The Flight Training Security Program (FTSP) Was Initially Called The Alien Flight Student Program

Recently, the TSA published updated regulations for the flight training industry, effective this July. The Flight Training Security Program (FTSP), initially called the Alien Flight Student Program, was implemented by the TSA via an Interim Final Rule in 2004. Since that time, flight schools and flight instructors have been required to implement security awareness training, and non-U.S. citizens seeking flight instruction have been required to obtain special vetting and approval prior to initiating training.

Pilots Reportedly Underwhelmed By The WestJet Group Offer

WestJet Encore pilots have rejected the Tentative Agreement presented to them last month. The pilots were reportedly underwhelmed by the WestJet Group’s attempts at using compensation to gloss over many of the core structural issues of the operation. Of the 92 percent of eligible pilots who cast ballots, 53 percent voted against the agreement. This result reiterates that there is a deep-seated feeling that management fails to recognize the pilots’ needs beyond matters tied to compensation.

EXP 71 Crew Stays Busy, Awaits Starliner Arrival

Following the problems that occurred when a valve upended much-anticipated/much-delayed launch plans, preparations continue ahead of the agency’s Boeing Crew Flight Test launch to the ISS microgravity laboratory. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, still in quarantine ahead of the flight test, returned to Houston this weekend as work progresses on a valve replacement on the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket Centaur upper stage.

Also: 'Space Weather', USAF Rescue, Atlanta Warbirds, WestJet Encore Pilots Vote NO

The Perris SkyDive DC-9 is ALIVE! Following initial test flights and practice landings that were flown by a flight crew that had to be brought in all the way from Florida, the California DZ put the DC9 back in service and made at least three jump runs on Saturday, taking about 60 jumpers each to about 15K'. An interesting surprise occurred this week as Wag-Aero customers logged on to their site in order to order a few things...no Wag-Aero. Instead, the site was redirected to Aircraft Spruce, which has apparently bought out the once popular Wag-Aero operations shortly after the same operation divested itself of its interest in Leading Edge Air Foils. The AAIB has disclosed its findings after an accident befell an unmanned, remotely pilots test vehicle which suffered a forced landing following power unit failure, at the Cotswold Airport (Kemble), Gloucestershire on 9

Schillen’s Military Career Stretched From 1963-87, Rising To The Rank Of Lieutenant Colonel

At 81, Nicholas Schillen, a U.S. Air Force veteran who completed his M.S. in Aeronautics through Liberty University Online Programs in December, is the oldest graduate among the 29,000-plus students in the Class of 2024. He and his wife drove from their home near Miami to Lynchburg, Va., so he could see the university for the first time, attend Liberty’s Military Graduate Recognition Ceremony on Thursday morning, and walk the stage at Thursday afternoon’s School of Aeronautics degree presentation ceremony. 

Also: SkyReach Parts Support, Piper Service Ctr, Airliner Near-Miss, Airshow London

The Judge overseeing Icon's convoluted Chapter 11 process has approved $9 million in Chapter 11 financing and set a June asset auction for the Icon A5 Program -- and said that objections had apparently been resolved (for the moment) by shareholders who claimed (not surprisingly) that Icon was being sold to an 'insider.' Judge Craig T. Goldblatt gave final approval to Icon's (DIP) debtor-in-possession financing and approved the sales schedule... but has yet to approve that previously disclosed stalking horse bidder. On April 12, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky sentenced Morgan J. Wiljanen, former helicopter pilot for Air Evac EMS, Inc., to 8 months of incarceration, 18 months of supervised release, 4 months of home detention, and a $100 special assessment. In December 2023, Wiljanen pleaded guilty to operating an air common carrier while

Also: Vertical Flight Society, NBAA Maintenance Conference, GA Honored, AMT Scholarship

For the first time, students from Embry-Riddle’s Daytona Beach, Florida, campus took top honors at the AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) Competition, held in Wichita, Kansas. A second Embry-Riddle squad, this one from the Prescott, Arizona, campus, also placed among the top teams, earning eighth overall. The Leadership in Flight Training, or LIFT Academy, has expanded its training fleet with a recent order with Diamond Aircraft, bringing on 56 new planes. The deal sees LIFT gain 50 new single-engine DA40s, and 6 twin-engine DA42s. The training facility has continued to expand thanks to a steady pipeline of students. 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

The CAM Program Is Accredited By The National Commission For Certifying Agencies

NBAA’s Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program has welcomed Wes Maness, director of maintenance at Flight Group Corporation, as the 900th professional to earn this certification – a significant milestone for a program has become the benchmark of leadership excellence in business aviation. Launched in 2003, NBAA’s CAM program is recognized as the premier management certification program for aviation professionals. The program’s momentum has grown in recent years, with NBAA welcoming the 700th CAM recipient in 2021 and its 800th in 2022.

Acquisition Expected To Close In The Second Half Of 2024

Axon has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dedrone. Ultimately, upon completion of the acquisition, Dedrone will reportedly strengthen Axon's ability to help customers safeguard their communities, improve response to critical incidents and protect even more lives in more places. "By combining Axon's 30-year legacy of innovation with Dedrone's cutting-edge airspace security solutions, we aim to revolutionize public safety once again," said Axon Founder and CEO Rick Smith.

There Is No Reauthorization Without Ice Cream, Klyde

FMI: www.klydemorris.com