Spaceplane Checks Off Several Pre-Flight Tests at Kennedy Space Center

Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser spaceplane has cleared another round of pre-flight milestones at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, bringing the lifting-body vehicle a step closer to the skies. The company has been running the spacecraft through a long list of test campaigns ahead of its debut under NASA’s CRS-2 cargo contract.

ALPA Now Calls for FAA Protections in Future Government Closures

The federal government’s reopening after a 43-day shutdown was cause for widespread celebration throughout the industry, which was on the brink of collapse as thousands of flights were chopped each day it dragged on. For unions, the excitement was quickly replaced with the urge to protect aviation when a repeat inevitably occurs.

ALPA Now Calls for FAA Protections in Future Government Closures

The federal government’s reopening after a 43-day shutdown was cause for widespread celebration throughout the industry, which was on the brink of collapse as thousands of flights were chopped each day it dragged on. For unions, the excitement was quickly replaced with the urge to protect aviation when a repeat inevitably occurs. The Air Line Pilots Association, which represents more than 80,000 pilots across the US and Canada, is leading the charge. Specifically, the union is calling on Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Stability Act, which would allow the FAA to continue operating during funding lapses by drawing from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund (AATF).

Brazilian Air Force And Saab Partner On Flight Test Campaign

Embraer and Saab, along with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), successfully completed the certification flight test campaign for in-flight refueling of the Gripen E fighter jet by the KC-390 Millennium multi-role aircraft.

Flag Carrier Becomes First Type Customer In Chinese Mainland

Airbus announced that Air China Cargo signed a purchase agreement for six A350F freighter aircraft to become the first customer in the Chinese mainland to order the all-new A350F. Air China Cargo is China’s only flag-carrying freight operator, with flights in North China, East China, South China, and Southeast China as well as to destinations in the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.

Pilot’s Improper Installation Of The Control Stick Pushrod Assemblies, Which Resulted In Separation Of The Left Pushrod And A Total Loss Of Roll Control

Analysis: While returning to the airport from a routine pleasure flight, the pilot of the experimental lightsport airplane reported a total flight control failure while maneuvering to land. Data from the onboard electronic flight instrument system and witness statements indicated that after turning from the crosswind to the downwind leg, the airplane entered an uncontrolled descending left turn consistent with a spin or spiral, culminating in a collision with a warehouse roof about 0.75 mile from the runway threshold.

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): A New Cure for an Old Woe

Developed by Alberta, Canada-based Airworthiness Resources Corporation (arc), the arc Quikex (Quick Exit) is a Transport Canada-Approved Cessna 206 forward cargo door modification. Certified under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA20-34 and marketed formally as the Split Forward Cargo Door Window, arc’s Quikex modification allows Cessna 206 passengers to quickly and safely disembark the aircraft in emergency situations by opening the airplane’s forward cargo door—regardless of flap position.

Royal Jordanian Air Force Also Gets Computer-Based Training And Support

TRU Simulation + Training announced the delivery of a Bell 505 Flight Training Device to the Royal Jordanian Air Force. The FTD and its integrated computer-based training package for basic and advanced rotorcraft flight training are part of a recent purchase of 10 Bell 505 helicopters to the RJAF.

Aero Linx: The Mooney Mite Site Dedicated to the Mooney M-18 Mite, "The Most Personal Airplane," and to supporting Mite owners everywhere. The Mooney M-18 Mite is a single-place, low-wing monoplane with retractable, tricycle landing gear. It is mainly of fabric-covered wood construction designed for the general aviation market and offering extremely low operating costs. It has a wingspan of 26.8 feet, a length of 17.7 feet, an empty weight of 520 pounds, a maximum weight of 850 pounds, and a range of 350 miles or more.

NonApproach Control Tower Authorizes aircraft to land or takeoff at the airport controlled by the tower or to transit the Class D airspace. The primary function of a nonapproach control tower is the sequencing of aircraft in the traffic pattern and on the landing area. Nonapproach control towers also separate aircraft operating under instrument flight rules clearances from approach controls and centers. They provide ground control services to aircraft, vehicles, personnel, and equipment on the airport movement area.