“Achieving PMA for the S-1200 Series magnetos is another step in expanding our commitment to providing the aviation community with the most trusted and durable ‘firewall forward’ solutions. These magnetos are built to perform in the most demanding conditions, for enhanced reliability and performance that pilots can depend on.” Source: Rick Quave, Vice President of Engineering for Hartzell Engine Tech, explaining their programs as they received FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval for its PowerUp S-1200 Series aircraft magnetos, known for excellent performance and reliability in both 4- and 6-cylinder engines, and are available in impulse-coupled and “Shower of Sparks” configurations.

Booster 18 Experienced a Major Structural Failure During Initial Tests

A day after its Starship Version 3 booster experienced an abrupt structural failure, SpaceX took to social media to share that it was both a blessing and a curse that the incident happened so early into testing. Engines had yet to be installed, no propellant was on board, and all personnel were stationed safely away from the facility.

Separate Lawsuit Claims Up To $1B For Predatory And Deceptive Practices

A federal Jury in Delaware has ruled against Gogo Business Aviation and found the company liable for infringing four patents held by its competitor SmartSky Networks. The decision orders Gogo to pay $22.7 million in damages.

Current Orders To Be Fulfilled As Support Will Continue Textron Aviation has confirmed it will be ending production of two of its most recognizable piston aircraft, the Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and Baron G58, after nearly 80 years of continuous manufacturing of the venerable models. The company is moving toward new products such as the Beechcraft Denali, but will continue to support the thousands of Barons and Bonanzas currently flying worldwide.

Community Group Fights Against Its Skies Becoming an AI Test Bed

Archer Aviation’s plan to turn Hawthorne Airport into the heart of its Los Angeles air-taxi network earned it a big “WELCOME” from the mayor… and exactly the opposite from locals. Members of the community started the “Hawthorne Quiet Skies” group to express both confusion and disappointment with the decision.

Agency Advisory Cites Troublesome Security and Increased Military Activity

The FAA has issued a fresh advisory urging airlines to use caution when flying in or above Venezuela, citing a “potentially hazardous situation” driven by deteriorating security conditions and increased military activity. The notice applies to all operations in the Maiquetia Flight Information Region (SVZM FIR), where tensions have escalated since early fall.

Milestone Comes Just Over Three Years into the Safran Engines Partnership

Bell Textron has logged a new sustainability landmark, announcing that its dedicated Bell 505 helicopter has surpassed 700 flight hours using blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The milestone, revealed at European Rotors 2025 in Cologne, comes just three years after Bell and Safran Helicopter Engines partnered to study how SAF affects performance and operating economics.

Water-Based Green Veriport Brings Much-Needed Flexibility to Urban Air Mobility

AutoFlight Aviation Technology recently unveiled and demonstrated its Water-based Green Veriport (WGV): an aircraft carrier-like platform that supports electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations rather than fighter jets. The system aims to fill a major gap in urban air mobility infrastructure.

Castagna Discusses Members, Advocacy, Safety, MOSAIC

Aero-News Network’s Rex Alexander talked with Curt Castagna, President and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association at the 2025 EAA AirVenture fly-in and air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. NATA currently has about 3,700 member companies representing all segments of business aviation interests and beyond. Those include FBOs, Part 135 charter operators, flight schools, maintenance & repair shops/MROs, fuel suppliers, insurance companies, and numerous other aviation-related businesses. The organization is very active in doing a lot of legislative and regulatory advocacy work in Washington D.C., and through its well-known Safety 1st platform on its website is their key program in advancing safety in the industry.

Pilot Reported That The Airplane Encountered A Crosswind Gust Just Prior To Touchdown

Analysis: The pilot reported that the airplane encountered a crosswind gust just prior to touchdown, which pushed it to the left, and the pilot corrected with right aileron and left rudder. Upon touchdown, the pilot felt a “soft bump rather than the typical soft touch of the main [landing] gear,” which was followed by a “large bounce and porpoising.”