Diesel/JetA1 Fuelled, 170hp Aircraft Gets FAA Blessing

Tecnam’s P2010 TDI has been awarded a full Type Certificate in some great news for those wanting more general aviation aircraft compatible with diesel and Jet A fuels. The 4-seat, high wing, single engine aircraft combines economical performance, sleek aerodynamics, and modern avionics provide an interesting alternative to traditional competing aircraft. The wide, curved fuselage reportedly provides a fine match to the Diesel engine. The 3rd door back seat accessibility, safety, and reliability inherent to the P2010’s design combine with the increased efficiency of Diesel fuel through lower operating costs. The 170 horsepower turbocharged engine is the lowest output option in

The Fix Is Included In A Recently Released Notice Of Proposed Rulemaking

The FAA is proposing to fix a technicality in the Federal Aviation Regulations that prevents pilots flying under BasicMed from operating, in most cases, as safety pilots under simulated instrument conditions. The fix is included in a recently released notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that requires commercial balloon pilots to hold second-class medicals, to fulfill a Congressional mandate implemented after a high-profile accident several years ago. When the FAA created BasicMed in 2017, it directly copied the law passed by Congress that required the agency to do so. While this allowed for an expedient rulemaking process, the rulemakers took the congressional language liter

U.S. Space Force Completes First Commercial Orbital Launch

Astra surprised space aficionados this week, when the almost unknown company announced the successful launch of a test payload into orbit on their stripped-down demonstrator rocket. In an industry where press releases resemble musical chairs, rotating new developments from the same handful of brand names, the news caught some unaware. The payload wasn't any commercial test equipment, but a contracted payload for the United States Space Force, launched through a Defense Innovation Unit Other Transaction Agreement. 

Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team Gains New Pilots

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic team, The Red Arrows, has added 3 new pilots to its roster for the 2022 Display Season. The crew has begun training at RAF Scampton and, subject to Public Display Authority approval, will see performance before the public from early June 2022 both at home in the United Kingdom and abroad at select airshows.  The mantle of Red 2 has been taken up by Flight Lieutenant Stuart Roberts for next year. Lt Roberts joined the service in 2009 where he predominately flew the Typhoon aircraft in NATO air policing duties in Estonia.

“A Workable Strategy” for Eliminating Space Debris

An Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University professor and his co-inventors patented a workable, functional solution to the prevention of spaceborne debris accumulation. Named the Drag De-Orbit Device, or D3, the system is designed to guide small satellites out of Earth orbit into the atmosphere where they burn up in re-entry. The increased usage of private and commercial satellites, even smaller ones for cheap research experiments, presents an ongoing risk for all.

Indoor Friendly, Contact-Safe, Videography and Lighting Display Unit in One

DoCoMo has released an update on their prototype bladeless balloon drone for high-resolution video and photography that now includes full-color LED lighting that lights up the envelope. The drone relies on helium for loft, and propels itself with ultrasonic vibrations. Docomo bills it as a solution to "surrealistic standalone attractions", aerial videography, or use profiles that preclude the use of traditionally rotor-driven drones. 

During The Landing, The Pilot Cycled The Anti-Skid Brake System About 2-3 Times

On December 2, 2020, about 0843 central standard time, a Cessna 551, N48DK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lufkin, Texas. The airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries and 2 passengers were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 corporate flight. The pilot stated that after an uneventful Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight from Austin, Texas, he entered the RNAV 16 approach to runway 16 at the Angelina County Airport (LFK), Lufkin, Texas. His intention was a full stop landing. After breaking out of the clouds during the approach, he cancelled his flight plan and la

Aero Linx: 1 Canadian Forces Flying Training School 1 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (1 CFFTS) is a dynamic, multi-dimensional aircrew training facility whose mission is: “To select, develop, and graduate professional, Wings-qualified aircrew fully capable of operating in the demanding and sophisticated environment of modern air warfare.” Utilizing the CT-142 ‘Gonzo’, a DeHavilland Dash-8 modified specifically for non-pilot aircrew training flown by 402 "City of Winnipeg" Squadron, and a state-of-the-art simulator, 1 CFFTS trains aircrew to perform the spectrum of functions from sensor operations through routine navigation to tactical mission management.

Safety Alert A safety alert issued by ATC to aircraft under their control if ATC is aware the aircraft is at an altitude which, in the controller’s judgment, places the aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft. The controller may discontinue the issuance of further alerts if the pilot advises he/she is taking action to correct the situation or has the other aircraft in sight.

“This is a long-overdue fix to an illogical technicality in the rule. While it is unfortunate that it comes together with a Congressional mandate that increases regulatory burden on commercial balloon operators, we are pleased that the FAA took the opportunity to fix BasicMed as part of its regulatory compliance with Congress." Source: Tom Charpentier, EAA government relations director, commenting as the FAA proposes to fix a technicality in the Federal Aviation Regulations that prevents pilots flying under BasicMed from operating, in most cases, as safety pilots under simulated instrument conditions.