"With Each Announcement, FedEx Continues to Threaten Every Employee's Job Security" Say Pilots

The FedEx Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association Int’l is once again chapped at the actions of their employer's management, commenting on the discontinued negotiations to extend a contract with the United States Postal Service. The MEC cited the issue as just more bad news for pilots as FedEx execs happily toss more work on their plate with nary a word spend on adding to their pay. Under the USPS deal, FedEx provides flight support for their parcels and mail, an agreement that expires at the end of September later this year.

Slow Down When Encountering Turbulence - the Robbies Don't Appreciate Rough Handling

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau released a preliminary report on an in-flight breakup of a Robinson Helicopters R66 that took place in October of 2023, providing advice for turbulent operations in the wake of their ongoing investigation. After reviewing the data and investigating the wreckage, the ATSB has advised helicopter pilots to take some caution when encountering turbulence. Recognizing a low-g condition, slowing down to maneuvering speed, and taking it easy can lessen the stresses imposed on a light aircraft - and that wariness might have saved a life last October.

Also: Moron With A Laser, EAA Aviation Museum, FAA v Santa Monica Propeller Service, Frontier MEC Lauds FO

Boom Supersonic has confirmed details surrounding the successful first test flight of XB-1, reportedly the world’s first independently developed supersonic jet, at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California. XB-1 was flown by Boom Chief Test Pilot Bill “Doc” Shoemaker, and Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg flew the T-38 chase aircraft which monitored the flight. XB-1 took off from the Mojave Air & Space Port. XB-1 met all of its test objectives, including safely and successfull

New Galileo HDX Antenna to Provide Faster Speeds for In-Air Users

Gogo Business Aviation announced its work with Atlas Air Service AG to develop the first European Supplemental Type Certificate for their Gogo Galileo HDX system for the Cessna Citation series and Embraer Phenom 300. The STCs, once finished, will cover more than 2,600 aircraft in the global fleet, given an operational population of 1,850 Citations and 750 Phenom 300s. That's a pretty fat market for Gogo to chase, particularly when so many of them are sufficiently moneyed to equip high-speed internet gear on their pricey bizjets. 

Hattiesburg, Mississippi Widens Operator's National Footprint

Avflight Corporation completed the acquisition of its 26 Fixed Base Operator locale, announcing the opening of Avflight Hattiesburg, at Mississippi’s Hattiesburg Laurel Regional Airport. The deal saw them purchase the location from US Aviation FBO Services, which included a 4,000-square-foot FBO terminal and 125,000 square feet of hangar space. The terminal is equipped with all the niceties of a modern, well-appointed FBO, with lounges for pilots and pax, catering capabilities, and all the usual office space.

Scholarships Bring Up the Next Generation of VTOL Developers and Engineers

The Vertical Flight Society announced $120,000 in scholarships to 29 students, each selected as one of "the world's most talented engineering students interested in Vertical Flight". The organization continues its modestly-sized scholarship program in an effort to continually foster the next generation of hyper-capable, strident supporters of the somewhat niche flight industry. To that end, the Society kicked up its scholarship awards by another 20% over the last 5 years, with the most recent crop of awardees getting assistance towards 7 Bachelor degrees, 11 Master's degrees, and 10 Doctorate degrees.

Big Airbus A350 Order Enhances Korean Air Fleet

In a significant move underscoring its commitment to innovation and sustainability, Korean Air has finalized a landmark deal with Airbus for the purchase of 33 A350 aircraft. This strategic acquisition includes 27 of the larger A350-1000 models along with six A350-900s, marking a new chapter for the Seoul-based carrier in enhancing its global operations. With the A350 renowned for its exceptional range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort, Korean Air's decision to incorporate these state-of-the-art aircraft into its fleet represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the demands of contemporary air travel.

Pilot Elected To Return To The Airport, And About 1 Minute Later The Engine Sustained A Series Of Power Loss Fluctuations

Analysis: The pilot and passenger were conducting a local flight to practice maneuvers and landings. About 3 to 4 minutes after takeoff, and 2,000 ft above ground level, the pilot noticed a master warning light on instrument panel but did not notice any anomalies or problems. The pilot elected to return to the airport, and about 1 minute later the engine sustained a series of power loss fluctuations. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the problem but was unsuccessful and the engine lost total power.

From 2016 (YouTube Version): An Amazing Opportunity For Colorado’s STEM Educators…

In this video you’ll hear about a program that is designed to inspire teachers to inspire their students by sharing with them the excitement of flying in a 1942 Boeing PT-17 Stearman trainer plane. Hetty Carlson, of the Teacher Flight Program, explains how they use aviation as a tool to motivate and encourage students. Their Colorado-based operation has a goal of flying one teacher from every school along the Colorado Front Range. Counting up the school districts and the schools involved means that they are offering 1,600 teachers, through the year 2020,

Aero Linx: The Luscombe Endowment To foster the preservation and education of the public about things related to Luscombe Aircraft, and Don Luscombe's aviation contributions. The Luscombe Endowment was created in 2000, by the Luscombe Foundation to assist in support of the Luscombe fleet. 

TACAN-Only Aircraft An aircraft, normally military, possessing TACAN with DME but no VOR navigational system capability. Clearances must specify TACAN or VORTAC fixes and approaches. 

Only Relief Operations Allowed Near Mariland Bridge Collapse

The FAA has issued NOTAM 4/1992 to inform aviators of a significant event that has impacted the airspace near Baltimore, Maryland. The Francis Scott Key Bridge has collapsed, necessitating a search and rescue response. As a result, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established to ensure the safety of the operation.