Also: NATA Leadership, Navy Presents DFC, Wright Brothers Memorial, Orion Parachute Tests

We rarely get jealous of our fellow aviators but a recent announcement has definitely inspired us to be  green with envy. Seriously... just say the name, SPITFIRE, and you have nearly any pilot’s immediate attention as they consider the iconic airplane that so many have admired and so few have actually flown. And as exciting as the aircraft and its warrior history may be, there is one thing that this infamous aircraft has never done... fly around the world. BUT... two adventurous aviators seem intent on changing all that. The two British flyers, Matt Jones and Steve Brooks, intend to leave Southern England on a trans-global journey by next fall in a brightly polished silver Spitfire Mark IX, returning the following Christmas after an adventure that should require some 150 stops in over 30 countries

Also: FAI International Drones Conference, Nags Head Drone Ordinance, Yuneec International, Small Drone Turbine

One of the dirty little secrets about sport and commercial drone operations is that negative media hysteria, often drummed up by so-called journalists who can barely spell “UAV,” is creating hazards for drones, their operators and the public by inciting ‘Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt.’ Worse, there is great potential for even greater harm when expended ammo comes down... where it may hit a human being. Recently, a DJI Inspire 2 was shot down. AMA has posted an alert concerning this week’s issues with Hurricane Florence. Florence is due to make landfall on the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia Friday. AMA Notes that, “The storm is projected to bring record-breaking rain and wind to the area and has prompted mandatory eva

Also: Nearly 2,000 Waivers Granted, Drone Shuts Down Firefighters, Underwater UAV, Nevada Signs Autonomous Systems Letter

The U.S. Navy has awarded Boeing an $805 million contract to build the Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, the MQ-25 aerial refueler. Boeing, which was awarded the engineering and manufacturing development contract to provide four aircraft, will conduct its work on the MQ-25A Stingray in St. Louis, Missouri. “As a company, we made an investment in both our team and in an unmanned aircraft system that meets the U.S. Navy’s refueling requirements,” says Leanne Caret, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Ford employees are now using cameras mounted on drones to safely and efficiently inspect high-rise gantries, pipework and roof areas at the company’s Dagenham Engine Plant in the UK. Previously, the team carri

Third Annual Airshow Returns To Huntington Beach, Oct. 19 – 21

 The Great Pacific Airshow, returning to Huntington Beach this Oct. 19 – 21, has announced the lineup of aerobatic, warbird and military performers for this year’s show.

Reaches Record-Breaking Altitude Of 159,000 Feet

NASA successfully launched a football stadium-sized scientific balloon, dubbed the “Big 60,” on Friday, Aug. 17, from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, for the first time in more than 15 years. A second test flight was conducted Aug. 25.

Send Them A Story -- We Don't Mind!

Do you need another set of eyes to see that story you can't believe Jim just wrote? Want to spread Hognose's unique wisdom and perspective to the masses, or share the latest Klyde Morris with another member of the flying community? (Or perhaps to someone who just really, really likes ants?)

“Advancements in UAS are developing at a rapid pace, and the positive impact of this innovation on our economy, lifestyle and society is tremendous. To tap into the full benefits of UAS, however, we must ensure that our skies remain safe and secure.” Source: Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI.

High-intensity flasher system installed at many large airports.

The Airborne International Response Team (AIRT)

The Airborne International Response Team (AIRT) was founded with a single vision; to help those in need when disaster strikes via the rapid deployment of airborne systems. 

Also: ALPA Unveils Pilot Plan, Colorado Springs Airport Repair, Girls In Aviation Day, FAA Grant

ANN’s annual report on the best values in the SportPlane market remains one of our most interesting... and difficult... efforts of the year -- especially in a year where a number of aircraft have really started hitting their stride. While the announcement of our Master List of over a dozen recommended SportPlanes is still a few weeks off, one new aircraft has easily risen to the top of the list reserved for NEW offerings in the VERY competitive sport aviation landscape. This year; the best new SportPlane is The Airplane Factory’s Rotax 915-powered Sling TSi. ANN’s Jim Campbell got a personal tour of iFly’s soon-to-be-latest indoor skydiving facility now under construction off Interstate 295, in Jacksonville, Florida. It is one of a number of such attractions in operation all ove