Congress Seeking Answers on Aviation, Telecommunications Conflicts

The lack of collaboration between government agencies regarding the 5G technology rollout and aviation interference was highlighted numerous times on February 3, as the House Aviation Subcommittee heard from FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, aviation industry leaders, and telecom representatives during a hearing on Capitol Hill. The potential threat of radar altimeter interference, primarily for commercial air operations but also for general aviation users of the technology, loomed over air service until late January, when technical experts from both industries met to share data and solutions.

Class A and B Canadian Airspace Affected Above 12,500 Feet On February 23, 2023

T'was only a matter of time... Canada is implementing a new mandate that will require aircraft operators flying in certain domestic airspace to meet Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) Out Performance Requirements. For those of you in the cheap seats, ADS-B uses Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to calculate an airplane's precise location, speed, and direction. This information is transmitted twice per second, providing greater situational awareness for air traffic controllers. It also provides increased flexibility to accommodate airline and customer preferred routes.

Startup Sees First Florida Launch End in Heartbreak and Loss of 4 Satellites

Poseidon is 4 satellites richer following an unsuccessful rocket launch from up and coming space company Astra. The launch was the first time for the company operating out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, and was expected to be a landmark occasion announcing their entry into the east coast space race. Rocket 3 was carrying 4 satellites from the NASA ELaNa 41 mission on a trip cut far too short. Shortly after the 1st stage disengaged from the rocket, Rocket 3 appeared to fall out of its previous trajectory as the cameras on the ground showed a small dot. From the camera aboard the rocket, the second stage was shown to ignite and almost immediately tumble end over end, recording

Company Says It's On Track for 2024 Commercial Rollout

Joby Aviation, has continued their increased flight testing pace established at the outset of the year, moving on to conformity testing on the way to full type certification for its eVTOL aircraft. Joby recently received its special airworthiness certificate and USAF approval for its prototypes, adding a second demonstrator as they look to pick up speed and get their product to market. The company has its hands full between the sustainable air taxi race and their Agility Prime USAF contract, but things seem to be moving apace exactly as intended. Earlier this year, JoeBen Bevirt, CEO, said he anticipated FAA certification in time for commercial operations in 2024.

Dueling Euro/US Manufacturers Return to The Competitive Status Quo

Airbus has seen its backlog of ordered aircraft slide through January after its dispute with Qatar Airways escalated. A London High Court lawsuit over quality issues with the firm's other A350 aircraft led the airline to cancel the large outstanding order, tossing 52 aircraft bound for the contentious customer off their books altogether. In all, Airbus cancelled 50 A321 narrowbodies and 2 A350 widebodies. Airbus had a fine month regardless, delivering 30 planes to beat previous 2021 performance by 9 planes total.

Batch of Integrated ATPL Alumnus Make Their Way to the Big Leagues

Skyborne Airline Academy has announced the success of a handful of graduates who have successfully made their way to Wizz Air UK with their UKCAA Integrated ATPLs. Skyborne released the list of successful graduates: Adam Prince, Christopher Coles, Matt Langridge, Thomas Pearson and James Mosscrop. In addition, they placed modular ATPL alumnus Henry Wallace, with the company. The former students will fly the Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft across Wizz Air UK’s growing network.

28 Aircraft Hit In Weeks, But No Culprit Identified

Seattle is having a laser problem, according to a joint effort by the FAA and the Port of Seattle Police in their efforts to find just who's responsible for so many strikes on aircraft operating out of Seattle Tacoma Airport. The rash of laser strikes began in late January, when four flights each reported contact with their cockpit windows and a high-intensity green laser beam. Since then, the incidents continue to pile up, with little evidence that those responsible are being found. Flights from Delta, American, Skywest, Volaris, Jorizon, Jetblue, and Alaska have all had run-ins with the laser at altitudes varying as high as 5,000 feet.

Good Grief... Don't Give Them Any Ideas, Klyde

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

From 2020: Aircare International Has Been Elevating In-Flight Safety For More Than 40 Years

For over 40 years, Aircare FACTS Training has been providing human factor-based emergency procedures training for pilots, flight engineers, flight attendants, other cabin crew and executive frequent flyers. Aircare FACTS Training offers a variety of research-based programs, specifically designed to meet the needs of business aviation and public/military aircraft, especially those looking to meet the cabin safety requirements outlined in FAR Part 135.331.

Also: Diamond DART, FAA-UK Sim Cert, LaunchTech, 2022 Brooke Owens Fellows

United’s Aviate Academy, the sole flight school owned and operated by a legacy domestic airline in the US, opened the first class in its Goodyear, Arizona location. The academy boasts 50,000 sq ft of classroom space, with on site student dormitory housing and the best flight training weather in the world. The initiative is a big part of the airline’s efforts to replenish stocks of retiring pilots with 10,000 fresh additions by 2030. The head of Germany's largest pilot union, the Vereinigung Cockpit, has described Lufthansa's handover of its Phoenix flight training lo

Applied Carburetor Heat... Was Unable To Restore Engine Power And Initiated A Forced Landing

On January 30, 2022, about 1430 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Just Aircraft Superstol, N8794G, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Ketchum, Idaho. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that while in cruise flight, about 1,500 ft above ground level over mountainous terrain, the engine lost power. He switched fuel tanks and applied carburetor heat, however, was unable to restore engine power and initiated a forced landing to a snow-covered field.

Aero Linx: Patient AirLift Services Patient AirLift Services is a nonprofit that arranges free flights for medical patients requiring medical diagnosis, treatment or follow-up who cannot afford or are unable to fly commercially. PALS also arranges volunteer flights for family members of patients as compassionate missions, to ensure patients have support when they are away from home for long periods. PALS is proud to assist military personnel and their families with free flights to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation processes for our wounded veterans. Finally, PALS has a history of supporting humanitarian efforts in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) An area in the NAS, described in 14 CFR Part 93, wherein the flight of aircraft is subject to special traffic rules, unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control. Not all areas listed in 14 CFR Part 93 are designated SFRA, but special air traffic rules apply to all areas described in 14 CFR Part 93.

“After years of development and company testing, we’re excited to formally begin the process of conformity testing. We began engaging with the FAA in 2015 to lay the groundwork for certification of our aircraft, and today we move closer to bringing fast, clean and convenient aerial ridesharing to the world."  Source: JoeBen Bevirt, CEO, Joby Aviation, as they continue their increased flight testing pace established at the outset of the year, moving on to conformity testing on the way to full type certification for its eVTOL aircraft.