Glideslope Provides vertical guidance for aircraft during approach and landing. The glideslope/glidepath is based on the following: Electronic components emitting signals which provide vertical guidance by reference to airborne instruments during instrument approaches such as ILS; or, Visual ground aids, such as VASI, which provide vertical guidance for a VFR approach or for the visual portion of an instrument approach and landing. PAR. Used by ATC to inform an aircraft making a PAR approach of its vertical position (elevation) relative to the descent profile. 

"Following XB-1's successful first flight, I'm looking forward to its historic first supersonic flight. We thank the Federal Aviation Administration for supporting innovation and enabling XB-1 to continue its important role of informing the future of supersonic travel." Source: Blake Scholl, founder, and CEO of Boom Supersonic, commenting after the XB-1 received the FAA's OK to head into supersonic flight testing when the program progresses to the proper point to do so. 

CAF Will Bring C-47 and R4D Normandy Vets to Salis Museum in June 

This June, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is bringing two significant pieces of World War II aviation history to the Salis Museum in France for an exceptional event commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The aircraft, the C-47 "That's All, Brother" and the R4D "Ready 4 Duty," will be part of a larger exhibit organized by the Salis Flying Museum, the D-Day Squadron, and the French Wing of the CAF. Scheduled for Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the event allows the public to explore these historic aircraft closely. Admission is set at 19€, providing an affordable opportunity for history enthusiasts and the general public to engage with a pivotal piece of World War II history.

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.

Shell Game of SAF Storage Shows That Nascent Fuel Industry Requires Some Planning At This Stage

Boeing was pleased to announce the purchase of 9.4 million gallons of blended sustainable jet fuel for use in its US commercial operations, offering a small pocket positive PR in a never ending slurry of drama. The blended fuel sports a 70/30 split, with the lesser portion coming from waste by-products like kitchen fats, greases, oils, and the like. All 10 million gallons will be put into the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program, for one, with the rest spread out over company flights when they can use it. Interestingly, Boeing couldn't just grab all of that fuel in one place, having to spread out their total order across their own facilities and partner tanks. Boeing's own fuel facilities in the Pacific Northwest will see 4 million gallons, while Neste will ship 2.5 million to EPIC Fuels and 1.5 million to Avfuel.

Model Finds Home in Kids' Museum

Northrop Grumman has handed over ownership of a full scale model of the NASA James Webb Space Telescope, granting it to the Space Foundation for display in their museum in Colorado. The model once graced skylines across the country for a time, garnering interest as it displayed the unusual multi-sail protective sheeting and convex lens. The model helped to raise awareness of the next-gen telescope program, but now it can head on to rest at the Space Foundation Discovery Center in Colorado Springs. "From New York to Paris, this life-size replica of the Webb Telescope inspired communities around the world and, in doing so, invited friends and families to explore the cosmos together to better understand the origins of the universe," said Chris Adams, vice president and general manager, strategic space systems, Northrop Grumman.

Wilbur Air Goes Shopping for Sustainable Aviation Down Under

Electric air taxi operator Skyportz announced a new subsidiary to provide all-electric operations under the Wilbur Air name, adding another future carrier to the Australian travel landscape. Wilbur Air opted to go with Electra.Aero's eSTOL for their flagship aircraft, inking a deal for 100 units with the American manufacturer. Wilbur Air does say that they won't just rest with the single-model fleet though, future buys will add everything from heavy lift and drone delivery to long-range sustainable passenger transit. 

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.

Engineer Dies of Prop Strike at Gray Butte Airfield

The tragic incident involving Stephanie Cosme at Gray Butte Airfield underscores critical issues in operational safety and situational awareness in high-risk environments. Cosme, a 32-year-old test engineer employed by Sumaria Systems, LLC, was fatally injured on September 7, 2023, when she walked into a rotating propeller of an MQ-9A Reaper drone during a ground test. The Air Force's investigation into the accident highlighted several key factors contributing to the unfortunate event. Firstly, the report indicates that Cosme was inadequately trained on how to properly approach the aircraft while conducting telemetry readings.

Klyde Explains Why He Missed SUN n FUN (and A REALLY Great Show)

FMI: www.klydemorris.com