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

Airborne 06.12.19: Belite Fire, Qantas Pilot Academy, Hummel Fly-In

Also: Purdue Aviatrixes, Astronaut Good Retires, Mitsubishi Negotiating W/Bombardier, New KGSO Tower

The folks at Belite Aircraft were alerted late Friday night to a fire by local emergency services personnel that was taking place at their factory. James and Karen Wiebe reported that, “Arriving a few minutes later, the scene was filled with fire trucks and emergency vehicles and swarms of firemen and water hoses. It appears that the fire started at our CNC router dust collection system. Intense smoke filled the building, and my office and much of our building contents was destroyed. The back area

AMA Drone Report 06.13.19: UK Drone Protest, New Amazon UAV, SafeAir Mavic

Also: Drone Safety At UAS Symposium, Microsoft FlightSim, Urban Air Mobility, Drone Airspace Webinar

Model airplane pilots in the UK are taking issue with proposed drone regulations set to go into effect in November, saying that the new rules could cause harm to their long-standing hobby. Representatives of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) met the Aviation Minister Baroness Vere last week to discuss the situation. Under the proposal, the UK CAA would require the operators of all unmanned aircraft, including model airplanes, to pay a registration fee equivalent to about $21, acquire a license

Microsoft Introduces A Flight Simulator Insider Program

Allows Users And Fans To Collaborate With Development Teams

Microsoft is inviting users of its popular Flight Simulator program to join its "Insider Program", which the company says will give participants to provide feedback and insights that help shape and inform current franchise initiatives and the future of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

AMA Drone Report 06.06.19: Chute Waiver, Know B4 U Fly, Red Cat

Also: AMA TAG Grants, Rugo 2 Drone Light, DJI Welcome, New Hampshire Legislature

The FAA has issued Hensel Phelps Construction Company of Washington, D.C., a Part 107 waiver to operate a DJI Phantom 4 drone, equipped with a parachute, over people. A waiver is required to operate a drone contrary to the rules in part 107. The FAA did not certify or approve the parachute that will be used; however, the FAA determined that the waiver application sufficiently met the standard design specification (ASTM 3322-18) and that the proposed sUAS operation could be safely conducted under the terms and conditions of