Aerion... one of a very few companies currently attempting to build the next generation of supersonic aircraft, this time for the BizJet market, has announced that it is shutting down. The ambitious program to build the AS2 supersonic aircraft has failed to attract sufficient investment and is done before they even got a prototype in the air. The company has been quoted as stating, "The AS2 supersonic business jet program meets all market, technical, regulatory and sustainability requirements, and the market for a new supersonic segment of general aviation has been validated with $11.2 billion in sales backlog for the AS2..." EAA participated last week in th
$14 Billion Has Been Allocated To Build 128 F-16s At The Facility Through 2026
To support the growing demand for new F-16 Fighting Falcon from partner nations, the US Air Force has teamed with Lockheed Martin Corp. to open a new production line to build the F-16 Block 70/72 fighter aircraft at the company’s facility in Greenville, South Carolina. Launched on Veterans Day 2019, the line is the only production facility for F-16s in the world, opening three years after the company’s long-time F-16 line in Fort Worth, Texas, wrapped up production. Recently, and on behalf of five foreign military partners, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin Corp. approximately $14 billion, to build 128 F-16s at the facility through 2026.
Aircraft Types May Park Together Only If They Arrive Together
Notable aircraft anniversaries and gatherings of beautiful airplane types are among the highlights this year as the Vintage Aircraft Association celebrates its 50th anniversary during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021. Among the featured aircraft in 2021 are Stinsons, commemorating their 100th anniversary held over from 2020, and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer family, to be joined by other Short Wing Pipers such as the iconic Vagabond, Clipper, Pacer, and Colt. Limited special parking areas have been established for these two groups. Stinson owners who want to participate should contact the Stinson Owners Group at
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Sustainable Skies Act Establishes A $1.50 - $2.00 Per Gallon Blender's Tax Credit
GAMA has praised the introduction of the Sustainable Skies Act in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.). "The general and business aviation industry is steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability with advances in aircraft technologies that result in more efficient wing, rotor, fuselage and engine design as well as revolutionary innovations like hybrid and electric aircraft. While we continue to advance these solutions, we also recognize that the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) will also play a key role in reducing aviation's CO2 emissions," said Pete Bunce
RAF Remembers Its Roots, and Looks To Its Future With Nextgen Trainer
The de Havilland Chipmunk first flew on 22 May 1946 and from the late 1940s, becoming the RAF’s primary trainer aircraft. Although still used, the RAF now also have the Prefect. The Prefect aims to provide Elementary Flying Training for students with the foundation of core level flying skills for their future military flying careers, as well as enable them to qualify for Fast-Jet lead-in, Rotary or Multi-Engine specialist training. The Prefect is the next-generation elementary training aircraft enabling students to learn general handling, spinning, stalling, aerobatic and navigation skills.
Also: Great Planes, Great People, Great Crowds, and A Surprising Success
As many of you know, ANN’s Jim Campbell has been, in the past, a vocal critic of the old Sun and Fun Fly-In organization -- now called the Sun & Fun Aerospace Expo. But his criticism has been surprisingly rare over the last few years -- the main reason being is that there's new leadership and a whole new cast of characters leading this event. More important though, there's a new mission for what WAS a major Fly-In and what has now become a movement that seeks to build a better future for Aviation... Starting wi
Passenger Said That The Pilot Reported That He Had Not Flown The Airplane “For A Long Time”
On May 6, 2021, about 1520 eastern daylight time, a Ted Smith Aerostar 600, Canadian registration CFAAZ, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near La Belle, Florida. The airline transport pilot was fatally injured, and the pilot-rated passenger was seriously injured. The local personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Preliminary radar data revealed that the airplane departed La Belle Municipal Airport (X14) about 1500.
AD 2021-10-10 Requires Repetitively Inspecting The MGB Particle Detector And The MGB Bottom Housing
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J helicopters. This AD was prompted by the failure of a second stage planet gear installed in the main gearbox (MGB). This AD requires repetitively inspecting the MGB particle detector and the MGB bottom housing (oil sump) for metal particles, analyzing any metal particles that are found, and replacement of the MGB if necessary, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD
AD 2021-10-14 Requires Replacement Of Certain TT-Straps With Serviceable Parts
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model BO-05A, BO-105C, BO-105S, and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by the FAA's determination that aging of the elastomeric material in a tension torsion strap (TT-strap) could affect the structural characteristics of the TT-strap. This AD requires replacement of certain TT-straps with serviceable parts and implementation of a new storage life limit for TT-straps, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe co
Off-Route Obstruction Clearance Altitude (OROCA)
An off-route altitude which provides obstruction clearance with a 1,000 foot buffer in non-mountainous terrain areas and a 2,000 foot buffer in designated mountainous areas within the United States. This altitude may not provide signal coverage from ground-based navigational aids, air traffic control radar, or communications coverage.
Aero Linx: The Ninety-Nines International Organization Of Women Pilots
The Ninety-Nines International Organization Of Women Pilots promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships, and mutual support while honoring our unique history and sharing our passion for flight. Established in 1929 by 99 women pilots, the members of The Ninety-Nines, Inc., International Organization of Women Pilots, are represented in all areas of aviation today. And, to quote Amelia, fly "for the fun of it!"
“F-16s are operational across the globe and are a key capability fortifying the security of our international partners. Every F-16 we equip our foreign partners with improves their ability to defend their interests and support our mutual security interests. The caliber and talent of our foreign military sales program office teams is top-notch, and their impact is felt globally. The F-16 is an enduring, highly capable compact fighter that will have a large role in many partner nations’ security for years to come.”
Source: Brig. Gen. Dale White, Fighters and Advanced Aircraft program executive officer, in comments made as the US Air Force teamed with Lockheed Martin Corp. to open a new production line to build the