Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD

This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World War II aviation as the EAA launches a nationwide tour with its restored B-25 Mitchell bomber, known as the "Berlin Express." The Berlin Express will begin its journey at the TBM Avenger Reunion in Peru, Illinois, from May 16-19, before moving on to other locations including Cincinnati, Ohio; Olathe, Kansas; Rockford, Illinois; and Madison, Wisconsin. Textron Inc. reported a solid financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, indicating a strong start to the year with notable gains across its primary business segments. The conglomerate announced a net income of $1.03 per share, up from $0.92 in the same period last year. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the delivery of the first two G700 aircraft, marking a significant milestone with the rapid customer deploym

Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal

To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. Lakeland’s Airport reported that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport, notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations..." After months of wrangling, an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation prioritizes investments to strengthen aviation safety standards, enhance consumer protections, advance technology and innovation, and build a modern, well-trained, safety-centric workforce. The US Parachute Association tells us that whether you have thousands of jumps, or skydiving is on your bucket list,

Evaluations Aim to Build Experience in Battery Flight for AFWERX Program

The 96th Test Wing of the US Air Force published a handful of shots illustrating its test flights of their new battery-powered Pipistrel Felix Electro, showing two fatigued airmen squished into the 2-seat LSA. The program sees about 20 volunteers put the aircraft through its paces at Eglin AFB, in town for a 3-week tour. Those involved are taking plenty of notes and observations about what works for the aircraft, helping to build a base of knowledge for the AFWERX program, among others.

Some Good, Some Bad, but the FAA is Here to Stay

The Regional Airline Association commented on the recent bipartisan reauthorization of the FAA, thanking everyone involved in keeping the industry going a few years more. RAA president and CEO Faye Malarkey Black highlighted a few of the most standout aspects of the upcoming legislation, commenting on some of the most interesting aspects of what's to come. With the RAA's pet themes seeing mprovements on one hand, and hamperings on another, this year's reauthorization seems to be a little bit of a mixed bag.

Also: Virgin Galactic, B-29 Doc to Allentown, Erickson Fire-Fighters Bought, FAA Reauthorization

After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to discontinue the manufacture of the Bushcat, the Knoll family (AeroSport) has come up with a heck of a second act... and it should be a strong one. Advanced Powerplant Solutions, LLC (APS), under the new ownership of Jeremy and Daniela Knoll has acquired Leading Edge Air Foils, LLC (LEAF). Better yet, effective immediately, APS will serve as the ROTAX independent Service Centre for the Central United States. The Popular Rotorcraft Association is reaching out for help in rebuilding their private runway in Mentone, IN -- the home of the PRA, itself. "We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help. We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting effect on the gyro comm

Also: NAAA Asks UAVs To Give Way, Viasat-uAvionix, Oshkosh Defense, Wright Intros WEAETC

Skydweller Aero successfully completed the first flight of its solar-powered aircraft, the Skydweller, earlier this month. This groundbreaking aircraft, which boasts a wingspan exceeding that of a Boeing 747, undertook its inaugural flight autonomously--without any human pilot onboard or in direct control--from Stennis International Airport in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. VoltAero has commenced certification testing for the innovative electric-hybrid powertrain of its Cassio 330 aircraft. This testing phase marks a crucial step in the development of the Cassio e-aircraft family, specifically tailored for the five-seat Cassio 330. The Vertical Flight Society Selected the Winners of this year's Design-Build-Vertical Flight Student Competition, sending the team from Texas A&M home with the gold. The competition assesses student's ability to draft, develop, and c

Finish Supplier Gets an 'Attaboy' from Biggest Name in US Aviation

Aero Fluid Power was selected under Boeing's Premier Bidder Program, recognizing its "consistently high-performing suppliers" with a nice little title and preferential treatment. The Premier Bidder Program aims to 'strengthen Boeing's commitment to first-pass quality', granting selected recipients improved visibility towards upcoming bids, additional weight in proposal consideration, and access to exclusive supplier events with the manufacturer. 

Drone Systems Keep Moving Off the Shelves As Planners Learn Painful Lessons Abroad

AgEagle Aerial Systems will ship 40 of its eBee VISION systems, along with 9 more eBees, with all the parts, support, connections, control stations, and miscellany required to keep the fleet operational in French army service. The eBee Vision is a sensible choice for the French army, offering a fixed-wing, single-engine camera platform with 32x zoom, HD video capture, and thermal imaging as standard fitment. Add in semiautonomous operations, scanning, and targeting and it makes sense that the platform can be a strong force multiplier when used as a small, mobile scouting unit. 

Nifty Little Cargo Drone Takes Flight

The US Marine Corps’ latest toy is coming along nicely in the form of Kaman Corporation's latest autonomous delivery vehicle, the KARGO UAV. The platform just had its first successful flight test, proving its mettle as a medium-lift multi rotor drone that can be airdropped from afar in order to resupply far-flung units. The KARGO looks much like an upscaled civilian drone sporting 4 arms and rotors with a stubby but streamlined fuselage to carry its components. An underslung cargo pod provides about 800 pounds of payload accessible from the ground. Kaman says the full package is good for a 121-knot top speed, a ceiling of 10,000 feet, and a 500-nautical mile range.

Student Pilot Reported That During Rotation, “All Of A Sudden The Back Of The Plane Kicked To The Right..."

Analysis: The student pilot reported that during rotation, “all of a sudden the back of the plane kicked to the right and at the same time caused me to takeoff [to] the left.” He attempted to abort the takeoff; however, the airplane impacted marsh terrain adjacent to the left side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to right wing and main wing spar.