Also: Cropduster Tragedy, ANN/Airborne Team Update, FAA SAIB, Gulfstream G650ER, Drone Market Growth, Gripen E, American Airlines

 

The FAA recently released a study of scheduled and non-scheduled air operators which was mandated by Congress as part of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. According to the report, there are 2,155 charter operators utilizing 10,655 aircraft. Seventy percent of charter fleet is helicopters and piston or turboprop airplanes. Charter aircraft serve more than 3,000 airports, and most charter establishments average 19 employees, have one or two aircraft and less than $2.5 million in annual revenues. It is often been said in scientific research that learning what does not work is a step to learning solutions. When SpaceX stuck the landing of its main booster on a platform in the Pacific Ocean following their most recent launch, it appears the booster was damaged to the point that it may not be reusable. SpaceX founder Elon Musk said on Twitter that the rocket suffered "max damage, due to a high entry velocity. [It] will be our life leader for ground tests to confirm others are good." The Academy of Model Aeronautics has been helping graduating seniors achieve their dreams since 1970, and is now celebrating its dream of reaching a total of $1 million in awarded scholarships. This year, the AMA has awarded $48,000 in scholarships to 10 high school graduates from across the nation, which has helped bring the total of AMA scholarships that have been given to college-bound aeromodelers to $1 million. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!