No surprise here, as the inevitable takeover of Icon becomes an International Game. ICON Aircraft will be moving “a portion” (with likely more to come) of its manufacturing to a new state-of-the-art facility in China but will (for now...) maintain its headquarters in Vacaville, California. Jason Huang will be stepping down as President and will transition into an advisory role with SG Investment America, the company that now owns ICON. Boom’s XB-1 took another step to achieving its goal of getting to airspeed Mach 1.0 in its latest Flight 10 on December 19, 2024. Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Gepetto” Brandenburg pushed
Starlight Aerial Productions, an innovative company in drone light show performances, has made history by becoming the first performer to utilize unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to win the prestigious Platinum Pinnacle Award for Performers presented at the 2024 International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Airline Places Firm Order For 100 Jets, Options For Additional 100
Boeing and Pegasus Airlines extended their long-term partnership as they announced an agreement for the low-cost carrier to purchase up to 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft as the airline modernizes and expands its fleet. The 737-10 is the largest model in the 737 MAX family and can carry up to 240 passengers on trips as long as 3,100 nm (5,740 km).
EU Commits $6.2B, Europeans Pledge Another $4.8B For Project
The European Union has signed a contract to build a sovereign satellite internet system it is calling IRIS2. The project has been in discussion for several years but the cost, originally estimated at $7 billion, has risen to about $11 billion over the 12-year contract.
On the 89th anniversary of the DC-3 Maiden Flight, the DC-3 Society announced that it will operate as a stand-alone entity, officially separating from the Tunison Foundation in January 2025. Operations of the DC-3 Society have advanced and membership has steadily grown, and its designation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit will soon become official.
More Sightings Spur Restrictions On Non-Official Ops
The FAA has issued temporary restrictions on drone flights over parts of New Jersey after receiving an influx of additional sightings in recent weeks. Official drone flights supporting national defense, homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue, or disaster relief are not subject to the restrictions.
Diamond Aircraft announced a purchase of three of its twin-engine DA42-VI aircraft by Air India for its new Flight Training Organization (FTO) in Amravati, Maharashtra, representing Diamond’s first engagement with India’s flag airline. The agreement includes options for up to six more of the aircraft.
Both Committed To Strengthen U.S. Leadership In Aviation
Capt. Jason Ambrosi, President of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), released the statement below regarding the reappointment of U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) as Chair of the key House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: "Congratulations to Chair Graves on his reappointment to lead the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. His continued leadership comes at a crucial time for American aviation as we work to maintain our position as the global leader in air safety and innovation..."
New Deal Reached For NASA Private Astronaut Missions
SpaceX and Vast have announced an agreement to launch two human spaceflight missions to the International Space Station (ISS) in support of Vast’s future bid for NASA’s private astronaut missions. The missions covered in this agreement are contingent on Vast being selected by NASA.
Pilot Initiated His “Climb” Checklist, During Which The Right Engine “Failed Hard.”
Analysis: The pilot and the passenger of the twin-engine, amateur-built airplane were departing for on a cross-country flight, and the pilot reported that after completion of all checklists and ground run-ups the takeoff was normal. At 500 ft mean sea level the pilot initiated his “climb” checklist, during which the right engine “failed hard.” The airplane began to roll to the right and the pilot added left rudder to arrest the roll but was unable; he then added full left aileron, but the airplane continued to roll right.
From SUN n FUN 2024 (YouTube Edition): A Four Seat Helicopter Kit With Sikorsky Roots
Brad Clark, President of Vertical Aviation Technologies, took a moment out of his busy schedule at SUN 'n FUN to chat with ANN Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell about where the firm stands cruising into the summer of 2024. Over the past 37 years, their homebuilt Hummingbird has been a strong seller, with about 370 kits shipped since its inception. It’s no wonder why, since there are so few helicopter kits on the market with seating for 4.
Aero Linx: British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA)
The BMAA is a members' organisation that exists only to benefit the members. Over the years the BMAA has influenced the legislation that governs microlight flying in the UK, always looking to guide its development to be the most beneficial for the members. The BMAA also provides an information source for microlight pilots and organises or supports flying events to encourage skills development and a social side to the sport.
Under The Hood
Indicates that the pilot is using a hood to restrict visibility outside the cockpit while simulating instrument flight. An appropriately rated pilot is required in the other control seat while this operation is being conducted.
"Boeing aircraft have been an integral part of our operations since Pegasus entered the aviation industry in 1990. We are pleased to be expanding our fleet with the new Boeing 737-10 model aircraft. We continue to invest in our fleet in line with our growth targets in Türkiye and globally, and to expand our network by launching new routes."
Source: Güliz Öztürk, CEO of Pegasus Airlines, offering commentary as Boeing and Pegasus Airlines extended their long-term partnership as they announced an agreement for the low-cost carrier to purchase up to 200 Boeing 737-10 aircraft as the airline modernizes and expands its fleet. The 737-10 is the largest model in the 737 MAX family and can carry up to 240 passengers on
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