Also: Freezing SkyGuardian, Vertiia Test Flight, USCG Balloon Search, USAF Task Force 99
Nampa, Idaho’s Spirit of Flight Foundation museum announced that a rare WWII era Culver target drone has been donated to the museum’s collection. Spirit of Flight Foundation president Gordon Page stated: “We have had a Culver PQ-14 Target Drone on our wish list for years, but there aren’t many left of the over three-thousand built.” Australian developer Kite Magnetics announced the completion of their 120-kilowatt electric propulsion unit (EPU), a small, self-contained alternative to traditional light sport engines. Their model sports a well-chosen power output, about 160 hp compared to current LSA fare. Unlike the a
"One of its Best Years Ever" Crows Swiss Manufacturer
Pilatus had another good year in 2022, delivering 133 aircraft and raking in new contracts as it sailed upriver against a current of supply chain disruptions. The company delivered 40 PC-24s, 80 PC-12 NGXs, 10 PC-21s and 3 PC-6s overall, while finding more customers and reinforcing previous relationships. The company notes that it "virtually doubled" its business with Tradewind Aviation after receiving their purchase agreement for 20 additional PC-12 NGXs. Overall, the company saw sales of 1.3 billion Swiss francs, with operating income of 226 million francs. Total orders amounted to 1.6 billion Swiss francs, a result the company referred to as a "very positive set of results".
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New Facility Sees $25 Million Commitment
An FBO network is expanding at its location at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, breaking ground on the first of 3 phases. The expansion of their current Rock Boulevard locale will ultimately involve more than $25 million in investments over its 14-acre span, with 100 jobs created. Once complete, the location will sport 2 more hangars, a terminal, and 10,000 square feet of office space. The new facility comes as part of $500 million in approvals for the airport, which will someday add 2 additional concourses to the area.
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About 2,300-2,400 Ft Mean Sea Level, The Engine Abruptly Loss Power And (Pilot) Initiated An Autorotation
On October 1, 2022, about 0543 mountain standard time, a Bell 47G helicopter, N24067, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mesa, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that on the return leg of a local flight, about 2,300-2,400 ft mean sea level, the engine abruptly loss power and he initiated an autorotation and landed on a residential street.
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