Named New ROTAX independent Service Centre for Central USA

After dealing with a big letdown after the unexpected decision by Skyreach to discontinue the manufacture of the Bushcat, the Knoll family (AeroSport) has come up with a heck of a second act... and it should be a strong one. Advanced Powerplant Solutions, LLC (APS), under the new ownership of Jeremy and Daniela Knoll has acquired Leading Edge Air Foils, LLC (LEAF). Better yet, effective immediately, APS will serve as the ROTAX independent Service Centre for the Central United States, continuing and expanding the esteemed services previously offered by LEAF.

FAA Has Accepted VG's Final Investigation Report Over Issues That Took Place In 'Galactic 6'

Virgin Galactic has announced the ‘Galactic 07’ flight window will open Saturday, June 8, 2024. This will be the Company’s second 'spaceflight' this year and 12th to date. Virgin Galactic’s spaceship will again be converted into a suborbital science lab, with VSS Unity carrying an Axiom Space affiliated researcher astronaut who will conduct multiple human-tended experiments. In addition, Purdue University and UC Berkeley will have autonomous payloads on board, supported by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program. This mission showcases Virgin Galactic’s ability to provide a flexible microgravity research platform, benefiting further space exploration initiatives as well as innovations on Earth.

B-29 Doc Is But One (Of Only 2 Left) Of 1,644 B-29 Superfortress Aircraft Built

The B-29 Doc History Restored Tour will land in Allentown, PA, at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), May 9-12, 2024. B-29 Doc, one of 1,644 B-29 Superfortress aircraft built by the Boeing Company in Wichita, KS, during World War II, will be available for ground and cockpit tours, as well as B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides during the tour stop at Hangar 10 / Gate 42B (602 Hayden Circle, Allentown, PA 18109). Ground and cockpit tour tickets will be available for purchase on the days of the event at the gate. While the aircraft is on the ground, visitors will be able to climb inside the cockpit through the forward bomb bay to get a look inside one of only two B-29 Superfortresses still airworthy and flying today.

Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview

Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (now in production with Pitman Air), has been lost in an aircraft test accident. Shortly after his appearance at SUN n FUN 2024, Bailey reportedly was asked to test fly a customer-built Dragonfly out of the Groveland airport in Florida... Recent investigations and a great deal of data has resulted in ANN’s SportPlane Resource Guide’s report card system having to deal with new and worrisome reports on a number of companies. Evidence and data received from customers of the Czech-based Orlican sportplane operation has resulted in a ‘Not Recommended’ rating for the troubles documented by at least one one owner who has been trying to get his aircraft for nearly two years... The US Parachute Association tells us that whether y

Three Development Milestones Recently Completed, Flight Testing Continues, Including High Angle Of Attack

The T-7A Red Hawk is reporting three recent milestones. Climate Chamber Test: T-7A aircraft APT-3, one of five engineering and manufacturing development aircraft, underwent rigorous testing at Eglin Air Force Base, enduring temperatures ranging from -25°F to 110°F. This test evaluated the aircraft system’s performance, including propulsion, hydraulic, fuel, electrical, secondary power, environmental control, and overall operations in extreme environmental conditions. The aircraft has since returned to St. Louis for testing.

Both Daytona and Prescott Campuses Competed

For the first time, students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach, Florida, campus took top honors at the AIAA Design/Build/Fly (DBF) Competition, held earlier this month in Wichita, Kansas. A second Embry-Riddle squad, this one from the Prescott, Arizona, campus, allso placed among the top teams, earning eighth overall. "Embry-Riddle students who participate in the AIAA Design/Build/Fly Competition are impressive in their dedication, innovation and leadership,” said Dr. Jim Gregory, dean of the College of Engineering at the Daytona Beach Campus. “They are learning critical skills that will serve them well throughout their careers! Their first-place win is outstanding evidence of their excellence."

Also: WACO Kitchen Bails, French SportPlane Mfr to FL, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Innovation Preview

Bobby Bailey, a bit of a fixture in sport aviation circles for his work with the Bailey-Moyes Dragonfly (now in production with Pitman Air), has been lost in an aircraft test accident. Shortly after his appearance at SUN n FUN 2024, Bailey reportedly was asked to test fly a customer-built Dragonfly out of the Groveland airport in Florida... Recent investigations and a great deal of data has resulted in ANN’s SportPlane Resource Guide’s report card system having to deal with new and worrisome reports on a number of companies. Evidence and data received from customers of the Czech-based Orlican sportplane operation has resulted in a ‘Not Recommended’ rating for the troubles documented by at least one one owner who has been trying to get his aircraft for nearly two years... The US Parachute Association tells us that wh

Also: USCG Retires MH-65 Dolphins, Irish Aviation Authority, NATCA Warns FAA, Diamond DA42 AD

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

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 c

Massive Aviation News Event Started 2024 Off With a Plethora of Exciting Info

Last year, we introduced the SnF Innovation Preview in which 25 companies introduced over 30 new planes, products, engines, accessories, and more… in other words… a LOT of news. Rotax previewed the powerful 916iS, CubCrafters showcased the Carbon Cub UL, Bose introduced the A30, Aerox revealed the Boomula… and so much more. This year, we went beyond that... way beyond all that, with a larger selection of news announcements that covered ALL aspects of sport, general and commercial aviation... all at the start of the 50th Annual SUN n FUN Aerospace Expo... the undisputed start to the aviation year. This year was also a major news-breaker... especially with the announcement that the DeltaHawk Diesel engine folks were working with Piper Aircraft on an STC for the PA44 Seminole. It also hosted the first forma