FAA Grants New York Power Authority Outasight Waiver for Drones

The FAA has recently granted the New York Power Authority (NYPA) a significant waiver that permits the operation of unmanned aircraft systems beyond the pilot's visual line of sight. This landmark approval, announced on April 11, 2024, allows NYPA to operate drones within a one-mile radius in unrestricted Class G airspace without prior approval, enhancing their ability to inspect and monitor statewide infrastructure.

EASA Looking to the Future with Green Regional Aircraft

Aura Aero's Electric Regional Aircraft program issued an update in its quest to create an affordable, sustainable 19-seat commuter plane under the EASA CS-23 category, stating that they have launched a call for first work packages under it. Aura Aero is now issuing the first calls for tender for packages under Fuselage Design, Airframe Engineering Services, Turbogenerator, and Primary Flight Control System Actuators/Inceptors. Under the current schedule, the first parts of the flight test aircraft should be manufactured as soon as early 2025.

Duke U. Prof Dies in Flight, Passenger Lands

Joseph Izatt, a distinguished Duke University professor, tragically passed away following a midair medical crisis while piloting a single-engine airplane. This incident occurred over North Carolina on April 7, 2024. Izatt was not only piloting the aircraft but also suffered the emergency that led to his untimely death. During the flight, a passenger heroically took control of the plane and managed a successful emergency landing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The specifics of what caused Izatt's medical emergency remain unclear.

Eve Air Mobility Teams With AirX For 50 eVTOLs

Eve Air Mobility has recently announced a promising collaboration with AirX Inc., Japan's premier public helicopter charter service, by signing a letter of intent to provide up to 50 of its advanced electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This partnership is set to drive the next generation of urban air mobility (UAM) in Japan, offering an innovative solution to the congested urban environments in the Asia-Pacific region.

From 2009 (YouTube Version): Ed McKeown Introduces His Award-Winning Rearwin Restoration

Inspired by the world’s newfound aviation intrigue, Raymond Andrew Rearwin, along with his sons Royce and Ken, started Rearwin Airplanes in 1928.  Bursting into the industry scene during the “Golden Age of Aviation,” the company designed and built more than 400 aircraft before closing in 1946. Among the instrument trainers and gliders, Rearwin Airplanes debuted the Rearwin Cloudster in 1939; featuring strut-braced high-wings, the aircraft included an enclosed cabin and fixed, tailskid undercarriage. Though the Cloudster’s commercial success was poor, the airplane has remained a namesake among antique aviation enthusiasts.

Usable Battery Pack On the Way for Flight Trainers, Pattern Burners

EP Systems came to AERO 2024 in Friedrichshafen, Germany with their EPiC 2.0 aircraft energy storage system. The system is said to provide 30 minutes of additional flight time over existing battery packs used in electric aircraft, while requiring no considerable engineering to make the switch. The drop-in system replaces their EPiC 1.0 TSO package, allowing early adopters to stay abreast of modern tech and gain about 50% in endurance. 

NPAUSTS UAS Set Site Celebrates 10th Anniversary

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of significant contributions to the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. Since its inception in December 2013, the site has been instrumental in developing systems, rules, and procedures to integrate UAS safely into the National Airspace System.

Surveillance Cameras Recorded The Airplane Depart The Runway Surface, Bounce, And Impact A Hangar

Analysis: The pilot reported that during the landing roll his feet become entangled in the rudder pedals and he inadvertently applied brake pressure. The airplane veered left and the pilot unsuccessfully attempted to regain directional control with opposite rudder and increased engine power. Airport surveillance cameras recorded the airplane depart the runway surface, bounce, and impact a hangar, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage.

BRM Aero and H55 Announce All Electric B23 Energic

BRM Aero and H55 have announced the upcoming commercial availability of the B23 Energic, the first fully electric aircraft in the CS-23 general aviation category. The development opens the order book for 2025 deliveries, with initial batches earmarked for a select group of flight schools under favorable commercial conditions. The collaboration between BRM Aero, known for their 2-seater training aircraft, and H55, a leader in electric propulsion systems, signifies a significant advancement in aviation technology. The B23 Energic offers a flight endurance of one hour plus reserves, with a charging time of approximately one hour depending on conditions. This efficiency presents a sustainable alternative in aviation, promising lower ownership costs and the adaptability to update battery technology throughout the aircraft's lifecycle.

Reised NetJets Pilot Contract Comes After Year of Negotiations

NetJets pilots have ratified a revised employment contract after a year of tough negotiations, marking a significant development in the aviation industry. This new agreement, approved by a majority vote among the pilots, promises a substantial 52.5% increase in overall compensation, reflecting the pilots' pivotal role in the company's operations. The ratification process ended a period of acrimonious discussions between NetJets and the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP). The negotiation outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, with 78.31% of the voting members in favor of the new terms, compared to 21.69% against, showcasing strong support for the revised contract provisions.