UAV Manufacturer Transforms the L300 Hummingbird into a UAV
UAV Manufacturer Apieron has teamed up with Vertical Aviation Technologies to transform an L300 Hummingbird helicopter into a fully autonomous vehicle. The design was shown off as part of Hummingbird’s display at the 2025 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. The L300 is a four-seat amateur-build helicopter that builds on the design and rotor system of the FAA-certified S-52. It already supports a relatively high payload, with a maximum gross weight of 2,850 pounds and a useful load of 1,000 pounds.
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DJI’s recent flagship drone announcement was slightly diminished by the decision to exclude US customers from the launch. Though the US and DJI have been on poor terms for years, many did not expect the drone manufacturer to willingly sacrifice such a large market. More than a decade after the accident occurred, the UN's aviation council ruled that Russia was responsible for the deaths of all 298 passengers and crew on board Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. ICAO will decide how the nation can right its wrongs. On July 17, 2014, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 took off from Amsterdam with plans to land in Malaysia’s capital cit
Qatar signed a record-setting agreement to purchase as many as 160 aircraft from Boeing on May 14 during President Donald Trump’s visit to the country on the Persian Gulf, part of his Middle East trip that has seen other significant trade deals announced.
BlackBird eVTOL Successfully Completes First Unmanned Test
Australia-based company CycloTech recently got its BlackBird electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstrator airborne for the first time, kicking off the aircraft’s unmanned test campaign. This paves the way for the developer’s full-scale project: the CruiseUp. CycloTech began developing the BlackBird in April 2024.
Multiple Flights At A Time Critical To Certification Plans
Joby Aviation announced the successful completion of a flight of two aircraft simultaneously for the first time. This represents a significant step in the company’s flight test program.
“No Apologies” For Actions Belie The Scolding From Climate Zealots
The energy watchdog group, Power the Future, has compiled an estimate of the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the chartered private jet used by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during their recent 16-stop “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, and the numbers are breathtaking.
Manufacturing Ramp-Up Ensures Steady Flow For Aircraft Production
GE Aerospace announced it has ramped up production of the GE9X engines after logging 27,000 cycles and 17,000 test hours. Generating 134,000 pounds of thrust, the engines will be used to power the Boeing 777X aircraft, set to become the largest twin-jet passenger aircraft in the world.
Dr. Troy Meink Brings His Extensive Military History to a New Role
In a move that places a clear focus on the growth of space policy, the Senate has confirmed Dr. Troy Meink as the 27th Secretary of the Air Force. He brings decades of service in various military and civilian space intelligence roles to the new office.
Also: Rotax Service Instruction, LAA Jabiru Alert, New AMA Boss, FlightSimExpo
ANN’s Jim Campbell got an hour in the SLEEK Blackshape Prime last week along with a chance to wring it out a bit in order to investigate its performance and capabilities. The current generation of tandem hotrods are getting a lot of attention... but the Prime appears to deserve it. Our low-wing composite test bird was powered by a Rotax 915 and an MT prop, retractable gear and a lavish bubble canopy that makes one feel like they are flying a goldfish bowl... The Porto Aviation Risen has gotten a LOT of attention for a non-stop Trans-Atlantic run to oshkosh last ye
Also: Rotax Service Instruction, LAA Jabiru Alert, New AMA Boss, FlightSimExpo
ANN’s Jim Campbell got an hour in the SLEEK Blackshape Prime last week along with a chance to wring it out a bit in order to investigate its performance and capabilities. The current generation of tandem hotrods are getting a lot of attention... but the Prime appears to deserve it. Our low-wing composite test bird was powered by a Rotax 915 and an MT prop, retractable gear and a lavish bubble canopy that makes one feel like they are flying a goldfish bowl... The Porto Aviation Risen has gotten a LOT of attention for a non-stop Trans-Atlantic run to oshkosh last year, dis
Engine Lost Total Power After Its Usable Fuel Supply Was Exhausted
Analysis: At the end of a 2.5-hour flight, the pilot had started his approach to land at his destination airport when the engine lost total power after its usable fuel supply was exhausted. The pilot then attempted a forced landing, but while attempting to avoid a powerline, the airplane struck a barn. The airplane came to rest in a ditch along a rural road and sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Aero Linx: International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA)
IFATCA is the recognised international organisation representing air traffic controller associations. The Federation has been representing air traffic controllers for more than 60 years, and has member associations in more than 130 countries.
Glideslope Intercept Altitude
The published minimum altitude to intercept the glideslope in the intermediate segment of an instrument approach. Government charts use the lightning bolt symbol to identify this intercept point. This intersection is called the Precise Final Approach fix (PFAF). ATC directs a higher altitude, the resultant intercept becomes the PFAF.
“The BlackBird is more than a demonstrator—it’s a flying testbed for the future of aviation. To see it take flight in such a short time is a testament to our team’s innovation and spirit.”
Source: Tahsin Kart, Chief Technology Officer at CycloTech, discussing how the company got its BlackBird electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstrator airborne for the first time, kicking off the aircraft’s unmanned test campaign. This paves the way for the developer’s full-scale project: the CruiseUp.
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