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Virgin Galactic Welcomes ‘Cosmic Girl’ To Fleet Of Space Access Vehicles

LauncherOne Program To Use Dedicated 747-400 Aircraft To Responsively Air-Launch Small Satellite Customer Payloads

Virgin Galactic introduced the newest addition to its fleet of vehicles today as part of a technical update on its LauncherOne small satellite launch service. The 747- 400 commercial jet aircraft, previously operated by Virgin Atlantic under the nickname ‘Cosmic Girl,’ will provide a dedicated launch platform for the LauncherOne orbital vehicle. Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Galactic engineers announced the acquisition of the aircraft while providing an update on LauncherOne development progress.

Robinson R66 Passes Long-Awaited Snow Test

Conditions Finally Right For Flight In Very Cold Weather

On November 13th, in Spray Lakes, Canada, Robinson’s R66 Turbine passed the FAA's and Transport Canada's test to allow flight in snow conditions. The stringent test requires extended flight in weather conditions that are difficult to find even in Canada.

ICAO Council President Aliu, French Minister Vidalies, Discuss Civil Aviation

Broad Range Of Topics Discussed As COP21 Proceeds On Course

The Council President of the International Civil Aviation Organization, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, while visiting Paris to attend a series of COP21 events, met with France’s Minister of State for Transport, Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Alain Vidalies.

B-17 Flying Fortress To Join Collings Foundation

Sold To The Preservation Organization By The Evergreen Aviation Museum

The Evergreen Aviation Museum collection in Oregon recently sold their P-38 Lightning and B-17G Flying Fortress to help the museum during a restructuring and reorganization. With generous donor support, the aircraft will be operated by the Collings Foundation.

Gone West: Ron Scott, Longtime EAA Volunteer Chairman

Passed Away On Thanksgiving Day At The Age Of 82

Ron Scott, who for more than 50 years was involved in multiple facets of the EAA organization while also making a notable contribution to the homebuilt aircraft community, died on Thanksgiving Day at age 82.

American Airlines Passenger Service Employees Approve Five-Year Contract

Includes Immediate And 'Significant' Pay Raises

A new five-year contract has been reached between American Airlines and its U.S.-based passenger service employees represented by the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (CWA-IBT).

Boeing, US Navy Enhance EA-18 Targeting, Situational Awareness

Tablet Display Integrated Into Mission System For First Time

New targeting technologies that greatly enhance aircrew safety and effectiveness through the rapid integration and distribution of target information across multiple aircraft have been recently demonstrated by the U.S. Navy and Boeing.

MQ-8C Fire Scout Completes Operational Assessment

Completed Assessment Period Last Month At Point Magu Naval Base

The MQ-8C Fire Scout completed a three week operational assessment period Nov. 20 at Naval Base Ventura County at Point Mugu, California.

Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (12.05.15)

" I never imagined that today one of our 747s would get a second chance and help open access to space. I’m absolutely thrilled that Cosmic Girl can stay in the Virgin family — and truly live up to her name." Source: Virgin Galactic Founder Sir Richard Branson.