ANN is enjoying the comradery, hospitality and cool vibes at the MidWest Sport Aviation Expo... but we’re also getting hit with one question... time after time. What the #$%^& is going on with MOSAIC? Over a year past what was expected, the FAA has a number of excuses for the delays seen since the NPRM dropped last year... and at Oshkosh this year, we castigated the FAA for a continued delay that now looks at NEXT Oshkosh in 2024 as a more likely completion date. From just a slight distance, it looks vaguely like a somewhat shrunken Skylane... but get a little closer and this Cessna look-a-like has an appeal all to itself... especi
Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) recently upgraded one of its Boeing 777 aircraft with AeroSHARK technology. This sharkskin-inspired film is intended to reduce drag, increasing fuel efficiency. ANA is Japan's largest airline and has a history with the marine-life theme. ANA is Japan's largest airline and has a history with the marine-life theme. The carrier is known for its turtle-inspired Airbus A380s, titled “FLYING HONU.” And, as of September 2, they have expanded the ocean motif by incorporating AeroSHARK skin on a Boeing 777.
Dassault Falcon 900EX Owned, Operated By Nicolás Maduro
The U.S. Department of Justice announced it seized an aircraft owned and operated for the benefit of Nicolás Maduro and his associates in Venezuela. The seizure was based on alleged violations of U.S. export control and sanctions laws. The aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic and transferred to the Southern District of Florida. President Trump in 2019 issued an Executive Order prohibiting any U.S. person from engaging in transactions with anyone associated with the Venezuelan government. The U.S. Department of Commerce also established export controls for items intended in any way for a Venezuelan military or intelligence user. An investigation during 2022 and 2023
Space Center Houston’s STEM Competition Open to Youth
The Conrad Challenge, presented by Space Center Houston, recently opened registration for their 19th year of STEM innovation and entrepreneurship competitions. The contest is available to students aged 13 to 18 years old. Over 1,000 schools across all 50 U.S. states and 72 countries have taken part in the Conrad Challenge since its birth.
Northern Indiana Company Expands To Fourth Airport
Sweet Aviation is assuming control as the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at Goshen Municipal Airport (KGSH) in Goshen, Indiana. The Goshen Board of Aviation Commissioners approved Sweet’s request to take over the contract held since 1992 by Goshen Air Center. The founder of Goshen Air Center, Randy Sharkey, will remain in his position as the current manager of the airport. Sweet will offer line service, fueling, maintenance, and charter services beginning in September, and the company will now provide services at four northern Indiana airports to include Fort Wayne International Airport (KFWA), Smith Field Airport (KSMD), and DeKalb County Airport (KGWB).
Aircraft to be Showcased at Several Upcoming Events
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Capital Wing recently announced that their TBM Avenger has returned to flight status. It had been grounded for several months due to maintenance inspections and mechanical issues. The TBM-3E Avenger, which later adopted the nickname of Dorris Mae, was built under license by General Motors in 1945.
William Presler, owner of Volar Avionics and Restorations, was given the opportunity to showcase his Uncle's homebuilt P-38 on day three of the 2024 EAA Oshkosh AirVenture. The aircraft, built by Jim O’Hara, is a scale replica of the Lockheed P-38 Lighting. This is a World War II era single-seat, twin piston-engined fighter developed for the U.S. Army Air Corps. It has a distinct twin boom design and served several combat purposes, including bombing, strafing, photo reconnaissance and long range escort. The replica received its first EAA recognition in 2009. Tom Poberezny, then EAA President,
U.S. Air Force Tests Capabilities And Efficiencies
Reliable Robotics announced it completed a series of automated cargo delivery missions for the U.S. Air Force in Nevada and California. Working together with the Air Combat Command, the company demonstrated the aircraft capabilities during the week-long Agile Flag 24-3 exercise transporting cargo between airports and military bases. The exercise intended to simulate the Indo-Pacific region as it demanded agility, readiness, and multi-domain ops. A Cessna 208B Caravan conducted automated flights which included autotaxi, autotakeoff, enroute navigation, autolanding.
If the current trend continues, Arizona is projected to reach record-high numbers of laser strikes by the end of the year. This felony action creates a dangerous situation for military, commercial, and general aviation pilots. Last year, Arizona was responsible for 4.19% of the country’s 13,304 reported laser incidents.
Lunar Outpost of Golden, Colorado, announced the establishment of the Lunar Dawn Science Council and named the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Earth and Space Exploration as the lead research group on the team. Lunar Outpost leads the Lunar Dawn team, which was awarded a Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services (LTVS) contract by NASA in April 2024 to enable unprecedented exploration of the Moon’s surface by NASA Artemis astronauts.
Aero Linx: KC-10 Extender
The KC-10 Extender is an Air Mobility Command advanced tanker and cargo aircraft designed to provide increased global mobility for U.S. armed forces. Although the KC-l0's primary mission is aerial refueling, it can combine the tasks of a tanker and cargo aircraft by refueling fighters and simultaneously carry the fighter support personnel and equipment on overseas deployments. The KC-10 is also capable of transporting litter and amb
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
A radio transmitter attached to the aircraft structure which operates from its own power source on 121.5 MHz and 243.0 MHz. It aids in locating downed aircraft by radiating a downward sweeping audio tone, 2-4 times per second. It is designed to function without human action after an accident.
"...aircraft experienced engine issues... landed on the interstate, a passenger exited the aircraft and was struck by a vehicle."
Source: A few of the notes in a recent, if not bizarre, accident summary in which a Bonanza driver executed a pretty solid emergency landing on a highway, only to have one of the bird's passengers struck by a car once outside the fuselage...
“That’s really what makes you upset is that you are in the middle of flying an aircraft, other people on board you are responsible for and it really impacts the safety. Stop and think about what you are about to do, put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a minute.”
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