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Thales and Iridium have joined the infamous ultra-high-altitude Perlan continuous flight program. The engineless glider can now avail itself of the Iridium communications network, offering the world's highest internet hot spot at more than 65,000 feet. Perlan will use their newfound connectivity for inflight communications, as well as live streaming from both the glider and its Egret super tow plane. The FAA has published its first round of Notices To Air Missions regarding the soon-to-be activated 5G cell networks, placing warnings over 1,462 airports in an effort to ease the industry into a post-5G world with minimal issue. The restrictions put into place warn that radio altimeters are unreliable and not authorized for use unless equipped with approved alternative methods of compliance. Virgin Orbit confirmed it successfully deployed into orbit all 7 customer satelli

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Zeva has completed the first untethered flight test for its Zero flying wing airframe, where the aircraft took off and flew under its 8 electric propellers. With the first flight completed, the Zero now boasts the bragging rights of being a functional, real aircraft, with flight time in its logbook in an industry rife with ground demonstrators and digital renders. The flight is an important milestone in the airworthiness certification process, proving the unmanned demonstrator could take off and maintain position in a controlled hover, as well as taxi, climb, and maneuver at low altitude. As the eVTOL industry moves onwards, investments and promises abound, building hype for an imminent future where the everyday convenience of automotive ride share apps will meet the limitless freedom of aerial mobility. The Markets and Markets Company released their forecast for the ae

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The first prosecution of an airman operating without a certificate has been filed, with the filing of indictments for wire fraud and uncertificated airmanship. Matthew Jones of Spanish Fork, Utah, is accused of falsely presenting himself as the owner and operator of Noctem Aviation and a Certified Flight Instructor for fixed and rotary wing aircraft. Jones stands accused of defrauding prospective students by presenting himself through text messages and Instagram posts to be a capable and legal instructor for the purposes of obtaining funding for his daily living expenses. Delta Airlines has notified prospective pilot candidates that the company has reduced its minimum hiring requirements. The reception was mixed, with more than a few non-industry commenters decrying the decline in standards. Those in the pilot career pipeline should be excited,

More Airports Available For Low-Visibility Landings Amid 5G Rollout

The FAA granted new approvals on January 19th that now allow nearly 62% of the domestic American commercial fleet to perform low-visibility landings at airports with adjacent C-band 5G networks. The move follows the expansion of the safety buffer zones around some areas of concern. Now, the FAA has expanded the number of airports available to planes with previously cleared altimeters to perform low-visibility landings, and the most recent announcement has added another 3 combinations. Now, the majority of U.S. transport aircraft are cleared, including "Boeing 717, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777, MD-10/-11 and Airbus A300, A310, A319, A320, A330, A340, A350 and A380 models."

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Zeva has completed the first untethered flight test for its Zero flying wing airframe, where the aircraft took off and flew under its 8 electric propellers. With the first flight completed, the Zero now boasts the bragging rights of being a functional, real aircraft, with flight time in its logbook in an industry rife with ground demonstrators and digital renders. The flight is an important milestone in the airworthiness certification process, proving the unmanned demonstrator could take off and maintain position in a controlled hover, as well as taxi, climb, and maneuver at low altitude. Some in the collective aerospace community have expressed a measure of annoyance at the recent non-statement issued by the FAA in regards to a ground stop issued January 10. The halt saw departures from west coast airports paused for around 15 minutes. The FAA twitter

Florida Flight School Allows FO Pathway for CFIs

Epic Flight Academy, of Smyrna, Florida, has announced its addition to the United Airlines Aviate Program. Epic's students and flight instructors are now able to build time for their career at the school as they train and work, and eventually move on to United as a First Officer once they meet the minimum pilot standards. Epic is a part 141 FAA-certified flight school, where student applicants are invited to sit for an interview with United Airlines for acceptance into the program. If selected, students obtain an Aviate coach, a United pilot, once they complete their training at the school. Once rated, students will, as many flight schools offer, move on become flight instructors as they begin working towards the all-important 1500-hour requirement.

eSTOL Company Expects Full-Scale Demonstrator Later This Year

Electra.aero has received an investment during its Series A funding round from the venture arm of Lockheed Martin, which will be used to support the company's plans to fly a full-scale demonstrator aircraft for their hybrid eSTOL technology. The prototype is hoped to take flight sometime in 2022, pending successful ground tests of the propulsion system. “Electra’s technical approach to sustainable aviation is differentiated, and we are excited to see this concept mature,” said Chris Moran, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Ventures.

Pilots Share Stories of "That Special Airplane" for an AirVenture Camp Experience

EAA's "Pilot Your Own Adventure" contest is back for 2022, offering big prizes from the organization and sponsor, Flight Outfitters. The chance to win a grand prize is open for pilots and aircraft owners, welcoming entrants to submit real-world stories behind the aircraft they have owned. Up for grabs is a top of the line AirVenture experience, spending the expo in a fully outfitted Flight Outfitters camper along with a plethora of the brand's clothing and gear. Winners beside the first prize, up to the 5th winner will be awarded. Last year's grand prize winner took first place with a story of his trek westward in his newly restored 1968 Citabria 7ECA. 

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UK Airshow Back for the First Time Since 2019

Good news for United Kingdom airshow enthusiasts has come, for once this year, as the organizers of the Teesside Airshow have confirmed the event is on for June 11th, 2022. Once on, it will be the first time in action since 2020, following two consecutive years of cancellations. They thank the major local backing of the Tees Valley Combined Authority for their support of the show as the show's principal sponsor.