State-of-the-Art Flying for Recreational and Professional Pilots

BEDE Aircraft and SureWings announced they have entered into a strategic partnership to incorporate SureWings safety systems and avionics into Bede’s aircraft. The collaboration brings together BEDE’s innovative aircraft designs with the advanced technology capabilities of SureWings to enhance performance, safety, and reliability to create new kits for home builders. The partnership is also expected to inspire the development of new features and advanced models to expand the boundaries of aviation. The partnership introduced the first of its new kits as the BD-4C-S SureWings Edition Complete Aircraft Kit. 

Wipaire Shows Off Fresh STC at AirVenture

Wipaire brought out some good news for Cessna Caravan operators in the form of their newly approved STC for the installation of Hartzell Propeller's Yukon four-blade prop. The company brought out their own modified Caravan, allowing AirVenture audiences to start imagining how they'd mod their own C-208s at home. The 110-inch diameter prop can be had with or without TKS icing protection or electric de-ice boots, so it can be had for pretty much any environment a Caravan may find. The Yukon's 137-pound full composite construction frees up a nifty 19 pounds compared to the stock prop, with improved performance to boot. The 4-blader is a surprisingly effective mod for the Caravan, if Wipaire's testbed is any indication. Their float-equipped testbed saw a 26% reduction in total takeoff distance on land, and an eye-popping 31% reduction on water. 

Refreshed Design is Sleeker, Quicker, and Better All Around

Samson Sky had mentioned that its flying car, the Switchblade, would be getting a few aerodynamic and production tweaks as they move towards production, but their newest announcement surprised AirVenture attendees with a fully revamped fuselage design. Samson Sky Founder Sam Bousfield said they'd taken a wholistic approach to the aerodynamic redesign, looking to improve nearly every aspect of the Switchblade. The end result? A much sleeker, less visually 'busy' design. “When all configurations were reviewed," he said, "there was no question that we should embrace a more streamlined body design with thrusters,” said Bousfield. “It allowed us to keep what worked well during flight testing, plus more fully protect the flying surfaces in ground mode.”

07.24.24: Extra's Latest, GoAero, Kiddie Pedal Plane Parade, Pelton On Safety

We’ve seen some extraordinary homebuilt projects, several of them replicas of historic aircraft, but a gorgeous, stunning and all-around incredible 2/3 scale P-38 may top them all... and then there’s the story about how it came to be and the folks that are it’s caretakers now. Come Wednesday morning, the female staff of the Aero-News Network disappear... to attend various WomenVenture functions and enjoy the partnership WAI has created amongst a growing segment of the aviation community. The LSA crowd has been going ga-ga- over various promised high-wing platforms, but one of the most breathlessly anticipated new birds comes from Sonex... who is displaying their in-progress prototype high-wing platform for the first time. Count on Walter Extra to keep raising the aerobatic bar. The Extra gang unveiled their latest aerobat at the IAC Headquarters building

07.23.24: VerdeGo Powers Up, Frecce Tricolori, Pelton Int'vw - Part 2: MOSAIC!!!!

They flew the Samson Sky earlier this year… and the data is yielding some exciting updates and modifications for the unique roadable airplane/flying car program. The Able Flight ceremony at Oshkosh is one of our favorite events, as a number of new pilots, who have proven themselves to be ‘hand-capable’ join our ranks. How aviation will power its convoluted future is a question that some of the best minds in aviation are trying to answer… and MagniX is competing for a share of what that will look like. Hartzell continues to build an incredible suite of prop products… while Hartzell Engine Technologies continues to support just about everything forward of the firewall. VerdeGo is working hard to develop the next generation of power and propulsion technologies, ANN checks in to get a progress report. The huge formation skills of the Itali

A Welcome Change for Exhibitors and Visitors Alike

Every year since 2008, EAA’s Oshkosh AirVenture has hosted a specialized program dedicated to motivating women to get involved in aviation. These events, collectively titled “WomenVenture”, have truly caught wind within the last 3 years, allowing them to expand in both frequency and attendance. Still, as the doors open in 2024, WomenVenture organizers are preparing to welcome more visitors than ever due to its new and improved location. The 2024 WomenVenture programming is centered on women in vertical lift and rotorcraft missions, though there is sure to be something there for everyone during the week. To become a part of the fun, visit the EAA WomenVenture website - and even consider signing up for a (free!) T-Shirt.

Also: Oshkosh 2024-The Highs/The Lows, Firefighting Contract, Hartzell Display, NetJets 

Able Flight has announced its Class of 2024 will receive their wings in a ceremony at the upcoming EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. This will be Able Flight’s first year partnering with Southern Illinois University at Carbondale for flight training of its scholarship recipients. Mayor John Nichols of College Station, Texas, sent a letter to the FAA asking it to delay the increase in the number of deliveries requested by Amazon Prime Air for its facility in College Station. The letter was sent on behalf of the City Council of College Station as a public comment on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) submitted by the company for expanding its commercial drone package delivery service. SpaceX submitted a request for a public safety determination to the FAA. The request is in response to the FAA grounding of Falcon 9 after an anomaly in the secon

Streamlines Checklists, Reduces Pilot Workload

Goose, the digital copilot developed by MiraLou Aero LLC, revolutionizes flight assistance with its advanced AI capabilities. Designed to support pilots in both routine and complex scenarios, Goose provides voice activated checklists. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with existing avionics systems enhance situational awareness and flight safety. By automating routine tasks and offering predictive insights, Goose allows pilots to focus more on strategic flying and passenger safety. MiraLou Aero's innovation with Goose marks a significant leap in aviation technology, promising to make flying safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable for aviators worldwide.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Remembrances Of An Israeli Air Force Test Pilot

Early in 2016, ANN contributor Maxine Scheer traveled to Israel, where she had the opportunity to sit down with retired Israeli Air Force Col. Danny Shapira, who served 25 years in the Israeli Air Force. Shapira was among the first pilots for the Israeli Air Force, which was formed shortly after the State of Israel was established in 1948. He and several others, including some Americans and pilots from other countries, went to Czechoslovakia to train in Avia S-199 aircraft, a variant of the Bf 109. The pilots and the aircraft brought back from Czechoslovakia were instrumental in holding off Arab attacks and cementing Israel as a sovereign state.

(Airplane) Began A Right Descending Spiral From 9,025 Ft MSL

On June 30, 2024, about 1355 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-46-310P, N85PG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Trout Creek, New York. The instrument-rated private pilot and four passengers were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Airport surveillance video and preliminary flight track data revealed that the airplane departed runway 24 at Albert S. Nader Regional Airport (N66), Oneonta, New York, about 1342, with an intended destination of West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW), Charleston, West Virgina. After departing the airport, the pilot contacted the Boston Air Route Traffic Control Center and requested an instrument flight rules clearance.