Ok... Not A Big Surprise But Certainly An Unpleasant One

Another major aviation event has had to give way to the damage done by the COVID pandemic. Aero Friedrichshafen has made the decision to delay its next show until July... but only a little more than week before Oshkosh 2021. The 2021 summer edition of AERO Friedrichshafen will run from July 14 to July 17. AirVenture 2021 begins on July 25th. Ouch.

Also: Space Florida, Datalink ADS-B, American Rocketry Challenge, 25-Hour Voice/Data Recorders

An ANN visit to Velocity Aircraft this week was an eye opener... one of the few true survivors of the once-bustling sportplane kit  industry, Velocity’s decades of experience and a dedicated builder/owner community continue to show signs of strength... And growth. Two ongoing projects, possibly heading for kit production, are pretty exciting. The  Velocity V-Twin, which continues to be the hottest product at Velocity is being stretched into a six-place configuration (which may, ultimately be bu

43 Per Month Scheduled In Q3/21 And 45 In Q4/21

Airbus SE is updating its production rate planning for its A320 Family aircraft in response to the market environment. The new average production rates for the A320 Family will now lead to a gradual increase in production from the current rate of 40 per month to 43 in Q3 and 45 in Q4 2021. This latest production plan represents a slower ramp up than the previously anticipated 47 aircraft per month from July. The A220 monthly production rate will increase from four to five aircraft per month from the end of Q1 2021 as previously foreseen.

The Subaru Bell 412EPX Now Has An Increased Maximum Internal Wt Of 12,200 Pounds

Bell Helicopter tells us that there have been more than 1,100 Bell 412s delivered across the globe -- logging over 6.5 million flight hours. Since the introduction of the Bell 412 in 1981, Bell has developed 11 different variants, the latest being the recently unveiled Subaru Bell 412 EPX. The evolution of the Bell 412 is a testament to its origins derived from the world-renowned Huey.

The SBX Can Fly Autonomously Or Piloted

Aviation Safety Resources and Grug Group have completed a strategic development and supply agreement that will make ASR’s parachute recovery system standard equipment on Grug's SBX aircraft. “Whole-aircraft vehicle parachute recovery systems are essential to the projected market growth of eVTOL Urban Air Mobility,” said Larry Williams, ASR president and CEO. “ASR is very excited to offer the next generation of vehicle recovery systems specifically designed to meet the safety needs of this market. We are applying new technology, reducing the product cost and schedule risk. Our patent-pending solutions are designed to safely bring down an entire aircraft and its occupants in the event o

Brings Number Of US Air Force Orders To 94

The Air Force has awarded a $2.1 billion contract for 15 KC-46A tankers, expanding its fleet of aircraft. “The KC-46’s adaptability is going to be a game-changer for the U.S. Air Force,” said Jamie Burgess, Boeing KC-46 tanker vice president and program manager. “We know our defense customers will need to transform how they fight and win in the modern era. That’s why Boeing is focused on making sure the KC-46 grows and changes with them.” The KC-46 is a widebody, multirole tanker designed for state-of-the-art air refueling, cargo and medical transport. Boeing is now on contract for 94 KC-46A tankers.

From 2019: Establishing A Complete Scope Of U.S. Industrial Activities

Daher has finalized its purchase of Quest Aircraft, bringing the Kodiak utility aircraft into its stable. The Daher Group is now able to deploy its full range of activities in North America: aircraft manufacturing, the production of systems and equipment, along with the supply of logistics and services. This brings the company’s successful business model, covering both industry and services, to one of the world’s largest aerospace markets.

The FAA Is Getting Pretty Insistent With Their Reminders...

Lest you missed any of the many reminders previously issued by the FAA, Raymond James Stadium in Tampa is a “No Drone Zone” for Super Bowl LV on Feb. 7, 2021. Drones also are prohibited around the Tampa Riverwalk for the NFL Super Bowl Experience during the days leading up to the event. The FAA is establishing a TFR on game day that will prohibit drones within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet in altitude. The TFR will be in place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. EST. Drones are also prohibited for one nautical mile around Raymond James Stadium on February 7 from 10 a.m. until the TFR for the game takes effect. Further details are available in the drone TF

GAMA Awards A Graduating High School Senior, Pursuing Aviation Studies, With A $2K Scholarship

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) is now accepting applications for its 2021 Edward W. Stimpson Aviation Excellence Award Scholarship. Each year, GAMA awards a graduating high school senior, pursuing studies in aviation, with a $2,000 scholarship. GAMA is proud to continue to offer this unique scholarship as part of its commitment to workforce development and advancing careers in general aviation. It is named in honor of a GAMA founder and past president - Edward W. Stimpson.

Also: 2021 Reno Air Races, Air Travel Down 60%, SLS Hot Fire Test Terminated, Honda Aircraft

Virgin Orbit confirmed that its LauncherOne rocket reached space during the company’s second launch demonstration, successfully deploying 10 payloads for NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP). Virgin Orbit’s launch system uses a technique called air launch, in which a rocket is launched from under the wing of a jet aircraft, rather than from a traditional launch pad on the ground. In addition to improving the payload capacity of the rocket, this technique allows the LauncherOne system to be the

While Climbing Through 3,000 Ft... The Engine "Sputtered And Quit"

On August 14, 2020, about 1144 central daylight time, an experimental Siebel Auriga airplane, N505JS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Rockford, Illinois. The pilot was not injured. The driver of an automobile sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot report that he departed runway 18 at Cottonwood Airport (1C8), Rockford, Illinois, and continued north of the airport where he intended to monitor engine oil temperatures after making changes to the engine cowling to increase cooling. The pilot reported that while climbing through 3,000 ft, about 3-5 miles north of

Aero Linx: Pilots for Christ International Pilots for Christ International is an organization of volunteer pilots and non-pilots who provide air and ground transportation for individuals and families in need. We work to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all we come in contact with. We are a non-denominational organization and we leave our belief differences with Our Heavenly Father, while we focus on our unified belief in Jesus Christ as our salvation. 

Surveillance Approach An instrument approach wherein the air traffic controller issues instructions, for pilot compliance, based on  aircraft position in relation to the final approach course (azimuth), and the distance (range) from the end of the runway as displayed on the controller’s radar scope. The controller will provide recommended altitudes on final approach if requested by the pilot.

"Following the cancellation of the event last year, the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic coupled with the renewed lockdown extension unfortunately mean that AERO Friedrichshafen will have to be postponed. With the aim of creating clear parameters for all our customers and partners, we have now decided at this relatively early stage to hold our upcoming AERO as a summer edition from July 14 to July 17, 2021, in Friedrichshafen.” Source: From a statment made by Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann, announcing the postponement of the spring event til later this summer in July... barely a week away from the start of AirVenture 2021...