Also: Dynon Expands, FeEx Not Happy W/USPS, Soaring Society of America, KleinVision Flying Car
Van's Aircraft filed its long-awaited Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization with the Federal Bankruptcy Court on March 29, 2024. This step is essential for the company's financial recovery. The process will be complete after the court sets hearing dates and the judge signs a certificate approving the plan. Then, the plan will be mailed to the same approximately 40,000 people notified when Van's filed for bankruptcy. Perrenially troubled ICON Aircraft has filed for Chapter 11 protection. This strategic restructuring process is reportedly aimed at addressing the company's financial challenges while continuing to support customers and operations. The management team remains committed to the company's mission... whatever that may actually be at this point. Here it comes! ANN has prepared its most comprehensive coverage EVER of the SUN n FUN Aerospace Expo... and we guarantee you that this is the best there is. We’re already posting stories to the SUN n FUN Digital Daily website at www.snfdd.com, but the real excitement starts on Tuesday morning at 1030ET when the SUN n FUN Innovation Preview starts with announcements of over 30 new products, developments, and other surprises. Log on to www.airborne-live.net to see it all LIVE. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 04.05.24 is chock full of info in this Daily News Episode, Friday, April 5th, 2024... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Holland Lee. Holland is supported by ANN Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, as well as ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell. This episode covers:
Van's Aircraft Files Chapter 11 Reorganization Plan
No Surprise... ICON Files for Reorganization Under Chapter 11
ANN Offers Incomparable Coverage of SUN n FUN2024
Dynon Expands Facilities with Research Lab
FedEx Pilots Rankle at USPS Agreement
Soaring Society of America Offers CFI Scholarship
Chinese Firm Buys KleinVision Flying Car License
Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again tomorrow, for the next edition of "Airborne Unlimited" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you, again, tomorrow!
Airborne 04.26.24: Beta Alia 250, SPEEA v Boeing, Anti-Av Climate Attacks
Also: 1st Kodiak 100 Series III, Kaman Buyout, Airmate Hits 250,000, Airbus Names Robin Hayes
Vermont-based Beta Technologies has marked a significant advancement in the eVTOL aircraft sector with the successful piloted transition of its Alia-250 from vertical hover to cruise flight. This development underscores Beta's commitment to pioneering practical and commercially viable eVTOL solutions. The transition, which occurred with a pilot on board, involved moving from a stationary hover to forward flight, showcasing the aircraft's dual capabilities. The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) has lodged a formal complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), alleging retaliation by Boeing management against two of its union members. On the morning of April 20, a protest by climate activists at Hanscom Field airport in Bedford, Massachusetts, led to the arrest of 20 individuals. The protesters, believed to be associated with the group Extinction Rebellion -- previously linked to other protests that often involved damage to aircraft or airport property -- were part of a larger gathering of approximately 25 people voicing opposition to the proposed expansion of the airport. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne-Flight Training 04.25.24: eDA40 Progress, LIFT-Tuskegee, U of OK
Also: Fernandina Beach Airport $$$, Controller Duty Time, Wheels Up Axes CO Ops, Elixir USA
Diamond Aircraft recently completed a little pilot project with Lufthansa Aviation Training, putting a pair of their battery-powered eDA40s to the test in some true-to-life training operations. The results are good enough to brag about, apparently, since both Diamond and Lufthansa Training said the eDA40 passed muster. In a significant step forward for aviation education in Alabama, Leadership in Flight Training Academy (LIFT) and Tuskegee University have unveiled the inaugural Tuskegee University Flight School. This marks a pioneering collaboration aimed at fostering a new generation of aviation professionals. The University of Oklahoma celebrated a significant expansion in its aviation training capabilities with the introduction of eleven new aircraft to its School of Aviation. This event, which took place on Friday at OU's Max Westheimer Airport, featured the arrival of the school's first two helicopters and nine Piper single-engine airplanes. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
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 an RVSM STC for the M700 Fury, just like it offered for previous M-Models like the Meridian, M500, and M600 in years past. The STC allows Fury operators to get the absolute best out of their birds, flying at higher flight levels, saving fuel, lowering carbon, and avoiding weather with increased operational flexibility. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
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 landing (eVTOL) sector, with its World eVTOL Aircraft Directory now documenting over 1,000 aircraft designs. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
Airborne 04.22.24: Rotor X Worsens, Airport Fees 4 FNB?, USMC Drone Pilot
Also: EP Systems' Battery, Boeing SAF, Repeat TBM 960 Order, Japan Coast Guard H225 Buy
