Also: Fernandina Beach Airport $$$, Controller Duty Time, Wheels Up Axes CO Ops, Elixir USA
Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of their battery-powered eDA40s to the test in some true-to-life training operations. The results are good enough to brag about, apparently, since both Diamond and Lufthansa Training said the eDA40 passed muster. In a significant step forward for aviation education in Alabama, Leadership in Flight Training Academy (LIFT) and Tuskegee University have unveiled the inaugural Tuskegee University Flight School. This marks a pioneering collaboration aimed at fostering a new generation of aviation professionals. The University of Oklahoma celeb
The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) has lodged a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging retaliation by Boeing management against two of its union members. These engineers, who were tasked as representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Organization Delegation Authorization (ODA), challenged Boeing to revisit engineering evaluations on the 777 and 787 models following new FAA advisories. According to SPEEA, the engineers' insistence on reevaluating previous assessments to ensure compliance with FAA guidance led to pushback from Boeing managers.
Beta Technologies Alia 250 MAkes Transition Flight
Vermont-based Beta Technologies has marked a significant advancement in the eVTOL aircraft sector with the successful piloted transition of its Alia-250 from vertical hover to cruise flight. This development underscores Beta's commitment to pioneering practical and commercially viable eVTOL solutions. The transition, which occurred with a pilot on board, involved moving from a stationary hover to forward flight, showcasing the aircraft's dual capabilities. Beta's journey began in 2020, quickly positioning itself as a leader in real-world eVTOL application, a stance bolstered by military airworthiness approval for manned electric flights in 2021.
Also: Fernandina Beach Airport $$$, Controller Duty Time, Wheels Up Axes CO Ops, Elixir USA
Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of their battery-powered eDA40s to the test in some true-to-life training operations. The results are good enough to brag about, apparently, since both Diamond and Lufthansa Training said the eDA40 passed muster. In a significant step forward for aviation education in Alabama, Leadership in Flight Training Academy (LIFT) and Tuskegee University have unveiled the inaugural Tuskegee University Flight School. This marks a pioneering collaboration aimed at foste
Climate Protesters Arrested for Invading Hanscom Field
On the morning of April 20, a protest by climate activists at Hanscom Field airport in Bedford, Massachusetts, led to the arrest of 20 individuals. The protesters, believed to be associated with the group Extinction Rebellion, were part of a larger gathering of approximately 25 people voicing opposition to the proposed expansion of the airport to include 17 new private jet hangars. Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Dave Procopio reported that the demonstrators breached a security perimeter, prompting a response from state and local police forces. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) noted that the breach led to a temporary closure of the airport as a precautionary measure. Ch
Aura Aero Inks Deal for INTEGRAL E to Norwegian Sporting Group
Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design of the usual tandem-seat LSA design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The 'E' model should offer some of the best of both worlds, the easy and simple maintenance of an electric motor with the affordable refueling costs of plugging 'er into an outlet. Aura Aero says the Integral E should be good for about 60 minutes of flight time at a stretch, with a sub-30 minute recharging time.
