German eVTOL Manufacturer Pauses Tests, Local Hiring Citing Lack of Local Interest

Volocopter's timeline for Singaporean flight testing has been paused until the firm can find enough local partners to sign on the dotted line...with no idea when tests will resume. Like so many eVTOL manufacturers, Asia calls out for their initial public demonstrations, boasting a perfect combination of regulatory amicability, forward-thinking mass transit infrastructure, and overstuffed metropolitan zones. Singapore is no exception, but its nifty, futuristic stylings come at greater cost than somewhere a little more industrial. To defray their own costs, Volocopter had been planning on securing Singaporean partnerships in order to bankroll their infrastructure

Fire In the Cockpit? No Problem, says Klatt Works

L2 Aviation and Klatt Works have announced their new Smoke Assured Vision Enhanced Display (or SAVED system), a "unique wearable system that adds augmented reality technology to existing pilot oxygen masks". The suite is aimed at operators looking to maximize their flight deck safety standards, with quick-donning masks being able to present HUD symbology using a nose-mounted camera. The improvement means better pilotage in cases of flight deck smoke or window breakage thanks to the "all weather" vision provided by SAVED.

Also: First T-38 Replacement, Aviation Discovery Fest, Spacewalkers Lose Tools, Rocket Lab

The long-awaited first flight of the Tom Hodgson B29 Replica took place last week... in style. A one-hour first flight featured a number of fly-bys and low passes before the builder/pilot decided that he had all the data he needed and brought it back to its home drone in Kokomo, Indiana. Hodgson reported that the aircraft was pretty much in trim and that there were no significant issues during the test flight. A heartfelt request from the family owners of Cleaveland Aircraft Tool began making the rounds this week, an unfortunate reminder of just how

5 More Advanced Rotorcraft Trainers On the Way

Bell Textron delivered the first 5 of a 10-aircraft order, handing over the new Bell 505 helicopters to the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF). The purchase agreement was finalized in July of 2022, approving the purchase of 10 aircraft, a flight training device, and a “comprehensive computer-based training package” to be installed at the King Hussein Air College in Mafraq, Jordan.

No Blends This Time, Just Pure Synthesized Fuel

Gulfstream Aerospace capped the "world’s first trans-Atlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)" this month, using one of their G600 aircraft on a leg between Savannah, Georgia and England's Farnborough Airport. Gulfstream's mission made use of their G600's standard Pratt & Whitney PW815GA engines, allowing them to gain extended flight data for a pure SAF fuel. In the past, similar flights have been done on a blend of traditional Jet A/SAF blends, generally below a ratio of 50%. The use of pure SAF takes advantage of more domestic logistics chains, lower carbon, sulfur, and aromatics compared to standard petroleum products.

Total Fleet to Sit at 340 Aircraft

Aircraft leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital has ordered another 60 A320neo Family aircraft, bringing its total for the type to nearly 340 aircraft. Like in past deals, they have continued their expansion among low-cost carriers around the world, finding an ever growing demand for affordable, modern narrowbody aircraft. The newest order continues to assure a constant pipeline of aircraft deliveries "beyond the end of the decade" according to SMBC.

Design-Build-Vertical Flight Drone Meet to Host 16 Teams

The Vertical Flight Society announced the lineup of college competitors for the upcoming eVTOL competition, with 16 universities sending their best to vie for the  selection of teams from 16 universities to compete in the fourth annual Design-Build-Vertical Flight (DBVF) Student Competition. Teams included will hail from the US, with Canada, India and Malaysia. The field will be the widest it's ever been, with teams vying for a $5,000 award to the highest scoring bunch.

Klyde Is Just Trying To Get Back To The Point...

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

According To The Pilot, This Was Going To Be His First Flight In The Helicopter In 2 Weeks

On November 4, 2023, at 1200 Pacific standard time, a Bell UH-1H, N3053Q, was substantially damaged during startup near Firebaugh, California. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.  According to the pilot, this was going to be his first flight in the helicopter in 2 weeks. He performed the preflight inspection and startup with no anomalies. As he was turning on the global positioning system and putting his helmet on, he began to see and smell smoke in the cockpit.

From 2017: A Rare U.S. Appearance For The French Precision Demonstration Team

Sun 'n Fun 2017 attendees got a rare treat during the April 3 and 4 air shows ... a performance by the Patrouille de France, the French military precision demonstration team. The team toured North America as part of the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into WWI. Maj. Christophe Dubois, Team Leader of Patrouille de France, told ANN CEO and Editor in Chief Jim Campbell that the team came to Sun 'n Fun to show the skills of the French Air Force as part of their partnership with aircraft manufacturer Daher.

Aero Linx: The Medevac Foundation International (MFI) The Medevac Foundation International (MFI) serves the medical transport industry’s professionals and families through academic research, wellness training, continuing education scholarships, and practical support for families during times of tragedy.

Decision Altitude (DA) A specified altitude (mean sea level (MSL)) on an instrument approach procedure (ILS, GLS, vertically guided RNAV) at which the pilot must decide whether to continue the approach or initiate an immediate missed approach if the pilot does not see the required visual references.

“With sustainability and operational efficiency remaining key priorities for our customers, we anticipate even greater demand for aircraft such as the A320neo and the A321neo in the years ahead. We look forward to strengthening our valued partnership with Airbus as we help our customers navigate these priorities.” Source: Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, explaining the rationale for aircraft leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital's order for another 60 A320neo Family aircraft, bringing its total for the type to nearly 340 aircraft.