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 and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilot, was recently named the 2024 Marine Aviator of the Year, a distinguished accolade traditionally reserved for pilots of manned aircraft. This historic recognition marks the first time a drone pilot has been honored with the prestigious Alfred A. Cunningham Award. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Boom Supersonic got the first instance of Special Flight Authorization to go supersonic, planning to push their XB-1 aircraft beyond the sound barrier. The FAA granted the authorization for them to test fly at Mach 1+ in the R-2508 Complex and part of the R-2515 High Altitude Supersonic Corridor. The FAA says that it completed a thorough review and Environmental Assessment, paving the way for future supersonic flight testing in the commercial sphere. Paul Poberezny's work needs little introduction in the world of experimental aviation, sport flying, and hobbyist aeronautics, being attached to what has grown into a titan today. Sometimes, growth makes it easy to miss the little things, and today's "little guy" is smarting more than ever just looking at the price tags of "cheap" aircraft. Poberezny, seeing similar things while he was still with us, tried to forestall such a development, beginning the Sport Aviation Association, a group that centered itself entirely on the average everyday pilot. Now, a passionate group of industry vets have inherited the charter of Paul Poberezny's lesser-known organizational baby, and they're taking up his mission anew. BRM Aero and H55 have announced the upcoming commercial availability of the B23 Energic, the first fully electric aircraft in the CS-23 general aviation category. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase', meaning it's just about to head into the oven, but the recipe isn't inked just yet. CubCrafters VP Brad Damm wants to see everyone chip in with their two cents to see how they feel about the prospective aircraft. So far, everything that's been shown off paints a very attractive portrait of a lightweight, capable, eager little bird, boasting an empty weight "well below 900 lbs..." CKD Aerospace hit innovation preview with a couple goodies right off the bat, updating fans on their line of kit aircraft, Fisher Flying Products. Now, Fisher Flying Products are looking to moving from spruce into rag & tube. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down south to enjoy the Florida sunshine in the same excellent facilities as Sun 'n Fun. The Affordable Flying Expo will focus on the love of flight, and all things that bring it into reach of the average, fun-loving pilot. Everyone is invited, from pilots and AMT's to manufacturers and owners. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Airborne-Flight Training 04.17.24: Feds Need Controllers, Spirit Delay, Redbird Flt
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto
The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for a short time. The FAA has issued a call to action, requesting anyone and everyone meeting the relatively accommodating standards. They will have to bolster their numbers soon, with plans to hire 1,800 more controllers this year, and another 2,000 in 2025. Spirit Airlines announced its decision to defer the delivery of new Airbus aircraft and furlough approximately 260 pilots. The budget airline, headquartered in Miramar, Florida, is taking these measures as part of its strategy to boost liquidity amidst challenging times. Redbird Flight, manufacturer of flight simulators and training devices, came out in force to Sun 'n Fun 2024, with all kinds of new goodies in tow. Their new friends at the Recreational Aviation Foundation have kept up their momentum in keeping a presence at the yearly fly-in, helping them to support the development of future pilots, hone the active ones, and improve safety for all. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganization as they continue to move away from the brink, and by all accounts, things are going great. Clyde Hamstreet indicated that things are going pretty well in the Chapter 11 process, and they expect their reorganization plan to be approved by the court come May. Hammerstreet noted, with pleasure, that few companies in a similar position manage to survive the process, but Van's is sitting pretty. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down south to enjoy the Florida sunshine in the same excellent facilities as Sun 'n Fun. The Affordable Flying Expo will focus on the love of flight, and all things that bring it into reach of the average, fun-loving pilot. The Commemorative Air Force's Jeremy Lashbrook, Squadron Leader for the B-29 and B-24, broke some bad news to fans looking forward to the upcoming Air Power History Tour: The B-24 Liberator, Diamond Lil', will need a lot of unanticipated maintenance. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 04.12.24: SnF24!, G100UL Is Here, Holy Micro, Plane Tags
Also: Seaplane Pilots Association, Rotax 916’s First Year, Gene Conrad
After a decade and a half of struggling with the FAA and other aero-politics, G100UL is in production and there are a million gallons currently available. You can NEVER have too many good aids in keeping a flight safe... Holy Micro has an interesting approach to keeping pilots informed. The folks at Plane Tags have collected memorabilia from over 200 aircraft of all makes and categories... And offer mementos of great planes in aviation’s proud history. SPA’s Steve McCaughey updates the Airborne team on the latest and greatest in one of the aviation world’s coolest (sometimes we mean that literally) aviation pursuits. ANN had the honor of helping to introduce the Rotax 915 at last year’s Innovation Preview and we got a chance to review what a year in the field is teaching the aviation biz. Gene Conrad Catches His Breath During Our Morning Brief... and joins Airborne for an update on the 50th Annual SnF Aerospace Expo and what may be in the offing for the future. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
