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January 14, 2025

Airborne-NextGen 01.14.25: VX4 Test, Drone v CL-415 Firefighter, Starship 7

Also: USAF Contractor Suit, Secret Service UAVs, Delta/Joby/Uber, Ferrovial Acquired

Vertical Aerospace announced the testing program of its prototype VX4 took another significant step by completing low-speed forward maneuvers during its first piloted thrustborne flight. Vertical received approval from the UK CAA to broaden its Permit to Fly, which enabled the progression from hover to low-speed flight maneuvers at altitude using thrust generated by the VX4’s tilting rotor system. A firefighting aircraft operating over the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles is grounded and out of service due to a mid-air drone strike by a civilian drone not assigned to the fire. The aircraft, a Canadair CL-415 Super Scooper, landed safely with no in

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Search for Missing Las Vegas Pilot Persists

No Signs of a Crash After Michael Martin’s Transponder Went Offline

No signs of 65-year-old pilot Michael Martin have been found after his aircraft’s transponder stopped transmitting on January 2. His plane was last reported at 10,000 feet near Jefferson Peak. The Nye County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to reach out as the search continues.

Demonstrator Aircraft’s Next Flight Could Go Supersonic

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 took its 11th test flight on January 10, edging closer to its first supersonic flight. The aircraft reached transonic speeds of Mach 0.95, or 575 knots true airspeed, during its 44-minute flight. The flight test was conducted at California’s Mojave Air & Space Port.

Stakeholders Believe the Current Name is Unnecessarily Confusing

St. Augustine stakeholders recently told the St. Johns County Legislative Delegation what items were put on its ‘need list’ for 2025. One of the main hopes for this year is to get back its original name, ditching the long and confusing title it was given fifteen years ago. However, this change lacks priority compared to other projects.

USAF Selected SNC To Lead SAOC Team

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) reached a milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) project with the delivery of the first Boeing 747-8i aircraft to Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) in Wichita, Kansas.

Senators Cruz And Cantwell To Guide Aviation Policy

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) released a statement congratulating the selection of Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) as the Chair and Ranking Member, respectively, of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

Meridian Delivers Refurbished Bell 206L4 To FlyNYON

Supporting Air Tour And Charter Ops In NYC

Meridian Helicopters announced the completion and delivery of its 29th tip-to-tail refurbishment of a Bell 206L4 helicopter sold to FlyNYON, to support their air charter and tour operations in New York City, New York. The six-month project showcases Meridian’s ability to deliver high-quality turnkey aircraft tailored to the customer’s needs.

Also: JetBlue Fines, AMA Optimistic, New Mars Chopper, Laughlin's Final T-1A Jayhawk

SpaceX is gearing up to send Starship on its seventh test flight with a new and improved ship. Test flight seven will feature several improvements to the Starship upper stage. Its forward flaps were shrunk and moved further from the heat shield in an attempt to reduce their thermal exposure. SpaceX also upgraded the propulsion system by adding 25 percent more propellant volume and a new fuel feedline system... It’s a proud day for the skydiving community, with annual civilian skydiving fatalities having hit single digits for the first time since 1961. The number ha

From 2019 (YouTube Edition): New AirCam Option Allows For The Installation Of A Third Seat

The recently announced Aircam 'Gen-3' model airframe now has the option of incorporating a third seat located behind the second seat as well as a 220-pound gross weight increase from the current 1,680-pound max gross weight -- totaling up to 1,900 pounds. The new jump seat can be readily converted between cargo usage or the carrying of a third passenger. And yes; the full enclosure canopy can be added to the Gen-3 AirCam with the third seat -- which Lockwood notes was designed from the start to accommodate the third seat.

Pilot’s Failure To Maintain Aircraft Control, Which Resulted In An Aerodynamic Stall And Impact With Terrain

Analysis: The pilot reported that as he initiated the round out for landing, the airspeed rapidly decreased. He executed a go-around by increasing power and pitching the airplane to climb out. After about two seconds the right wing dipped, and the airplane stalled. The airplane impacted terrain which resulted substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The airplane came to rest upright on a fence.

Aero Linx: American Navion Society

Welcome to the American Navion Society. Your society is here to support the Navion community. We are your source of technical and operating information and social activities for the Navion in all its variants: canopy, L-17, Rangemaster, D-16 and Camair twins. Whether you are an owner, potential owner, enthusiast or just want explore this marvelous aircraft, please browse our site. Our forum is open for anyone to join the discussions. We encourage all owners to join the Society but with or without a Navion everyone is eligible.

VFR Military Training Routes (VR) Routes used by the Department of Defense and associated Reserve and Air Guard units for the purpose of conducting low-altitude navigation and tactical training under VFR below 10,000 feet MSL at airspeeds in excess of 250 knots IAS.

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (01.14.25)

“Searchers are focusing their efforts on Martin's flight path and looking for physical evidence, but their efforts are being hampered by the cold and high winds...”

Source: Nye County Director of Emergency Management Scott Lewis, explaining issues involved in a search that shows no signs of 65-year-old pilot Michael Martin, so far, after his aircraft’s transponder stopped transmitting on January 2. His plane was last reported at 10,000 feet near Jefferson Peak.