Kiwi Researcher Alleges “Yes”

Vincent Lyne, a former researcher at the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) who’s devoted years of his life to studying the MH370 disaster and its cryptic aftermath, alleges he’s pinpointed the location of the doomed airliner’s wreckage. Mr. Lyne asserts that what remains of the MH370 lies at the bottom of “a deep [oceanic] hole about 1,500-kilometers (810-nautical-miles) west of Perth.”

So States DOJ

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday, 02 March 2023, that two U.S. citizens had been arrested in Kansas City for allegedly exporting American aviation technology to Russia. In addition to violating U.S. export controls, the alleged crimes directly contradict ongoing U.S. trade and technological sanctions imposed against Russia in response to Moscow’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The Best of the Eighties in the Early Twenties

It can be argued with confidence that the father of the Ultralight aircraft from which the Light-Sport Aircraft sector arose was Chuck Slusarczyk (slew-ZAR-chick), who created the Hawk—an inspired syncretism of the hang-glider, the J3 Cub, and Daedalus’s better ideas. The CGS abbreviation by which the Hawk moniker is most-often prefixed derives of Mr. Slusarczyk’s earlier business, Chuck’s Glider Supplies, which worked in the medium of hang-gliders.

Company will Hold 4 Divisions to Focus on Avionics, Uncrewed systems, AAM, and Training

Airo will merge with a special purpose acquisition company to kickstart its growth and "address high growth market trends across the aviation & aerospace ecosystem." The merger agreement provides a pathway for Airo to become the AIRO Group, a publicly listed company. The Group will hold 4 key divisions: Advanced Avionics, Electric Air Mobility, Uncrewed Air Systems, and Training. Each will focus on the future aerospace and defense markets along their line of focus. 

Equity?

The U.S. Navy—for the purpose of allegedly facilitating a publicity-stunt, all-female flyover—reportedly booted 12 male aviators previously chosen and confirmed to partake in a 15-aircraft formation flight over 2023’s Super Bowl LVII.

Aviation Industry Group Fosters the Next Generation

The IADA Foundation, the charitable 501c3 run by the International Aircraft Dealers Association has awarded 10 scholarships in its most recent batch. Of the 10 selected, 4 students come from the academic track, working their way to graduation. The other 6 come from the industry already, being employed in the business aviation resale industry by IADA members. Their selection is a perfect example of the industry fostering the next generation, bolstering talent under its own roof to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified people well-versed in the unique focus of the av-biz industry.

"One of its Best Years Ever" Crows Swiss Manufacturer

Pilatus had another good year in 2022, delivering 133 aircraft and raking in new contracts as it sailed upriver against a current of supply chain disruptions. The company delivered 40 PC-24s, 80 PC-12 NGXs, 10 PC-21s and 3 PC-6s overall, while finding more customers and reinforcing previous relationships. The company notes that it "virtually doubled" its business with Tradewind Aviation after receiving their purchase agreement for 20 additional PC-12 NGXs. Overall, the company saw sales of 1.3 billion Swiss francs, with operating income of 226 million francs. Total orders amounted to 1.6 billion Swiss francs, a result the company referred to as a "very positive set of results".

The Guimbal Cabri G2 Makes Inroads

On the hunt for a solid, affordable helicopter, TruFlight Academy selected the Guimbal Cabri G2 as their next flight training platform. Their selection of the Cabri provides a new family-run training option to an area with few other rotary-wing providers in Oklahoma, hopefully at a price point more accessible to students in the area. As most flight training operators know, it's far easier to sell a wet rate when the aircraft is shiny and modern, and TruFlight's chief pilot said the Cabri G2 gave them everything they needed in one aircraft.

Airlines Accede to Biden's Push for Free Family Seating

American Airlines has answered the call to provide no-cost family seating for parents flying with their children. At the tail end of February, President Biden took American Airlines to task on their continual service charges for "family seating", perhaps issuing a shot across the bow at one of the few remaining holdouts in the industry that insisted on charging for the privilege.

New Facility Sees $25 Million Commitment

An FBO network is expanding at its location at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, breaking ground on the first of 3 phases. The expansion of their current Rock Boulevard locale will ultimately involve more than $25 million in investments over its 14-acre span, with 100 jobs created. Once complete, the location will sport 2 more hangars, a terminal, and 10,000 square feet of office space. The new facility comes as part of $500 million in approvals for the airport, which will someday add 2 additional concourses to the area.

About 2,300-2,400 Ft Mean Sea Level, The Engine Abruptly Loss Power And (Pilot) Initiated An Autorotation

On October 1, 2022, about 0543 mountain standard time, a Bell 47G helicopter, N24067, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mesa, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that on the return leg of a local flight, about 2,300-2,400 ft mean sea level, the engine abruptly loss power and he initiated an autorotation and landed on a residential street.

Aero Linx: The Historic Aircraft Association (HAA)

The Historic Aircraft Association (HAA) was founded in 1979 with the aim of furthering the safe flying of historic aircraft in the UK and, later on, supporting the restoration and preservation of these aircraft. The Association, which currently has over 200 active pilot and engineer members, has made a major contribution to General Aviation, ensuring that British flying heritage is kept alive by promoting the safe flying of valuable, historic and heritage aircraft.

Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) [ICAO]

Area navigation based on performance requirements for aircraft operating along an ATS route, on an instrument approach procedure or in a designated airspace.  Note: Performance requirements are expressed in navigation specifications (RNAV specification, RNP specification) in terms of accuracy, integrity, continuity, availability, and functionality needed for the proposed operation in the context of a particular airspace concept.

“Rarely has the company had to operate in such a geopolitically unpredictable period. Never before have we encountered such serious supply chain difficulties. Pilatus has achieved a lot whilst also benefiting from exceptionally high demand for our unique aircraft." Source: Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus, discussing how Pilatus had another good year in 2022, delivering 133 aircraft and raking in new contracts as it sailed upriver against a current of supply chain disruptions.