New Concept for New Market

Sonex Aircraft, a company well-regarded for its innovative and affordable aircraft kits, has recently introduced a new high-wing airplane, marking a significant addition to its diverse lineup. This new model, designed with both recreational and utility pilots in mind, offers a blend of modern technology, enhanced performance, and user-friendly construction, making it a versatile option for various aviation enthusiasts. The Sonex high-wing airplane boasts a sleek, aerodynamically efficient design that ensures excellent flight performance and fuel efficiency. The high-wing configuration provides improved visibility for pilots, making it ideal for sightseeing, aerial photography, and other applications where a clear field o

Enhanced Flight Experience For Pilots Of Utility Turboprops

Textron announced its Cessna Caravan and Grand Caravan EX utility turboprop aircraft will begin receiving significant upgrades and amenities designed to improve the flight experience for pilots. The improvements are the direct result of customer feedback and will become standard on all new Caravan and Grand Caravan EX aircraft beginning in 2025. The most noticeable change is the contemporary appearance of the all-black cockpit panels. The Caravan will also get electroluminescent lighting for better backlighting in dimly-lit situations as in the current Grand Caravan EX model. 

South Terminal Slated for Demolition Amid Airport Expansion

Allegiant Air has announced the closure of its base at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS) ahead of the upcoming closure of the southern terminal there. Officially, the crew and aircraft base there will be terminated early next year. Allegiant reassured locals that they wouldn't leave the region of Austin, Texas hanging, intending to continue operations from the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Bergstrom. Allegiant's home at the airport has been smack dab in the center of a lawsuit for some time, which ultimately ceded operational oversight to the City of Austin. The South Terminal will likely be dismantled in early 2026, paving the way for an expanded concourse in its place.

Cargo Modification Will Yield 1st of 8 ATR 72 Freighters

ACIA Aero Leasing has embarked on its first ATR 72-600 Large Cargo Door Freighter conversions, putting Serial number MSN 1239 under the knife. So far, the firm has acquired 5 ATR 72-600s for such conversions, which ACIA says are a pretty hot commodity on the cargo market. Over the last 2 years, the company has delivered 8 ATR 72 freighters to customers, 6 of which sported the 'Large Cargo Door' STC. ACIA sister firm IPR Conversions owns the door's STC, giving them an easy pathway to offer the latest-spec ATR planes with it. The first -600 variant was originally slated to go under the knife in 2022, but ACIA says that their timetable slipped thanks to 'sustained demand for the passenger varia

Initial Deliveries Expected In 2026

German eVTOL jet maker Lilium has inked a binding sales deal with Saudia Group for an initial 50 Lilium Jets with options for an additional 50, the companies announced July 18. The signing was done by the CEO of Saudia Private Fahd Al-Jarbou, representing Saudia Group, and Lilium's CEO Klaus Roewe, in a ceremony that was on held with several distinguished guests present including H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, Michael Kindsgrab, German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Tom Enders, Lilium Chairman.

Teledyne FLIR Defense’s Technology Not Subject to Regulations

Teledyne FLIR Defense revealed its new UltraFORCE® 380-HDc imaging system at Farnborough International Air Show on July 24. The UltraFORCE 380-HDc is a long-range surveillance system capable of high-definition multi-spectral imaging that does not fall under any restrictions by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Thus, there are no obstacles or challenges in sales or shipping for customers outside the U.S. The visual, thermal, low-light, and shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensors with full 1080p resolution make it ideal for airborne patrol, reconnaissance, and search and rescue applications. It also features touchscreen video management and a filter to remove atmos

Skyports Partnership Grows to Include Vertiport Prospecting

Wisk Aero announced a venture with Skyports Infrastructure to begin an Entry-Into-Service network for their AAM aircraft in the South East Queensland region of Australia. The eVTOL developer expanded its global footprint by looking abroad, like so many of their competitors, and found that their previous partnership with Skyports would be a fine basis to work from. In 2022, Wisk began working with the Council of Mayors of the region under a program to "introduce safe, sustainable, and scalable, autonomous air taxi service to South East Queensland."

07.22.24: Piper Aircraft Takes Over, VAA Youth Building, Pelton Int'vw - Part 1

Jack Pelton has been leading EAA for more than a few years and is looking forward to at least three more... but his plans for AV2024 and his outlook on aviation's greatest aero-love fest show promise for an amazing event. Among Jim Bede’s many designs, none was more successful or proven than the BD-4... now a new generation of offerings surrounding the BD-4C offer incredible value and the chance to get yourself a rugged, 4 seater that makes no excuses. They flew all the way across the Atlantic in a Rotax-powered Risen... burning only 42 gallons... and now we get

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 comme

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Align Continues To Innovate In RC Helicopter Industry…

Speaking to ANN’s CEO and Editor in Chief Jim Campbell at the at the AMA Expo in Ontario, CA in January, Align’s Marketing and Tech Support Manager … who just goes by “Gale”, said that the company’s latest line of helicopters is lighter and has upgraded servos and electronics. Gale said that the the pilot can select one of three modes when flying the aircraft. The “easy” setting will allow the beginn

...About 10 To 15 Minutes From His Destination When The Airplane Sustained A Partial Loss Of Engine Power

Analysis: The pilot reported that he was about 10 to 15 minutes from his destination when the airplane sustained a partial loss of engine power. He pulled the carburetor heat on but power was not restored. He moved the throttle control from idle to full power and the engine would only increase to about 25% with full throttle. The pilot decided to make a forced landing along a treeless mountain ridgeline. During landing, a strong gust of wind lifted the airplane’s right wing and subsequently the left wing and engine impacted terrain and the airplane nosed over. 

Light Gun A handheld directional light signaling device which emits a brilliant narrow beam of white, green, or red light as selected by the tower controller. The color and type of light transmitted can be used to approve or disapprove anticipated pilot actions where radio communication is not available. The light gun is used for controlling traffic operating in the vicinity of the airport and on the airport movement area.

Aero Linx: Soaring Society of America, Inc.

Top commercial and private pilots find the sport of soaring exhilarating. Sharpen your piloting skills by learning how to extract energy from the sky on exceptionally scenic flights over surprising distances. Silent and exhilarating, Soaring is a timeless activity that has captured the hearts of top pilots all over the world.

“The demand for the 72-600 LCD has been there for some time as operators have been looking to renew their fleets with the latest technology. Along with our sister company, IPR Conversions, which owns the ATR conversion STC, we have the experience and capability to meet this operator demand." Source: Mick Mooney, CEO of ACIA Aero Leasing, explaining their rationale for their having embarked on the first ATR 72-600 Large Cargo Door Freighter conversion, putting Serial number MSN 1239 under the knife.