Europe Has Experienced an Uptick in Unidentified Drones Impeding Air Traffic

German regulators are pushing forward a law that would allow police officers to shoot drones out of the sky. The legislation follows an unexpected increase in sightings of unidentified drones over major airports, hospitals, and other facilities.

Charter Company Blames GE, Bombardier, Learjet for Engine Corrosion

Hop-A-Jet Worldwide Jet Charter is coming after multiple major business aviation providers, including General Electric and Bombardier, for negligence and concealment related to a 2024 crash that resulted in the death of two of its pilots. A probe into the accident claims that the dual engine failure was caused by known corrosion.

Threats Force Air Ambulances to Reroute, Delaying Medical Service

A social-media call for people to point laser beams at aircraft flying over Portland’s ICE facility led authorities to treat the post as a credible threat and adjust emergency operations. Officials say the “laser event”, planned for the evening of October 11, could have endangered aircrew, forced medical-flight diversions, and disrupted routine policing of the area.

Also: USAF Pilots, Atlanta Tower Evac, Archer Spotlight Dissipates, Hop-A-Jet Sues

A social-media call for people to point lasers at aircraft flying over Portland’s ICE facility led authorities to treat the post as a credible threat. Officials say the “laser event” could have endangered aircrew, forced medical-flight diversions, and disrupted routine policing of the area. The post invited participants to gather at multiple city locations at 2100 and shine handheld lasers at helicopters and other aircraft, calling them “spy planes.” Verijet has officially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with $10.5 million in unused jet card balances. The Florida-based charter and jet card operator has been in a downward spiral for years, most recently being hit with the passing of its founder, Richard Kane. Founded in 2020, Verijet bet big on the troubled single-engine Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet. As the government shutdown drags into the do

Pan Am Moves for FAA Certification Over Thirty Years After Shutting Its Doors

More than three decades after it went defunct, Pan American World Airways is attempting a comeback. Aviation merchant bank AVi8 Air Capital, alongside Pan American Global Holdings, has officially kicked off the Part 121 airline certification process to reestablish what was once the picture of aviation luxury on a small fleet of used Airbuses.

Air Force Chief of Staff Cites Lack of Spare Parts, Aging Fleets, Supply Chain Issues

The US Air Force’s next Chief of Staff nominee says pilots are flying too little to maintain proficiency, citing chronic issues with spare parts, aging aircraft, and supply chain delays. Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach told Senators on Oct. 9 that fighter pilots currently fly about two to two and a half times per week…far short of what he sees as necessary for combat readiness.

Also: UK Abandons GA?, ‘Emergency’ Notification, FAA's Big Move, Skydiving Instructor Lost

ICAO has rejected the airline industry’s push to raise the mandatory retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67. The proposal was backed primarily by IATA, which argued that even a two-year rise to the cap could have a dramatic effect on the pilot shortage. IATA’s argument claimed that the change would ease workforce pressures without harming safety. Duncan Aviation announced that its testing facility co-located in the company’s Technical Education Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, has been officially approved as an FAA Testing Center, making Battle Creek the only Duncan Aviation location to gain that designation. The approval of the new testing center enables Duncan team members to take their tests onsite and avoid the hour or more drive to the nearest FAA facility. Just over three months after hitting the market, Piper Airc

Also: USAF Reactivates Squadron For Drone Ops, Beyond Aero, Vertical Aerospace, Archer Midnight

Amazon Prime Air has halted its unmanned delivery operations after two of its MK30 drones ran into the boom of a crane in Tolleson, Arizona. No injuries were reported. The crash happened early on October 1, leaving both aircraft destroyed. Police in Tolleson quickly secured the site and confirmed that an investigation was underway. Federal officials also stepped in, with both the FAA and the NTSB doing their parts. Skydweller Aero announced the recent completion of a 74-hour flight of its unmanned, solar-powered aircraft in conjunction with the Navy. The flight was conducted over the Gulf of America and represents a major advancement in unmanned aircraft technology. Austrian air taxi startup FlyNow Aviation is celebrating the first untethered test flights of its eVTOL vehicle, the eCopter. The helicopter-like prototype first took to the skies with tether

Also: NBAA-BACE Offering IA Renewal, TSA Weaponized?, New F-35 Engine Issues, Joby Stock Plummets

The first Affordable Flying Expo is shaping up well... as the promotion program hit high gear this week, we are pleased to announce that we are attracting a stunning number of sport aviation’s most exciting Sport, MOSAIC and LSA flying machines. The sleek Italian Porto Risen, which excited crowds at the last two Oshkosh appearances is on its way to Lakeland, where its efficient design is likely to get a LOT of attention. Another Oshkosh favorite, the Spirit SE-1 is flying in... Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has finally spoken out against claims of “dirty business” in the investigation of Air India flight 171, which left 260 people dead. The complaint was submitted by Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, whose son was one of the pilots in the cockpit when the tragic accident occurred. The vertical aviation community is urging the FA

Also: New NOTAM Service, 737 Production Cap, RNZAF NH90 Helis, ATC Sick Days Trend Up

Just over three months after hitting the market, Piper Aircraft’s diesel-powered multi-engine trainer has logged its first domestic order. The deal will deliver five of the Seminole DX aircraft to Florida-based Skyborne Airline Academy. The Seminole DX was unveiled at this year’s EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. Designed to run on JET A and JET A-1 (with SAF approval in progress), the trainer’s twin DeltaHawk DHK4A180 engines offer about 40% better fuel efficiency than typical avgas piston engines. The FAA is looking to begin the first phase of what is shaping up to be a very expensive move, aiming to get part of its workforce situated in the DoT headquarters by early December. The agency confirmed the relocation in August as a means to improve collaboration and address safety concerns with its aging facilities. France’s largest air traffic controll