Entry-Level, Base Model Glacier Starts At $127,000

Aero News Editor-in-Chief, Jim Campbell, takes a moment with Vashon Aircraft’s Kurt Robertson to talk about what’s new and upcoming with their Ranger aircraft. Their rugged, American Ranger R7 is a 2-place, all-metal aircraft with spacious, modern cockpit and affordable running costs. Vashon shares the same DNA as Dynon Avionics, and includes the company’s full glass panel suite, autopilot, engine monitoring, ADS-B, Wi-Fi, and accouterments that belie the aircraft’s light sport eligibility.

Electric, Sustainable Flying Boat Chosen For Ferry Service

Southern Airways Express, one of the larger American commuter carriers, announced their intent to purchase 20 of Regent's Seaglider aircraft once available. The partnership between the two companies will see 15 Viceroys, the 12-passenger model, and 5 of the firm's 100-passenger Monarch. Southern Airways has paid deposits on the aircraft, which will eventually represent a $250 million value when the Seagliders are delivered. The deal brings Regent's order books up over the $600 million mark, great news for their development of the next-gen all-electric project. Once completed, the Seaglider will combine elements of aviation and maritime vehicles, blending the best of both. Planned spec

First Airbus Corporate Jets TwoTwenty Takes Flight

Airbus Corporate Jets announced the completion of their TwoTwenty's first test flight, taking the newly completed jet on its maiden voyage from its home in Mirabel, France The aircraft will soon be delivered to Comlux for fitment with its VVIP cabin at their facility in Indiana, like the rest of the soon-to-be produced aircraft. Comlux won the exclusive outfitting rights for the first 15 aircraft of the TwoTwenty line, offering a range of cabin layout configurations with all the tech and luxury appointments expected from an ACJ. The TwoTwenty joins what Airbus refers to as "The Xtra Large Bizjet” market segment against Boeing's popular 737-derived BBJ variants.

Large Military Contractor Sees Learjet Fleet Grow to 26

Aery Aviation, LLC, has purchased another 12 Learjets in Special Mission Aircraft (SMA) configuration, bringing their collection of secret squirrel planes to 26 in all. Aery acquired a smattering of support gear and spare parts inventory, ancillary equipment needed to keep their global logistics afloat in a time of supply chain instability. Aery now boasts the largest SMA fleet in the world, thanks to its myriad contracts with the Department of Defense, foreign governments, and other entities big enough to have an official seal. 

Genius Villain Rams Limousine Through Gates, Fails Entirely

Security at Las Vegas, Nevada's McCarran International Airport had a rare bout of excitement when Matthew Hancock, 36, was arrested for attempting a breach of the security wire for the intention of stealing aircraft to fly to Area 51. The fiasco began when officers responded to an evening call reporting a vehicle performing donuts in the parking lot of the local FBO, which was quickly updated with the information that the car had breached the FBOs security gates to drive haphazardly about the aircraft ramp. Witnesses later reported that Hancock parked his limo between a parked jet when he exited, wearing a clown mask and screamed about his possession of a bomb, threatening to explode

Precision Landing Mode Automates, Simplifies High-Precision Flight in Refueling and Landing

The Navy's infamously difficult carrier landings, long the bane of Naval aviators in their early training days, have seen the first major equipment update in years, with flight control tech that leverages automation, connectivity, and precise aircraft control. Precision Landing Mode (PLM) is the newest capability from the Navy's PMA-265 Program office, a system that, according to the announcement: "drastically reduces the number of inputs a pilot must make on final approach to the carrier. With its optimized control laws and tailored displays, PLM eases pilot workload and makes landing much safer and simpler. Additionally, it improves overall recovery

Also: Gulfstream G500-G600, Finland to Pick F-35, FAA Accepts DRL, China Begins 737 Max RTS

The Mojave Air and Space Port Board of Directors has voted to incorporate the Rutan name in their title, with specific verbiage to be announced after some brainstorming and approval. The board voted 4 to 0, with President Jim Balentine abstaining from the vote. The move aims to recognize the efforts of legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan, and his record-setting aviator sibling, Dick Rutan, for their work in putting the facility on the flight-test map. The upcoming Airspeeder flying car series is slated to be introduced in upcoming unmanned races between compe

Despite Multiple Attempts To Cycle The Landing Gear... They Were Unable To Extend The Left Main Landing Gear

On November 22, 2021, about 1350 Pacific standard time, a Cessna R182, N7592Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Puyallup, Washington. The flight instructor and pilot rated student were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor reported that the intent of the flight was to conduct a stage check in preparation for the pilot rated student’s commercial check ride. After completing several flight maneuvers, the pilot rated student perform an emergency gear extension; however, the left main landing gear did not extend

AD 2021-26-09 Requires Repetitive Inspections Of The T/R Hub

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Brantly Helicopters Industries U.S.A. Co., Ltd., Model 305 helicopters and Brantly International, Inc., Model B-2, B-2A, and B-2B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in the tail rotor (T/R) hub. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the T/R hub and depending on the results, removing the T/R hub from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 19, 2022.

Aero Linx: The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) The Canadian Airports Council (CAC), a division of Airports Council International-North America, is the voice for Canada’s airports. Formed in 1992, as the devolution of airports to local control was beginning, the CAC has established itself as the reliable and credible federal representative for airports on a wide range of significant issues and concerns.

Approach/Departure Hold Area The locations on taxiways in the approach or departure areas of a runway designated to protect landing or departing aircraft. These locations are identified by signs and markings.

"...fly to Area 51 to look at aliens."  Source: The bizarre stated intention of a man, Matthew Hancock, 36, who was arrested for attempting a breach of the security wire for the intention of stealing aircraft to fly to Area 51. In all, he is charged with communicating a bomb threat, the dispersal of a hoax substance, false threats regarding an act of terrorism, and trespass.