B-29 Fifi and B-24 Diamond Lil Need Some More Hangar Attention Ahead of Show

In an update to those looking forward to the upcoming 2024 Sun 'n Fun exhibition, some bad news will rain on the parade a bit. The Commemorative Air Force, their stewards and caretakers, found a few more items they need to address to keep the birds airworthy in the midst of their regular winter maintenance. Unfortunately, both the CAF AirPower History Tour B-29 Superfortress"FiFi" and the B-24 Liberator "Diamond Lil" need to be grounded for a time in order to keep them in continued airworthy condition. It's a natural outcome of aircraft with the better part of a century under their belt - they need some long-discontinued parts and very niche know-how to keep them in

Prep For The Next Event Is Already Underway, Including The Selection Of 32 Drone Pilots  

Our friends at the Fédération Aéronautique International (FAI) have confirmed that drone racing will be featured at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. The event is scheduled for right after Oshkosh 2025, on August 7-17, 2025. The FAI notes that this follows the earlier debut of drone racing at the 2022 games in Birmingham, Alabama. Although the venue is currently unknown, the FAI stated that preparations for the next event are already underway, including the selection of 32 drone pilots.  

2025 Budget Proposal 'Invests in Aviation Safety' 

After attacking business aviation at the State of the Union address, the Biden administration is crowing about the new FAA budget... which it doesn't feel that BizAv (or GA for that matter), is paying enough for. Hold on to your wallets... The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget request to Congress will reportedly build on the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety priorities by allowing the agency to hire more air traffic controllers, modernize the nation’s infrastructure, and strengthen the agency’s safety oversight. “Our number one priority is safety. This budget will provide the FAA with the necessary resources to continue our essential safety work,&rdquo

"If this Passes, US Operators Would No Longer Be Able to Access New DJI Drones"

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI took issue with a recent move in Congress, the "Countering CCP Drones Act", introduced by Elise Stefanik. The legislation would add DJI's parent company, Shenzhen Da-Jiang Innovations Sciences and Technologies, as well as any subsidiary or affiliate to the list of banned brands of communications equipment under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019. That would absolutely kneecap DJI's presence in the US market, requiring considerable workarounds to even consider sticking around in the market with DJI-manufactured equipment. Stefanik said that there's a profound national security risk in allowing foreign data coll

It Is The Fourth Airbus Eurostar Neo Satellite Delivered

The Airbus-built EUTELSAT 36D geostationary telecommunications satellite has been shipped from Toulouse, France to Sanford, Florida, USA, on board an Airbus BelugaST (A300-600ST). Its next step is the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida, where it will be launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 later this month. With the advent of the new BelugaXL, based on the larger A330-200 platform, the A300-600 based BelugaST fleet is now fully available for outsized freight transport services globally. EUTELSAT 36D is based on the latest generation Eurostar Neo geostationary telecommunications satellite and will provide TV broadcasting (DTH) and government services over Africa (includin

Strike Chances Slim, But Signal’s Sent Anyway

FedEx Express pilots have requested that the National Mediation Board release them from mediation, a move that presages a strike. While the news is certainly dramatic and eye-catching, it's quite unlikely a strike would ever come to fruition. Even so, it sends a clear message to FedEx corporate that the pilot base is ready to rock and roll if they're let off the chain by the Mediation Board.

Another In-Flight Connectivity Option Arises for Operators

Clay Lacy Aviation has joined the Starlink family as an authorized dealer/installer for the brand, adding the capability to its MRO facilities in Los Angeles and Oxford, Connecticut. The LEO satellite uplink allows full-featured internet connections at cruise, offering 4k video streaming, real-time calls, gaming, and VPN support without loss of capability. It's a new move in the in-flight connectivity market, since Starlink hasn't been too gung-ho on getting into the business. Most news has pertained to the tit-for-tat competition between Gogo Business Aviation and Smartsky Networks, both looking to offer a range of sat-based and/or air-to-ground 5G networks that could put up stiff co

Klyde Deals With The Underbelly of the Political System

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Also: Tamarack Cleared, Boeing & Spirit, Veris VR Flight Simulator, New IAC Boss

The Colorado Pilots Association has called upon its members, friends, and stakeholders throughout the state to push back on the imposition of HB24-1235, "Reduce Aviation Impacts on Communities" in its current form. They contend that the "bill would be bad not just for Colorado aviation, but as a precedent nationwide," thanks to stipulations that are decidedly unfriendly to aviation as a whole. The bill has a handful of elements and grant establishing mechanisms nestled inside that could very easily be used to stifle aviation operations and further regulate smaller

Also: Tamarack Cleared, Boeing & Spirit, Veris VR Flight Simulator, New IAC Boss

The Colorado Pilots Association has called upon its members, friends, and stakeholders throughout the state to push back on the imposition of HB24-1235, "Reduce Aviation Impacts on Communities" in its current form. They contend that the "bill would be bad not just for Colorado aviation, but as a precedent nationwide," thanks to stipulations that are decidedly unfriendly to aviation as a whole. The bill has a handful of elements and grant establishing mechanisms nestled inside that could very easily be used to stifle aviation operations and further regulate smaller airfie

The Powered Paraglider Operator Impacted The Cessna’S Right Wing Leading Edge, Outboard Of The Lift Strut Attachment Point

Analysis: A Cessna 208B airplane collided with a powered paraglider during cruise flight at 5,000 feet mean sea level (msl) in Class E airspace. Based on video evidence, the powered paraglider operator impacted the Cessna’s right wing leading edge, outboard of the lift strut attachment point. The outboard 10 ft of the Cessna’s right wing separated during the collision. The Cessna impacted terrain at high vertical speed in a steep nose-down and inverted attitude. The powered paraglider operator was found separated from his seat style harness. The paraglider wing, harness, and emergency parachu

From 2021 (YouTube Version): ANN Talks With Chris Hearne, Sr VP of Engineering and Programs, Textron Aviation

Designed in partnership with FedEx, the Cessna Sky Courier was on display at Oshkosh and we talked to Chris Hearne, Sr VP of Engineering and Programs at Textron Aviation to get more details. “FedEx has an order of 50, plus an order for 50 options. Our relationship goes back to the early 80’s and we have just embraced that over the years and having them at the very beginning of this program give us that customer input that has just been invaluable to the team. They truly have their fingerprints all over thi

Aero Linx: Aero Sports Connection

Aero Sports Connection (ASC) demonstrates its unwavering support for the ultralight community through a range of initiatives. ASC is entirely volunteer-based, with no salaries involved, underscoring its commitment to the cause. As a tax-exempt non-profit organization, ASC focuses on offering cost-effective programs and benefits. For instance, ASC Pilot Ratings and “detailed ratings” are available for a one-time fee, ensuring they don't expire. These ratings are conveniently listed on an ASC card, eliminating the need for internet access.

Charted Visual Flight Procedure Approach An approach conducted while operating on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan which authorizes the pilot of an aircraft to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport via visual landmarks and other information depicted on a charted visual flight procedure. This approach must be authorized and under the control of the appropriate air traffic control facility. Weather minimums required are depicted on the chart.

“FedEx pilots have been delivering the world on time for years. We have already earned a new agreement, and this step is an intentional demonstration of our unwavering determination to achieve the recognition we deserve." Source: Captain Billy Wilson, chair of the FedEx ALPA Master Executive Council, commenting after FedEx Express pilots have requested that the National Mediation Board release them from mediation, a move that presages a strike.