Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The result, which should enter service in 2026 (or thereabouts, given developmental delays). French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. Stateside, Elixir will open a reassembly facility in Florida at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. Parts delivered from France will be checked, inspected, and assembled into full aircraft there, with the Florida location becoming the administrative, sales, and support hub for the entire US domestic market. AeroMech Incorporate
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders
Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at home and overseas. We ship humanitarian air cargo overseas for UK charities active abroad, we help fly light aircraft in air support of other charities operating in Africa and at home we fly up to 500 deserving kids nationwide each year on a flight of their lives in small planes.
Runway Lead-in Light System
Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance along an approach path, either curving or straight, where special problems exist with hazardous terrain, obstructions, or noise abatement procedures.
ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Business Of Business."
“As we enter our next phase as a private company, we are confident that we will benefit from additional resources and expertise that will enable us to build upon our strong foundation and take full advantage of the hard work we have done these past several years to reposition our company. This new partnership will accelerate our transformational strategy."
Source: Ian K. Walsh, Kaman Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commenting as Kaman Corporation has been fully digested by its acquiring company, Arcline Investment Management L.P.
Piper's Spiciest Turboprop Gains More Functionality via STC
The latest iteration of the long-lived Malibu platform - now the Matrix and Meridian - cut a pretty impressive figure upon its recent announcement, offering the same single-engine affordability and family hauling capacity of classic Pipers, with a brand-new Pratt & Whitney PT-6A-52. With better performance than ever before, operators venturing into flight levels may find it a tad irritating to miss out on using Reduced Vertical Separation Minima. Having RVSM equipment and authorization makes planning and flying easier all around, with more tracks and altitude blocks available to aircraft equipped for it.
Has-been private jet operator Wheels Up has notified employees at one of its locations that they would be laid off in the near future, putting 65 people out of work. The operator told those at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport of Jefferson County, Colorado that pretty much all Wheels Up employees there would be getting the axe. “All of Wheels Up’s operations at the hangar are expected to cease," the announcement reads. It effectively puts to rest ops for the "Uber for Jets" operator at the third largest airfield in the state.
magniX and Harbour Air Ink LOI for 50 magni650 Electric Engines
In a landmark agreement announced on April 22, 2024, magniX, a leader in electric aviation technology, has entered into a Letter of Intent with Harbour Air to supply 50 magni650 electric engines. This initiative is set to transform Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane operator, by electrifying its fleet starting with the iconic De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver aircraft. The collaboration between magniX and Harbour Air dates back to December 2019 when they achieved a historic milestone by successfully retrofitting and flying the eBeaver, making it the world's first fully electric commercial aircraft.
French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. The new location in France will see the addition of 10,700 square feet near Elixir's flagship location in La Rochelle, France. The new one will produce composite parts for the fuselage and flight control systems, nestled in the comfy little town of Aytré (who apparently offered a better deal for the new factory).
With Expo Ahead, Sim Folks Go Recruiting for Fresh Faces
The Flight Simulation Association capped a successful week of acquiring new acolytes at Sun 'n Fun 2024, thanks to a bevy of demonstrations that showed the IRL pilots just how far the industry's come. At the Future 'n Flight Plaza, the Flight Simulation Association brought out a full roster of all the greats, like Microsoft Flight Sim, X-Plane, and DCS with varying levels of cockpit hardware. Full-motion, virtual reality, and more affordable desktop units show just how deep the flight sim addiction could go - and how realistic its training can be. “
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