All-Electric Craft Demonstrates Capability

The conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), all-electric battery-powered, fixed-wing ALIA aircraft produced by BETA Technologies of Burlington, Vermont, successfully conducted a flight test carrying cargo from Dover Air Force Base to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) after departing from the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) in Atlantic City. The U.S. Air Force has been in a partnership with BETA to develop ALIA, which has a range of 250 NM and seats up to five passengers. The Air Force’s interest is in deploying it for cargo transport between Dover AFB and JB MDL because it saves time, money, and human and other resources.

Assists Young Adults Pursue Aviation Careers

Log Ten Pilot Logbook by Flight Shedule Pro and Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) have announced a new partnership that will assist young adults in underrepresented groups and those needing financial assistance in pursuing careers in aviation. Throughout a person’s involvement with BDB as a pilot in training, the partnership will provide him or her complimentary access to Log Ten’s comprehensive digital logbook services. Breaking Down Barriers is a new aviation nonprofit set up by Doug and Gwen Parker and is based in Dallas, Texas. It is committed to eliminating obstacles that many young adults face and to serve as an inspiration and pathway for those who might otherwise have never

Avcon Industries Gets New Survey Layout for C-208s

Butler National subsidiary Avcon Industries has been granted an FAA STC approval for the Cessna 208B that offers dual Avcon camera ports and the firm's 'Special Mission Pod' modification.The changes provide about 80 cubic feet of space inside the fuselage-mounted cargo pod, which can be devoted towards another suite of sensors, cameras, and radar with a full 360º sweep. Of course, Avcon made sure their pod modifications would be compatible with their own dual camera ports, letting customers equip their Caravan with a full sweet of visual sensors along with whatever Lidar they prefer. Unsurprisingly, the modification doesn't come cheap, with the Avcon Special Mission Pod ringing up at the regi

Made Stops in 11 Mexican States

A Bell 505 helicopter configured for public safety or a “parapublic” deployment recently completed a successful demonstration tour of Mexico with Bell pilot Scott Mahon at the controls, supported by regional sales manager Jose Manuel Prats. They displayed the aircraft to 20 potential customers in 11 Mexican states. The aircraft has the  G1000H NXi integrated avionics suite, providing pilots rapid flight data monitoring while maintaining situational awareness. A spacious cabin with integral tiedowns, easily removable seats, and large doors optimize the aircraft for fast turnarounds when reconfiguration is needed.

Showcasing Its New E-Freighter and More

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer will be bringing several of its products to showcase at the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow. The biennial event happens this year from July 22-26 in Farnborough, England. Embraer’s star performer will be the highly anticipated first public appearance of its newest E-Freighter, the E190F, which successfully completed its maiden flight earlier this year. As readers may know, Embraer’s E-Freighters (E190F and EE195F) are passenger E-Jets converted to a cargo configuration. The company pivoted to producing E-Freighters in 2022 to meet rising demand in that segment of its business. It is positioning itself to capture the market for narrowbody, &l

A2Z Drone Delivery Planning for U.S. Manufacturing

The RDSX Pelican delivery drone has had its flight controller upgraded to be more easily modifiable. The flagship drone manufactured by A2Z Drone Delivery, Inc., of Torrance, California, has also had some slight design changes, the company said. The Pelican is a purpose-built, extended range, hybrid VTOL commercial delivery drone. The open-source flight controller now enables customers to integrate their own flight systems and ancillary software more readily. The company considers it an important step in its move to bring manufacturing the Pelican in the United States.

Western Global Pilots Unhappy With Progress of Negotiations

Pilots for Western Global Airlines have filed a joint request for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board. Joining the pilots in the request is the Air Lines Pilots Association, Int’l, (ALPA), the union representing the pilots. The request is for NMB to facilitate negotiations for the first contract between pilots and airline management. Negotiations have been ongoing for two years. It was filed following a decision made by the pilots and union that the delayed responses to contract proposals indicates management is purposely slow-walking negotiations. In addition, management’s recent backtracking on proposals and improvements already agreed upon by both

Replaces Legacy Standby Instruments

Butler National Corporation and Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics have received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a replacement 2-inch standby altimeter and a separate 2-inch standby attitude indicator for Learjet models 24, 24B/D/E/F, 25, 25B/C/D/F, 28, 29, 31, 31A, 35, 35A, C21A, 36, 36A, 55, 55B, 55C and 60 airplanes. The STC authorizes replacement of either or both instruments installed in most legacy Learjets. The Butler replacement package replaces previously installed standby equipment with the Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics MD23 2-inch Digital Counter Drum Encoding Altimeter and Attitude Indicator.

From 2023 (YouTube Version): Advent of the Age of Safety Wearables

The paramountcy of a pilot’s headset to the safety and enjoyment of flight cannot be overstated. It is the helm of his panoply, the instrument of his radiotelephony, and—thanks to the good people at Lightspeed—the ever-vigilant guardian by which his life is defended from demon carbon-monoxide. Since the introduction of its first product in 1996, Oswego, Oregon-based Lightspeed Aviation has evolved into one of the headset market’s premier innovators. In 2022, the company launched what it c

Manufacturer's Inadequate Software Design Requirements Of The Engine's Full Authority Digital Electronic Controls (FADEC) Fault Logic

Analysis: The flying pilot of a very light jet airplane encountered windshear and a high sink rate on approach which he arrested by applying engine power. During landing he lightly applied brakes and observed that the airplane was accelerating. The pilot initiated a go-around. The engines were at maximum power and the crew alerting system illuminated left and right engine control failure messages. The automatic power reserve armed light was also illuminated. The crew maneuvered the airplane and troubleshot the engine control fail indication using the quick reference handbook while on downwind.

Aero Linx: Planes of Fame Air Museum The story of the Planes of Fame Air Museum is the story of one man’s vision. Ed Maloney knew that protecting our aviation history was important. At a time when very few shared his foresight, he understood the need to preserve, inspire, educate, and honor the legacy of what was then an industry less than half a century old. Today, his vision is reflected in the extensive collection of the Planes of Fame Air Museum, comprising aircraft and artifacts that might have been lost forever.

Minimum Sector Altitude [ICAO] The lowest altitude which may be used under emergency conditions which will provide a minimum clearance of 300 m (1,000 feet) above all obstacles located in an area contained within a sector of a circle of 46 km (25 NM) radius centered on a radio aid to navigation.

“After months of delays, it’s clear that Western Global management needs intervention to keep the company on a course of good-faith bargaining. We are asking the NMB to help us reach an agreement that recognizes the contributions our pilots have made to our company’s success... Western Global pilots have shown a commitment to the company even during turbulent financial times. It’s time for the company to resolve the outstanding bargaining issues with its pilot group.” Source: Greg Pinckney, ALPA Western Global Master Executive Council chair detailing some of the issues raised as their pilots seek better treatment...