To Expect ADS-B Waivers for Event Held in Widespread Class C Airspace

The FAA has addressed some worries of locals eager to see the continuation of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, set for its 50th anniversary this year. Local event planners have been concerned over the application of certain regulations that they worried would render the affair forced out of its home due to airspace restrictions and the lack of ADS-B equipment in the balloons. The city prides itself as "the hot air balloon capital of the world", and worries that ADS-B restrictions will neuter the industry in Albuquerque.

Also: Dickson Resigns, Bell AFWERX, Eve Air Mobility, Vaya Space

Airbus has made another milestone in its continued testing of the Future Combat Air System when an A400M modified with a UAV air-launch system successfully deployed a drone in-flight. While the long running concept of an airborne aircraft carrier has eluded attempts at effective implementation in the past, the more compact size and safety of UAVs has opened new possibilities. Vertical Aerospace has signed a non-binding MoU with AirAsia Aviation Group to create an aerial ride sharing platform in Southeast Asia. The deal will establish a lease of at least 100 of Vertical's VX4 eVTOL aircraf

There's a New STOL Performer in Town...

Aero-News Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, gets the rundown on Fielden Aero at the 2021 DeLand Sport Aviation Showcase. Don Fielden, owner, brought his work-in-progress Aeropup USA from down under. The Australian kitplane is a rugged, two-place runabout meant for bounding through the harsh Australian outback.

Files Suit Seeking Injunction to Halt Gogo 5G Technology, Says Multiple Patents Used Without License

SmartSky Networks have filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Gogo Business Aviation in an effort to halt sales of its 5G in-flight products. The affected equipment include their banner 5G product, the AVANCE L5, as well as Gogo X3 and the system's attendant antennas. SmartSky has sought a preliminary injunction, asking the court to halt sales, production, and use of Gogo's 5G network kit while the case proceeds in court. The complaint argues that Gogo, fresh off a loss against SmartSky over a similar patent issue in 2020, quickly and surprisingly pivoted from its original plans to operate on acquired, licensed spectrum to the use of unli

Also: 'Doc' Returns to Oshkosh, HondaJet Gogo STC, SOSU Chooses PA-44s, Embraer Caps 2021

The EAA contacted officials in Yuba County, California after members had alerted them to a newly introduced prohibition on ultralight activity. County officials rationalized their ban using the FARs and FAA Airport Compliance Manual in ways that didn't hold up under EAA scrutiny. Doing its part to fight the good fight, the EAA wrote to county Airport management to remind them that while FAA policy does allow some restrictions in the interest of safety, they must be adequately justified and supported. ScaleWings has announced that another batch of their P-51 recrea

Figuring Out the Claims, Counterclaims, and Contracts in Court Filings 

A notable law firm with a finger on the pulse of the Aviation industry has released their take on the Airbus vs. Qatar Airways dispute, breaking down the legalese and tendering an update. Airbus maintains that all 21 of the A350s grounded are actually fully airworthy, and that the airline refused to undertake recommended repairs. They also maintain that the Qatari regulator responsible for the grounding has not specified their rationale for grounding them, making the motives behind the grounding seem a little too convenient to be purely in the interests of flight safety.

Also: 'Doc' Returns to Oshkosh, HondaJet Gogo STC, SOSU Chooses PA-44s, Embraer Caps 2021

The EAA contacted officials in Yuba County, California after members had alerted them to a newly introduced prohibition on ultralight activity. County officials rationalized their ban using the FARs and FAA Airport Compliance Manual in ways that didn't hold up under EAA scrutiny. Doing its part to fight the good fight, the EAA wrote to county Airport management to remind them that while FAA policy does allow some restrictions in the interest of safety, they must be adequately justified and supported. ScaleWings has announced that another batch of their P-51 recrea

Turbo-Diesel Diamond to Get Special Attention Stateside Before Heading East Once Again

A Fort Lauderdale, Florida business announced that it would donate the 200-hour inspection for Diamondo's Diamond DA50. The plane will makes its way through as it tours the world to extol the benefits and utility of sustainable aviation fuel, guided by pilots Matthias Nederhäuser and Robin Wenger. Premier Aircraft Sales will take care of the retractable-gear, turbo-diesel Diamond during this early phase of its voyage, which has spent just over 2 months in transit since leaving its Swiss home. The Diamondo Earthrounding group is a gaggle of 9 aviation enthusiasts attempting to take the uncommon Diamond around the world using SAF wherever

Also: Mesa Addresses Pilot Shortage, FAA v Dreamliner, Bell Phase 2-AFWERX, Virgin Galactic Shakeup

In a notice to customers, Van's outlined the state of the company and the steps they're taking to keep the company in good health. More bad news is never a good thing to hear, but fans of Van's Aircraft have to at least give credit to the company for shooting straight. Price increases are on the way, with an RV kit price bump already in effect. The average increase across the board is in the neighborhood of 6%, but RV kits in standard and QuickBuild flavors will increase in accordance with their component price increase. The exact price bump will depend

Also: Dickson Resigns, Bell AFWERX, Eve Air Mobility, Vaya Space

Airbus has made another milestone in its continued testing of the Future Combat Air System when an A400M modified with a UAV air-launch system successfully deployed a drone in-flight. While the long running concept of an airborne aircraft carrier has eluded attempts at effective implementation in the past, the more compact size and safety of UAVs has opened new possibilities. Vertical Aerospace has signed a non-binding MoU with AirAsia Aviation Group to create an aerial ride sharing platform in Southeast Asia. The deal will establish a lease of at least 100 of Vertical's VX4 eVTOL aircraf

Observed The Fuel Pressure Decrease From 44 Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) TO 39 PSI

On January 02, 2022, about 1040 mountain standard time, a Zenith CH750, N750DP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Montrose, Colorado. The pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that before taking off for the flight, he added 24 gallons of 92 octane, ethanol free automotive gas to the fuel tanks. After waiting for the fuel to settle, he sumped the fuel tanks and observed no contamination or water.

AD 2022-04-09 Prompted By Reports Of Cylinder And Valve Assemblies Having Oxygen Leakage

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain AVOX System Inc. (formerly Scott Aviation) oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, and oxygen valve assemblies, installed on but not limited to various transport airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cylinder and valve assemblies having oxygen leakage from the valve assembly vent hole, caused by the absence of a guide that maintains appropriate spacing between certain parts. This AD requires an inspection of the oxygen valve assemblies, and oxygen cylinder and valve assemblies, to determine the serial number of the valve, cylinder, and entire assembly. For assemblies and parts with certai

Aero Linx: The Virginia Department of Aviation The Virginia Department of Aviation is an executive branch agency, reporting to the Virginia Secretary of Transportation, whose creation and powers are contained in Title 5.1 - Aviation.  The agency is based at Richmond International Airport in Richmond.

MultiCom A mobile service not open to public correspondence used to provide communications essential to conduct the activities being performed by or directed from private aircraft.

"The FAA has determined that large events such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will not be affected due to advanced planning, waivers, Notice to Air Missions and other mitigations for a large airshow. The FAA is leading a cross-organizational workgroup to explore possible solutions to other concerns relating to balloon flights in the ABQ area." Source: The FAA, addressing some worries of locals eager to see the continuation of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, set for its 50th anniversary this year.