Also: Piper SnF Seminole Sale, USAF CAP, Confederation College, Pilot Proficiency Network

The FAA has added a new feature to MedXPress that allows pilots to track the status of their medical certificates online throughout the application and review process. Prior to adding this new feature, pilots had to call the Office of Aerospace Medicine to check their application status. Elixir Aircraft has slowly been making its way into the European GA market, sealing deals here and there as they increase production and build up the brand. Their recent deals included a sale of 2 brand new CS-23 Elixirs to Aero-Club Brocard, a volunteer organization that found th

Though Actively Purchased, Flown, and Operated, the Lightning Has Yet to Reach Full-Rate Production or Finish Initial Operational Testing

The Government Accountability Office has released its findings on the F-35 Lightning's progress, calling attention to the extensive cost overruns and long delays in meeting program timelines. The DoD has not yet authorized the F-35 program to begin full-rate production, which is normally reserved for the point at which a system "demonstrates an acceptable level of performance and reliability". The GAO said that a large portion of the wait stems from difficulties in developing the F-35 Joint Simulation Environment, a sim that runs the aircraft's mission systems software alongside other software models t

Safran Electrical & Power Company To Provide Motor For Diamond eDA40 Electric Aircraft

Safran (not to be confused with saffron, the world's legendary spice) recently signed an agreement with Diamond Aircraft to provide an electric motor for the eDA40, an offshoot of the popular certified four-place DA40 aircraft. Pairing the popular DA40 with the smart ENGINeUS 100 electric motor is expected to deliver 130 kilowatts at maximum takeoff power.  Safran and Diamond expect certification of the electric motor by mid 2023 and basic EASA certification for the eDA40 by the end of 2023 or early 2024. 

Model Rocketry And Aerospace Giants Estes, AIAA, and NSTA Launch Joint Initiative On Aero Education

Earlier this month model rocketry and aerospace giants Estes Industries, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) launched a joint initiative geared towards inspiring youth (K12) education in Aerospace across the nation's classrooms.  This multi-year initiative seeks to employ research-based experiences through lesson plans and curriculum storylines to essentially guide students to develop critical thinking and conceptual learning. The trio are hopeful of driving the next generation of our STEM workforce, by r

The Hits Don't Stop Coming In Seattle, But Calhoun Says Things Are Looking Up

Boeing has confirmed that the first 777x delivery is now anticipated for 2025, a change that will incur about $1.5 billion in otherwise avoidable costs. The delay didn't just come for the 777x, as the report also touched on the 787 and the 777-8 Freighter program. In an address to employees, Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun outlined the immediate future for the company in his overview of this year's first quarter results.  The 787 program has submitted a certification plan to the FAA, as well as checked over the stock of aircraft on hand to ensure they are up to par.

Rising Aviation High School Goes North (In Texas) To Prepare Youth For A Career In Aviation

Making a career in aviation is the primary goal of Rising Aviation High School’s flight training facility, which recently opened its doors at Addison Airport (KADS) in Texas, located 7nm north of Dallas Love Field (KDAL). FOX4, the local TV station reported that Rising Aviation’s goal is to make a career in aviation accessible to everyone. Rising Aviation’s principal and lead CFI Brian Fitzgerald added that their students will graduate with a GED and also a remote (drone) or private pilot certificate.

Rockets STEM From Youth Across The United States In National Rocketry Challenge

Students from High, Intermediate, and Middle schools, the Civil Air Patrol, Boy Scouts and other youth organizations have had their hands in Science Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) activities for several years. This year, 101 final and 25 alternate teams have been selected from state competitions around the country for The American Rocketry Challenge (TARC), with some schools fielding anywhere from one to three teams. The TARC final will be held in Virginia on 14th May 2022.

Klyde Notes That He's Thankful (Again) That We're NOT Getting All The Government We're Paying For...

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Swiss Helicopter Operator Expands Fleet as Modernization Continues

Bell has sold a pair of its 505 helicopters to Swiss aviation company Karen SA as apart of their fleet modernization plan. The 505s will be pressed into service as VIP haulers, commercial flights, and pilot trainers when the occasion fits. Karen SA offers a wide range of services, including corporate transportation, helicopter management, pilot training, technical training, and maintenance, repairs and overhaul. The model has gained some status within the Bell portfolio as a more affordable but capable option.

From 2009 (YouTube Version): Nalls Summarizes the Civilian Harrier’s First Year on the Air Show Circuit

Art Nalls’ made history when in the 2009 air show season, he premiered the first civilian “Harrier” show on the circuit. Aero-TV caught up with Nalls at the 2009 ICAS Convention. In addition to successfully completing the six show benchmark, Nalls’ announced several other accomplishments; beyond completing the designated air show schedule, another pilot received qualification for the civilian Harrier. Though the retired USMC major general has had over 2,500 hours in the Harrier, Joe Anderson is not new to the Harrier cockp

Also: Piper SnF Seminole Sale, USAF CAP, Confederation College, Pilot Proficiency Network

The FAA has added a new feature to MedXPress that allows pilots to track the status of their medical certificates online throughout the application and review process. Prior to adding this new feature, pilots had to call the Office of Aerospace Medicine to check their application status. Elixir Aircraft has slowly been making its way into the European GA market, sealing deals here and there as they increase production and build up the brand. Their recent deals included a sale of 2 brand new CS-23 Elixirs to Aero-Club Brocard, a volunteer organization that found th

During A Climb After Takeoff, The Engine Lost Power

On March 5, 2022, about 1200 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-235, N5078M, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Monee, Illinois. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that the flight was to remain in the departure airport traffic pattern. During a climb after takeoff, the engine lost power.

Aero Linx: American Association of Airport Executives Founded in 1928, AAAE is the world's largest professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE's members represent nearly 875 airports and authorities, in addition to hundreds of companies and organizations that support airports. AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C. and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities including training, meetings and conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.

Arresting System A safety device consisting of two major components, namely, engaging or catching devices and energy absorption devices for the purpose of arresting both tailhook and/or nontailhook-equipped aircraft. It is used to prevent aircraft from overrunning runways when the aircraft cannot be stopped after landing or during aborted takeoff. Arresting systems have various names; e.g., arresting gear, hook device, wire barrier cable.

"To minimize inventory and the number of airplanes requiring change incorporation, we’re also adjusting the 777-9 production rate ramp, including a temporary pause through 2023. This adjustment will also enable us to add 777 freighter capacity starting in late 2023."  Source: Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun, outlining the immediate future for the company in his overview of this year's first quarter results.