NPRM In the Pipeline Would See CFI Currency Treated Like Other Pilot Privileges

Some interesting rumblings are afoot, according to the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators (SAFE). A screen grab from a rumored FAA presentation has been making the rounds as an early "pre-decisional proposal" thought to be a surreptitious test of public opinion and discussion starter online. The proposal? Eliminate expirations for flight instructors and simultaneously restrict "exercising the privilege" based on required activity and experience like any other pilot certificate. 

Special Parking, Courses, Speakers Will Review Half A Century of RV-Series Passion

The RV series of homebuilt aircraft have a special occasion at Oshkosh this year, as the 69th EAA fly-in convention coincides with 50 years on the market. The RV-3 debuted in 1972 as a lightweight, robust offering that eventually grew to become a defining force in the kit and light sport plane market. Richard VanGrunsven's baby will be a major player in this year's AirVenture festivities this July, with special Fan's RV parking areas, multiple forums, workshops, and deep dives into the aircraft, as well as participation in the air shows. The company's growth has led to a range of RV-derived aircraft, like the latest RV-12 and 14. The sale of completed SLSA's ha

From "Unmanned" to "Uncrewed", Industry Trade Group Aims to Promote Inclusivity

AUVSI, or the now former Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems, has announced its name change into the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems in order "to reflect ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusivity," effective immediately. The association says the change will bring additional talent in the business. “In this groundbreaking industry, we know that inclusivity accelerates innovation,” said Mignonne Hollis, Chair of the new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisory group.

Also: Skyborne Placements, Drone Training Course, T-45 Trainer Upgrades, NGPA Winter Expo

Radek Wyrzykowski, now former Senior Program Manager over the EAA's Flight Proficiency Program, sent us his letter of resignation after the rumor mill began the usual gossip, assumptions, and tall tales. His work as Chief Flight Instructor presaged his upward trajectory as founder of the IMC Club International, until its acquisition by the EAA. His transition into a management role there saw an expansion of the club to VMC pilots as well. Wyrzykowski's statement is all we currently have to go on, and Wyrzykowski maintains that the resignation given to management in

Packable UAS Searches for Cell and Wireless Signals to Find Lost Hikers

An integrated, communications-seeking drone has been developed for Teledyne FLIR Defense drones. The Robotics Centre Echo Search and Rescue payload enables the drone to canvass areas of wilderness while attempting to connect to mobile devices of those lost or injured individuals being searched for.  Once contact is made with their devices, an immediate line of communication can be made, allowing for rapid response and rescue.

Tuskegee 180-Degree Film Theater Available at Wings Over the Rockies for Limited Time

To commemorate Black History Month for 2022, the Denver, Colorado museum Wings over the Rockies has announced it will host a stop on the Commemorative Air Force's "Rise Above" Traveling Exhibit, a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen at the museum this week. Announcing the appearance, Wings Over the Rockies briefed prospective attendees on the chance to see the CAF original short film exclusive to the traveling exhibit. Rise Above was filmed on a 180-degree lens with the end result specifically designed to go hand in hand with the theater's layout. The resulting film is an experience as close to actual flight as a seated viewer can feel. 

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Caribbean Flying Adventures founder Jim Parker told interested aviators that recent developments in the Cayman Islands have been surprisingly unfriendly to continued operation of private aviation in the region. His outfit leads continuous voyages of multiple privately owned and operated aircraft to locations throughout the Caribbean, from the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, and even Cuba. Operations all over the region have been subjected to a series of pandemic-inspired changes and fees, bringing tremendous headache and hassle to the o

From 2015 (YouTube version): Innovation, Such As That Seen At Avilution, Is As Much An Evolutionary Process As It Is Revolutionary

At Sun ‘n Fun 2015, ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, came across a company by the name of Avilution and talked with its founder, Mark Spencer. Avilution is in the process of developing an aircraft avionics and flight display system that does what you expect in all such systems, but they do it in a different way. Avilution had an aircraft on display with a system that looked like a typical glass cockpit that included the MFD and the PFD. However, Spencer says these are sim

