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January 08, 2021

Airborne 01.08.21: ATC Threat, Virgin Orbit, XCub Joins USAF

Also: Van's Aircraft Shipping Hold, Yuma Airshow 2021 Postponed, Civil Supersonic Flight, Kaman K-1200

Both the FBI and the FAA investigated reports after a Monday broadcast of a short audio message on air traffic frequencies threatening an attack on the US capitol in revenge for the killing of an Iranian general a year ago. The digitally manipulated voice had a simple message, "We are flying a plane into the capital on Wednesday. Soleimani will be avenged." While law enforcement sources indicated that there was a low probability of an actual threat, various federal agencies took it seriously and investigated. And further to that, the aviation community was put under the microscope, as a result. Virgin Orbit's excitement is showing with a recent social medi

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Secretary of Transportation Chao Bails Out of DoT

Blames Capitol Chaos For Decision

Well... we're going to need a new Secretary of Transportation sooner than we expected. SecTrans Elaine Chao is resigning her office for political reasons and will be departing her post early next week... while promising to be available to ease the transition of Biden's much questioned pick for SecTrans, Pete Buttigieg.... who has only a smidgeon of actual transportation-related experience. Following her official departure, DoT General Counsel, Steven Bradbury, is reportedly next in the roster to serve as acting secretary for the days left in the Trump Administration.

DMFS Was Established In 1939 By Howard Gregory

Muncie Aviation Company (MAC) has acquired Des Moines Flying Service (DMFS), a step that reportedly merges two of the longest-standing Business and General Aviation sales and service centers in the world. The transaction was completed on January 1st, 2021. BCC Advisers of Des Moines assisted with this transaction. Established in 1939 by Howard Gregory, DMFS has evolved into one of the largest general aviation sales and service outlets worldwide. DMFS is an Authorized HondaJet Dealer, and notably has been an Authorized Piper Aircraft Dealer for over 75 years. Collectively; DMFS has sold and supported thousands of new and used aircraft to customers all around the globe.

Pilots Will Be Able To Continuously Operate Head-Up

Universal Avionics' ClearVision Enhanced Flight Vision System (EFVS) has been selected for the Aerion AS2. The company’s Head-Up Display (HUD) and EFVS solution featuring the SkyLens Head-Wearable Display (HWD) will be installed in the AS2. “Universal Avionics is proud to be selected as the Enhanced Flight Vision System provider for the AS2 supersonic business jet,” said Dror Yahav, UA Chief Executive Officer. “By using the SkyLens as a wearable Head-Up Display, the ClearVision EFVS brings unprecedented capabilities to the airplane and demonstrates a compelling roadmap to the future, on top of the proven operational landing credit and all-weather operation.”

Amazon Purchases Eleven Aircraft From Delta Air Lines And WestJet Airlines

Amazon has undertaken announced its first-ever purchase of eleven Boeing 767-300 aircraft, expanding its fleet to continue to serve customers. The purchases include seven aircraft from Delta and four aircraft from WestJet, which will join the network by 2022. “Our goal is to continue delivering for customers across the U.S. in the way that they expect from Amazon, and purchasing our own aircraft is a natural next step toward that goal,” said Sarah Rhoads, Vice President of Amazon Global Air. “Having a mix of both leased and owned aircraft in our growing fleet allows us to better manage our operations, which in turn helps us to keep pace in meeting our cust

From 2015: A Unique Gyroplane Offers Side-By-Side Seating

ANN’s roving News Editor, Tom Patton, stopped to talk about gyro planes while he was attending the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring, Florida. He had the chance to talk to Chris Lord, the president and CEO of Pictaio aerospace. The gyroplane they had on display is unique because it’s a 2-place machine that seats the pilot and passenger side-by-side rather than the more typical tandem seating of other gyro planes. Tom starts his questioning by asking about this configuration. Among other things, Lord points out that it of

Appointed: David Davenport Added To Solairus Aviation Leadership

Davenport Is A United States Air Force Academy Graduate

Solairus Aviation has announced the appointment of aviation industry veteran David Davenport to its executive leadership team. Davenport is a United States Air Force Academy graduate, holding a bachelor's degree in Business Management. Davenport completed a 20+ year career with FlightSafety International, most recently as its President & CEO. He has served on the National Business Aviation Association Board of Directors, the Board of Governors for Corporate Angel Network, and in leadership capacities for The Wings Club.

Also: Bilateral AvSafety Agreement, AC-130J FTU, ALSIM FTD, Textron Sells Tru

As demand for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s collegiate professional Aviation programs continues to grow, so does their fleet. Since March 2020, 12 new Cessna 172 Nav III “SkyHawk” aircraft and three Diamond DA42 NG VI “Twin Star” aircraft, from Diamond Aircraft, have been added to the fleet at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott Campus. At the Daytona Beach Campus, one new Diamond and one new Cessna were added during the same timeframe. With these additions, the Prescott Campus’ Departmen

On December 19, 2020, about 1430 central standard time, a Sonex light sport airplane, N935EK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Burleson, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations 91 personal flight. A preliminary review of Air Traffic Control information revealed that the pilot contacted the Spinks Airport (FWS) controller and requested to orbit the airport for 30 minutes at 3,500 ft. Shortly after departure, the controller asked if the pilot needed any assistance. The pilot reported that he was unable to climb and needed to return to the airport.

Aero Linx: The Virginia Department of Aviation The Virginia Department of Aviation is an executive branch agency, reporting to the Virginia Secretary of Transportation, whose creation and powers are contained in Title 5.1 - Aviation. The agency is based at Richmond International Airport in Richmond. The Virginia Department of Aviation's Mission is to: Develop an advanced aviation system that is safe, secure, and fosters economic development; Build an appreciation by the public for the importance of aviation and to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals; and Provide safe and highly efficient flight services for the Com

Flight Plan Area (FPA) The geographical area assigned to a flight service station (FSS) for the purpose of establishing primary responsibility for services that may include search and rescue for VFR aircraft, issuance of NOTAMs, pilot briefings, inflight services, broadcast services, emergency services, flight data processing, international operations, and aviation weather services. Large consolidated FSS facilities may combine FPAs into larger areas of responsibility (AOR).

“Yesterday, our country experienced a traumatic and entirely avoidable event as supporters of the President stormed the Capitol building following a rally he addressed. As I’m sure is the case with many of you, it has deeply troubled me in a way that I simply cannot set aside.” Source: Excerpted from an email sent by SecTrans Elaine Chao to her staff, as she notified them that she was resigning from her office.