The Future is Here for Small Town Cargo Operations

Reliable Robotics completed a test flight using an uncrewed Cessna 208B Caravan, operated entirely by a pilot on the ground 50 miles away. The company wants to corner the market on remotely piloted aircraft before the rest of the industry sees their worth. If successful, the firm believes its tech will further democratize the already legendary Cessna Caravan, serving as an "essential role connecting communities and businesses across the United States and around the globe."

120th Anniversary Celebrated with Curriculum, Improvements

Wings Over the Rockies (Wings) will soon show off a refreshed and expanded exhibit focusing on the Wright Brothers, pulling the curtain on December 17. The ribbon-cutting event will bring attention to the revamped museum section, generously funded by the Bates Family Foundation. The additions include a new and improved visitor experience across the board, in addition to a Wright Flyer simulator, and an original Model K Propeller signed by Orville Wright at his home in Dayton in 1944. New, roomier accommodations give more walking space to see the new walls, graphics, and information regarding the Wright's original efforts.

Pioneers to be Honored Next September

The National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) set a date for the induction of the next batch of aviation pioneers on September 14, 2024, using their "iconic home" in Dayton, Ohio. Next year's ceremony will be held within the National Museum of the United States Air Force, giving attendees a "memorable evening filled with inspiring stories, remarkable achievements, and a shared passion for the incredible advancements in aviation." Leading up to the event, the NAHF will hold events for fans, professionals, and public attendees to join in the celebration of the aeronautical world.

Austrian Gov-Requested System "Improves Flight Management and Nav Capabilities"

Universal Avionics completed flight testing on an Austrian Bell 212 using their new interactive Flight Management System (i-FMS), intending for the system to offer operators a simpler, safer way to manage their flight paths through increasingly complex airspaces. The i-FMS builds on existing hardware from Universal Avionics and Elbit Systems, acting as a flexible software suite to improve the function of older, less responsive installations. It supports all the needed navigational standards of today, from GNSS, RNAV, RNP, and VNAV throughout every phase of flight. Recent testing particularly examined NextGen capabilities, allowing it to ease handling by ATC in reg

Testing Pushes the Envelope up to 100% Blends

Leonardo and Pratt & Whitney Canada completed their first flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel using an AW139 intermediate twin helicopter. The duo evaluated the capacity of the type's PT6C-67C engines, using 100% SAF, taking off from the Leonardo facility in Cascina Costa di Samarate. The 75-minute flight allowed crews to put the AW139 through its paces, checking engine performance with multiple power settings and evaluating subsystems for erratic behavior. Leonardo reports that the testing "showed an outstanding response to the new fuel with no significant differences compared to the use of Jet A1 fuel".

Also: New Unleaded Avgas, Gogo Over-The-Air Update, Electrified Caravans, Gone West: Selena Shilad

The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington recently obtained a pair of Sopwith Camel flight simulators, allowing attendees to experience the closest thing to the original today. These simulators will be one of the jewels of the Museum's WWI exhibit, offering visitors an immersive flying experience in the iconic aircraft. Rather than push newbies through the usual flight training curriculum of a flight sim, the Sopwith Camels will give operators a range of scenarios to play with, reinforcing repeat attendance and fresh experiences. The FAA's

Electric Motor Brings More Power to the Table than Ever Before

Evolito Limited, axial-flux electric motor specialist, obtained Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UK Civil Aviation Authority for electric propulsion system products. Their D500 Axial Flux Motor is stacked for increased torque, offering peak power exceeding 1 megawatt. It's good news for eVTOL designers around the world, as is any electric motor or battery advancement. The firm is the 1st company in the UK to achieve such approval for an electric propulsion system.

Also: New Unleaded Avgas, Gogo Over-The-Air Update, Electrified Caravans, Gone West: Selena Shilad

The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington recently obtained a pair of Sopwith Camel flight simulators, allowing attendees to experience the closest thing to the original today. These simulators will be one of the jewels of the Museum's WWI exhibit, offering visitors an immersive flying experience in the iconic aircraft. Rather than push newbies through the usual flight training curriculum of a flight sim, the Sopwith Camels will give operators a range of scenarios to play with, reinforcing repeat attendance and fresh experiences. The FAA's

New Job Distribution Network Partner Expands Options for Members

The Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA) has become the newest addition to the JSfirm.com fold, becoming a 'Job Distribution Network Partner' in the company's parlance. The result is that PAPA members will gain access to a wider array of aviation jobs and careers, enmeshing themselves into the world of job seekers in aviation.

Purpose Of The Flight Was To Perform Aerial Power Line System Work

On November 29, 2023, about 1430 central standard time, a MD Helicopters Inc. MD600N helicopter, N745MB, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Sterling City, Texas. The commercial pilot and the aerial lineman sustained fatal injuries. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 rotorcraft external load flight. The helicopter was operated by Brim Aviation, Ashland, Oregon. The pilot was employed by the operator while the lineman was employed by Source Utility Services, Georgetown, Texas. The pilot was stationed in the front left seat and the lineman was stationed outside of the cabin on the left side. The purpos

From 2015 (YouTube Version): Oshkosh Reveals Many Treasures... Including Old Warbirds Full Of History

While at EAA AirVenture 2015, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, ventured out to visit the warbirds and was attracted to a large four engine aircraft that is a variation of the World War II Consolidated B-24. It turns out to be the world’s only flyable PB4Y-2, Privateer, which is a U.S. Navy version of the B-24. To get the full scoop about the airplane, Tom talked with Boyd Gallaher, who is the pilot of the aircraft. Gallaher first became acquainted with this airplane in the late 1970s when it was being operated as a fire suppression aircraft. He

Aero Linx: Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA) Established February 25, 1993, the Aviation Suppliers Association (ASA), based in Washington, D.C., is a not-for-profit association, representing more than 818 global member companies. Collectively, they lead critical logistics programs, purchasing efforts, and distribution of aircraft parts world-wide. Member companies include: distributors, suppliers, surplus sales organizations, repair stations, manufacturers, airlines, operators, and other companies that provide services to the aviation parts supply industry. 

Lost Communications Loss of the ability to communicate by radio. Aircraft are sometimes referred to as NORDO (No Radio). Standard pilot procedures are specified in 14 CFR Part 91. Radar controllers issue procedures for pilots to follow in the event of lost communications during a radar approach when weather reports indicate that an aircraft will likely encounter IFR weather conditions during the approach. (Refer to 14 CFR Part 91.)

“This monumental aviation achievement is a great example of how AFWERX accelerates agile and affordable capability transitions for the world's greatest Air Force. This milestone accelerates dual-use uncrewed flight opportunities, increasing aviation safety and enabling us to bring a broad range of autonomous military capabilities into denied environments.”   Source: Col. Elliott Leigh, AFWERX Director and Chief Commercialization Officer for the Department of the Air Force, detailing the merits of Reliable Robotics having completed a test flight using an uncrewed Cessna 208B Caravan, operated entirely by a pilot on the ground 50 miles away.