The End of an Era, But the Start of Another

With only 251 aircraft built, the Airbus 'Super Jumbo' jet has seen its end, ultimately having a short enough production run that, were it any other vehicle, would become a rare limited edition for collectors to fawn over. Unfortunately, Barrett-Jackson doesn't auction off rare jets, so the A380 can only soldier on in commercial service. Dubai's Emirates was the lucky recipient of the last one, which took off from the Airbus facility in Hamburg, Germany. The event saw no ceremonial fanfare, no sentimental send-off, quietly leaving its birthplace to the note of local aviation photographers. Reportedly, any plans to celebrate the last of the line were quashed in the interest of pandemic prevention.

Expert Flies Into and Out of Villarica

Red Bull wingsuit pilot Sebastían Álvarez, former Chilean Air Force pilot and death-defier, hasbecome the first man to fly in an active volcano. He jumped from an orbiting helicopter 2.2 miles above ground level to build sufficient speed, heading towards the 650' crater at 180mph. A first for unpowered human flight, he descended below the rim, entering the crater for dozens of seconds before pivoting skyward once again. The jump took years of planning and preparation, said Álvarez, as he has little recourse to add velocity while in the volcano. He chose the location, according to an interview with BioBioChile, as part of his project to show the beauty of Chile to the world. He unders

Senate Hearing on U.S. Airline Industry Sees Talk of Pilot Shortage

The American airline industry faced down Capitol Hill during a U.S. Senate hearing regarding their immense pandemic bailout of $54 billion. The money came with strings attached, being issued in order to preserve airline employees. Airlines were to place limits on executive compensation, eliminate stock buybacks and dividends, and ban involuntary furloughs that were expected to mirror the post 9/11 slump. The money has complicated the relationship, with some wondering whether or not airline execs find themselves beholden to lawmakers in return for the money.

Tailwheel Students Gain Easy Introduction to Taildraggers 

Sporty's has addressed the needs of backcountry pilots-to-be with its new tailwheel course, made in combination with legendary airshow pro Patty Wagstaff. Tailwheels have grown in popularity in recent years, bolstered by a field of new LSA developments and options unseen in traditional tricycle gear aircraft. The course, filmed in complete 4K resolution, showcases a number of popular taildraggers, featuring a Citabria, Super Decathlon, Extra 300, Piper Super Cub, and a Cessna 180. Multiple camera angles and 3D renders help to catch every necessary detail of maneuvers for optimum understanding. Students should find the series much easier to make their transition, being able to see

Months After Fatal Crash With No Mechanical Cause, Psychological Causes Seen As Possibility

UND began an aviation themed mental health summit in response to the October crash of one of their school's commercial aviation students, John Hauser, a sophomore working through his commercial rating. His parents reportedly told the school that he had a history of mental health issues after the NTSB found no mechanical cause to his fatal crash. The summit brought UND administrators with representatives from several other colleges with flight training programs, the FAA, ALPA, and more. UND aerospace students were allowed to electronically and remotely audit the summit online and at the student union.

"Maker" Full Scale Demonstrator Prototype Tests Concept Viability

Archer's eVTOL is set to take off, following the December 2nd issuance of its special airworthiness certificate. Preparing to film the moment of truth for investors, CEO Brett Adcock took a brief moment to show off Maker's 12 propellers while they began final ground tests on the Maker's propulsion systems before its first takeoff and hover trial. The company hopes to stake a claim on much of the electric aircraft and urban air mobility market as soon as possible, before moving to build a "unique air transportation network". 

Royal Canadian Air Force Celebrates Centennial With New Logo

The Canadian Air Force's Centennial anniversary is only a few years away, according to Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger. Along with RCAF Command CWO Chief Warrant Officer John Hall, he displayed the upcoming 2024 logo and motto. The insignia features the RCAF roundel in the center position, flanked by the digits to spell out "100". The announcement described the logo as a "distinct, yet simple design" that brings to mind a "modern, uplifting forward energy to carry the RCAF into its next century of service. The lines [on the logo] point to the sky and beyond, representing the upward momentum of flight and the RCAF's capabilities in space."

Mark Keneston Speaks On The Market Test Results

As you may know, CubCrafters has been offering a nosewheel option on their popular XCub. The company has mentioned they understand the skepticism among the community, and has been testing to see how the market would respond for about a year and a half. Pilots have been getting used to seeing the nosewheel option and since the aircraft has been on the market, that skepticism has been noticeably fading. According to Mark Keneston, Sales Manager at CubCrafters, pilots have been coming out of the woodwork to purchase these aircraft. We spoke with him at Sun ‘N Fun 2021 to get his inside perspe

Also: FAA Stops Astro Wing Program, EAA and AMA Museums, First Airbus A321XLR, Cathay Pilots Lauded

A number of California cities are escalating their war on private aviation. A long running dispute with locals about the impact of airborne lead has finally taken effect, banning the sale and distribution of 100LL fuel at Reid-Hillview and San Martin, both airports within the Santa Clara area. Airport authorities note that 2 of the 4 fuel providers at Reid have already switched to Swift Fuels brand (unleaded) UL94, the only available unleaded aviation gasoline in the region. Flight Design General Aviation has received EASA CS-23 certification on their 2

(Pilot) Diverted To The Clarion County Airport (AXQ), Clarion, Pennsylvania For A Reported Oil Pressure Issue

On November 24, 2021, at 1746 eastern standard time, a Cessna T210R, N6209U, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Grove City, Pennsylvania. The private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from the Westchester County Airport (HPN), White Plains, New York and was en route to the Akron Fulton Airport (AKR), Akron, Ohio. About 2 hours into the flight, the pilot, who was also the owner of the airplane, diverted to the Clarion County Airport (AXQ), Clarion, Pennsylvania for a reported oil pressu

Aero Linx: Model Aeronautical Association of Australia The MAAA is the largest aeromodelling organisation in Australia and encourages and supports Australians to enjoy aeromodelling in a safe and fun environment. By providing a management structure, technical expertise and club management support, it makes it easier for clubs to grow and manage their sport. As a leading expert the MAAA help clubs provide the best advice, instructors and knowledge base so you can safely learn to fly and enjoy your sport. You can undertake pilot training, get your wings, or even become an Instructor or Inspector.

Outer Fix A general term used within ATC to describe fixes in the terminal area, other than the final approach fix. Aircraft are normally cleared to these fixes by an Air Route Traffic Control Center or an Approach Control Facility. Aircraft are normally cleared from these fixes to the final approach fix or final approach course.

"In Mapuche they call it the 'house of the devil', I felt like I was entering hell itself, wanting to leave the second I arrived. The sensation... is one of the most dangerous, rare, and terrifying I've ever experienced. I had a talk with the volcano in order to do it, and even though it does whatever it wants, if I screwed up, I'm stuck in that hell forever."  Source: Red Bull wingsuit pilot Sebastían Álvarez, former Chilean Air Force pilot and death-defier, has become the first man to fly a wingsuit through an active volcano. He jumped from an orbiting helicopter 2.2 miles above ground level to build sufficient speed, heading towards the 650' crater at 180mph. A first for unpowered human flight, he descended