Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

Airborne-Unmanned 12.12.17: ERAU Storm Chaser, USMC Drone Insignia, Malawian UAV

Also: NLR Signs Agreement, QinetiQ, Big Bend Community College, 2nd Annual UAS Conference, Tigershark UAS

Kicking off a series of tests for its capstone project, the UAV Storm Chaser team at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University completed its first Remote Controlled (RC) flight of a UAV on Nov. 17. Considered a “huge success,” the RC fight was used to demonstrate “all of the communication components of the UAV linking together properly, to calibrate the motors and motor controller, to get flight time, and to go through the process of setting up all of the parameters in mission pla

Gone West: Alaska Aviation Pioneer Cliff Everts

Accumulated More Than 30,000 Hours Over His Aviation Career

One of the pioneers of aviation in Alaska has Gone West. Cliff Evert passed away last Tuesday at his home in Fairbanks at the age of 95.

Gone West: SC Aviation Hall Of Fame Inductee Gerald Ballard

U.S. Air Force Veteran And Entrepreneur Was 78 Years Old

One of the best-known aviators in South Carolina and south Georgia has Gone West at the age of 78. Gerald Ballard passed away December 4. The cause of death was not reported.

Travolta Will Fly 707 To Australia

Aircraft Being Donated To The Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS)

The Boeing 707 that belongs to John Travolta but which was previously an airliner for Qantas is being returned to Australia after being donated by the actor the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS).

Port Richey, FL Man Arrested For Laser Incident

Targeted Sheriff's Helicopter Landed And Apprehended Him

A shirtless man in Port Richey, FL was arrested last week for pointing a laser beam at a helicopter by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office personnel flying the targeted aircraft.

FAA: Enjoy Your Holiday Laser-Light Display Responsibly

Pilots Report Being Affected By Residential Laser Light Displays

Each holiday season for the past several years, the FAA has received reports from pilots who said they were distracted or temporarily blinded by residential laser-light displays.

Airborne-Unmanned 12.05.17: Mercedes Drone Deliveries, ALPA v UAVs, Tyndall RPAs

Also: ESA Eyes High-Altitude Aerial Platforms, Coptrz Provides UAS, Amazon Patent, UAS Integration

In a global first, online orders were delivered in Zurich between September 25 and October 13 with the aid of vans & drones. Mercedes-Benz carried out a unique pilot project to test on-demand delivery of e-commerce orders – and it was a resounding success. On ten days, a total of around 100 flights were made without incident over the city of Zurich. Following the release of an FAA directed study showing that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) may damage aircraft more than bird strikes during collisi

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (12.12.17)

“This is a common-sense resource that will allow airlines to quickly and easily check the qualifications and background of pilots before they are hired. The families of Flight 3407 have worked tirelessly to make sure important reforms are put in place to keep our skies safe” Source: Congressman Chris Collins, on the publication of a Beta pilot information database by the FAA.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.12.17): Direct User Access Terminal System (DUATS)

A system that provides current FAA weather and flight plan filing services to certified civil pilots, via personal computer, modem, or telephone access to the system.