Electric Twist on a Wood Favorite

CKD Aero has partnered up with Kite Magnetics to create the Dakota e-Hawk, the “world’s most cost-effective two-seat electric aircraft”. The e-Hawk is intended to be the first in a lineup of kit aircraft using Kite’s KM-60 electric engine and running gear. The KM-60 is much like an old-school piston engine, offering air-cooled, direct drive propulsion with 60 kW (about 80 horsepower). That makes it a perfect fit for CKD Aero's Dakota, making for a 2-seat, high-wing aircraft with all the fueling costs of a golf cart. Some back-of-the-napkin math says that the average flight should 'burn' about $4 worth of electric charge, a much better deal than good old avgas. That will depend on the c

First Powered Flight of TA-1 Hypersonic Test Vehicle A Success

Stratolaunch is reporting that it has successfully completed the first powered flight of the Talon-A test vehicle, TA-1. This first flight represents a major milestone in the development of the country's first privately funded, reusable hypersonic test capability. Primary objectives for the flight test included accomplishing safe air-launch release of the TA-1 vehicle, engine ignition, acceleration, sustained climb in altitude, and a controlled water landing. "Today was a great day for the Stratolaunch team. I am extremely proud of their perseverance to reach this point. The successful outcome of the test is a direct result of the team’s technical prowess and professionalism

NAVAIR Reports That It Has Diligently Worked With The USAF-Led Investigation

The Naval Air Systems Command has issued a flight clearance for the V-22 Osprey, thereby lifting its grounding. This decision follows a meticulous and data-driven approach prioritizing the safety of applicable aircrews. A U.S. Air Force investigation began following the tragic loss of eight Airmen during the November 29, 2023, mishap off Yakushima, Japan. In response to the preliminary investigation indicating a materiel failure of a V-22 component, the V-22 grounding was initiated on December 6, 2023. The grounding provided time for a thorough review of the mishap and formulation of risk mitigation controls to assist with safely returning the V-22 to fligh

"Blue Marlin" and "Thunderbird" Make Their Way to Customers

German LSA replica manufacturer Scalewings completed two more examples of their SW-51 Mustang, shipping them off to customers in South Africa and Texas. The team is looking forward to the exhibition circuit this year, coming hot off the heels of expansions to their production facility. Scalewings highlighted some of their recent investments into the improved throughput, hopefully ready to cash in on fresh orders at next month's Sun 'n Fun. "Since late 2022," the company said in a recent update, "we invested great amounts of time and capital into creating a next-level production output to match the high demand of the aircraft. We knew this would not be an easy task, understanding that

UAV Industry Dusting Off Sidelined Designs in Search of Smaller, Lighter Powerplants 

The legendary sound of the old V-1 of WWII fame is back, except this time it's powering an...uncrewed, combat-ready UAV. Okay, so most everything about it is the same when it comes to the broad strokes, but in this case, the simple fact is that the autonomous aspects of drones have finally caught up to the point where having a super cheap, simplistic jet engine makes sense. North American Wave Engine Corporation got some civilian attention with the publication of its civilian-spec pulsejet engines, using their J-1 engine atop a very familiar silhouette.

Model 505 Ready to Clock in on Pipeline Patrol

A nicely outfitted Bell 505 was tendered to air oversight company Aerial Patrol, further empowering their mission of providing major power and energy providers throughout the USA with all the sky-bound support they need. Aerial Patrol handles the usual stuff like pipeline patrol and aerial photography, but they can be tapped in to provide helo-based critical incident support. The new 505 will be put solely on pipeline patrol, making the rounds all along the lines that ferry power throughout the state.

"BS" Module Offers Even Lighter, Cheaper Compliance

Dronetag announced a new offering among their portfolio of Remote ID broadcast modules, the 'Basic Solution'. The 'BS', as the Czechs unfortunately abbreviate it, tips the scales at a nigh invisible 0.035 ounces, or a single gram, making it the "tiniest and lightest remote ID solution on the current market". The module can be had as a standalone purchase for $85 or in a combined pack with enclosure, battery, charger, and antenna for 99 bucks, though they say that's more of a limited-time introductory price. Knowing their American audience, at least, Dronetag says that the upgrade to the full package comes in "at the price of a single BigMac menu", proving that Euro manufacturers really can m

Oshkosh Attendees Urged to Use Program to Minimize Crowding

The Express Arrival program for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 has been detailed, helping EAA members and their guests with pre-purchased admission move through the admission gates faster. It's a very familiar system for those who have been to an amusement park in the last 20 years, allowing attendees to get their tickets in advance and waltz on through the waiting lines. The first Express Arrival program began in 2021 in response to the then-vital interpersonal distance requirements that governed all public events, but the convenience and ease quickly became popular enough to keep it going.

Flight Instructor Attempted To Restore Power By Manipulating The Throttle; However, The Engine Did Not Regain Power

On February 27, 2024, at 1622 eastern standard time, a Cirrus Design Corp SR20, N485DA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sanford, Florida. The pilot receiving instruction was seriously injured, and the flight instructor and a back seat observing pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight departed Sanford International Airport (SFB), Sanford, Florida, at 1718 for an instrument training lesson. On the return flight to SFB, the pilot under instruction was “under the hood” conducting an instrument a

From 2015 (YouTube Version): One of Aviation’s Greatest Efforts Expands Our Ranks With Inspirational New Flyers

In this short, 2 ½ minute video, you’ll see and hear Charles Stites, who is the Executive Director of Able Flight, as he pins pilot wings on four new able flight students. You’ll also receive an introduction to an organization that takes pride in helping people succeed in ways that were not imagined before. Able Flight was created by pilots who believe that the life-changing experience of learning to fly is best shared, and they designed the Able Flight Scholarships to enable people with disabilities to pursue th

Aero Linx: Michigan Department of Transportation/Aeronautics Aeronautics is an integral part of our transportation system, moving people and goods throughout the world. The airports that support these activities are significant assets and highly important to Michigan’s economy. We now compete globally for opportunities to attract jobs. Good airports play a notable role as people and businesses consider Michigan as a place to live and work. We are dedicated to developing and preserving a safe, high-quality state-wide air transportation system.

"Today was a great day for the Stratolaunch team. I am extremely proud of their perseverance to reach this point. The successful outcome of the test is a direct result of the team’s technical prowess and professionalism... While I can’t share the specific altitude and speed TA-1 reached due to proprietary agreements with our customers, we are pleased to share that in addition to meeting all primary and customer objectives of the flight, we reached high supersonic speeds approaching Mach 5 and collected a great amount of data at an incredible value to our customers...  Source:  Dr. Zachary Krevor, President and CEO of Stratolaunch, following the first powered test flight of their TA-1 hypersonic test vehicle.