XB-1 Now has a Date with the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor

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. The testing will see the XB-1 push the limited with a T-38 chase plane tagging along, monitoring, recording, and adding some extra safety of flight assurance. Naturally, the authorization extends to the chase plane, too.

Mission-Driven Helo Playground Provides Realism in Training

Blackcomb Helicopters announced a new addition to its Advanced Training Center in the Powerline Training Facility, a skill-building emporium of structures suited to proper SAR operations. The location in Pemberton, British Columbia, "stands as a testament to Blackcomb Helicopters’ commitment to excellence in utility operations, offering a controlled and safe environment where crew can hone their abilities and ensure precision performance in the field." Powerline is equipped with a double circuit, 138KV monopole with five structures; a self-supporting lattice tower; a single circuit, 230 KV H-frame with four structures; a practice H-frame structure; 2 culverts for pole sets; and plenty of space to maneuver.

Usable Battery Pack On the Way for Flight Trainers, Pattern Burners

EP Systems came to AERO 2024 in Friedrichshafen, Germany with their EPiC 2.0 aircraft energy storage system. The system is said to provide 30 minutes of additional flight time over existing battery packs used in electric aircraft, while requiring no considerable engineering to make the switch. The drop-in system replaces their EPiC 1.0 TSO package, allowing early adopters to stay abreast of modern tech and gain about 50% in endurance. 

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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. T

2019 Introduction Becoming a Fast Favorite on the Turboprop Scene

It may seem a bit silly to have a favorite engine in the aviation world, with so many stalwart classics to choose from, but for enjoyers of smaller, more accessible aircraft, the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 series probably finds a spot on the top 10 no matter what. The E-Series, as Pratt & Whitney designates their latest and greatest version, recently shipped out the 500th unit at their Lethbridge, Canada production line. The engines have mostly been delivered to Daher for their TBM 960, and Pilatus for use in their PC-12 NGX.

ALPA Prez Ambrosi Applauds Congressional Boeing Oversight

On April 17, 2024, in response to recent U.S. Senate hearings scrutinizing Boeing's safety practices, Captain Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association International, expressed strong support for the oversight efforts. The hearings, spearheaded by Senators Maria Cantwell of Washington and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, addressed concerns over Boeing's handling of safety protocols in their manufacturing processes and whistleblower treatments.

AMA Hosts Eclipse Watchers, Promotes Model Aviation

On April 8, 2024, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana, became a bustling hub of activity as over a thousand enthusiasts and spectators gathered to witness a rare total solar eclipse. The AMA IAC, recognized as an official viewing site, partnered with the city of Muncie to host this unique astronomical event, which captivated attendees with more than just a celestial phenomenon.

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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 e

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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 su

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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 presenc