World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration July 22-28

Final preparations for the 2024 EAA AirVenture at Wittman Regional Airport are – and have been – underway for the arrival of more than 10,000 aircraft and 650,000 people during the week of July 22-28. That will be the weeklong convention for all things aviation. That will be the week OSH is the busiest airport in the world with the busiest air traffic control tower in the world. Getting to Oshkosh for EAA AirVenture is THE annual reunion for old friends and new in the aviation family, where we all get to see new products, technology, gadgets, and gizmos that make aviation easier in some fashion, and oh yes- airplanes!

Engineer, Pilot, Astronaut Swept Hangars as Youth

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) paid tribute to USAF Major General Joe Henry Engle, who passed away on July 10, 2024. Engle always had a passion to fly, even as a kid in Chapman, Kansas. But there wasn’t much flying or flight instruction there, so he had to put it off until he got to the University of Kansas where he spent summers sweeping hangars at Cessna. His boss recognized his passion and began teaching and mentoring him about airplanes. Engle graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering and a commission in the ROTC. The commission got him accepted to flight school at George Air Force Base in California. Between graduation and reporting to flight school he and his m

Has Worked on All Kinds of Engines for More Than Sixty Years

Ralph Holaday began working on aircraft engines since the 1960s and still puts in six to eight hours per day at St. Joseph Aircraft Service who does most of its work at Rosecrans Memorial Airport (KSTJ). He pointed out, "I started flying planes in my younger years. Then I bought one of my own. I gave $800 for it back then." Holaday has since worked on just about every kind and size of airplane, including when he was in the military and when he’s not working on projects in his home workshop. He has worked on diesel boat engines as well. He explained, "At first, I worked out at Rosecrans part-time in the wintertime, back when I had a marine business in town. Pretty soon, I ended

Fourth Year of Competition for Students

UAS4STEM is an Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sanctioned competition for students aged 11 through graduating high school seniors. Teams compete throughout the year to make it to the championship at AirVenture. Teams must design, build, and fly unmanned aerial systems to compete virtually and be selected for the championship, which is in two classes- beginner and advanced based on skill level and age. First, second, and third place teams receive scholarship money and Skydio equipment from AMA.

A New School Take on an Old School System Finds Fans Among UAV Designers

The first set of J-1 engine systems from Wave Engine Corporation has been delivered to an unspecified government contractor, expected to be seen in use on some UAV platforms yet to reach the public eye. Daanish Maqbool, CEO of Wave Engine Corp said that the J-1 is pretty much unbeatable in terms of cost to performance. “We are looking forward to working with our customers to increase production and bring an unmatched combination of cost, simplicity and flight performance to market."

BAE Systems’ Advanced Warning Receivers Increase Survivability on F-16 and C-130J

Tactical radar warning receivers produced by BAE Systems have been used on F-15 Fighting Falcon and C-130J Hercules since the 1990s. Its AN/ALR-56M detection systems are now being installed on the C-130J Super Hercules under a $133 million contract with the Defense Logistics Agency. The AN/ALR-56M has adaptive filtering that can isolate threat signals in dense signal environments with long-range, broad-spectrum detection capability. The system gives pilots timely warning about current search, acquisition, and tracking radars as well as reliable response capabilities so pilots can make rapid decisions to engage or evade the threat.

Order for Four Brings RSAF Up to 10

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ordered four more tankers from Airbus, building up a fleet that's already one of the region's most mobile, capable forces. The Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft is a logical choice for them, since they'd already purchased half a dozen of them from 2008 onwards. With the new order for 4, the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force (RSAF) should have a lot more options for deployment in the future, to an extent not too often seen in a regional power their size. The new aircraft will head into their conversion hangars in the early days of 2025, then head out into official service some time in 2027.

Balloon Contacted Power Lines Which Resulted In An Electrical Arc And A Shower Of Sparks

Analysis: The pilot reported that as he was attempting to land the hot air balloon in a field, the wind shifted and increased in speed. The pilot attempted to abort the landing but was unable to arrest the ballon’s descent. The balloon contacted power lines which resulted in an electrical arc and a shower of sparks. The arc severed 12 of the 16 flying wires, and the remaining flying wires failed in a manner consistent with overload. The basket separated from the envelope and came to rest on its side.

From 2015 (YouTube Version): A 'Touching' Demonstration About the State of Innovation in Today's Sport Avionics

Dynon avionics has championed the production of avionics equipment for experimental and light sport aircraft. Some of the innovations in their products have started in the experimental world and moved into type certificated aircraft. ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, talks with Robert Hamilton, the president of Dynon Avionics to get an update regarding their product line. Hamilton starts off by talking about their “touch” line of products that moved the touchscreen, popular in other non-aviation consum

Aero Linx: KC-135 Stratotanker The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

Apron A defined area on an airport or heliport intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking, or maintenance. With regard to seaplanes, a ramp is used for access to the apron from the water.