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December 06, 2023

Van's Clarifies Process for Backordered Kits

Customers to See Replacement Parts, Price Changes as Company Reorganizes and Reorients

Van's Aircraft has announced the first bevy of changes to impact customers at their firm, clarifying that those with deposits on kits, engines, props, and avionics will see rolling updates to their order process as procedures fall into place. First off, Van's spoke to the customer block who were sent the later-model, apparently inadequate "laser-cut parts" in place of older-spec punched parts. The issue has been one of the driving causes of the firm's fall into Chapter 11, requiring the mass replacement of pricey aircraft pieces without any compensation. The company's investigations pointed to a fairly safe arrangement even with the laser-cut parts, but cus

Also: NJSAP v Buffet, WAI 2024, NAHF 2024, Alaska-Hawaiian

Van’s aircraft has filed for reorganization under the chapter 11 bankruptcy code. Van’s Founder Dick VanGrunsven said "I realize that the word "bankruptcy" here is shocking, however the key word here is "reorganization", which implies continued operation and improvement. Our doors will remain open and we will continue to work hard to serve our customers." The Collings Foundation have announced an end to their flying WWII aircraft wing, deciding to ground all aircraft and intern them on display at the American Heritage Museum. The turning point appears to be the October 2020 crash of "Nine-O-Nine", a B-17 that saw the d

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Collings Foundation Grounds Aircraft for Good

Difficulties in Running a Warbird Fleet Not Worth it After Fatal B-17 Crash

The Collings Foundation have announced an end to their flying WWII aircraft wing, deciding to ground all aircraft and intern them on display at the American Heritage Museum. The turning point appears to be the October 2020 crash of "Nine-O-Nine", a B-17 that saw the deaths of 7 in the process. In the years since, a worsening economy and the continual passage of government-trained WWII mechanics have been taking their toll, making it harder to find qualified personnel to both maintain and fly the vintage aircraft.

Local Operators Feel Process of Air Tour Management Plans Failed to Consider Much

Helicopter Association International members aren't too happy with recent rulemaking by the National Park Service and the FAA, and they're heading to Congress to voice their displeasure. The recent rules regarding air tourism near Mount Rushmore National Park have not been great news for those operating in the area, who feel the FAA overstepped its bounds by "limiting and in some cases eliminating air park tours without consideration of the economic, environmental, and access issues for the public and air tour operators."

Rumor Mill Abuzz with Fleet Composition Guesses

A merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is coming to fruition, and the reception is, as it always is between separate pilot groups, cautious at best. The Air Line Pilots Association weighed in with a somewhat benign comment, stating only that the Alaska Airlines Master Executive Council (ALA MEC) "evaluated the business case for this merger and what it may mean for pilots of both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines as well as our passengers and other stakeholders."

Instances of Instability Worrying to Flying Public

The National Transportation Safety Board has announced its first in-person roundtable discussion regarding mental health concerns in the aviation community. Recent high-profile instances of mentally frayed individuals improperly handling aircraft have piqued bureaucratic interest in recent months, and now the government engine will be slowly brought to bear on the mental health issue as a whole.

Airborne 11.27.23: MAX 10 Update, Air Tour Restriction, Starship IFT2 Details

Also: Oshkosh Dates Thru 2027, Liberty University, Inadequate ATC Staffing, Stratolaunch

Boeing's 737 MAX 10 has been given the go-ahead for type-inspection authorization by the FAA, allowing the regulator to begin its own testing on the aircraft after hundreds of in-house flights. Boeing is understandably antsy to get that type certificate in hand for the MAX 10, given a long line of backorders that numbers somewhere north of 1,000 aircraft. The National Park Service and the FAA have published their now complete air tour management plan for Mount Rushmore. All flights must stay 1/2 sm away from park boundaries, or 5,000 ft AGL. The plan isn't a surprise to l

Former FAA Administrator Seen Off by Peers

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) issued a statement regarding the passing of David Hinson, former FAA administrator. GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce issued a statement, recognizing the passage of a valued associate in the industry. Hinson was a lifelong aviator, known for his stint as FAA Administrator in addition to time as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, United, West Coast, and Midway Airlines. Prior to beginning his FAA tenure, Hinson worked as EVP for Douglas Aircraft.

Embraer Making Inroads to Asian Market with Smaller, Lighter Jet

Embraer tendered the first Praetor 600 to South Korea's Flight Inspection Services Center, a government office that undertakes a range of airborne survey, inspection, and assessments. The Flight Inspection Center takes on tasks like site survey, surveillance, procedure validation, ADS-B checks, inspections for commissionings, periodic reviews, and the like. The Praetor was equipped with German outfit Aerodata AG's AeroFIS flight inspection system.

Also: Oshkosh Dates Thru 2027, Liberty University, Inadequate ATC Staffing, Stratolaunch

From 2009 (YouTube Version): Organization’s Annual Fly-In Makes ‘Golden Age’ Come Alive for Enthusiasts

Founded in August of 1953 by Robert L. Taylor, the Antique Aircraft Association is the world’s oldest organization specifically devoted to antique and classic aircraft. Committed to “keep the antiques flying,” the AAA has dedicated its fifty-six years to the preservation of this “Golden Age of Aviation.” AAA members have access to the organization’s vast historical library, as well as its large assortment of spare engine and aircraft parts available to assist in restoration projects.

Last ADS-B Data Point Was Located Adjacent To Where The Wreckage Was Located, Near The Peak Of A Hill

On October 27, 2023 about 1345 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T206H, N915DV, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Huntington, Utah. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. A family member stated that the pilot had traveled earlier in the morning from his base airport in Craig, Colorado to Vernal, Utah. After spending about two hours in Vernal, the pilot departed with a planned destination of Cedar City, Utah.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (12.06.23)

Aero Linx: National Aviation Safety Foundation (NASF) The National Aviation Safety Foundation is a support group whose objective is to enhance aviation safety through educational programs at designated facilities and locations. During the year we provide extensive support for projects, perform safety seminars, and provide a wide dissemination of safety-related information to all interested parties.

Tetrahedron A device normally located on uncontrolled airports and used as a landing direction indicator. The small end of a tetrahedron points in the direction of landing. At controlled airports, the tetrahedron, if installed, should be disregarded because tower instructions supersede the indicator.

“The national parks should be available for all visitors to see. Eliminating flights over the park unfairly limits the ability of the elderly, very young, disabled, and others to experience the park. Limiting flights over the parks is discriminating to those who might not have the time, resources, or physical ability to see the park any other way. Freedom to choose a visitation method should be preserved.” Source: Mark A. Schlaefli, president of Rushmore Helicopters, Black Hills Aerial Adventures, and Badger Helicopters in his role as vice chair of the HAI Board of Directors -- responding to recent new air tour restrictions.