FIFTY YEARS! What a milestone for the aviation world’s master aero-education duo! John, Martha, along with their CEO Barry Knutilla have come to Sun ‘n Fuin to celebrate a half-century of keeping us educated while also casting eyes upon the future. Ya want to land and take off REALLY short? Ya want to keep it simple? Ya want it to cost less than your house? Bryce Angell’s newly created Top Rudder aircraft has some affordable, highly capable STOL-ready aero-toys for you! The ultimate cockpit visual aid? Aileronics has introduced the Sentinel, a portable sensor that can be mounted in any cockpit and assist with the chores of seeing and avoiding hazards in your flight path. There is a cool new offering by the name of Flight Club... Flight Club is a double-sided marketplace that connects aircraft owners with pilots looking to rent an aircraft. The idea is not a new one but this execution shows promise... The sun is your friend... except when its not. Jet Shades seems to have come up with a more protective solution when it comes to the heat, glare, UV and other distractions of the sun while in flight... and make flying a lot more comfortable. In-cockpit video and all the accessories that go with it have become an important facet to many fliers... as a way to enjoy their flights as well as a valuable educational tool. The MyGoFlight folks have a number of ways to support your aero-video aspirations. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: Bushcat Woes, Hummingbird 300 SL 4-Seat Heli Kit, Carbon Cub UL
The newest Junkers is a faithful recreation that mates a 7-cylinder Verner radial engine to the airframe offered last year with a Rotax 912... but a desire for more historical accuracy led to the A50 Heritage. The Helicycle has gone through a number of owners and iterations but looks to be in good hands with a company that keeps tweaking and improving this unique turbine single-engine, single-seat kit helicopter. The Brazilian Montaer MC-01 is about to be joined by a four-place sibling, the MC-04. The two-seater is holding its own though with a number of impressive fleet sales and growing popularity here in the states. Life throws challenges at you now and then... and the folks got thrown a curveball at the start of SnF24. AeroSport has been the US Distributor for SkyReach and its BushCat light sport aircraft... until the manufacturer announced that they were not going to offer kits or complete aircraft anymore... leaving AeroSport with a number of challenges. A four-place helicopter kit? Really? There are nearly 400 Hummingbird 300SL kits out in the world now... Piling up hours and impressive record. Vertical Aviation’s Brad Clark fills us in on upgrades and plans for this impressive machine. The Carbon Cub UL hit the sport aviation world by storm last year, powered by the (then) brand new Rotax 916 engine. Production plans are now afoot, the plane is being fine-tuned, and the Carbon Cub UL order book is filling fast... All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 05.01.24: WACO Kitchen, FAA Reauthorization, World Skydiving Day
Also: Electra Aero, AMO-CBP v Smugglers, Naval King Airs, Boeing Deal
To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. Lakeland’s Airport reported that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport, notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations..." After months of wrangling, an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation prioritizes investments to strengthen aviation safety standards, enhance consumer protections, advance technology and innovation, and build a modern, well-trained, safety-centric workforce. The US Parachute Association tells us that whether you have thousands of jumps, or skydiving is on your bucket list, WorldSkydivingDay on July 13 is the perfect time to take the leap. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: NAAA Asks UAVs To Give Way, Viasat-uAvionix, Oshkosh Defense, Wright Intros WEAETC
Skydweller Aero successfully completed the first flight of its solar-powered aircraft, the Skydweller, earlier this month. This groundbreaking aircraft, which boasts a wingspan exceeding that of a Boeing 747, undertook its inaugural flight autonomously--without any human pilot onboard or in direct control--from Stennis International Airport in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. VoltAero has commenced certification testing for the innovative electric-hybrid powertrain of its Cassio 330 aircraft. This testing phase marks a crucial step in the development of the Cassio e-aircraft family, specifically tailored for the five-seat Cassio 330. 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. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
This summer, history enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to experience World War II aviation as the EAA launches a nationwide tour with its restored B-25 Mitchell bomber, known as the "Berlin Express." The Berlin Express will begin its journey at the TBM Avenger Reunion in Peru, Illinois, from May 16-19, before moving on to other locations including Cincinnati, Ohio; Olathe, Kansas; Rockford, Illinois; and Madison, Wisconsin. Textron Inc. reported a solid financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, indicating a strong start to the year with notable gains across its primary business segments. The conglomerate announced a net income of $1.03 per share, up from $0.92 in the same period last year. Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the delivery of the first two G700 aircraft, marking a significant milestone with the rapid customer deployment following its FAA type certification. This luxury jet is not only about comfort but also performance, capable of flying 7,750 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 and achieving a maximum speed of Mach 0.935, making it the fastest in the Gulfstream fleet. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
