First-Of-Its-Kind Aircraft Added To The IMSAR Fleet

To expand its radar testing capabilities and increase imaging services, IMSAR LLC recently added a first-of-its-kind aircraft to the IMSAR fleet. Appropriately named "Magnum," IMSAR's new multi-sensor Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform is built around Textron Aviation's Cessna T206H Turbo Stationair. The Cessna T206H has a maximum Useful Load of around 1500 lbs, a modern avionics suite, and a low overall operating cost. Its special missions configuration incorporates several custom-designed and FAA-approved interior and exterior modifications, making Magnum a capable ISR aircraft that still retains a "normal category" designation.

Aviation Community Has Not Received A Response From The FAA or DOD To A 2018 RTCA Report

NBAA is among the major aviation organizations that have sent a letter to the FAA and DOD, expressing concern about restrictions to airspace and airports caused by the intentional jamming of GPS and are seeking mitigations on the operational impact of these interference events. In a letter to the FAA and DOD, the organizations recognized the importance of DOD’s mission and the agency’s need to simulate the loss of GPS as part of its effort to defend and maintain the global navigation system. However, as aero-groups noted, the NAS has become increasingly reliant on GPS as the primary source of navigation and aircraft system functionality, while reducing reliance on ground-based navigational infrastructure.

From 2015 (YouTube version): One of NBAA 2015's Big Surprises Promises Serious Disruption In The Cockpit Upgrade Spectrum

While at NBAA2015, ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, talks with Gerry Block, the President and CEO of Sandel Avionics. Sandel, among other things, is in the business of making good airplanes even better through a retrofit of cockpit avionics. At NBAA2015, they introduced a product called Avilon, which is a completely new panel installation for King Air aircraft. Block said the purpose of Avilon is to improve cockpit avionics as we move into NextGen and the navigation systems that are part of the new way of doing business in our airspace system. 

AD 2021-02-03 Requires Various Repetitive Inspections Of The Main Rotor (MR) Damper

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD requires various repetitive inspections of the main rotor (MR) damper. This AD was prompted by reports of in-service MR damper failures and the development of an improved MR damper. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to loss of the lead-lag damping function of the MR blade, possibly resulting in damage to adjacent critical rotor components and subsequent loss control of the helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective April 1, 2021.

Aerion Signs MOU with NetJets and FlightSafety International

Aerion is collaborating with NetJets, and FlightSafety International, to 'shape the future of global mobility.' NetJets, via this agreement with Aerion, is looking to become the exclusive business jet operator for a new global mobility platform, Aerion Connect. As part of this program; NetJets has obtained purchase rights for 20 AS2 supersonic business jets, which may start production at Aerion Park in Melbourne, Florida in 2023. Aerion's global order backlog for the AS2 is reportedly now valued at more than USD $10 billion. The AS2 continues to advance toward a manufacturing start after concluding wind tunnel validation late last year.

Update Is Reflected In The G280’S Aircraft Flight Manual

Gulfstream Aerospace is reporting that that the FAA has confirmed that the super-midsize Gulfstream G280 meets the certifying organization’s recently intensified noise standards. Known as Stage 5, the standard lowers the noise limit for subsonic aircraft. The G280’s noise emissions have reportedly always fallen below the levels now classified as Stage 5.

Company Has Conducted More Than 6,000 Flights To Date

Flirtey has 'completed the technology' to certify and expand U.S. production of its drone delivery system for last-mile delivery. The aircraft designer and manufacturer's technology includes the Flirtey Eagle, an advanced drone that conducts precision delivery to homes and businesses; the Flirtey Portal, a take-off and landing platform that conducts scalable operations from storefronts; and Flirtey's autonomous software platform that conducts autonomous flight operations.

Both Pilots Stated They Believed The Runway That They Saw Was Runway 36

On February 18, 2021, about 1905 central standard time (CST), a Learjet 55, N559RA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Jeffersonville, Indiana. The captain and first officer were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 135 on-demand cargo flight. The Royal Air Cargo flight, was being operated on an instrument flight rules flight plan from Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers, Florida, to Clark Regional Airport (JVY), Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Level D FFS Contract Win Accounts For Need For More MFG Capability

FRASCA will be expanding their manufacturing facility in response to strong flight simulator sales including a contract for a Level D Full Flight Simulator (FFS) for an undisclosed helicopter operator. FRASCA currently operates out of an 85,000 square foot office and manufacturing facility which includes two additional outbuildings at their manufacturing facility in Urbana, Illinois. The addition will increase the facility's size to accommodate manufacturing capacity for two Level D helicopter full fight simulators with large dome visual systems and Roll On Roll Off cockpit configurations.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): First Look At The Innovative Airplane At NBAA-BACE

Aero-News readers know that one of the most innovative airplanes under development for the business market is the XTI TriFan 600, which was displayed for the first time at NBAA-BACE this year. The company says the six-seat TriFan 600 will have the speed, range and comfort of a business jet and the ability to take off and land vertically like a helicopter. Using three ducted fans, the aircraft will lift off vertically and its two wing fans rotate forward for a seamless transition to cruise speed, at 400 miles an hour and a range of up to 1,600 miles.