The Show Will Go On - But Without The Migs, Antonovs, & Sukhois

Amid a series of cancellations and bans, Farnborough International, the operator of the UK airshow, has closed the event to Russian participation. The group issued a short but clear statement, saying their move was predicated on the continuing combat in eastern Europe. "Following the on-going events taking place in Eastern Europe, we have made the decision to suspend Russian participation at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow, taking place in July. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, and everyone affected by the current situation. We continue to hope for a timely and peaceful resolution." 

Bensen Days to be Held Once Again in Wauchula, Florida

The Bensen Days Event is on for 2022, an event jam packed with half a week of all things gyroplanes. Each year, the Bensen team puts together a weekend of rotorcraft education, safety, and fun to promote the use and enjoyment of gyroplanes throughout the aviation industry. Named for the creator of the original Gyrocopter, Igor Bensen, the event aims to "once and for all eliminate the phrase 'Gyroplanes...the best kept secret in aviation!" While gyros are the primary focus of the weekend, other rotorcraft are welcome, thanks to the considerable degree of overlap between the two bodies of pilots.

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The RV series of homebuilt aircraft have a special occasion at Oshkosh this year, as the 69th EAA fly-in convention coincides with 50 years on the market. The RV-3 debuted in 1972 as a lightweight, robust offering that eventually grew to become a defining force in the kit and light sport plane market. Richard VanGrunsven's baby will be a major player in this year's AirVenture festivities this July, with special Fan's RV parking areas, multiple forums, workshops, and deep dives into the aircraft, as well as participation in the air shows. The industry consensus around the co

Would-Be Driver Blew 0.14 When Pulled from Flight Deck

A Jetblue pilot was pulled from the cockpit just before takeoff, said a Niagara Falls Transportation Authority presser. A TSA officer noticed the pilot's inebriated appearance, and brought the matter to police attention. The 52-year old pilot blew a o.17 on a breathalyzer test, a fair measure beyond the 0.04 limit for pilots. He was removed from the flight and tendered to JetBlue security, expected to face federal charges as well. He maintained that he had not drunk the day of the flight, but had "7 or 8 drinks" the night before.

Also: GAMA Report, BizJet Market Analysis, Czech-Bell Heli Deal, Honda Aircraft

The RV series of homebuilt aircraft have a special occasion at Oshkosh this year, as the 69th EAA fly-in convention coincides with 50 years on the market. The RV-3 debuted in 1972 as a lightweight, robust offering that eventually grew to become a defining force in the kit and light sport plane market. Richard VanGrunsven's baby will be a major player in this year's AirVenture festivities this July, with special Fan's RV parking areas, multiple forums, workshops, and deep dives into the aircraft, as well as participation in the air shows. The industry consensus around the co

New Conditions Grant 25-22% Pay Increase, Improved Work Rules

The Air Line Pilots Association has completed its work with CommutAir, bringing forth a new collective bargaining agreement that goes into effect on March 2nd. Over 83% of the CommutAir pilot base voted on the new contract, with an impressive 92% voting in favor of ratification. The 4-year agreement will improve nearly every facet of a pilot's CommutAir career: An increase in pay rates, better retirement, more time off, and higher quality of life. The new agreement nets a 25% pay bump for captains, and 32% for first officers, an impressive boost that should go a long way in retaining skilled pilots at the firm. 

Finds Fuel Economy Increase of 1.4% When Using Routing, Reduced Wear

Etihad Airways announced the integration of the Jeppesen FliteDeck Advisor system into their fleet of 787 Dreamliners in an effort to increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro is the Boeing subsidiary's more corporate, upscale EFB application that offers many of the usual benefits of tablet apps: moving airport maps with granular, updated information for quick reference; en route weather information with satellite coverage; and routing assistance using Jeppesen's secret sauce.

Resurgent Sales of Kodiak, TBM Aircraft making Record Numbers

While still a relatively niche operation compared to other movers and shakers in the light turboprop market, Daher reports promising increases in sales since 2021. Last year, deliveries for the TBM series topped 51 planes of TBM 940 and 910 versions, as well as a fleet order for 4 940s bound for the French government-run flight test group. The majority of the metal moved was bound once again for North America, which accounted for 39 aircraft in total, with a smattering of European states rounding out the rest of the numbers. 

From 2019 (YouTube Version): A Week-Long Program Open To Young People Ages 13-19

The Academy of Model Aeronautics offers a lot of programs designed to foster interest in model aviation. One of those is Camp AMA, a week-long summer camp program at the organization's headquarters in Muncie, IN. According to the AMA website, the cost of the camp includes instruction time, meals, lodging, and nighttime activities. Campers will get the chance to work personally with some of the best RC pilots in the world, including Nick Maxwell, Andrew Jesky, AC Glenn, and RJ Gritter. The AMA Youth Ambassadors will help the campers work on techniques,

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Some interesting rumblings are afoot, according to the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). A screen grab from a rumored FAA presentation has been making the rounds as an early "pre-decisional proposal." The proposal? Eliminate expirations for flight instructors and simultaneously restrict "exercising the privilege" based on required activity and experience like any other pilot certificate. SAFE notes that it's far too soon for CFI's to celebrate the change, since it will have to go through "a very long official NPRM – comment – process" before ma

A Sudden Violent Shaking And Vibration Was Experienced, Which Was Followed By A Loss Of Engine Power

On February 19, 2022, at 1310 eastern standard time, a Robinson Helicopter R44, N544SB, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Miami Beach, Florida. The pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries. The helicopter was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot reported that he had departed a helipad in Marathon, Florida and was returning along the coastline to his base airport of North Perry Airport (HWO), Hollywood, Florida. As the flight path began paralleling the South Miami Beach area over water, a sudden violent shaking and vib

AD 2022-02-03 Applies To CFM International, S.A. CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B Model Turbofan Engines With Certain AGB

The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. The AD applies to CFM International, S.A. CFM56-3 and CFM56-7B model turbofan engines with certain accessory gearbox assembly (AGB) not equipped with a dynamic oil seal assembly in the handcranking pad. As published, the part numbers (P/Ns) listed in paragraph (i)(2)(i) are incorrect. This document corrects that error. In all other respects, the original document remains the same; however, for clarity, the FAA is publishing the entire rule in the Federal Register. This correction is effective March 22, 2022. The effective date of AD 2022-02-03 rem

Aero Linx: Flying Wings of Louisiana Rusty Lavergne is the founder of Flying Wings of Louisiana along with his wife and co-founder, Kelly Lavergne. Rusty is a former Army Blackhawk Helicopter pilot and has been fulfilling his passion of aviation by  flying helicopters for the past 24 years. Rustys love of aviation has led him to flying fixed wing airplanes where he has acquired many ratings. Having raised their 3 sons, Rusty and Kelly are ready for another chapter in life of giving back. Cancer has affected both of their families and they decided to help by supporting the smallest victims, the children. Flying Wings will serve pediatric cancer patients and their families in the local area.

Stand By Means the controller or pilot must pause for a few seconds, usually to attend to other duties of a higher priority. Also means to wait as in “stand by for clearance.” The caller should reestablish contact if a delay is lengthy. “Stand by” is not an approval or denial.

"Following the on-going events taking place in Eastern Europe, we have made the decision to suspend Russian participation at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow, taking place in July. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, and everyone affected by the current situation. We continue to hope for a timely and peaceful resolution."  Source: From the Farnborough Airshow... who amid a series of cancellations and bans, the operator of the UK airshow, has closed the event to Russian participation.