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August 15, 2019

AMA Drone Report 08.15.19: Amazon Petition, Mavic-Mini?, Eek! Drone Flamethrower

Also: Drone Shooter, DJI Pocket, DroneResponders, Passenger Drone Test

Amazon has petitioned the FAA for a waiver from several current rules governing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to allow the company to begin delivery services with its MK27 drone. Waivers requested by Amazon would, among other things, allow the aircraft to operate without a certificate of airworthiness and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). They further request that the aircraft be exempted from rules governing altitude, VFR fuel requirements and maintenance documentation. The rumor mill is ripe with the possibility that DJI may soon be

AMA Drone Report 08.15.19: Amazon Petition, Mavic-Mini?, Eek! Drone Flamethrower

Also: Drone Shooter, DJI Pocket, DroneResponders, Passenger Drone Test

Amazon has petitioned the FAA for a waiver from several current rules governing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to allow the company to begin delivery services with its MK27 drone. Waivers requested by Amazon would, among other things, allow the aircraft to operate without a certificate of airworthiness and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). They further request that the aircraft be exempted from rules governing altitude, VFR fuel requirements and maintenance documentation. The rumor mill is ripe with the possibility that DJI may soon be unveiling a ‘Mini-Me’ version of the popular Mavic. While many hoped to hear the announcement in the same session that revealed the latest variation of the DJI Osmo 3

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AAIB Notes Carbon Monoxide May Be To Blame In Notable Piper Malibu Accident

High Profile Accident Took Life of Sports Figure, Pilot

A recent AAIB update provides some surprising detail about the accident that took the life of a passenger and his non-IFR rated pilot flying at night, over water and in or near icing conditions.... but it isn't what you might first surmise. Soccer star/passenger, Emiliano Sala had been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide prior to the plane crash which claimed his life on Jan. 21, 2019. The pilot's remain have not yet been found but it stands to reason that he, too, would have been similarly affected.

SNC Selects ULA For Dream Chaser Spacecraft Launches

NASA Missions to Begin in 2021

Sierra Nevada Corporation has selected United Launch Alliance (ULA) as the launch vehicle provider for the Dream Chaser spacecraft’s six NASA missions to the International Space Station. The Dream Chaser will launch aboard ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rockets for its cargo resupply and return services to the space station, starting in 2021. Under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services 2 (CRS-2) contract, the Dream Chaser will deliver more than 12,000 pounds of pressurized and unpressurized cargo to the space station and remains attached for up to 75 days as an orbiting laboratory. Once the mated mission is complete, the Dream Chaser disposes about 7,000 pounds of space station trash and returns large quantitie

Classic Aero-TV: Smarter Than We Are–Best Tugs Tackles Serious Aircraft Movement

Best Tugs Echo Can Move Nearly Anything

Best Tugs showcased its new Echo line of tugs at NBAA-BACE last month. The line includes three variants that can move all types of vehicles, including airplanes, helicopters, boats and trailers weighing up to 18,000 pounds. The tugs feature power steering, an optional wireless winch that can be controlled from Echo's helm or via a Bluetooth control as you work near the loading tray, and a built-in radio to keep crews up to date on where tugs with certain capabilities/attachments are located and where they are needed. Operators can listen to incoming traffic to ide

SpaceX Could Be Test-Flying 'Starhopper' This Weekend

TFR Suggests That Another Test 'Hop' Is Likely

The very rudimentary test vehicle designed to prove some of the capabilities of SpaceX's next generation rocket system may be trying for a little more altitude this weekend. Known as "Starhopper', the vehicle is but a small part of what eventually be a major space transport system... with other versions already under construction in Texas and Florida. Elon Musk hopes to see the vehicle in service as early as 2021. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has mentioned that the test vehicle will attempt to reach an altitude of 650 feet and return under power, much like the capabilities already demonstrated by a large number of Falcon 9 first stages over the past few years. Starhopper made at least one known test hop, July

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Attention iOS Users... WingX Upgrades May Be Needed, ASAP

WingX Has Published An Important Upgrade Notice, But For iOS Only

The folks at WingX have alerted us to a possible issue for users of iOS devices... WingX has published a notice saying... "We would like to send a reminder that effective this Thursday 08/15/2019, Moving Map data for WingX Pro7 Version 8 will no longer be available for download. Moving Map data is available for the new WingX Version 9 with its much-improved moving map." What iOS users have to do is this... upgrade to WingX Version 9 to ensure continued downloading of data cycle information. The significant upgrade to WingX's Moving Map has reportedly enabled them to improve the WingX Version 9 experience and lays the groundwork for many new features in upcoming versions. WingX Versi

