Also: EAA Confirms COVID-19 SFAR Problems, Tech School Revoked, Rudy Frasca Goes West, FAA Examiner Bribe Attempt

We’re a few steps closer to ‘normalcy.’ With many Ohio businesses open and others preparing for a restart, Sporty's Academy tells us they have resumed training operations last week. Sporty's maintenance staff has carefully examined the entire fleet and cleared each aircraft for return to service, but also notes that each pilot should do the same for themselves as they prepare to return to the flight deck. In light of the new reality, Sporty's has made changes. Getting a pilot’s license is expensive... right? I mean, WAY EXPENSIVE... like over $10K or something... or so they tell us. Well... maybe not. Right Rudder Aviation of Florida’s Inverness Airport (KINF) looked over the regs and then looked over at their Pipistrel Motor-Glider and realized that a gli

Also: GAMA Report Bad News, Another Airshow Cancelled, ALPA v Ligado, Shorter USAF Pilots

Tecnam has announced the introduction of a new airframe, with an aero-diesel engine and a Type Certificate expected by July. Burning just 5.2 US Gal per hour, the P-2010 TDI takes advantage of the high-wing configuration with 3 access doors plus another dedicated one for the baggage compartment. It can cover 1,000nm on a full tank of 63 Gallons. Boeing has resumed production of the 737 MAX at the company’s Renton, Washington factory. The 737 program began building airplanes at a low rate as it implements more than a dozen initiatives focused on enhancing workplace safety and product quality. “We’ve been on a continuous journey to evolve our production system and make it even stronger,” said Walt Odisho, vice president and general manager of the 737 program. “These initiative

Also: AMA Remembers Bob Brown, New eVTOL Startup, Airobotics Gets Approval, UAS Delivers Defibrillators

The FAA and AUVSI have announced the two-part virtual event for the revised FAA UAS Symposium – Remotely Piloted Edition, Episodes I and II, will take place on July 8 to 9 and August 18 to 19, 2020. Episode I is scheduled for July 8 to 9 with a focus on UAS traffic management (UTM) and international UAS integration. Episode II is planned for August 18 to 19 with a focus on UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) updates and public safety operations. Each event will feature keynote presentations, expert panels, guided and non-guided networking discussions, one-on-one meetings with experts in the FAA UAS Support Center and How-To Sessions with live Q&A. Flirtey has been granted what they call a critical patent for the safe and precise drone delivery of packages. This key patent describes a c

At Least Someone Is Generating Cash Flow!

Epic Aircraft has completed delivery of its first two E1000 all composite, single-engine turboprop aircraft, following the successful conclusion of its FAA Type Certification program last year. “Completing these deliveries is a tremendous milestone for our company and our customers. The E1000 is a remarkable aircraft and seeing the enthusiasm of our owners as they take delivery is extremely gratifying. This is the successful culmination of eight years of hard work, extensive investment, and a passionate belief in our product,” said Epic CEO, Doug King. The first customer aircraft, delivered in February, is being leased back to Epic to support several priority engineering projects. The second aircraft was delivered to its owner last week, after experiencing several delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NASA Continues to Monitor Weather, Cross Fingers, Keep Rabbit's Foot Close By...

NASA and SpaceX continue planning toward a Saturday, May 30, launch attempt of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley. Although the weather models for Saturday show an improvement in conditions around Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, teams continue to monitor launch and down range weather. Teams still want more weather data to determine if they will proceed with a launch attempt or focus on the backup attempt on Sunday, May 31.

Avoid The Need For A Comeback... Get Your Marketing Right, Right Now!

Some time ago, the Aero-News Network, responding to numerous requests, established a marketing and communications sister company by the name of AEROPRENEUER... and it's been doing amazing work under these difficult circumstances -- and getting results! We're getting rave reviews from our clients, and working hard to earn the trust of a number of new marketing partners along the way. ANN's Amber Cedroni has come up with a few tips to help aero-businesses stay alive in these tough times, and will reach out each week to offer you all a few more from here on out... With millions of people forced to shelter in place, the digital market has a new “captive audience” to entertain. While many people may not be making big purchases, there is still an opportunity to take advantage of this time and ensure that your brand survives this pandemic. Th

EAA Made Clear That The Public Has Limited To No Exposure To EDB In Concentrated Form

EAA recommended the EPA not designate an integral component of avgas, ethylene dibromide (EDB), as a high-priority substance for future study and regulation to avoid profound safety of flight and economic implications that would result from potential control or limitation on EDB, which could effectively limit or eliminate the continued availability of leaded high-octane avgas. EDB is used as the scavenger for lead in avgas and makes up one of the two major components of the octane-enhancing, lead-additive package used in avgas production called TEL-B, which is principally made up of tetraethyl lead and EDB. Any future efforts to regulate EDB in aviation gasoline under the Toxic Substances Control Act could have the same effect as regulating lead, with serious implications for general aviation. There is no immediate threat to the supply of leaded aviation gasoline, and the current EPA activity to evaluate up to 40 chemicals for prioritization for study and p

From 2015: There Are No Horizons Unreachable To The Inspired Flyer Who Dreams Big

Aviation has had a history, albeit a short history, of showcasing people who inspire us. A recent example of inspiration born of aviation is Jessica Cox, the young lady who although born without arms was able to obtain her pilot certificate. In this video, her story continues, and it's a video that can inspires us far beyond the world of aviation. While at Sun 'n Fun 2015, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, had a chance to talk with Jessica about a new and exciting experience she encountered, and we get updated regarding her various projects. The video shows Jessica excited about her opportunity to fly in an aerobatic airplane. She once again shows us that her ability to improvise had to be applied for her to experience this flight. As if flying were not enough, Jessica has now authored a book titled,

Some Restrictions Continue To Negatively Impact General Aviation NBAA and other associations have requested the FAA extend the effective date for several exemptions or extensions for pilot medical certifications, training proficiency and a host of other requirements contained in Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 118. The relief package, which became effective on April 30, 2020, with most extensions expiring on June 30, 2020, provides regulatory relief for affected pilots to remain in compliance with several FAA mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pulselite System Has Been Proven To Significantly Reduce Bird Strikes

Precise Flight has expanded its Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) from the FAA for the Pulselite Bird Strike Prevention System to include approvals for the Bell 429 and Bell 505 variations. The Pulselite System is an FAA certified lightweight electrical system controller that alternatively pulses the landing and auxiliary lights of a helicopter, thereby increasing visibility and reflecting the speed and directional movement of the rotorcraft. In addition to enhancing the margin of safety by increasing rotorcraft recognition, the Pulselite System has been proven to significantly reduce bird strikes.