“The Coast Guard anticipates new aircraft procurements may be based off Sikorsky’s MH-60R aircraft, which is the maritime variant of the H-60 in active production. Differences between the MH-60T and in-production MH-60R will be addressed with Sikorsky to ensure Coast Guard aircraft are delivered with the appropriate capabilities for Coast Guard missions.” Source: From a statement by the Navy, relayed to media, as to how the U.S. Coast Guard will be getting a new version of the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter based on the MH-60R Seahawk that is deployed by the U.S. Navy and other armed forces around the world.

Scheduled for Friday, November 7th at 1800ET, The MOSAIC Town Hall, Webcast At www.airborne-live.net

One of the more intriguing features of the 2025 Affordable Flying Expo, scheduled for November 6-8 at the Sun n Fun Aerospace Expo campus, principally in Hangar A, is a Friday event we call the MOSAIC Town Hall. Scheduled for Friday, November 7th at 1800ET, the MOSAIC Town Hall will be presented in the nearby Prop 75 building and webcast LIVE via www.airborne-live.net and for the attending audience.

Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification Becomes a Final Rule

More than a decade of hard work, legal setbacks, and community advocacy has finally come to fruition, with the Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) legislation officially becoming a final rule on October 22, 2025. Since around three-quarters of the entire general aviation fleet now falls under the sport aviation category, we can confidently say that MOSAIC was well worth the wait.

Illegal Flights Have Grown Since 2014, Shutdown May Have Effect

U.S. National Parks have prohibited the use of drones for any reason – absent a special permit – since 2014, yet increasing numbers of drone pilots have ignored the ban, and there are some reports that it’s gotten noticeably worse since the government shutdown, although that is not entirely clear. Conducting illegal drone flights can lead to penalties of up to $5,000 and six months in jail. The reasons for the rule should be obvious: generally disrupting visits with noise, harassment of both wildlife and humans, and a number of high-profile crashes. However, some drone pilots still selfishly choose to ignore the rules and continue to degrade the national park experience for other people as well as its animal and bird life.

ALPA Rallies Behind Unpaid Controllers, TSA Officers, and Federal Staff

Coming up on a month of government shutdown pains means that thousands of aviation workers are feeling the sting of their first missed paychecks. Air traffic controllers, systems specialists, TSA officers, and other federal employees are still showing up to work without pay… and unions are trying to keep them sane in the meantime.

2,605 Freighter Deliveries Over The Next 20 Years?

The freighter biz is looking healthy... according to Airbus. Airbus’ 2025 Cargo Global Market Forecast (GMF) shows the worldwide fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft rising to 3,420 in the next 20 years, equivalent to a 45% increase. This will be made up of 815 existing freighters and 2,605 additional ones. Of these additional 2,605 freighters, 1,530 will be replacements and 1,075 will be for growth. The additional 2,605 will be split between 1,120 small aircraft, 855 mid-size widebodies, and 630 large widebodies. Overall of the 2,605 additional freighters, 1,670 will be conversions from passenger aircraft and 935 will be new-build freighters.

Foundation for Aviation Safety Pushes for Aircraft Accident Investigation Reform

The Foundation for Aviation Safety has exposed a long-unchanged aviation framework: the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Annex 13 standards for accident investigations. The question that remains is whether the system has been left alone because it works, or simply left behind in the chaos.

Rotating Detonation Engine Could Change Efficiency Game

Venus Aerospace announced that Lockheed Martin has provided a strategic investment to further the development of its rotating detonation rocket engine (RDRE), an innovative propulsion system it says could revolutionize propulsion and remake efficiency in space and defense systems.

During Cruise Flight At 4,500 Ft, The Engine Stopped Producing Power Without Any Warning

On October 4, 2025, about 2130 central daylight time, a Lancair 320 airplane, N431M, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Huron, Indiana. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that during cruise flight at 4,500 ft, the engine stopped producing power without any warning. He attempted to restore engine power by increasing the mixture control to the fully rich position, adjusting the throttle position, and turning on the electric fuel pump. 

Aero Linx: Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA)

ARSA is devoted to the worldwide civil aviation maintenance industry—from its global corporations to the small, independent businesses. ARSA members are located on five continents and in nearly 20 countries. The association’s experts create tools for members to navigate the maze of government mandates while enhancing safety, efficiency and productivity.