Initial Tests Are Scheduled To Begin In Early 2024

Overair has completed assembly of the first full-scale prototype of its Butterfly eVTOL aircraft. This marks a pivotal milestone for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) following the validation of their full-scale propulsion technology via a 2022 truck-based test. This achievement signals the start of Overair’s vehicle-level testing phase at its Santa Ana, California headquarters, before moving the aircraft to its flight test facility in Victorville, California. Initial tests, scheduled to begin in early 2024, will focus on validating Butterfly’s propulsion systems, flight control mechanics, safety features, and operational efficiency. The testing will also assess the a

The AV-APA Is Also Available For Pre-Order For EXP Aircraft

uAvionix has released AV-30-E software version 2.4.1 which provides pilots more robust safety, efficiency, and in-flight interoperability. AV-30-E software version 2.4.1 is now available to experimental aircraft owners for free and delivers several enhancements including support for their AV-APA (Analog Port Adapter), the latest accessory to the AV-30 display. As one of the primary features of the 2.4.1 upgrade, the AV-APA accessory is the latest advancement from uAvionix that connects the AV-30 to legacy installed autopilots. Use of the AV-30 and AV-APA allows aircraft owners to replace their old, heavy, vacuum-driven directional gyros with the multifunction AV-30 digital display an

Despite the Challenge of a New Home, Reno Races Live On

"To our amazing September Family," Reno Air Race Association CEO Fred Telling opened his 2023 overview, "it would not be overstating to say that it has been one of the most challenging and yet highly successful years in our six decades as the Reno Air Racing Association." The races, as many know, will be coming to an end at their long time home in Reno, Nevada. "Following notice from our airport authority, we announced in March that this would be our last year of air racing at Reno-Stead. While it was indeed a sad and undesirable announcement, you, our fans, volunteers, sponsors, racers, staff, exhibitors, and vendors, all made it clear early on that 2023’s National Championship Ai

Patty Is A Three-Time U.S. National Aerobatic Champion 

Air show performer Patty Wagstaff was named the 2023 recipient of the Art Scholl Memorial Showmanship Award last week. Presented each year by ICAS to recognize excellence in air show entertainment and showmanship, the award is intended to exemplify the qualities of showmanship demonstrated by Art Scholl throughout his long career as an air show performer.

USCG MH-60 Scores Holiday Rescues From Two Disabled Fishing Vessels

It was a busy holiday season for US Coast Guard Air Assets as they rescued six people from two disabled fishing vessels Saturday approximately 70 miles east of Venice, Louisiana. Coast Guard Sector Mobile watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan Friday at approximately 6:30 p.m. of fishing vessel Georgia P being disabled approximately 70 miles east of Venice, Louisiana. 

From Two Great Men... An Aero-Holiday Memory

One of the greatest joys I have as the so-called boss of ANN is the many people I meet and the precious few that I get to know as friends. Two of my great friends have had the same name... Frank Kingston Smith, Senior (pictured first) and Junior (pictured second). Frank Sr. has been gone a number of years now, but our memories of him are fond and numerous... though his son is still often a vociferous advisor and co-conspirator via email. Some time ago, Frank, Jr., sent me a really great message... and it made for a fitting way by which I can wish you all a very Merry Christmas -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C

German Carrier Changes Horses Mid-Stream in Surprising Turn

German Air Carrier Lufthansa Group will buy up to 100 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in a brow-raising change from their long streak of Airbus operation. The company signed a firm order for 40 737-8 aircraft, with options for 60 more should they decide to exercise them. The selection of the 737, Boeing's most popular aircraft, underlines the Lufthansa order book of widebody aircraft from the brand. So far, Lufthansa Group has placed firm orders for 7 777-8s in freighter configuration, 20 777-9s, and 34 787s from Boeing - but the 737 hasn't seen any love from the German brand since its final one delivered in 1995.

From 2015 (YouTube Version): E-Fest: The Greatest Indoor Airshow We've EVER Seen!

While at E-Fest 2015, it’s obvious that ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, had a great time, and he talked with E-Fest committee member Frank Noll to get some background on this great event. Noll explained that E-Fest is an annual indoor electric R/C Festival that brings together about 250 pilots every February to fly, and to advance their sport. The event takes place at the University of Illinois Track and Field Armory in Champaign, Illinois. The primary sponsor of E-Fest is Hobbico, a major source of the equipment that makes flying indoor electric R

The Pilot Reported That He Was Unable To Read His Standby Instruments Due To The Violent Shaking Of The Airplane

Analysis: The pilot reported that light rain and trace clear air icing were forecast along his intended route of flight, and he encountered those conditions during climb out. As the airplane was climbing through 14,000 ft mean sea level (msl) in instrument meteorological conditions, he noticed the airspeed had decreased 10-15 knots. He checked the wings for ice and did not notice any accumulation but activated the pitot heat at that time as a precaution. After the pitot heat was activated the Primary Flight Display (PFD) and Multi-Function Display (MFD) displayed a red X and went black.

Aero Linx: EUROCONTROL EUROCONTROL is a pan-European, civil-military organisation dedicated to supporting European aviation. Our expertise spans research, development, operations and performance monitoring. We are committed to the European Union’s vision for a Single European Sky. We support our Member States and our civil and military stakeholders (including air navigation service providers, airspace users, airports and aircraft/equipment manufacturers) in a joint effort to make aviation in Europe safer, more efficient, more cost-effective and with a minimal environmental impact.

Ceiling The heights above the earth's surface of the lowest layer of clouds or obscuring phenomena that is reported as “broken,” “overcast,” or “obscuration,” and not classified as “thin” or “partial.”

“Since day one, Overair has been committed to developing an aircraft that extends efficient air transportation to a broader audience; an aircraft that will be welcomed by local communities, passengers, and operators alike. Our prototype is where we begin real-world, full-scale validation of these fundamental design principles.” Source: Valerie Manning, Chief Commercial Officer at Overair, commenting as Overair completed assembly of the first full-scale prototype of its Butterfly eVTOL aircraft.