Lofty Goals Begin to Take Shape As Mayman Moves from CGI Models to Real-World Flight Testing

Mayman Aerospace finished off a test flight using their Razor P100, proving the use of their proprietary flight control OS and gimbaling, vectored thrust arrangement. The test took place at the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, California, throughout "18 months of meticulous engineering and development efforts". The most recent battery of tests demonstrated the P100's ability to tackle what they deemed complex flight maneuvers to highlight the model's ability to tackle complicated missions without direct human control. Their testing touched on a few new bases for the firm, carrying a payload of 50 pounds and proving the rel

Free Site Compiles Over $20M in Collegiate and Flight Training Funding

AviationStart, a comprehensive aviation scholarship database created by Jamail Larkins in partnership with the FAA, went live for the first time a day ahead of the 51st annual SUN ‘n FUN aerospace expo. The site bundles more than $20 million worth of awards into a gorgeously simple-to-use package.

Gleim DPE Uses Call Simulator for Conversational Practice

Gleim Aviation, an aviation education provider, presented its new Digital Pilot Examiner (DPE) checkride prep tool at the SUN ‘n FUN aerospace expo’s Innovation Preview on March 31. Gleim DPE utilizes AI-powered conversation software to simulate the oral exam and provide accurate feedback.

Gyroplanes, New Airplane, AJ Sport Displayed At SUN ‘n FUN

SilverLight Aviation, based in Tampa, Florida, announced it will have aircraft on display at the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo 2025 in Lakeland, Florida, April 1-6, with its American Ranger 1 or AR-1 Gyroplane, the newly-launched Recon airplane, and the AJ Sport in partnership with AeroJones Aviation USA.

Mod for Used Caravans On the Way, to Skydiver Excitement

Textron Aviation announced a Cooperation Agreement with Brazilian firm Aeromot Aeronaves and Motores S.A., planning to develop a jump and cargo drop door with in-air opening functionality for their Caravan series. The Brazilian angle was highlighted in the announcement, given the number in operation there, and the single-engine turboprop has remained a mainstay of small cargo and passenger operations the world over. The partnership means that operators could eventually get an airborne-activated jump door for their planes, with the company’s blessing. The STC will be started off under the Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency, but Cessna is clear they expect it to quickly trickl

Manufacturer Replaces Russia to Build a Landing Platform for ESA’s Rover

Taking over an agreement originally made with Russia, Airbus Defense and Space has been awarded a contract to construct a landing platform for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ExoMars rover. The Martian mission is slated to launch in 2028. The US will also play a major role in the mission.

Klyde Reflects On Politics... As Normal

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Offset Agreement With Switzerland’s F-35 Acquisition

Pilatus and Lockheed Martin announced a partnership agreement to develop technology for avionics and training functionality for its next-gen pilot training system. Its aim is to enable Pilatus to provide dedicated pilot training for customers operating the Lockheed Martin F-35 and other frontline fifth-generation aircraft.

Also: Billy Nolen to ZeroAvia, VFS 2025 Awards, Drone Jamming, Merlin TSO Authorization

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully completed its NASA mission on March 16 after dropping off 10 instruments and capturing several photos and videos. The Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost Mission 1 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on January 15. 45 days, 2.8 million miles, and 27 GB of data downlinking later, it arrived on the moon’s Mare Crisium at around 2:34 am on March 2. Beyond Aero announced the unveiling of a modified design concept incorporating significant engineering advancements for its light jet to move

Also: Billy Nolen to ZeroAvia, VFS 2025 Awards, Drone Jamming, Merlin TSO Authorization

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully completed its NASA mission on March 16 after dropping off 10 instruments and capturing several photos and videos. The Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost Mission 1 launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on January 15. 45 days, 2.8 million miles, and 27 GB of data downlinking later, it arrived on the moon’s Mare Crisium at around 2:34 am on March 2. Beyond Aero announced the unveiling of a modified design concept incorporating significant engineering advancements for its light jet

Also: Smuggled Falcon 900 Seizure, AEA Tech Program, Viola Heads GAMA, Starliner Astros Go Home

A rare First World War-era Fokker D.VII is set to return to the Netherlands in September 2025 to be put on display at Soesterberg’s National Military Museum. The aircraft was traced back to Dutch heritage after spending decades in Germany. The aircraft, registered D-28, was designed during WWI and originally entered Dutch service before the Second World War. President Donald Trump has nominated Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), placing him in charge of an agency still dealing with the aftermath o

From 2019 (YouTube Edition): King Schools Founders See A Shift In Flight Training Focus

The founders of one of the best-known flight training businesses say they are seeing a shift in the focus of people beginning flight training. In an interview with Aero-News Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell at AirVenture 2018, John King said that more people are starting their flight training with the intention of going into an aviation career, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. King said that as they continue their training, they may realize that they don't want to work for a big company and be traveling all the time, but will fall in love with flying.

DPE Took Control Of The Airplane, And He Selected An Area Of Dirt-Covered Terrain As A Forced Landing Site

On December 4, 2023, about 1250 Hawaii-Aleutian standard time, a Diamond DA-40 airplane, N691YW sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident in Kapolei, Hawaii. The two pilots sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 pilot evaluation flight test. According to the pilot that was being evaluated, who was seated in the left seat, the purpose of the flight was to obtain an instrument proficiency check flight from a Federal Aviation Administration designated pilot examiner (DPE) who was seated in the right seat. The pilot said that before departing,

Aero Linx: Seaplane Pilots Association Since 1972 the Seaplane Pilots Association has been protecting and promoting the water flying community through its advocacy and representation of the seaplane community. The Seaplane Pilots Association is the only organization in the world solely focused on representing the interests of seaplane pilots, owners and operators. SPA is dedicated to promoting safe seaplane operations, and to protecting the sharing of our nation’s waterways with other user groups.   

ICAO Three-Letter Designator (3LD) An ICAO 3LD is an exclusive designator that, when used together with a flight number, becomes the aircraft call sign and provides distinct aircraft identification to air traffic control (ATC). ICAO approves 3LDs to enhance the safety and security of the air traffic system. An ICAO 3LD may be assigned to a company, agency, or organization and is used instead of the aircraft registration number for ATC operational and security purposes. An ICAO 3LD is also used for aircraft identification in the flight plan and associated messages and can be used for domestic and international flights. A telephony associated with an ICAO 3LD is used for radio communication.

“In speaking with numerous Certified Flight Instructors, it became clear that most learners who fail their checkride do so during the oral exam. As a mission-driven company committed to pilot success, we felt a strong responsibility to address this issue and create a product that tests knowledge orally like happens during the exam." Source: From comments made by Lorie Gleim, CEO of Gleim Aviation, as they introduced the stunningly innovative Gleim DPE.