Also: Lockheed Drops Aerojet, El Al Assists Ukraine Evac, Upset Recovery at APS, Ocean St Air Show Canceled

Caribbean Flying Adventures founder Jim Parker told interested aviators that recent developments in the Cayman Islands have been surprisingly unfriendly to continued operation of private aviation in the region. His outfit leads continuous voyages of multiple privately owned and operated aircraft to locations throughout the Caribbean, from the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Antigua, and even Cuba. Operations all over the region have been subjected to a series of pandemic-inspired changes and fees, bringing tremendous headache and hassle to the o

In-House Pilot Farm Buys Another 25 Single Engines, Plans for 50 More

United Airlines has seen significant interest in their new flight school, the United Aviate Academy, with over 12,000 student applications being sent to the school in a matter of months. To meet the increase in demand, the school has announced the addition of 25 single engine aircraft to its current fleet, bringing their total to 50. The deal includes the option to obtain another 50 of the same, should the school feel it needs them. Another recent addition saw the purchase of 7 new Frasca simulators for installation in April, including a few with 220-degree wraparound screens for additional realism in training. 

Also: Skyborne Placements, Drone Training Course, T-45 Trainer Upgrades, NGPA Winter Expo

Radek Wyrzykowski, now former Senior Program Manager over the EAA's Flight Proficiency Program, sent us his letter of resignation after the rumor mill began the usual gossip, assumptions, and tall tales. His work as Chief Flight Instructor presaged his upward trajectory as founder of the IMC Club International, until its acquisition by the EAA. His transition into a management role there saw an expansion of the club to VMC pilots as well. Wyrzykowski's statement is all we currently have to go on, and Wyrzykowski maintains that the resignation given to management in

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Singapore UAV manufacturer Steadicopter has released the specifications of its Black Eagle 50H, the first of its Rotary UAS family. The helicopter is designed for anything from law enforcement, maritime surveillance, civilian survey, and special low profile missions. The Black Eagle is a hybrid featuring elements of the company's all-electric 50E and its gas-powered 50, resulting in a cost-effective, long-legged platform. Steadicopter says the Black Eagle can fly up to 5 hours at a time... Jaunt Air Mobility is one of 11 companies that won a United States

On Final Approach About 300 To 400 Ft, He Reported The Airplane “Experienced Some Sink.”

On January 1, 2022, about 1211 eastern daylight time, a Mooney M20C, N79396, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Arcadia, Florida. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he performed a preflight and verified he had sufficient fuel onboard for his flight. After an uneventful flight he entered the traffic pattern for runway 24.

Aero Linx: Second Chance Air Second Chance Air is a 501(c)3 is a Non-Profit Corporation founded in December 2019. Our board of directors and founding members have a combination of over two decades of US Military no-fail aviation experience is some of the most challenging environments across the globe while our civilian members follow the same spirit, determination, and commitment to our mission. Our no-fail mindset is applied to combat the ongoing battle that claims 2,400,000 victims each year. With your help, we are taking this fight to the skies, to provide zero cost airplane transportation for rescue animals. An estimated 3,500 brick-and-mortar animal rescue organizations are o

Road Reconnaissance (RC) Military activity requiring navigation along roads, railroads, and rivers. Reconnaissance route/route segments are seldom along a straight line and normally require a lateral route width of 10 NM to 30 NM and an altitude range of 500 feet to 10,000 feet AGL.

“While aircraft kits have existed for more than a century, it was 50 years ago that Richard VanGrunsven introduced a model that would move the homebuilt movement into an age where kit aircraft would become dominant. Today, more than 11,000 completed RV models are the direct descendants of that first RV-3 in 1972. We invite all of them to be present at Oshkosh as we celebrate a half-century of success.” Source: Charlie Becker, EAA homebuilt community manager, describing the RV series as a keystone of the kit market.