A little Bit Quieter, Said Testers, But in the End it's Still a DA40

Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of their battery powered eDA40s to the test in some true-to-life training operations. The results are good enough to brag about, apparently, since both Diamond and Lufthansa Training said the eDA40 passed muster. The project saw engineers and flight test pilots head to Dübendorf Airport in Germany to carry out five assessment flights. Diamond hoped to uncover any developmental issues, weaknesses, or irritations ahead of full commercial release, and who better than one of the biggest customers of the DA40 NG?

Margrit Waltz Almost to the 50-Year Mark in 48 Years

Daher highlighted the efforts of one of their most experienced ferry pilots after her 960th flight for the business. Margrit Waltz made flight number 960 in a very appropriate TBM 960. Like so many other trips for Daher, Waltz flew the single engine turboprop from its birthplace in Tarbes, France on to the Daher Aircraft Division's American home in Pompano Beach, Florida. The ferry flight took Waltz 15 hours and 38 minutes, with stops in the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Canada. Once hitting the eastern seaboard, Walts stopped at Bangor, Maine before making the final leg home to Pompano.

Airbus Racer Demonstrator Makes Inaugural Flight

Airbus Helicopters' ambitious Racer demonstrator has achieved its inaugural flight as part of the Clean Sky 2 initiative, a cornerstone European research project aimed at enhancing aviation sustainability. Taking to the skies over Marignane, the aircraft completed a 30-minute test flight, marking the beginning of a two-year intensive flight campaign intended to expand the aircraft's flight envelope and demonstrate its advanced high-speed capabilities. Developed with the collaboration of 40 partners across 13 countries, the Racer stands out with its 90 patents, showcasing a high level of innovation that European cooperation can foster.

ZeroAvia Expands Market Approach in Hydrogen Cell Propulsion

ZeroAvia, a leader in hydrogen-electric aviation technology, has announced a significant expansion in its market approach by offering some of its proprietary components to other innovators in the clean aviation sector. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for sustainable aviation solutions and further its impact on reducing environmental harm from aviation. The company has initiated the certification process for its ZA600 engine designed for up to 20-seat aircraft and is advancing development of the ZA2000 engine for aircraft with up to 90 seats.

GAMA Issues White Paper on Euro Electric Aviation

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association took a significant step forward in promoting the development of electric aviation in Europe by releasing a white paper at the Aero Friedrichshafen event in Germany. The document, titled "Recommendations for Accelerating the Development of the Electric Aviation Sector in Europe," outlines critical measures that European regulators and policymakers should adopt to nurture this burgeoning industry. The white paper encapsulates GAMA's ongoing advocacy efforts, pushing for essential policy and legislative support necessary to spur the growth of electric aviation across the continent.

Beta Technologies Alia 250 MAkes Transition Flight

Vermont-based Beta Technologies has marked a significant advancement in the eVTOL aircraft sector with the successful piloted transition of its Alia-250 from vertical hover to cruise flight. This development underscores Beta's commitment to pioneering practical and commercially viable eVTOL solutions. The transition, which occurred with a pilot on board, involved moving from a stationary hover to forward flight, showcasing the aircraft's dual capabilities. Beta's journey began in 2020, quickly positioning itself as a leader in real-world eVTOL application, a stance bolstered by military airworthiness approval for manned electric flights in 2021.

Climate Protesters Arrested for Invading Hanscom Field

On the morning of April 20, a protest by climate activists at Hanscom Field airport in Bedford, Massachusetts, led to the arrest of 20 individuals. The protesters, believed to be associated with the group Extinction Rebellion, were part of a larger gathering of approximately 25 people voicing opposition to the proposed expansion of the airport to include 17 new private jet hangars. Massachusetts State Police spokesperson Dave Procopio reported that the demonstrators breached a security perimeter, prompting a response from state and local police forces. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) noted that the breach led to a temporary closure of the airport as a precautionary measure. Charges against the arrested individuals included trespassing and disorderly conduct.

Aura Aero Inks Deal for INTEGRAL E to Norwegian Sporting Group

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 of the usual tandem-seat LSA design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The 'E' model should offer some of the best of both worlds, the easy and simple maintenance of an electric motor with the affordable refueling costs of plugging 'er into an outlet. Aura Aero says the Integral E should be good for about 60 minutes of flight time at a stretch, with a sub-30 minute recharging time.

NTSB Praises New FAA Policy on Controller Rest and Duty Time

The NTSB has long highlighted the risks associated with fatigue among air traffic controllers, advocating for changes to ensure they receive adequate rest. Recently, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy praised the new FAA regulation requiring air traffic controllers to have at least 10 hours off between shifts and 12 hours off before a midnight shift. This policy adjustment aims to enhance safety by ensuring controllers are well-rested and alert. This initiative comes after tragic incidents that underscored the severe implications of controller fatigue. A notable example is the Comair flight 5191 crash on August 27, 2006, in Lexington, Kentucky, where 49 lives were lost when a plane took off from the wrong runway. The controller on duty had returned to work just nine hours after completing his previous shift, having managed only a two-hour nap in the interim. The lack of rest was pointed out in the investigation as a significant factor contributing to the accident.

Add-On Crowdsources Turbulence Data From Users, Free with Performance Plus, Pro Plus Plans

ForeFlight has published a new feature showing live, automated turbulence information constantly updated with crowdsourced data. The feature should help those in lighter aircraft avoid and survive particularly turbulent weather conditions, though any pilot looking to provide a smoother ride for passengers will enjoy it too. As is often the case with nifty ForeFlight additions, the Reported Turbulence function will be available as an add-on for some ForeFlight plans. The Reported Turbulence (Low) grants access to turbulence reports below 14,000 feet, with an add-on for Reported Turbulence (All) that removes that altitude instruction. Those operating a Sentry or Sentry Plus device can get a 50% discount on the (All) layer by registering with the program. For those subscribed to the ForeFlight plans of Prop Plus and Performance Plus will see the feature included by default.