In Addition To So Many Other Tragedies, Ukraine's 'Dream' May Have Fallen To Russian Attack

In light of the many tragedies we are seeing arising out of the wanton destruction of Ukraine by Russia, it almost seems silly to note that a one-of-a-kind aviation treasure also appears to have been destroyed. While still not quite official, numerous reports strongly suggest that the world’s largest operational transport aircraft, the Antonov AN-225 ‘Mriya’ (‘Dream’ in Ukrainian), may have been destroyed in the Russian invasion. The massive six-engine cargo transport was the only one of its kind, after insufficient money was allowed to finish an in-process second iteration nearly twenty years ago. 

Amazing Project Has Taken The Better Part Of 3 Years To Build

Gino Lucci, owner of Round Engine Aero, showed off his family's impressive motorhome at AirVenture 2021: The Fabulous Flamingo. The mashup of motorhome and vintage warbird is the result of years of careful planning, diligent work, and talented fabrication to create this dream vehicle. The fuselage was taken from a junked 1943 Douglas F4D that ended its Navy service after a run-in with a tornado.

Required Fix to Strengthen Rear Tailcone Skins

Van's has issued a service bulletin for RV-12 and RV-12iS aircraft, specifically requiring owners to inspect the lower portion of the tailcone for cracks, and install stiffening equipment to bolster them should damage be found. Van's issued the warning after receiving reports of cracking along the lower tailcone skins of RV-12 near the tail bulkheads, observed along the centerline of the plane. Even if cracking is not evident, owners are required to install the support clips. If damage is uncovered, then an additional patch plate will need to be fabricated and installed all at once.

While Slots Are on Hold Until April, The Airline Wants Its Planes

The latest in the Qatar vs. Airbus court fight has now seen a riposte to the manufacturer with the airline's demand that the canceled order for 50 Airbus A321neo jet be reinstated. At last word, Airbus had been given a stay by the London court requiring them to hold about 60 order slots for Qatar Airways until April at the earliest, when things could be seen through in court. Now, Qatar has fired back, demanding the deal be honored, and if not - pay them damages for their trouble. The airline says that the "unique" aircraft would be difficult to replace on short notice, and the choice to cancel the order seems more like petty revenge than any actual business decision. 

Approval Means Network Can Hit the Ground Running with Full Support

Gogo has received their long-awaited approval and Supplemental Type Certification as well as Parts Manufacturer Approval for their 5G aircraft antenna. It's an exciting change for the company, allowing them to now take full advantage of the fastest combination of equipment in their catalog: The AVANCE L5 and their growing 5G network. The approval means that Gogo can really accelerate the rollout of their highest-speed, highest-throughput service for aircraft throughout the states. A number of authorized dealers and OEM partners are actively pursuing multiple STCs for the system across a variety of aircraft, more than 30 in all.

Student and Instructor Dead Following Unsuccessful Chute Deployment

A Houston, Texas skydiving school lost an instructor and student during a jump gone awry. A local witness said he watched as the falling duo seemed to struggle with their parachutes on the way down. Skydive Houston, a center in Waller, Texas, has acknowledged the deaths of a male instructor and female student on their tandem jump on Saturday afternoon. A witness described the struggle on their way down, saying “He let off his primary and then the secondary chute opened halfway up, so he didn’t fall like a straight fall, he was like 50% chute, like a corkscrew."

Unregistered Drone User Gets 2 Years of Probation

A drone pilot received his sentence for his part in "dive bombing" firefighters at a nearby Salem, Virginia fire station this week. The incident occurred for "close to 10 minutes" in July 2019, when the pilot flew his unregistered drone around the fire station to chase police and firefighters. When they retreated into the buildind, he maneuvered it into the vehicle bay to follow. The firefighters sprung their trap then, closing the doors and leading the drone to strike the supports and crash to the floor. A perfect crime it was not, but the pilot sealed his fate when he went to the local police department hoping to recover his missing drone.

Industry Looks Back on BusyTenure Marked by 737 Max, Pandemic, and 5G Fixes

By now, the resignation of FAA administrator Steve Dickson has made its way throughout the industry, allowing stakeholders and groups to issue their well wishes and thanks for his time in service. A common through-line in their statements is the level of integration and outreach he performed in multiple areas of the aeronautical space. From general and sport to business and commercial aviation, Dickson seemed to have touched on multiple needs around the country. He made an appearance at EAA AirVenture in 2021 to go over the progress on the FAA's MOSAIC initiative to update the regulations surrounding light-sport and homebuilts.

During The Last 30 Seconds Of The Flight, The Airplane Flew About 100 ft AGL

On February 1, 2022, about 1340 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182T airplane, N716MC, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Heath, Ohio. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal cross country flight. At 1338, the pilot completed a touch-and-go landing at Newark-Heath Airport (VTA), Newark, Ohio, then departed to the east. The airplane climbed to about 500 ft above ground level (agl), then descended to 85 ft agl over a residential area. During the last 30 seconds of the flight, the airplane flew about 100 ft agl and about 145 kts groundspeed before it descended into trees.

Pilot Reported That After Departure From DWH He Noticed That Engine Power Was Not Responding

On February 17, 2022, about 1448 central standard time, a Pitt S-1T, N731FL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH), Spring, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that after departure from DWH he noticed that engine power was not responding to throttle movements. The pilot turned back toward DWH and entered a left downwind to Runway 35L.

Aero Linx: EUROAVIA EUROAVIA is the European Association of Aerospace Students, representing the interests of over 2000 students from 42 universities in 18 European countries. Established in 1959, EUROAVIA wants to be a bridge between companies, universities and students. Its goals are: To promote European cooperation in the aerospace field by providing opportunities for our members to meet, exchange and learn at all levels. To internationally represent European aerospace students. To acquaint student members with their future working environment stimulating contacts with the industry.

Lost Communications Loss of the ability to communicate by radio. Aircraft are sometimes referred to as NORDO (No Radio). Standard pilot procedures are specified in 14 CFR Part 91. Radar controllers issue procedures for pilots to follow in the event of lost communications during a radar approach when weather reports indicate that an aircraft will likely encounter IFR weather conditions during the approach.

“Receiving STC and PMA for the 5G antenna marks the next important milestone in the development of Gogo 5G. Our team has been hard at work to bring Gogo 5G to life and we remain on track and on budget to launch service in the second half of 2022.”  Source: Sergio Aguirre, president of Gogo Business Aviation, discussing Gogo has received the long-awaited approval and Supplemental Type Certification as well as Parts Manufacturer Approval for their 5G aircraft antenna.