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Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The result, which should enter service in 2026 (or thereabouts, given developmental delays). French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. Stateside, Elixir will open a reassembly facility in Florida at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. Parts delivered from France will be checked, inspected, and assembled into full aircraft there, with the Florida location becoming the administrative, sales, and support hub for the entire US domestic market. AeroMech Incorporated will offer

Wisconsin Aviation HAll of Fame to Preserve Kohn Aviation Photography Collection

The Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame has embarked on an ambitious project to preserve the invaluable Leo J. Kohn Aviation Photography Collection. The fundraising campaign aims to digitize over 34,000 negatives captured by the late Leo J. Kohn, a renowned aviation photographer from Brookfield, Wisconsin, whose life's work documented pivotal moments and developments in aviation history.

NATCA Issues Warning To FAA On Controller Fatigue Amid ATC Understaffing

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the agency's unilateral decision-making process concerning new policies aimed at addressing air traffic controller fatigue. This comes amid growing concerns over understaffing and the subsequent strain it places on the existing workforce, potentially exacerbating the very issue the FAA seeks to mitigate.

Epic Flight Academy Opens New Mechanic School at CVG

Epic Flight Academy has officially launched its new aircraft mechanic school at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), marking a significant advancement in aviation training and workforce development in Kentucky. The opening of this $8 million, 32,000-square-foot training facility was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by staff, students, and dignitaries.

Texas A&M Takes Home the Gold Despite the Inclement Weather

The Vertical Flight Society Selected the Winners of this year's Design-Build-Vertical Flight Student Competition, sending the team from Texas A&M home with the gold. The competition assesses student's ability to draft, develop, and construct a VTOL drone from the ground up, and this year's wet and windy conditions added an additional level of difficulty on top of the normal trials and travails of the DBVF. Facing winds of 20 miles an hour, gusting up to 40, competing teams had to get knocked down and repair everything in time for another test run.

Viasat and uAvionix in Partnership to Develop UAV Products

In a major step forward for UAV communications, Viasat, Inc., a satellite communications company, has announced a partnership with uAvionix, a pioneering developer of certified avionics for both crewed and uncrewed aviation. This collaboration marks uAvionix's entry into Viasat's Velaris Partner Network, following a strategic alliance agreement aimed at developing innovative products and services for the UAV market.

Q1 2024 Sees Spike in Preowned Aircraft

The first quarter of 2024 has seen a notable uptick in the sales of preowned business aircraft, sparking continued optimism in the market, as reported by the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA). The association's latest market report highlights a robust start to the year, with 253 resale transactions recorded in the first quarter, showing an increase from 239 during the same period in 2023. Additionally, there were 248 aircraft under contract by the end of the first quarter, up from 206 at the close of the first quarter the previous year.

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Despite nearly 100 complaints totaling millions of dollars of potential fraud, combined with employees who claim to have been defrauded, numerous false statements, aand an attempt at a bankruptcy that failed; the Rotor X situation continues to decline. Rotor X STILL claims to be reorganizing and entertaining offers from investors -- but this is a well-worn excuse that has been utilized numerous times without fruition. The Fernandina Beach Florida Municipal Airport (FNB) is considering implementing an automated aircraft landing fee system proposed by Airport Director Sam Carver -- one that could have a decidedly negative effect on GA In the area. This initiative, aimed at generating additional revenue, is primarily focused on funding essential maintenance projects, including a $4 million runway refurbishment. Major Shane Gentry, a third-generation Marine a

Also: Moya Delivery Drone, USMC Drone Pilot, Inversion RAY Reentry Vehicle, RapidFlight

UAVOS has recently achieved a significant milestone in public safety and emergency services with the first operational deployment of its UVH 170 unmanned helicopter, designed specifically for wildfire suppression. The deployment, which involved both day and night operations, represents a critical advancement in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in managing natural disasters. In a landmark agreement announced on April 22, 2024, magniX, a leader in electric aviation technology, has entered into a Letter of Intent with Harbour Air to supply 50 magni650 electric engines. This initiative is set to transform Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane operator, by electrifying its fleet starting with the iconic De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver aircraft. The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) announced a significant milestone in the electric vertical takeoff and

Aura Aero to Offer Financing for Integral 2-Seaters

Collection of Sport Planes Can Be Had with Loan Terms Beyond 7 Years, "Attractive Interest Rates" Aura Aero has joined hands with the Societe Generale Equipment Finance (SGEF) in order to assist buyers with financing their own private aircraft. Under the terms, Aura Aero's portfolio of 2-seater Integral R, E, and S models will be brought within reach of the common man. The Société Générale group will help move some aircraft with financing at "attractive interest rates", though the deal only applies to the Integral family of training, aerobatic and leisure aircraft - those excited to finance their own 19-seat Electric Regional Aircraft are sadly not covered under the deal.