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Skyryse has introduced its updated production cockpit for its Skyryse One aircraft. The innovative and enhanced cockpit is scalable to fit any aircraft. The updated Skyryse One interior design brings to life the company’s vision to enable enhanced access to flight controls from both front seats with a streamlined design that will accelerate the approval of its technology for any aircraft. Huntington Beach, California will be forced to chalk up $182,092 in attorney fees and other costs related to a 2023 court case. The city had been sued by a resident after it refused to release the full settlement agreement from the Pacific Airshow lawsuit. Samson Sky discussed the company’s achievements in its year-end summary, and reported that the vehicle missed its target flight speed goal of 160 mph. So the company made significant design changes

Falling Fuel Tank Barely Misses Homes and an Elementary School

An F-16 Fighting Falcon fuel tank detached and fell into a Florida neighborhood on January 9. Luckily, no injuries were reported and no damage to property has been confirmed.  The F-16 is part of the 96th Test Wing, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in the western Florida Panhandle.

Unmanned Aircraft Used to Increase Security As Inauguration Day Nears

The US Secret Service is overriding Federal Aviation Regulations in order to use drones around DC this month. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are serving as an additional security measure with inauguration day chaos rapidly closing in. There are three National Special Security Events happening in the month of January.

Family of the Victim Holds Manufacturer Accountable for Design Flaws

The family of Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who was killed along with four others in a helicopter crash, has brought a $2.6 billion lawsuit against manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. The claim alleges that Leonardo’s failure to address design flaws caused the fatal accident.

Airports in 32 States to Receive Funding from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

On January 8, the Federal Aviation Administration announced over $322 million in grants to modernize US airports. The 171 grants will be spread across 32 states through the Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) program. To date, almost $12 billion has been dispersed to airports nationwide through AIG funding.

Aircraft Grounded Due To Drone Strike

The FAA released the following statement after a firefighting aircraft, a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper, was struck by a civilian drone while it was operating over the Palisades Fire near Los Angeles, California:

Acquires Glendale Aero Services Maintenance Division

The Blackhawk Group (TBG) announced the acquisition of the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) business unit of Glendale Aero Services (GAS), bolstering TBG’s Performance Center network and reaffirming its commitment to innovation in aircraft modernization.

Skydiver, Innovator, Instructor, USPA Gold Medal Winner

Bill Jones passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 93. He made his first skydive in 1950 as part of a government project and went on to become a legendary skydiver, instructor, drop zone owner, innovator, and recipient of the 2016 United States Parachute Association’s (USPA) Gold Medal for Meritorious Service.

Also: New Glenn Launch, LE Helo Arrest, $2M to Fairmont University, NC Aviation $$$

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced the issuance of the world’s first 'Part 23' Type Certification for an electric aircraft to Liaoning General Aviation Academy’s (LGAA) RX4E. The fixed tricycle gear, high wing, four-seat aircraft made its maiden flight in 2019 and can now be used in commercial applications. The UK’s Red Arrows team could be grounded in coming years if it fails to find and purchase a replacement for its extremely aged Hawk T1 fleet. The jets, which have been in service for nearly half a century, are scheduled to retire in 2030. The Red Arrows currently operate 16 Hawk T1 jets based at RAF Waddington. The youngest aircraft in the fleet is already 43 years old... The FBI is looking into threats be several individuals against SpaceX’s Starship and its Starbase Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville, Texas

Also: WV $2m Fairmont U Grant, Final T-1A Jayhawk, Young Eagles Rally, Air Force JROTC 

The FAA is working to diversify and strengthen the aviation workforce by placing fresh funds in two key pools: Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants and Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants. These are designed to address workforce shortages. Growing up in Camarillo, California, Zachary Erck often went to the Waypoint Café at the Camarillo Airport with his family and was fascinated by the airplanes and the pilots and the stories they told. He did a discovery flight when he was 13 but ‘life got in the way’ and it took him another 20 years to pursue his dream in earnest. And now, Zachary is the newest recipient of the $2,500 Sporty’s Pilot Training+ Scholarship and will apply that toward realizing his dream of becoming an airline pilot. Aware that not all is right in the flight school busine