2021 Sees another Bump in Dangerous High-Powered Laser Contact

Dangerous laser strikes once again continue to rise, beating all previous year-end records at the end of 2021. The FAA received nearly 10,000 reports from pilots last year, a 41% increase. The sale of high output laser devices have continued to increase among whiz-bang word of mouth online, probably not helped by the large print warning buyers not to point them at aircraft. Overall, 244 injuries have accumulated since the start of tracking in 2010, a number that is suspected of being fairly underrepresented. 

Also: Iran Jails Drone Tourist, Dreamliner Woes, Lightspeed Backpack, Super Bowl LVI TFR

Flying cars, long seen as a hallmark of futuristic aeronautical technology, may finally be on the horizon. AirCar's prototype has been given its first airworthiness certification from the Slovakian Transport Authority, making it the first of its kind to achieve EASA standards. The testing process took 70+ hours of flight and more than 200 takeoff and landing cycles. The AirCar reportedly functions throughout the full range of flight and performance maneuvers required, while demonstrating "an astonishing static and dynamic stability in the aircraft mode." The newest

Seeks 1-Megawatt Regional Aircraft Electric Hybrid Propulsion Systems

GE Aviation has chosen Boeing to support test flight of its hybrid electric system, built on a Saab 340B with CT7-98 turboprops. Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences will aid GE Aviation with airplane modification, systems integration, and ultimately, flight testing services. Their expertise in nacelle manufacturing, flight deck design, performance analysis, and systems integration were integral to their selection for the job. Ultimately, the end result will be a high-powered but economical, perfect for short-hop trips. 

Also: Iran Jails Drone Tourist, Dreamliner Woes, Lightspeed Backpack, Super Bowl LVI TFR

Flying cars, long seen as a hallmark of futuristic aeronautical technology, may finally be on the horizon. AirCar's prototype has been given its first airworthiness certification from the Slovakian Transport Authority, making it the first of its kind to achieve EASA standards. The testing process took 70+ hours of flight and more than 200 takeoff and landing cycles. The AirCar reportedly functions throughout the full range of flight and performance maneuvers required, while demonstrating "an astonishing static and dynamic stability in the aircraft mode." The newest

Legend Aviation of Regional Airport Joins the Privately Held GA Ops Company

Cutter Aviation has purchased Legend Aviation of Prescott, Arizona, bringing the FBO into the fold. The company is the oldest family owned and operated general aviation company in the United States, and will soon bring their expertise to bear on the unique atmosphere of Prescott Regional Airport with their operation of a Part 145 repair station for local aircraft maintenance needs. The company describes their new site, describing the amenities present as just what crews and passengers need when flying into the distinctly Arizonan locale.

From 2016: No Kidding.... This Is Electro-Nostalgia At Its Best!

While at the AMA Expo 2016, ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, came across a real “blast from the past.” Jim met up with Brian Curry, the owner of “Memories From the Past,” and Jim re-lived some of those days when he received his introduction to aviation through model aircraft. It sometimes seems like everybody has to collect something, and for Curry it’s model aircraft radio control units from the past. Curry tells the fascinating story of how he got started with his collection, and it is quite a story. Curry’s oldest radio control unit dates b

Scholarships for National Gay Pilots Association Members Reach $150,000 in 2022

The National Gay Pilots Association has been sponsored by Southwest Airlines at the Diamond level, meaning the airline has granted $25,000 to the National Gay Pilots Association. Their sponsorship will be seen at the NGPA's booth at AirVenture 2022, as well as its participation at the Association's Palm Springs career expo. The funds will go towards aviation scholarships as specified by Southwest Airlines, fostering LGBTQ inclusion to every facet of the industry. Their addition to the sponsor queue follows United, Envoy, Piedmont, Republic, PSA, Horizon, Fedex, and Alaska airlines as well, bringing more than $750,000 in scholarship money to members of the associat

Flight Training Outfit Granted Luftwaffe Contract

CAE GmbH has received a contract to provide ab initio flight training services to the German Air Force for a 7 year term, which includes an option for an additional 5 should they wish to continue. To accommodate the change, CAE will establish a new training facility at the Bremen airport to increase their throughput of Luftwaffe candidates. CAE will primarily have responsibility over academic, simulator, and live flight training to around 40 students in the first year. Their fleet of Diamond DA-40 and DA-42 aircraft will provide experience and fulfill requirements for single and multi-engine training between the Bremen airport location and a sister site in Montpellier, France operated by partn

Helicopter Collided With The Western Guy Wire Suspended Between Two Tall Trusses

On December 14, 2021, at 1236 central standard time, a Bell 407 helicopter, N150AS, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near LaPlace, Louisiana. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to preliminary information, the helicopter departed the Gonzales, Louisiana, area and was en route to the Lakefront Airport (KNEW), New Orleans, Louisiana. Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS–B) data tracked the helicopter’s flight path as it flew along I-10 towards New Orleans. The helicopter’s altitude varied between 75-175 ft AGL.

AD 2022-03-23 Requires Updating The Software Version Of The Yaw Servo

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Textron Aviation Inc. (type certificate previously held by Raytheon Aircraft Company, Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, and Beechcraft Corporation) (Textron) Model 300, 300LW, B300, and B300C airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a timing issue where the yaw servo software can generate a motor position fault when the pilot applies rudder input at the same time the rudder boost system is activated, which disables the rudder boost function and leads to a reduced ability of the flight crew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane or loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires updating the

Aero Linx: South African Civil Aviation Society (CAA) Soaring Society of South Africa (SSSA) promotes gliding in South Africa and trains glider pilots to have the skills required to fly gliders safely and competitively. All glider pilots must belong to the Soaring Society of South Africa to take part in the sport of gliding. This is a legal requirement of the South African Civil Aviation Society (CAA). The Soaring Society is an affiliate of the Aeroclub of South Africa, which represents all aviation sport at the CAA.

Hover Check Used to describe when a helicopter/VTOL aircraft requires a stabilized hover to conduct a performance/power check prior to hover taxi, air taxi, or takeoff. Altitude of the hover will vary based on the purpose of the check.

“Cutter is very excited to make this investment in Prescott Regional Airport and to become part of its aviation community. We look forward to continuing providing the highest level of service to the tenants and transient clients of Prescott Regional Airport.”  Source: Will Cutter, president and CEO of Cutter Aviation -- who has purchased Legend Aviation of Prescott, Arizona, bringing the FBO into the fold.