Recognition for Work on NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Mission

The prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy is the highest honor in aviation and aerospace and is presented annually by The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) to the person, group, or company for the greatest achievement during the previous year in improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of aircraft or spacecraft. The trophy has been awarded every year since its establishment in 1911 by Collier himself, a publisher and president of the Aero Club of America. The 2023 Collier Trophy was presented to Lockheed Martin on June 13 in Washington, D.C. for their team’s work on the NASA-led OSIRIS-REx sample return mission.

VC-25B Bargain a Bearable but Bothersome Bugbear for Boeing Beancounters

In a not-too-surprising turn, the next-gen presidential aircraft won't be taking off under its original schedule, adding about a year to its ultimate delivery timeline. Originally, the program had been slated to deliver the first jet in 2024, a timeline that has slipped time and time again as a confluence of economics, logistics, labor, and Boeing issues have put external pressures on an already costly custom aircraft project. Now, the US Air Force expects that things will be pushed back another 16 months - and there isn't much reason to believe that timeline will be unchangeable. Under current plans, that would put the first new Air Force One's flight on the calendar for Mar

Will Chinese Ownership Destroy Another (Formerly) American Aviation Concern? 

The long-awaited hearing before a Delaware Bankruptcy Judge has taken place and Icon Aircraft, carrying over $170 million dollars in debt, was pretty much sold off for less than ten cents on the dollar, to 'SG Investment America' for $15.54M. The second place bidder was none other than aviation entrepreneur, Linden Blue, who offered approximately a quarter million dollars less. Blue is a highly experienced aviation business person, with a resume that included time in the sport aviation kit industry... and would undoubtedly have been an interesting and possibly more suitable buyer, as far as the future of the SportPlane program is concerned.

YouTube Badboy, Dan Gryder, Confirmed To Have Been On Board

It's been a bad week for old Lockheed twins... with one fatal accident taking two lives over the weekend (CA), and another taking place Monday evening as a 1936 twin-engine Lockheed 12A was attempting to land at Seven Lakes Airport (Georgia) shortly before 8 p.m. when it impacted a tree after going off the runway. Three people were confirmed on board and all were all air-lifted to area hospitals. All three have since been reported to be resting and in stable condition. One of the persons known to have been on board was controversial YouTube personality, Dan Gryder, who sustained a number of fractures and lacerations but is expected to recover.

Industry Reacts to FAA Committee on Charter Operations

The Air Line Pilots Association weighed in on the tightening noose around Part 135 operators, celebrating the FAA's decision to form a panel and study safety data for the small-time pseudo-charter operators they've long cited as flouters of Part 121 regulations. Much of the argument has surrounded the feasibility of JSX, a public charter operator that has made the best of the regulatory environment to offer travelers an easier, less stressful travel environment aboard smaller 30-seat Embraer ERJs. The "hop on jet service" came into being in 2016, and has grown in recent years, helped along by some novel structuring and a timely boom in charter ops thanks to bothersome pandemic rules in th

Two Pilots Die in Crash of Lockheed 12A (Updated)

The well-known Yanks Air Museum at Chino Airport (KCNO), California, hosted its Pops and Props event to celebrate Father’s Day on Saturday afternoon. However, the day turned tragic when the Museum’s Chief of Operations, Frank Wright and his copilot were killed when the Lockheed 12A Electra Junior they were flying crashed shortly after takeoff. Prior to the flight, Mr. Wright had taken part in a panel discussion during the event. While it is not yet known what may have caused the accident, numerous witnesses were present, one of whom said he was filming video and taking photos at the time.

SkyVoice Alert's Advisory System Increases Safety

Frank Kunnumpurath, Founder of HolyMicro, braved the surprise storm that broke out a few days into Sun 'n Fun 2024. It was worth it to get some eyes on his new product, the SkyVoice Alert LHA 500. The little widget is a LiDAR equipped reminder to provide useful callouts for single-pilot operations. The SkyVoice provides user-selectable announcements for a range of checklist items, helping single pilots keep their eyes on the prize and round all the right bases. Landing gear, oxygen, flaps, speed, top of descent, and altitude callouts act as a handy backup for those who want to increase their safety margins, and

Multi-Role Helicopter Gaining Prominence in Europe

Airbus announced yesterday that the Kingdom of Belgium will acquire 17 of its H145M multi-role light utility helicopters. The contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and Airbus Helicopters in a ceremony at the Eurosatory 2024 trade show for defense and security in Paris. The first aircraft are anticipated to be delivered in 2026 and the contract includes the necessary equipment and associated support services for an initial period of five years.

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An astronaut who was part of what was then mankind's greatest adventure... the first flight to orbit the moon and return back, has died in an accident while flying a T-34. Bill Anders, is credited with the famous Earthrise photo of the Earth coming up over the moon (taken aboard Apollo 8), and was confirmed to be the only occupant of the aircraft. Anders was 90 years old and his loss was confirmed by his son, Greg. Piper has received Flight into Known Icing (FIKI) certification from the FAA for its M700 FURY. The FIKI system comes standard

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Archer has been given some very good news as of late, now having been granted their operator certificate from the FAA. Even better for them, they've been given the Part 135 cert too, empowering their plans for air taxi operations in the future once the Midnight aircraft is ready to go. Once in full swing, Archer will offer short-hop rides aboard their 4-passenger eVTOL aircraft. Harbour Air, an all-seaplane operator in Vancouver, announced that they would be offering a conversion program using some of their single-engine turboprops and magniX's Magni650 electric systems.

Airplane Came To Rest Among Densely Populated Cedar And Fir Trees That Reached Up To 150 Ft AGL

On May 19, 2024, at 1648 Pacific daylight time, an Extra Flugzeugbau GMBH EA 300/L, N22MW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bandera, Washington. The pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot was planning to attend an annual International Aerobatic Club (IAC) aerobatic training camp in Ephrata, Washington. The pilot recently had a mishap with his airplane, an Extra NG, where it was damaged when the canopy opened during takeoff.

Aero Linx: MedEvac Foundation International The Medevac Foundation International (MFI) serves the medical transport industry’s professionals and families through academic research, wellness training, continuing education scholarships, and practical support for families during times of tragedy.

Navigational Aid Any visual or electronic device airborne or on the surface which provides point-to-point guidance information or position data to aircraft in flight. 

"Thank you for everyone reaching out. A brief update with what limited information is available at the moment and regards to privacy for all those affected. On June 17 2024 at Seven Lakes Airport there was an aircraft incident involving a Lockheed Electra. Three pilots were on board including our dad Dan Gryder. All three individuals on board were life flighted to Grady Hospital in Atlanta. All three individuals are currently stable at this time and resting. I can only comment on the condition of how dad is doing but the worst case scenario was averted and his injuries were minor..." Source: A missive from Dan Gryder's son, describing what happened to him and two others when their Lockheed 12A veered from a runway in Jackson, GA, and