Also: Pipistrel Charging, GA/Drones To The Rescue, Gordon Bennett, SpiceJet, United, USAF v Irma, CL-415

Six former team commanders of the USAF Thunderbirds and US Navy Blue Angels are forcefully opposing legislation that would privatize US ATC services. In a 100-second video produced by the International Council of Air Shows, Greg McWherter (Blue Angels, 2009-2012), Richard McSpadden (Thunderbirds, 2002-2003), Steve Foley (Blue Angels, 2005-2006), Brian Bishop (Thunderbirds, 1998-1999), George Dom (Blue Angels, 1997-1998) and Ron Mum (Thunderbirds, 1996-1997) urge their fellow citizens to contact their congressional representatives to tell them to vote against H.R. 2997 which is currently being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition to these six highly respected former military pilots, nearly 150 aviation organizations around the country are also actively opposing the legisl

Will Be Installed On Fleet Of 36 737-800 Aircraft

Hainan Airlines has committed to install Split Scimitar Winglets on 36 of its fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft. Hainan was the first airline in China to operate with Blended Winglet technology from Aviation Partners Boeing, and now will be the first airline in China to operate with APB's latest product, Split Scimitar Winglets. 

Contract Will Apply To Facilities Maintenance Technicians

Southwest Airlines and Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AFMA), the Union that represents Facilities Maintenance Technicians (FMT), announced today that negotiators have reached an Agreement in Principle that outlines the group's first contract. This is the second agreement reached by the parties and, if ratified, the five-year deal includes a complete set of work rules, a wage scale, and a ratification bonus.

Company On Track to Launch Industry's First Mission Extension Vehicle-1 In Late 2018

Orbital ATK has announced significant progress on the industry’s first commercial in-space satellite servicing system. The Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1) spacecraft successfully completed its critical design review earlier this year and is now in production with about 75% of the platform and payload components already delivered to the company’s Satellite Manufacturing Facility in Virginia.

Award Recognizes Crew For Rescue At Sea Of A Scottish Surfer

Sikorsky recently presented Bristow Helicopters Limited with the Sikorsky Winged-S Rescue Award in recognition of a recent life-saving mission in the North Atlantic. The award was accepted during the 2017 Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition.

Certified To Level D Status

The H145 simulator at the Airbus Helicopters Training Academy in Germany has been awarded level D status by the German Federal Aviation Office – the highest possible certification for a full flight simulator. With such airworthiness authority approval, more training hours accumulated by pilots in the full flight simulator are now authorized to be logged as actual flight hours.

USAF Contract Terms Allow Avionics Company To Choose The Platform

The USAF has awarded a contract to L3 to develop a new airborne jamming aircraft based on the G550 business Jet. The new airplanes will replace the aging fleet of EC-130H Compass Call aircraft and could also be produced for other services.

Will Include Business Jet Maintenance And Completions

Duncan Aviation has begun construction on a new business aircraft maintenance, modifications and paint complex at its Provo, Utah, location. Dirt has been moved in place for the ramp base and site preparation has started for the large maintenance and modifications center, which includes an innovative paint facility.

Modular Design Reduces Lifecycle Costs, Increases Reliability

Raytheon will design, develop and manufacture the projector for BAE Systems' Digital Light Engine head-up display on the F-22 Raptor. The digital HUD upgrade will integrate seamlessly into the F-22's existing HUD space and enhance the pilot's situational awareness in the cockpit.

Class Of 2017 Will Be Honored On November 9

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the Atlas Rocket Program, Hudson B. Drake, Embry-Riddle’s Golden Eagles Flight Team, John Herrington, Christa McAuliffe, John J. Montgomery, and Chance Vought are among the honorees being enshrined during this year’s International Air & Space Hall of Fame Celebration.