“While we are relieved that no one was injured, the destruction of our aircraft will have severe consequences on our operations, and it is a personal blow to our dedicated team. We are fully cooperating with authorities and will take every measure necessary to ensure the future safety.” Source: Airways Aviation Group Founder and Chairman Romy Hawatt, commenting on the tragic crimes committewd against them... France’s ESMA Airways Aviation Academy lost at least three of its twin-engine trainers to a suspected arson event. Luckily, no injuries were reported, but the flight school fleet has faced serious damage.

US Army Receives a Status Update for Its Blackhawk Replacement

Bell Textron recently demonstrated a virtual prototype of its Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), designated as the MV-75, to the US Army. This will be the first tangible product from the six-year-old FLRAA program. They will later be converted to Flight Training Devices (FTDs), with user feedback being used for design improvements along the way.

Scouts Gain Access to the Fundamentals of Aviation and Aerodynamics

Scouting America (aka Boy Scouts of America) has updated its Aviation Merit Badge, allowing the youth to explore everything from aerodynamics to industry careers through hands-on education. The badge is now the first in the organization’s collection to feature an interactive online resource guide.

Boeing Subsidiary Signs Five-Year Research Contract

Boeing-owned Wisk Aero recently signed a long-term contract with NASA to research the integration of autonomous aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This is an expansion of the partnership established in 2020 to explore autonomous urban air mobility (UAM) operations.

YFQ-42A Prepares for Flight Testing in Summer 2025

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently announced that its test vehicle for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, officially designated the YFQ-42A, has entered ground testing. The ‘fighter drone’ is slated to take flight this summer.

Sites Noted On Interactive Map Increased From <20 In 2021

4Air, provider of a range of sustainability-related aviation solutions, announced its interactive map depicting locations where Sustainable Aviation Fuels are available has expanded from less than 20 in 2021 when it was launched, to now over 100 locations worldwide.

Large-Scale Prototype Succeeds In Full-Wing Forward Flight

Horizon Aircraft, Canadian-based developer of hybrid eVTOL aircraft, announced its Cavorite X7 large-scale prototype successfully completed a flight during which it transitioned from vertical takeoff to full-wing horizontal forward flight, a major step in the development of the aircraft.

Avcon Jet Chairman Alexander Vagacs Claims Honor

Global aviation training provider CAE recently opened its first training center in Central Europe in Vienna, Austria, and hosted its first customer. CAE also announced that its Gulfstream G550 full-flight (FFS) simulator is operating and it expects that the new Pilatus PC-24 FFS will be installed and operational at the 8,000 square meter (86,000 square foot) facility by late 2026.

Pilot Reported That While Enroute The Engine Sustained A Partial Loss Of Power

Analysis: The pilot reported that while enroute the engine sustained a partial loss of power. The pilot attempted to restore engine power by applying carburetor heat, adjusting the mixture, and checking the fuel control valve. The pilot’s troubleshooting efforts were unsuccessful, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot descended into a wooded valley and conducted a forced landing into the treetops. The airplane came to rest inverted and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. 

From 2017 (YouTube Edition): Flight-Proven Booster On Display At AirVenture…

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is known primarily as a celebration of experimental and amateur-built aircraft. But over the years, the scope of the show has grown to include all aspects of aviation and aerospace. Enter Blue Origin, an aerospace company that has seen significant success over the past two years launching and recovering reusable boosters with an eye towards suborbital space tourism and commercial space launches. And this year, the Blue Origin New Shepard booster was on display at Boeing Plaza at AirVenture 2017.