Something Borrowed, Something Flew

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has granted type certification to the EH216-S, an unmanned, eVTOL multi-copter designed and manufactured by EHang Holdings Limited (EHang), a Guangzhou-based Chinese developer of Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (AAV). The certification authorizes, more or less, the EH216-S’s utilization in commercial passenger-carrying operations—a world first. The CAAC issued the EH216-S type certificate to EHang during a 13 October 2023 ceremony in Beijing.

Hindsight’s Clarity

On the morning of 04 February 2023, the three-man crew of FDX1432, a FedEx 767 freighter inbound on the ILS approach to runway 18L at Texas’s Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), broke out of dense fog and was confronted with the sight of a 737-700 then operating as Southwest Airlines Flight 708 commencing its take-off roll on the selfsame runway. At the time, prevailing  AUS weather conditions consisted of calm winds and one-quarter-mile visibility in freezing fog ...

Embraer to Introduce Optional System Q3 2024

Embraer S.A., the multinational aerospace manufacturer of commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft founded in 1969 and headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil, has developed a new autothrottle feature the plane-maker will imminently make available for its Phenom 300E light business jet. The optional feature is engineered to enhance the model’s already single-pilot-friendly cockpit, which includes the G3000-based Prodigy Touch avionics suite.

Year-Over-Year Attendance Doubles

Girls around the world participated in the 9th Annual Girls in Aviation Day (GIAD) organized by Women in Aviation International (WAI) on 23 September 2023. Through unique local events hosted by WAI chapters and corporate members, the number of GIAD participants more than doubled to over thirty-thousand compared to sixteen-thousand attendees at GIAD 2022. The number of countries where events were held grew to 31 countries this year versus 19 countries last year. The number of events also increased to 168 events compared with over 120 last year.

I, Robot Pump Jockey

Airbus and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) jointly undertook and successfully completed an automatic air-to-air refueling (A3R) flight-test campaign utilizing the Consortium’s A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and Boeing’s F-15 fighter. The tests were conducted ahead of the former aircraft’s planned 2024 certification. Over three weeks in August, an A330 MRTT made upwards of five-hundred automated wet and dry contacts with the RSAF’s full fleet of receiver aircraft, including the F-15SG, a variant of Boeing’s F-15E Strike Eagle air-to-ground fighter jet.

FAA Proposes Remedy for a Non-Existent Ailment

Seven leading aviation groups have jointly commented on a Federal Aviation Administration notice proposing sweeping revisions to regulations germane to Part 135 charter operators, including on-demand air carriers operating Department of Transportation (DOT)-authorized public charter operations. The latter provide vital air service to small communities. The coalition stated in a filing: “Changes to regulatory definitions could have unintended negative consequences throughout the entire Part 135 community—an established industry segment providing safe and secure transportation options that meet the diverse needs of thousands of communities across the nation.”

Life After the FAA

AAR Corp—a Chicagoland-based global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company providing aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs—has named former Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen to its board of directors.

Learning on and for the Fly

The ASA 2024 Test-Prep books and Test-Prep Plus (book + Prepware) will begin shipping 01 November 2023. The 2024 Test Guides for mechanics are shipping currently. The new editions reflect the latest information germane to comprehensive preparation for FAA Knowledge Exams and include updates for the coming two years. ASA’s development of test-preparation materials is informed by more than eighty-years’ experience with the FAA’s airman certification and testing process. ASA’s study materials are at once easy to acquire, practical, and eminently conducive to the retention of aviation knowledge and successful test-taking. What’s more, ASA’s curricula are available in book, software, and o

Klyde Isn't Sure Watching Sci-Fi Is A Bad Thing At This Point...

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Tom Owens to Lead New Kona FBO

The ownership group of Big Island Jet Center has named veteran aviation executive Tom Owen the emergent facility’s new General Manager. Big Island Jet Center is an FBO under construction on Kailua-Kona, Hawaii’s Ellison Onizuka International Airport (KOA). Mr. Owen is best known for his tenures with Santa Rosa, California’s Sonoma Jet Center (STS) and Avfuel Corporation’s FBO management team. During his stint with the latter, Owen supported the operational successes of numerous highly-respected FBOs. In his new role, Mr. Owen is charged with leading the development and operation of Big Island Jet Center, a task eminently concordant with his extensive experience in fuel supply-chain logistics a

Airline and Mechanics Deadlocked

After protracted and fruitless negotiations with the management of Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Sun Country Airlines (SCA), the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) has prevailed upon the National Mediation Board (NMB) to appoint a federal mediator charged with overseeing the bargaining process. In the event the NMB determines the AMFA and Sun Country have arrived at an impasse, the agency may release the latter from negotiations, thereby enabling the union to call a strike after a thirty-day so-called cooling-off period.

Airplane Then Entered A Steep Right Turn In A Nose Down Attitude And Rapidly Descended Towards The Ground

On September 25, 2023, about 1250 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Sling 4 TSI, N135WT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near San Pedro, California. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast data, the airplane departed about 1223. After a flight near the coastline, the instructor turned to a northerly heading to return to the airport.

From 2019 (YouTube Version): Hartzell Propeller Secures STC For King Air Propellers

Hartzell Propeller has secured an FAA Type Certificate for a new five-blade carbon fiber propeller system for the King Air 200 fleet. These custom designed props will be available through Raisbeck Engineering via STC for King Air 200, B200, and B200GT aircraft. This new propeller system, which increases performance across the board, is the first five-blade structural composite propeller certified on the King Air 200 series. The new prop, manufactured by Hartzell, was on display at the 2019 NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (NBAA

Aero Linx: Aviation Ornithology Group - birdstrike.ru

The new website of the Aviation Ornithology Group - birdstrike.ru. Prevention of bird strikes is a specific problem, which appeared at the same time with aviation itself. It exists on the edge of aviation and ornithology, two rapidly developing areas of knowledge and practical experience. 

"With the impending shortage of experienced AMTs at SCA, AMFA believes airline safety requires that our members obtain a contract that provides a living wage. AMFA will refrain from any strike activity or job action until the NMB releases us from mediation." Source: AMFA National President Brett Oestreich, commenting as the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) prevailed upon the National Mediation Board (NMB) to appoint a federal mediator charged with overseeing the arduous bargaining process currently underwa