Advanced Arresting Gear Ready for Propellers and Jets

The Navy's Latest Version of 'WHOA' Control

The Navy’s newest aircraft carrier Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system received the green light to recover all “props and jets” aircraft, according to the Aircraft Recovery Bulletin (ARB) released Aug. 2. The ARBs enable propeller aircraft: C-2A Greyhound, E-2C Hawkeye and E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, and jet aircraft: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and E/A-18G Growler to perform flight operations aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). “The entire team did a tremendous job accelerating the schedule and working through challenges,” said Capt. Ken Sterbenz, program manager for the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment program office (PMA-251).

You May NOT Be Able To Bring Your MacBook Pro On The Airlines...

Recent Issues With Batteries May Create Problems For MacBook Pro Users

If you're a proud Apple MacBook pro owner/user, you may not have reason to be when you check in for your next airline flight. It seems that the folks at the FAA have instituted a ban on a limited number of Apple’s MacBook Pro laptops on scheduled 121 operations, after Apple recalled those laptops affected by battery problems that posed the potential of a fire. An FAA spokesperson noted that, “The FAA is aware of the recalled batteries that are used in some Apple MacBook Pro laptops...” and has apparently “alerted airlines about the recall.”

NASA Administrator to Discuss Human Lander Update for Artemis Program

Promised Update May Reveal Additional Details Of Renewed Interest In Lunar Return Mission

You might want to make some time to check this out on the web... NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, joined by U.S. Representatives Mo Brooks, Robert Aderholt, Scott DesJarlais and Brian Babin, will discuss updates on the agency’s plans for landing humans on the Moon by 2024 through the Artemis program at 3:10 p.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 16. The remarks will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

FAA Publishes SAIB On Crash Resistant Seats For Helicopters

SAIB SW-19-15 Addresses Crash Resistant Seats and Structure

A recent SAIB intro's the topic of the document by noting, "This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) notifies all registered helicopter owners and operators of helicopters that are compliant with the crash resistant seats and structure (CRSS) safety standards of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 27 through Amendment 27-25 or Part 29 through Amendment 29-29 or later. Non-CRSS compliant helicopters do not warrant airworthiness directive (AD) action under 14 CFR part 39. However, operating a helicopter with CRSS reduces the risk of blunt force trauma injury and improves occupant survivability in an accident."

Embraer and Mongolian Hunnu Air Sign Pool Program Agreement

Will Support The Airline's E190 Fleet

Embraer has signed a long-term Pool Program Agreement with Mongolian Hunnu Air to support a wide range of repairable components for the airline’s recently leased fleet of E190. Hunnu Air is the first E190 operator in Mongolia and took delivery of its first E190 this year in May.

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Airborne 08.14.19: Dickson Sworn In, GAMA Report, Plane Shooter, F-35C Aviatrix

Also: AEA Avionics Market Report, WASP Pilot Dorothy Olsen, Boston MedFlight, AF Pilot Shortage

In case you missed it, the FAA finally has a new Boss... Former Acting Administrator Dan Elwell is now back to being the Deputy Administrator. GAMA has published a mid-year industry update with the release of preliminary second quarter 2019 aircraft shipment and billings data. Piston and business jet deliveries increased through the first six months of 2019 compared to the same time period in 2018, while turboprop airplane and rotorcraft shipments were lower. The piston market continued to lead the increase i

Highly Scrutinized Icon Crash Need Not Have Happened... Again

Multiple Attempts At Takeoff Should Have Signaled That It Was Time To Think This Over...

The details published by the NTSB is their Preliminary Report about a July 27th Icon A5 crash contains a plethora of cautions that appear to have been ignored or gone unnoticed by the occupants of the aircraft. At about 1220 Eastern Daylight time, the amphibious, Icon LSA, N663BA, operated by the company and a company instructor, sustained 'substantial damage during an impact with trees shortly after departure from Littlefield Lake, Lake, Michigan.' The NTSB report explains that, the "...airplane was registered to and operated by Icon Aircraft Inc. as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight when the accident occurred. The Airline Transport pil

Praetor 500 Earns Brazilian TC

Fly-By-Wire Midsize Jet Boasts 3,340 Nautical Mile Range

Embraer's new Praetor 500 midsize business jet was granted its Type Certificate by Brazil's Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC—Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil), having been announced in October 2018 at NBAA-BACE. The Type Certificate was awarded during a ceremony at LABACE (Latin American Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition). The Praetor 500 achieves an intercontinental range of 3,340 nautical miles (NBAA IFR Reserves with four passengers), a high-speed cruise of 466 KTAS, a full-fuel payload of 1,600 lb, a takeoff distance of 4,222 ft and an unfactored landing distance of 2,086 ft. For a 1,000-nautical-mile mission, the takeoff distance is 2,842 ft.

