Mission-Driven Helo Playground Provides Realism in Training

Blackcomb Helicopters announced a new addition to its Advanced Training Center in the Powerline Training Facility, a skill-building emporium of structures suited to proper SAR operations. The location in Pemberton, British Columbia, "stands as a testament to Blackcomb Helicopters’ commitment to excellence in utility operations, offering a controlled and safe environment where crew can hone their abilities and ensure precision performance in the field." Powerline is equipped with a double circuit, 138KV monopole with five structures; a self-supporting lattice tower; a single circuit, 230 KV H-frame with four structures; a practice H-frame structure; 2 culverts for pole sets; and plenty of space to maneuver.

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Boom Supersonic got the first instance of Special Flight Authorization to go supersonic, planning to push their XB-1 aircraft beyond the sound barrier. The FAA granted the authorization for them to test fly at Mach 1+ in the R-2508 Complex and part of the R-2515 High Altitude Supersonic Corridor. The FAA says that it completed a thorough review and Environmental Assessment, paving the way for future supersonic flight testing in the commercial sphere. Paul Poberezny's work needs little introduction in the world of experimental aviation, sport flying, and hobbyist aeronautics, being attached to what has grown into a titan today. Sometimes, growth makes it easy to miss the little things, and today's "little guy" is smarting more than ever just looking at the price tags of "cheap" aircraft. Poberezny, seeing similar things while he was still with us, tried to forestall su

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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 through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down south to enjoy the Florida sunshine in the same excellent facilities as Sun 'n Fun. The Affordable Flying Expo will focus on the love of flight, and all things that bring it into reach of the average, fun-loving pilot. T

2019 Introduction Becoming a Fast Favorite on the Turboprop Scene

It may seem a bit silly to have a favorite engine in the aviation world, with so many stalwart classics to choose from, but for enjoyers of smaller, more accessible aircraft, the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 series probably finds a spot on the top 10 no matter what. The E-Series, as Pratt & Whitney designates their latest and greatest version, recently shipped out the 500th unit at their Lethbridge, Canada production line. The engines have mostly been delivered to Daher for their TBM 960, and Pilatus for use in their PC-12 NGX.

ALPA Prez Ambrosi Applauds Congressional Boeing Oversight

On April 17, 2024, in response to recent U.S. Senate hearings scrutinizing Boeing's safety practices, Captain Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association International, expressed strong support for the oversight efforts. The hearings, spearheaded by Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, addressed concerns over Boeing's handling of safety protocols in their manufacturing processes and whistleblower treatments.

AMA Hosts Eclipse Watchers, Promotes Model Aviation

On April 8, 2024, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, became a bustling hub of activity as over a thousand enthusiasts and spectators gathered to witness a rare total solar eclipse. The AMA IAC, recognized as an official viewing site, partnered with the city of Muncie to host this unique astronomical event, which captivated attendees with more than just a celestial phenomenon.

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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 to boost liquidity amidst challenging times. Redbird Flight, manufacturer of flight simulators and training devices, came out in force to Sun 'n Fun 2024, with all kinds of new goodies in tow. Their new friends at the Recreational Aviation Foundation have kept up their momentum in keeping a presenc

Alaska and Horizon Jets End Grounded for an Hour

Alaska Airlines was given a brief ground stop by the FAA, lasting from 10:50 eastern to just about an hour later on April 17th. The culprit? A computer system "upgrade" that messed with their flight planning capability. In a statement to the media, Alaska Airlines said "This morning we experienced an issue while performing an upgrade to the system that calculates our weight and balance," only adding that the knock-on effects of the pause would affect flights throughout the day.  

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.

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FIFTY YEARS! What a milestone for the aviation world’s master aero-education duo! John, Martha, along with their CEO Barry Knutilla have come to Sun ‘n Fuin to celebrate a half-century of keeping us educated while also casting eyes upon the future. Ya want to land and take off REALLY short? Ya want to keep it simple? Ya want it to cost less than your house? Bryce Angell’s newly created Top Rudder aircraft has some affordable, highly capable STOL-ready aero-toys for you! The ultimate cockpit visual aid? Aileronics has introduced the Sentinel, a portable sensor that can be mounted in any cockpit and assist with the chores of seeing and avoiding hazards in your flight path. There is a cool new offering by the name of Flight Club... Flight Club is a double-sided marketplace that connects aircraft owners with pilots looking to rent an aircraft. The idea is not a n