NonApproach Control Tower Authorizes aircraft to land or takeoff at the airport controlled by the tower or to transit the Class D airspace. The primary function of a nonapproach control tower is the sequencing of aircraft in the traffic pattern and on the landing area. Nonapproach control towers also separate aircraft operating under instrument flight rules clearances from approach controls and centers. They provide ground control services to aircraft, vehicles, personnel, and equipment on the airport movement area. 

We're Everywhere... Thanks To You!

Even with the vast resources and incredibly far-reaching scope of the Aero-News Network, every now and then a story that should be reported on slips through our fingers. There's a lot of news out there, and sometimes we just don't get to all of it. Fortunately for us, we realized early on we couldn't be everywhere at once -- curse the laws of physics! -- so we came up with the idea of News-Spies. Just as the title suggests, a News-Spy is a reader who notices a news item -- be it in the newspaper, on television, or something they came across at their own airport, town hall, at the office water cooler or just by walking down the street -- basically, any item a reader may think is newsworthy, that pertains to the world of aviation.

“This shutdown inflicted real damage. Beyond disrupting operations and adding risk into the aviation system… it hindered essential career growth opportunities and stalled essential mediation processes. Every day the government remained closed was another day our members could not advance their livelihoods and professional futures.” Source: ALPA President Captain Jason Ambrosi, discussing the federal government’s reopening after a 43-day shutdown was cause for widespread celebration throughout the industry, which was on the brink of collapse as thousands of flights were chopped each day it dragged on. For unions, the excitement was quickly replaced with the urge to protect aviation when a repeat inevitably occurs.

Phase 4 Flight Testing Underway For VX4 Prototype

Vertical Aerospace, a Bristol, England-based developer of electric aircraft, announced it received its Permit to Fly from the CAA, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, and has begun “Phase 4 – Transition” flight testing, the final phase of the flight test program for Vertical’s VX4 prototype.

Will Stay In Effect At 6% As U.S. Government Reopens

Vertical Aviation International commented on the FAA freezing flight reductions at the 6% level as the House voted on November 12 to pass the Continuing Resolution that funds the government through January 30, 2026.

Amentum Awarded Five-Year RPA Maintenance Support Contract

The US Air Force has agreed to invest nearly $1 billion into its MQ-9A Reaper fleet, recently awarding the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Maintenance Support IDIQ contract to Amentum. The five-year deal will fund modernization and sustainment efforts for the Reaper system, both domestically and abroad, to boost its combat readiness.

New Tactics, Techniques Use Existing Sensors, Weapons To Expand Capabilities

Embraer has revealed an innovative operational capacity for its A-29 Super Tucano turboprop light attack aircraft that transforms into a dedicated anti-drone platform to address the growing demand for an affordable means to defeat unmanned aerial systems.

FAA Order Covers All MD-11 And MD-11F Aircraft

Four days after the fatal crash of UPS Flight 2976 in Louisville, Kentucky, the FAA has issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive that grounds all McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and MD-11F for structural inspections.

Developing Hydrogen Aircraft Network In Norway

ZeroAvia, developer of hydrogen-powered aircraft, announced it has been awarded a €21.4 million grant by the Innovation Fund to develop a network of hydrogen-electric aircraft and the establishment of the supporting airport hydrogen fuel technologies in Norway. Operations are planned to begin in 2028.

The Experienced Pilot Chose To Operate In Instrument Meteorological Conditions Without An Instrument Flight Rules Clearance

Analysis: The airplane was operated on a personal cross-country flight. Recorded data indicated that the airplane made an approach to an airport but did not land and the airplane apparently diverted due to the instrument meteorological weather conditions (IMC) present at that airport. The airplane then flew toward another airport about 60 nautical miles away. The airplane was aligned with the extended runway centerline but impacted trees and terrain about 2.5 miles from the diversion airport. The weather conditions at the diversion airport were night IMC with a 400-ft ceiling.