Dickson Touches on B737Max Controversy After Taking Office

New FAA Boss Takes A Cautious Stand Within Minutes of Swearing In

The Boeing 737 MAX controversy, for all of its media-driven hysteria, is obviously of supreme concern to anyone working at the FAA these days... especially if you're the new Boss. Right after brand-new Admin Dickson shook hands with SecDoT Chao after his swearing-in, Dickson started to set the language he'll be using as he goes forward with an extraordinary issue he became heir to, following two high-profile foreign accidents, a lot of verbal sword-play from elected officials (many of whom don't know an aileron from their posterior) and the media hysteria and inaccuracies (of which there were simply too many to measure) that have overtly complicated the job at hand.

A-10 Enhanced Wing Assembly Replacement Program Comes To An End

A-10s Get New Wings

Workers at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill Air Force Base have installed the last of 173 new wings on A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, finalizing a project that started in 2011 with aircraft 80-0173. The ALC’s 571st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron swapped wings on 162 A-10s as part of the A-10 Enhanced Wing Assembly replacement program. The remaining 11 were installed at Osan Air Base in the Republic of Korea. The new wings are expected to last for up to 10,000 equivalent flight hours without a depot inspection. In addition, a better wire harness design was created for easier wing removal and to lessen the chance of damaging the wing during the process.

NASA To Continue NASA Drone Traffic Testing in Corpus Christi, Texas

Flights To Be Conducted On Thursday

NASA plans to continue the final stage of testing for its Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) platform in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Thursday, Aug. 15.

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Army Aviation Enhances ESGR 'Boss Lift'

Outreach Opportunities Abound With Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift

More than 100 National Guard and Reserve employers and supervisors traveled to Gowen Field from across the state today to participate in the Idaho ESGR's annual Boss Lift. The two-day event gives participants a first-hand look into what their Soldiers, Marines and Airmen do away from work approximately 36 days of the year for military training. "We enjoy tremendous support from our employers and the ESGR throughout Idaho and we do not take that for granted," said Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, adjutant general of Idaho. "Boss Lift is a great opportunity to create awareness of our missions in the Idaho National Guard and Reserves and to express our appreciation to th

First Falcon 900EX EASy Pilot Earns FlightSafety’s Master Aviator

FlightSafety Congratulates Harold Ebenroth On Award

Harold Ebenroth has become the first Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy pilot to earn FlightSafety’s prestigious Master Aviator. “Congratulations to Harold Ebenroth on behalf of all FlightSafety Teammates on this well-deserved recognition,” said Steve Gross, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “By earning the prestigious FlightSafety Master Aviator, Harold demonstrated his ability to correctly respond to challenging and unusual situations, as well as his excellent flying skills and commitment to safety.” Harold is the President and CEO of Airservice Bremgarten GmbH based in Eschbach, Germany. He has over 10,000 hours total flying time and holds FAA and EASA licenses,

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (08.15.19)

"The certification of the Praetor 500 is a welcome achievement for the celebration of our golden jubilee. This revolutionary aircraft is a testament to the commitment of our teams to excellence and a foretaste of the pioneering that Embraer will accomplish throughout the next 50 years. With the highest performance, technology and comfort in its class, the Praetor 500 becomes the best midsize business jet ever made, raising the customer experience standards of its class. We are thrilled to announce that we already have orders for the Praetor 500, including in Brazil." Source: Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO, Embraer Executive Jets, in comments made after the Brazilian certification of the Embaer Praetor 500. The new Praetor 500

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (08.15.19): Area Chart

Part of the low-altitude en route chart series, this chart furnishes terminal data at a larger scale for congested areas.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (08.15.19)

Meet The First Female Marine Assigned To Fly The F-35C

An interview granted by Marine Corps Pilot 1st Lt. Catherine Stark, the first female Marine to be assigned to the Navy's F-35C fleet replacement squadron (FRS). Stark chatted with a reporter from the Erie Times-News, her hometown newspaper, about the assignment.

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