Of Long Aircraft and Closely-Spaced Hold-Short Markings

On 23 January 2023 at approximately 16:11 Hawaii Standard Time (HST), a runway incursion occurred at Honolulu, Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). The incident involved a Boeing 777-200 operating under Part 121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as United Airlines flight 384 (UAL384), and a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan operating under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as a Kamaka Air flight 145 (KMK145). According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) preliminary report of the incident, UAL384 crossed HNL’s runway 04L, thereby conflicting with KMK145, which was attempting to land on subject runway. The closest proximity between the

These are the Voyages …

Following a test-firing of the Raptor rocket engines by which its Super Heavy booster is powered, SpaceX is making ready to fly its storied, much-anticipated, oft-delayed, incontestably impressive Starship in earnest.

AirCorps Acquires Largest Mustang Parts Inventory Around from Pioneer Aero Services

As AirCorps Aviation has honed its skills in restoring vintage warbirds, it has grown to the point it now looks to manage parts in-house, buying up the biggest repository of P-51 Mustang parts in the world from Pioneer Aero Services of Chino, California. Armed with their new, expansive inventory, AirCorps will be a prime stop for the lucky few still in possession of a vintage P-51.

Also: F-16s Intercept Russians, Protestors Disrrupt EBAA, Continental Engine Issue, FAA 5G NPRM

The anti-aviation Santa Monica City Council has resolved to close SMO by 2028—approving a closure plan and timeline during a 24 January 2023 meeting. Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis blathered, “This is the beginning of a community process to reimagine the Airport site, which accounts for an unprecedented 4.3-percent of the city’s land.” Forbes family member and inaugural United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Forbes Kerry is once again facing criticism for his family’s surreptitious sale of a Gulfstream GIV-SP.

French Aircraft Marque Inbound to EAA AirVenture

Elixir Aircraft has completed its first batch of maintenance and flight training with Cirrus Aviation, paving the way for their arrival in the North American market. The Elixir, the 4th generation, Type 23 certified, low-wing 2-seater, has gained a number of fans throughout the European market, offering sleek, modern aircraft at a price point attainable for flight clubs and private owners.

J’Inviter!

On 21 February 2023, Dassault Aviation, the legacy manufacturer of capable, tasteful, eminently French, military and business aircraft, announced 2023’s Falcon Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Seminars will commence on 05 April in Paris—France’s and Jim Morrison’s famed City of Lights—and conclude on 17 May in São Paulo, Brazil.

Sabrewing Rhaegal-A 2nd VTOL to Enter Cargo Operator's Ranks Once Certified

Ameriflight, signed a letter of intent to purchase 35 VTOL air cargo drones from the Sabrewing Aircraft Company. Sabrewing will provide its Rhaegal-A, often shortened to “Alpha”, in company parlance, to serve the Part 135 cargo operator as a sustainable VTOL aircraft. The Rhaegal-A will provide Ameriflight with an efficient, "all-weather" cargo UAV once the model achieves type certification.

Fullerton College Launches Paid Apprenticeship with Hornet Program

Fullerton College of Fullerton, California has registered the Hornet Drone Piloting Apprentice Program with the US Department of Labor and the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards, opening the way for paid training in the fast-moving world of UAV piloting. The move comes amid state efforts to expand the number of apprenticeships throughout California, particularly those in high-demand, robust industries like uncrewed aviation.

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DJI has shown off their new DJI Mini 2 SE, a lightweight, fist-sized camera drone. The Mini 2 SE slots in among other DJI models like the Mavic Mini and Mini 3 Pro. The tiny addition to the lineup aims for a tiny, 8.8-ounce (249 gram) compact footprint that can more easily skirt drone rulings that hamper larger, more regulated drone categories around the world. The FAA published a Notice of Policy in the Federal Register confirming that it would no longer require letters of deviation authority (LODAs) for most flight training in experimental aircraft—incl

… for 11th Straight Year

On 22 February 2023, Embraer, the Brazilian multinational manufacturer of commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft, proudly announced its Phenom 300 series of business jets has maintained the distinction of being the world’s best-selling light jet—for the 11th consecutive year.  

From 2017 (YouTube Version): The Airplane From Down Under Is A Proven Trainer…

Jabiru was one of the early light sport aircraft (LSA) brought into the U.S.A. when the sport pilot rules were initiated in 2004. They have long been popular for pilot training in Australia, and while at the Deland Sport Aviation Showcase 2016, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, found out more about a new model of Jabiru trainer that has been recently introduced to the U.S. Tom met up with Pete Krotje, who is the president of Jabiru North America which is loc

Progress in the Wind

Joby Aviation, Inc., the Santa Cruz-based maker of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced on 16 February 2023 that it has begun testing the rotors by which its eVTOL will be compelled aloft. Subject tests are being conducted at NASA’s Ames Research Center’s National Full-Scale Aerodynamic Complex (NFAC)—the world’s largest wind tunnel facility.

Aero Linx: Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum (PWAM) Conveniently located at Pueblo Memorial Airport, Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum (PWAM) is a must-see attraction.  Visit one of Colorado's largest collections of military, space, and civilian aircraft, vehicles, and artifacts spanning over a hundred years of history. Our two hangars and outdoor exhibits comprise over 85,000 square feet. Exhibits include both civilian and military aircraft, ground vehicles, missiles, and the Southern Colorado Space Museum.

Obstacle Departure Procedure (ODP) A preplanned instrument flight rule (IFR) departure procedure printed for pilot use in textual or graphic form to provide obstruction clearance via the least onerous route from the terminal area to the appropriate en route structure. ODPs are recommended for obstruction clearance and may be flown without ATC clearance unless an alternate departure procedure (SID or radar vector) has been specifically assigned by ATC.

“On behalf of everyone at AirCorps Aviation, we are very proud to be sought out by the Ward family to buy their storied assets and inventory. Aligning our AirCorps team, FAA Parts Manufacturing Approval, fabrication and engineering services, and Repair Station with Pioneer’s inventory will allow us to better meet the needs of P-51 owners, operators and shops. We are prepared and eager to ensure the P-51 Mustang is well supported, maintained and safely operated into the future.”   Source: Erik Hokuf, General Manager of AirCorps Aviation, remarking after they bought up the biggest repository of P-51 Mustang parts in the world from Pioneer Aero Services of Chino, California.