NTSB Praises New FAA Policy on Controller Rest and Duty Time
The NTSB has long highlighted the risks associated with fatigue among air traffic controllers, advocating for changes to ensure they receive adequate rest. Recently, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy praised the new FAA regulation requiring air traffic controllers to have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before a midnight shift. This policy adjustment aims to enhance safety by ensuring controllers are well-rested and alert. This initiative comes after tragic incidents that underscored the severe implications of controller fatigue. A notable example is the Comair flight 5191 crash on August 27, 2006, in Lexington, Kentucky, where 49 lives were lost when a plane took of
Add-On Crowdsources Turbulence Data From Users, Free with Performance Plus, Pro Plus Plans
ForeFlight has published a new feature showing live, automated turbulence information constantly updated with crowdsourced data. The feature should help those in lighter aircraft avoid and survive particularly turbulent weather conditions, though any pilot looking to provide a smoother ride for passengers will enjoy it too. As is often the case with nifty ForeFlight additions, the Reported Turbulence function will be available as an add-on for some ForeFlight plans. The Reported Turbulence (Low) grants access to turbulence reports below 14,000 feet, with an add-on for Reported Turbulence (All) that removes that altitude instruction. Those operating a Sentry
Situational Awareness and Flight Planning Application Picking Up Speed in App Market
Airmate celebrated a milestone of reaching a quarter-million registered users of its application at AERO 2024, heading to Friedrichshafen with good news in tow. Airmate is an EFB app, like so many others, but it manages to maintain a blessedly grassroots feel. It offers most of the same EFB accouterments one expects from the breed, like charting, mapping, flight planning, and situational awareness while in-air. Perhaps where it really shines is that it breaks from the pack of requiring hundreds of dollars a year just to maintain basic functionality - Airmate prides itself on being the "first fully free EFB," providing their services as a safety enhancer and t
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto
The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for a short time. The FAA has issued a call to action, requesting anyone and everyone meeting the relatively accommodating standards. They will have to bolster their numbers soon, with plans to hire 1,800 more controllers this year, and another 2,000 in 2025. Spirit Airlines announced its decision to defer the delivery of new Airbus aircraft and furlough approximately 260 pilots. The budget airline, headquartered in Miramar, Florida, is taking these measures as part of its strategy
Airbus Taps Robin Hayes, Former Jetblue CEO as New Chairman and CEO of Airbus Americas
Airbus has named Robin Hayes, the former CEO of JetBlue Airways, as the new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Americas, Inc. This leadership transition comes as C. Jeffrey Knittel prepares to retire on June 3, 2024, after a successful tenure at the helm since 2018. Hayes, a seasoned leader with 35 years in the aerospace sector, including significant roles at British Airways and JetBlue, is set to bring his extensive experience to Airbus. During his time at JetBlue, Hayes not only led the airline through a transformative phase but also served as Chair of the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Board of Governors from 2020 to 2022.
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto
The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for a short time. The FAA has issued a call to action, requesting anyone and everyone meeting the relatively accommodating standards. They will have to bolster their numbers soon, with plans to hire 1,800 more controllers this year, and another 2,000 in 2025. Spirit Airlines announced its decision to defer the delivery of new Airbus aircraft and furlough approximately 260 pilots. The budget airline, headquartered in Miramar, Florida, is taking these measures as part of its s
Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganization as they continue to move away from the brink, and by all accounts, things are going great. Clyde Hamstreet indicated that things are going pretty well in the Chapter 11 process, and they expect their reorganization plan to be approved by the court come May. Hammerstreet noted, with pleasure, that few companies in a similar position manage to survive the process, but Van's is sitting pretty. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th throu
Information Indicates The Flight Crew Failed To Assure There Was An Adequate Fuel Supply
Analysis: The airplane was returning to the departure airport after a local training flight when the engine lost all power. Restart attempts were not successful. The pilot reported that he glanced at the fuel gauge and it indicated ¼ full. During the forced landing the airplane contacted trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed that only a trace amount of fuel was visible in the semi-transparent plastic fuel tank; the tank did not appear to be breached. After the airplane was removed from the accident site and leveled on a trailer used for recovery, the fu
From 2018 (YouTube Version): American Barnstormers Tour Storms Through AirVenture
From July 5-29, 2018, the 2018 American Barnstormers Tour undertook a 5-city, 5-state tour through MO, IA, SD, MN and WI. The 2018 American Barnstormers Tour exclusively featured 10 vintage Travel Air open-cockpit biplanes. Five of the biplanes will function as static displays at each venue, with owners and restorers available to answer crowd questions. Five of the biplanes offered ride experiences to tour attendees. The goal of the tour was to extend
Aero Linx: Fly for the Culture
Fly For the Culture, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves young people interested in pursuing professions in the aviation industry throughout the United States. Through exposure, outreach, education, and —where needed— advocacy, Fly For The Culture will become a driving force to expand diversity within the aviation industry, and mitigate the forecasted pilot and aircraft maintainer shortage.
Airport Rotating Beacon
A visual NAVAID operated at many airports. At civil airports, alternating white and green flashes indicate the location of the airport. At military airports, the beacons flash alternately white and green, but are differentiated from civil beacons by dualpeaked (two quick) white flashes between the green flashes.
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“We are proud to welcome our first customer from Norway for the INTEGRAL family and honored to have been selected by this major aeronautic federation."
Source: Drew McEwen, Chief Commercial Officer of Aura Aero, speaking out about how Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft.
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