Gliding, Autorotating UAV Would Simplify Logistics with Pinpoint Delivery from Afar

Skyworks Aeronautics has been busy in recent months, announcing sales, developments and patents in a matter of weeks. Its most recent was an issued US patent for its Precision Airdrop System, an airborne vehicle designed to deliver payloads much like a standoff munition. The PAS offers intermediate-distance deliveries with a gliding stage to target before autorotating down to ensure precise landings.

Mounting Pressure For FAA Reauth Bill Just Keeps Building

Another aviation stakeholder took their frustrations to Capitol Hill at the end of November, with GAMA proclaiming its irritations shortly after the NBAA weighed in on the issue. General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO Pete Bunce testified before the US House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee regarding the importance of a timely FAA reathorization, titled "Turbulence Ahead: Consequences of Delaying a Long-Term FAA Bill".

Foolish Aircraft Stunt Plays Out in the Justice System Years After Completion

Trevor Daniel Jacob, of ill-thought-out Youtuber stunt fame, will be jailed for 6 months for his actions in recovering and destroying the wreckage of his purposeful aircraft crash. In the aftermath of the crash, against the advice of investigators, Jacob loaded up the remains of the Taylorcraft and hauled them back to his initial airport of departure, where he cut up the aircraft and disposed of it in sections throughout a series of trash bins in the area. Federal authorities weren’t fooled by the mysteriously disappearing crash evidence, however, believing that Jacob went through with his own December 10 disposal with “the intent to obstruct [them] from inve

After Some Last-Minute Changes, the Big Bird is Ready for Showtime

Right at the tail end of November Dassault put the finishing touches on its Falcon 6X, thanks to some post-certification changes made to its demonstrator aircraft. Now, with approvals from the FAA and EASA fresh in hand, Dassault is ready to take orders for its long-legged, quick little bizjet. Well, perhaps by larger aircraft standards, it's small, but among its Falcon siblings the 6x tops the scales. It's the largest and heaviest bird in the family, though every test report seems to say the same: Dassault taught this one how to dance, too.

Archaeology, Skyraiders, Tomcats, and more

The first bunch of 2024 speakers for the EAA Aviation Adventure Series has been published, including a range of off-beat aeronautical missions and historical happenings. The Series will offer presentations throughout the winter, spring, and summer at 1900 hrs (central time). Each presentation will be held at the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Hall Of Fame Honors Pioneers of Years Past

Women in Aviation International (WAI) has chosen their crop of inductees for 2024, with 3 historic pioneers being added to their International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Each will be honored at the 35th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, which will include a ceremony and celebration dinner next March.

Inaugural Flight of Ariane 6 to come from June to July 2024

ArianeSpace is aiming to launch their model 6 rocket between June 15 and July 31 next year, according to ESA sources. The first test flight won't exactly be a revenue launch, but it will contain a couple ride-along satellites, including 2 from NASA. The rocket has been long delayed, with work started nearly a decade ago when continental Europe aimed to build sufficient launch capability on its own turf. A second flight is expected by the end of next year, with a further target of 9 to 10 flights per year in 2025 and beyond.

Multimission Anti-Sub Copter Begins Testing

The first of 31 NH90 Sea Tigers took off on a maiden flight from Airbus' Donauwörth, Germany facility earlier this week. The helo will be known as the 'Sea Tiger Multi-Role Frigate Helicopter' in Bundeswehr service, replacing their aged Mk88A Sea Lynx aircraft from 1981. German armed forces already operate NH90 platforms thanks to previous orders of the Sea Lion, an aircraft that recently scored its first naval rescue operation in the North Sea. The Sea Tiger, adapted from the NH-90 NFH (a specialized naval version) will find itself well equipped for the anti-sub mission, with a standard dipping sonar, sonobuoy loadout, and electro-optical suite with ESM capabilities.

Real Time Flight Routing Saves Fuel, Money at Carrier Scale

NASA has published a brief review of its success in a pilot program with carriers using an EFB-based routing app that provides en-route, real time guidance for improved efficiency and flight times. The Regulator designed the Traffic-Aware Strategic Aircrew Requests (TASAR) system, a piece of algorithmic software that crunches the specs of each and every route possibility to provide the best choice for pilots. With the basis for routing, NASA found an eager partner in APiJET (formerly iJET), a connectivity company that offered a broad spectrum of updated info throughout the air traffic system. The firm licensed TASAR from NASA for use in their "Digital Winglets" app, named after the NASA i

As The Engine Power Remained Unchanged, The Instructor Made The Decision To Execute An Emergency Landing

On November 18, 2023, about 1522 Pacific standard time (PST), a Cessna 150M, N6266K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Woodland, Washington. The flight instructor and student pilot sustained no injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor reported that about 1425 PST, they were departed from Pearson Field Airport (VUO), Vancouver, Washington to practice steep-turns and slow flight maneuvers, to include an introduction to power-off stalls and recovery.

From 2010 (YouTube Version): As Amazing As The ABQ Balloon Fiesta Is... The Pilots Are Even More So!

In a few recent Aero-TV programs, we've had the great good fortune to relate some of the amazing sights, sounds and sensations we encountered at the 2010 ABQ Balloon Fiesta... and the word 'amazing' barely does this event justice. Really... it's THAT great an event. But... one particular element stands out as the key ingredient in what makes ABQ a world-renowned event... the people... especially the balloon pilots that flock to this annual gathering of all things that float, fly and levitate amongst the backdrop of New Mexico's stunning Sandia Peak

Aero Linx: Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)  Established in 1980, the Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS) is an international trade association headquartered in the Washington, DC area. AAMS is a non-profit 501C (6) trade association that represents and advocates on behalf of our membership to enhance their ability to deliver quality, safe, and effective medical care and medical transportation for every patient in-need. AAMS is a dedicated team, committed to representing and advocating for the Air Medical and the Critical Care Ground Transport Industry and supporting our members who proudly serve their communities throughout the United States and around the world. 

Radar Flight Following The observation of the progress of radar-identified aircraft, whose primary navigation is being provided by the pilot, wherein the controller retains and correlates the aircraft identity with the appropriate target or target symbol displayed on the radar scope. 

"Our 2024 inductees are shining examples of grit and determination. For over 30 years, WAI has annually showcased the accomplishments of female trailblazers—as individuals and groups—through our Pioneer Hall of Fame. We are proud to honor their unique talents and skill sets which have helped pave the way for other women and largely contributed to aviation and aerospace in unique ways.” Source: Stephanie Kenyon, WAI Interim CEO, discussing their crop of inductees for 2024, with 3 historic pioneers being added to their International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Each will be honored at the 35th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, which will include a ceremony and celebration dinner next March.