Van's Aircraft Woes Proving Contagious to Vulnerable Sportplane Industry

A heartfelt request from the family owners of Cleaveland Aircraft Tool began making the rounds this week, an unfortunate reminder of just how fragile the light aircraft industry remains. Cleaveland Aircraft Tool is a good old fashioned company providing assistance in building and repair for amateur-built, experimental, and vintage aircraft. In his address, Blake, joint owner of the operation along with his wife Becky, earnestly acknowledged the problems faced during the ongoing supply woes over at Van's Aircraft. 

"Larger Than Life" Figure Beloved by Experimental Aviation

Jack J. Pelton, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Experimental Aircraft Association, took a moment to comment on the passing of Apollo 8 commander and longtime EAA member Frank Borman on November 7, 2023. “As one of the major players within the Apollo astronaut corps in the 1960s, Frank Borman was a person who seemed larger than life as we followed America’s efforts toward a lunar landing. Frank’s accomplishments, especially the unforgettable moments during the Apollo 8 mission during Christmas time in 1968, puts him among the key figures in our nation’s spaceflight history."

Jet A Remains a Popular Selection for European Trainers

Diamond made a sale for 4 brand-new Austro Engine powered DA40 NG aircraft at the European Flight Training Event (EATS) in Cascais, Portugal. Riding along with that deal is a recent order for a Diamond flight simulator, which will eventually see the Skywings fleet at Antwerp Airport swell to 7 aircraft and a DA40/42 FNPT II sim. The breakdown follows the usual flight training fare, with 6 single-engine DA40s and a single DA42 twin. The relative scarcity and cost increase for leaded aviation fuel throughout the EU has given Diamond an edge in hunting for the ever so cost-sensitive flight training market.

Pilatus Snags Another Layup in the Medevac Market

Ornge (not a typo, that's some good ol' marketing in action), an Ontario-based medical transport service, will begin taking delivery of a dozen Pilatus PC-12s in 2026. The Air ambulance and critical care provider will receive the rest of the order through 2030, putting them into service as it modernizes its fleet with brand new, freshly painted aircraft. The service is vital to providing reliable, quality care throughout a number of far-flung northern indigenous communities, a task the Pilatus is well suited to.

“Thanatos” Rendering Shown Off Ahead of Improving Financial Prospects

Government military contractor Kratos Defense & Security Solutions let slip a rendering of its stealthy Thanatos UAV along with its 3rd quarter financial results, saying that it hopes to be under contract for the platform by this time next year. Unsurprisingly, most in the industry read between the lines to suspect that unnamed customer to be the US Air Force - sleuthing isn’t all that necessary given the niche market for a stealthy, slippery, and expensive UAV. Company president Eric DeMarco peeled back the curtain for investors just a tad, hinting at the problems encountered when aiming to bring the stealth drone to market...

Also: Protective Boot for uAvionix, Wisconsin CAP Cadets, 5G Guidance, Aero-TV: 'Mr. Regulation'

The Arizona Pilots Association set forth in a communique that the entirety of Las Vegas, Nevada’s general aviation airports—Harry Reid International (LAS), Henderson Executive (HSH), and North Las Vegas (VGT)—will require all general aviation aircraft arriving during the time period spanning 14 through 20 November 2023 to secure reservations/prior permission and pay a $3,000 arrival fee. Pioneer Aerospace Corporation, d.b.a. ASR-Pioneer, has declared chapter 11 bankruptcy and is seeking to sell the company under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code

Also: Protective Boot for uAvionix, Wisconsin CAP Cadets, 5G Guidance, Aero-TV: 'Mr. Regulation'

The Arizona Pilots Association set forth in a communique that the entirety of Las Vegas, Nevada’s general aviation airports—Harry Reid International (LAS), Henderson Executive (HSH), and North Las Vegas (VGT)—will require all general aviation aircraft arriving during the time period spanning 14 through 20 November 2023 to secure reservations/prior permission and pay a $3,000 arrival fee. Pioneer Aerospace Corporation, d.b.a. ASR-Pioneer, has declared chapter 11 bankruptcy and is seeking to sell the company under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code

Dept of Agriculture Programs Could be Turned Towards Fueling

A bill was introduced in the hopes of bolstering the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels using existing Agriculture Department programs, as well as ensuring the USDA’s SAF definitions reflect proper eligibility for American agricultural crops. “By utilizing sustainable aviation fuel, we can cut harmful emissions, support family farmers and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources,” Budzinski said in a news release.

From 2015 (YouTube Version): One Of Our Favorite Tandem Taildraggers Continues to Evolve... Delightfully

While at Sun ‘n Fun 2015, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, visited the RANS Aircraft site to find out what the new upgrades are on the RANS S7. To get an answer for this question, he talked with RANS CEO, Randy Schlitter. As a kit-built, tandem-seating taildragger, The RANS S7 has already made a reputation for itself as being a utilitarian type of airplane. Schlitter says there have been about 10 major improvements mad

Accident Occurred During The Fifth Flight Of The Phase 1 Test Flights

Analysis: According to witnesses, the airplane took off on runway 08 and then turned back toward the airport. The pilot made a radio call that he was turning downwind for landing. The accident occurred during the fifth flight of the phase 1 test flights after the pilot finished building the airplane. Witnesses heard changes in the engine rpm they described as the engine revving, going to idle, and surging...

Electrical Arc in Power Supply Shorted Rocket's 2nd Stage Motor Controllers

Rocket Lab USA has announced a return to launch operations after an operational pause following the loss of its 41st Electron mission in September. The September mission failed 151 seconds into launch, in a strangely ordinary phase of flight after successful liftoff, maximum Q, and both stage separations. The anomaly has been dissected and analyzed to find that "an unexpected electrical arc occurred within the power supply system that provides high voltage to the Rutherford engine’s motor controllers, shorting the battery packs that provide power to the launch vehicle’s second stage."

Aero Linx: Sun 'n Fun International Fly-in and Expo SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit that markets and supports dozens of year-round events, including the Aerospace Expo. Proceeds from these events are the primary source of funding for The Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE), which has emerged as a nationally recognized leader in STEM-related and aerospace education through its various learning centers, outreach programs, scholarships, and summer camps aimed at engaging, educating and accelerating the next generation of aerospace professionals...  

Blind Speed The rate of departure or closing of a target relative to the radar antenna at which cancellation of the primary radar target by moving target indicator (MTI) circuits in the radar equipment causes a reduction or complete loss of signal.

"When you shop with small businesses like ours you're not just trading money for tools. You are directly supporting our lives and the lives of our employees. Your purchases enable college funds and school clothes for these kids as well as toys, food, and vet visits for our adorable animals. For those of you that have supported the business in the past: Thank you so much! If you are in a position to be able to get some tools or other goodies from us in the next few weeks, it would be an immense help towards making sure that we are here for the long haul."   Source: Part of a heartfelt request from the family owners of Cleaveland Aircraft Tool began making the rounds this week, an unfortunate reminder of just how fragile t