Aligns With Call By GA Groups To Pause 100LL Fuel Ban

In a strongly worded letter to Santa Clara County’s (California) leadership, the FAA is investigating the County’s ongoing airport safety issues, including its rushed ban of 100LL fuel as of January 1, 2022, as it considers possible violations of federal law. Aviation groups, as well as local pilots and airport-based businesses, have shown that the ban carries significant safety risks as it does not provide a safe transition to unleaded fuel. In the letter, the FAA “strongly recommends that the County take action to suspend the effective date of its ban on leaded gas at the County-owned airports until this matter can be resolved.”

Also: Tecnam Expands, Boeing Refills, Man Breaches McCarran, ZeroAvia $$$

The late afternoon of December 13th took a turn for the exciting when a red ultralight (that looks like a  Mini-Max) airplane crashed in residential Bremen, Indiana. Responding Indiana State Trooper Scott Hipsher arrived on scene with the St. Joseph County Police Department to find the operator was, in classic DUI fashion, relatively unharmed from the incident. Joseph Krol, 61, failed a field sobriety test at the scene, and allegedly failed a drug test at the hospital. Krol was  arrested for Operating While Intoxicated-Endangerment and Operating While Intoxicated.

From Two Great Men... An Aero-Holiday Memory

One of the greatest joys I have as the so-called boss of ANN is the many people I meet and the precious few that I get to know as friends. Two of my great friends have had the same name... Frank Kingston Smith, Senior and Junior. Frank Sr. has been gone a number of years now but our memories of him are fond and numerous... though his son is still often a vociferous advisor and co-conspirator via email. Some time ago, Frank, Jr., sent me a really great message... and it made for a fitting way by which I can wish you all a very Merry Christmas -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C

EAA Chapter Creates Enhanced Inspection Covers For Fabric Aircraft

Marty Harris, a lifetime owner of classic, fabric aircraft, has tackled a longstanding hassle of ownership and inspection: riveted inspection covers. "Pilots and mechanics alike working on fabric aircraft have been waiting 90 years for an easier and less damaging way to remove and install inspection covers," Harris said upon announcing his product. The FAA approved assembly kit is available for new applications or existing covers on Experimental and Light Sport Aircraft with fabric skins. An A&P mechanic sign-off may be used to replace troublesome inspection covers on certificated aircraft as per Advisory Circular 43.13.1.

Demonstration EH216 Flights in Japan Commences

China's EHang has secured its first order for its recently announced aerial vehicle, the fixed-wing, longer ranged VT-30. The company has also made headway on its smaller, multi-rotor EH216, beginning field tests with local partners in Japan to explore use cases for both its two-seater EH216 and VT-30 in an urban air mobility network in Japan. EHang’s new partner, the Okayama Kurashiki Mizushima Aero & Space Industry Cluster Study Group (MASC) will provide some helpful academic refinement to the design process, polishing the EH216 into an industry ready competitor. Recent demonstration flights have been completed in Fukushima and Okayama following its short summer debut, lending credenc

Airbus to Develop Modular Guépard While Delivering Initial Production Models

The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) announced a large contract with Airbus Helicopters for not only the purchase, but the development of the H160M as a part of their Light Joint Helicopter program (HIL). The contract includes a primer batch of 30 aircraft and a series of prototypes, with space to expand orders to a total quantity of 169 total. The initial group of production aircraft will be split 3 ways, with the army taking 21, the navy 8, and a single helo for the air force. Interestingly, the program will include the development of several prototypes as France narrows down their demands for a single helicopter. 

Falcon Maintenance Facility Expands Coverage to 900EX, 2000EX, and 6X

Dassault's Falcon Service center collocated with their final Saint-Cloud, France turns 5 years old as the company moves into 2022. DFS Mérignac opened in 2016 with 6 service bays, 7,500 square feet, and everything needed for complete C-checks on the Falcon 7X and 8X trijets. The checks must be performed every 8 years or after 4,000 hours of service, and are often accompanied by further upgrades and overhauls while convenient. The facility will now expand its available service to additional Falcon models, including the 900EX EASy, the 2000EX EASy, and the soon to come, extra-widebody Falcon 6X.

From 2019: The Extra NG Is 'A Whole New Dimension Of Aerobatic Aircraft

Extra Aircraft unveiled its next generation of aerobatic aircraft during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The company says the Extra NG is "a whole new dimension of aerobatic aircraft", featuring an all-carbon rigid base frame - a first in aerobatic aviation history. The airplane truly represents a "quantum leap forward" by offering its owner not just a stunningly beautiful silhouette, but also an ergonomically advanced cockpit. It is designed for maximum pilot comfort an

On The Final Approach Course, The Airplane’s Groundspeed Gradually Slowed From 129 To 88 Knots

On November 15, 2021, about 1245 eastern standard time, a Beech E-90, N290KA, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Boyne City, Michigan. The airline transport pilot and passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. A review of preliminary air traffic control (ATC) information revealed that the airplane departed Oakland County International Airport (PTK), Pontiac, Michigan, at 1150 on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan and climbed to 16,000 ft mean sea level (msl). The airplane was enroute to Boyne City Municipal Airport (N98), Boyne City,

Expedite Used by ATC when prompt compliance is required to avoid the development of an imminent situation. Expedite climb/descent normally indicates to a pilot that the approximate best rate of climb/descent should be used without requiring an exceptional change in aircraft handling characteristics.

“...the failure to address a significant number of significant safety concerns which have been enumerated in detail to the County via letters from the FAA. The County is on notice with regard to these serious safety concerns and the issues remain unresolved.” Source: From a strongly worded letter to Santa Clara County’s (California) leadership, the FAA is investigating the County’s ongoing airport safety issues, including its rushed ban of 100LL fuel as of January 1, 2022, as it considers possible violations of federal law.