Aero Linx: British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA) BALPA is the union and professional association for pilots in the UK. Our members work together to protect the piloting profession and strive to ensure flight safety remains an industry-wide priority. Our community is made up of members, elected pilot representatives and pilot volunteers, managed by a pilot executive, and supported by expert staff members and professional specialists. As an organisation of highly-trained flight deck professionals, BALPA has unrivalled access to the expertise and experience of its 10,000 members and can truly be regarded as the voice of pilots.

Permanent Echo Radar signals reflected from fixed objects on the earth's surface; e.g., buildings, towers, terrain. Permanent echoes are distinguished from “ground clutter” by being definable locations rather than large areas. Under certain conditions they may be used to check radar alignment.

Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories

ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Business Of Business."

“...inaccurate assumptions about the low-altitude operating environment, which could inadvertently weaken established safety frameworks and introduce unnecessary hazards into an already complex airspace. Unless revised appropriately, Part 108 will create—not mitigate—the potential for midair collision and resulting casualty.” Source: A portion of the commentary released by Vertical Aviation International (VAI) in opposition to recent FAA information about Part 108. 

Skyborne Airline Academy Inks Deal for 5 Piper Seminole DX Trainers

Just over three months after hitting the market, Piper Aircraft’s diesel-powered multi-engine trainer has logged its first domestic order. The deal will deliver five of the Seminole DX aircraft to Florida-based Skyborne Airline Academy, which has been a loyal Piper customer since its initial order for 11 Pilot 100i aircraft in 2023.

Call-Outs Mimic Controller and TSA Agent Action in 2019 Shutdown

The US Department of Transportation has reported a so-called “tick-up” in air traffic controllers calling out sick since the start of the government shutdown, and if it develops anything like it did in 2019, the situation will only worsen. In the funding lapse, more than 13,000 controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents are forced to work without a paycheck.

Agency Reportedly Aims to Complete Part of the Move By Early December

The Federal Aviation Administration is looking to begin the first phase of what is shaping up to be a very expensive move, aiming to get part of its workforce situated in the Department of Transportation headquarters by early December. The agency confirmed the relocation in August as a means to improve collaboration and address safety concerns with its aging facilities.

More Than 20 Classic Aircraft From The Golden Age Of Flying

Tony Caldwell was hosting discovery flights as the finishing touches were put on his latest Caldwell Collection exhibit, which celebrated its grand opening to the public in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday October 4 at Mustang Field at El Reno Regional Airport (KRQO) in El Reno, Oklahoma. The collection features more than 20 vintage airplanes from the Golden Age of aviation.

Also: New NOTAM Service, 737 Production Cap, RNZAF NH90 Helis, ATC Sick Days Trend Up

Just over three months after hitting the market, Piper Aircraft’s diesel-powered multi-engine trainer has logged its first domestic order. The deal will deliver five of the Seminole DX aircraft to Florida-based Skyborne Airline Academy. The Seminole DX was unveiled at this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. Designed to run on JET A and JET A-1 (with SAF approval in progress), the trainer’s twin DeltaHawk DHK4A180 engines offer about 40% better fuel efficiency than typical avgas piston engines. The FAA is looking to begin the first phase of what is shaping up to be a very expensive move, aiming to get part of its workforce situated in the DoT headquarters by early December. The agency confirmed the relocation in August as a means to improve collaboration and address safety concerns with its aging facilities. France’s largest air traffic controll

Also: USAF Reactivates Squadron For Drone Ops, Beyond Aero, Vertical Aerospace, Archer Midnight

Amazon Prime Air has halted its unmanned delivery operations after two of its MK30 drones ran into the boom of a crane in Tolleson, Arizona. No injuries were reported. The crash happened early on October 1, leaving both aircraft destroyed. Police in Tolleson quickly secured the site and confirmed that an investigation was underway. Federal officials also stepped in, with both the FAA and the NTSB doing their parts. Skydweller Aero announced the recent completion of a 74-hour flight of its unmanned, solar-powered aircraft in conjunction with the Navy. The flight was conducted over the Gulf of America and represents a major advancement in unmanned aircraft technology. Austrian air taxi startup FlyNow Aviation is celebrating the first untethered test flights of its eVTOL vehicle, the eCopter. The helicopter-like prototype first took to the skies with tether