Someone Must Have Screwed Up Somewhere, Because These Talkin'-To's are Rare!

The Young Eagles Program has been one of the Experimental Aviation Association's best tools in their repertoire when it comes to fostering a continued culture of aviation, but it doesn't come for cheap. The EAA has only been able to keep it running with the blessing of its insurers, which brings about all the usual restrictions underwriters require. While flying Young Eagles, pilots must complete their flights in daytime VFR conditions, retain full control over the aircraft throughout the flight, and refrain from any aerobatics, a rule that extends to even unusual attitudes and formation flights. 

Endurance Format Highlights Airmanship, Skill, Planning, and Navigation

The FAI has announced the first event in a brand-new series of championship races geared towards paramotor pilots who want to stay aloft and take the long way home, with the first big event coming next August. The FAI World Endurance Paramotor Championships have their roots in Estonian pilot Papa Kolar's concept in 2010, where he envisioned a competition focused on extended airtime and strategic power management over strict speed.

Unusual Offering Comes Across the Public Auction Block

The University of Wisconsin-Madison listed a surprising bit of public surplus in the form of an Aeromarine Electrolyte, a converted Zigolo ultralight that runs on pure battery power. The aircraft has evidently never been flown while in the University's care, despite some indication that the Zigolo type had been pressed into service with their Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Back in 2018, the school had issued a short press release about a similar ultralight Zigolo MG12, expecting to press it into use with low-level atmospheric data gathering.

From 2016 (YouTube Version): The Super Petrel LSA Is Here To Stay...

At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2016, we learn that a biplane is not necessarily a piece of history from the golden age of aviation. ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, paid a visit to find out more about the Super Petrel, a modern amphibious biplane. In this video, Tom talks with David Kyrk, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Super Petrel USA. Kyrk tells us that the airplane has actually been around for about 20 years, and they have just opened a new production facility in Ormond Beach, FL. The design started in France and has been built elsewhere, but now it is being made available at the new U.S. facility.

"The great thing about the new Endurance format is that it gives more airtime. Pilots who are travelling a long way to compete want to spend less time at the airfield and longer in the air. With the longer flight window, wider competition area and less pressure at take-off, it is attractive to a broader audience. Those who have flown it, have loved it." Source: FAI Event Director Barney Townsend, a 3-time veteran of the World Paramotor Championships, discussing the first event in a brand-new series of championship races geared towards paramotor pilots who want to stay aloft and take the long way home, with the first big event coming next August.

From 2014 (YouTube Version): A Peaceful Resurrection For A Valued Wartime Boeing PT-17

While at EAA AirVenture 2014, ANN Special Correspondent Michael Maya Charles had the opportunity to talk with a young man about his career in aircraft restoration. While standing in front of a beautifully restored Stearman biplane, we find out that Mike Porter has restored more airplanes than seems possible for his age. It turns out that Porter got his start very young in aviation because it was a business he was born into. His father was a commercial pilot that in the 1990s worked with a company that specialized in giving rides in World War II airplanes.

Airplane Entered A Left Descending Turn Until The Left Wing Contacted The Ground

Analysis: The airplane was landing on the ultralight field when the accident occurred. The pilot stated that she made a wide base to final turn because she was unsure about the placement of the runway. Although the pilot added power, the airplane entered a left descending turn until the left wing contacted the ground near the beginning of the runway's displaced threshold. 

After Years On The Ground, The DC-9-21 Was Flying This Weekend For $150 A Drop

With a nearly mythical rep, the once silent Perris SkyDive DC-9 is ALIVE! Following an initial test flight and a few practice landings that were flown by a flight crew that had to be brought in all the way from Florida, the California DZ put the DC9 back in service and made at least three jump runs on Saturday, taking about 60 jumpers per jump run to about 15K'. For years, the grand old bird, which entered service in 2006, sat forlorn and engine-less as the folks at SkyDive Perris slowly brought it back to life on a facility that is not normally known for jetliner restoration.

Event Was Reportedly Recognized And Verified By A Guinness World Records Adjudicator

UVify is claiming a new Guinness World Record for the most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) airborne simultaneously. This event took place in Songdo, Korea, where UVify orchestrated a display of 5,293 IFO drones that lit up the night sky. The fleet of IFO drones created intricate patterns and visuals above the crowd, showcasing UVify's programming and drone control technology. The record-breaking feat exceeded the previous record.

Amphibious and Overambitious Seaplane LSA Manufacturer Up for Grabs

Icon Aircraft has been given final approval for $9 million in Chapter 11 financing, with an asset auction approved to take place in June 2024. The move came courtesy of US Bankruptcy Judge Craig Goldblatt, who granted final approval to the company's debtor-in-possession financing, setting the schedule for the company's sale. Judge Goldblatt did not approve the stalking horse bidder, though, despite its approval by Icon and shareholders.