In 2020, The FAA Licensed 41 Commercial Space Operations
The FAA is crowing about a record number of launches, new streamlined launch and reentry licensing regulations, and a historic licensed crewed mission are some of the noteworthy commercial space transportation achievements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2020. The FAA will 'build on these accomplishments in the coming year.' “This record-setting year in launches, and the new streamlined launch and reentry licensing regulations, bode well for continued rapid growth of America’s commercial space sector,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
Northrop Grumman’s uncrewed Cygnus spacecraft is scheduled to depart the International Space Station on Wednesday, Jan. 6, more than three months after delivering nearly 8,000 pounds of supplies, scientific investigations, commercial products, hardware, and other cargo to the orbiting outpost. NASA Video coverage of the cargo spacecraft’s departure will begin at 0945 EST, with release of Cygnus scheduled for 10:10 a.m. Flight controllers on the ground will send commands to robotically detach Cygnus from the Unity module’s Earth-facing port, maneuver it into place, and release it from the Canadarm2 robotic arm. NASA astronaut Kate Rubins will monitor Cygnus’ systems upon its departur
The First Flight Of smartflyer SFX1 Is Planned For 2023
smartflyer Ltd has received the InnoPrix of the Swiss “Baloise Bank SoBa Solothurn” for the development of its innovative aircraft project. Smartflyer Ltd. is not only known for its European electrifly-In (originally smartflyerchallenge) but also for its ground-breaking aircraft - the smartflyer SFX1, a four-seated hybrid-electric aircraft which emits less CO2, is up to 30% more efficient, has lower noise emissions and less operating costs. A range extender drives a generator charging the batteries. Flights with a range up to 750km will soon be in reach. This aircraft has already garnered a lot of international attention. The first flight of smartflyer SFX1 is planned for 2023.
From 2016: Promoting The Continued Growth Of RC Helicopter Flying...
While at the AMA Expo 2016, ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, checked in to get an update on the world of radio controlled helicopters. This led him to interview, Dave Millner, who is the president of the International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA). Jim recounted his early days with radio -controlled helicopters and asked Millner, where is this thing going? Millner short answer was, “We don’t know.” His answer was spoken with a positive lean because he says progress is occurring so rapi
From 2009: Leading Air Show Performers Give Their Best Advice for Newcomers
On December 6th through December 9th, the Paris Las Vegas Hotel hosted over 1,500 air show professionals and enthusiasts to the 2009 International Council of Air Shows Convention. Started in 1967, the annual ICAS Convention provides professionals a community forum in which to network with industry leaders, plan upcoming air shows, and offer continued support to fellow performers and representatives. This year's convention saw a two percent increase in attendance over the 2008 convention despite the struggling economy; ICAS President John Cudahy expressed optimism going
Includes $2 Billion In Funds To Be Awarded As Economic Relief
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriation Act (CRRSAA) (H.R. 133) (PDF), signed into law by the President on December 27, 2020, includes $2 billion in funds to be awarded as economic relief to eligible U.S. airports and eligible concessions at those airports to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency. “This new grant program will provide much-needed economic relief to airports around the country as they address the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.
When The Airplane Was About 60 Nm West Of ARG, Radar Contact Was Lost
On November 30, 2020, at 1213 central standard time, a Piper PA-38-112 airplane, N9879T, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Franklin, Arkansas. The certificated flight instructor and the private pilot being instructed were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 instructional flight. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data was obtained for the accident flight. The airplane departed the Country Air Estates Airport (1AR9), Lonoke, Arkansas, at 0931, flew to the Carlisle Municipal Airport (4M3), Carlisle, Arkansas, and arrived at 0946.
AD 2020-26-18 Requires Replacing Each Affected Fillet Fairing Adjustable Rod
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A330-243, -343, and -941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during an inspection of the wing/fuselage fillet interface, evidence of black stains and white oxidation was found on several areas of the fillet fairing adjustable rods due to surface corrosion. This AD requires replacing each affected fillet fairing adjustable rod with a serviceable part, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective January 14, 2021.
AD 2020-26-21 Requires A Rotating Probe Test Of All Fastener Holes Located In The Affected Area
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during the assembly of a certain section of the fuselage, the gaps found on self-aligning nuts for eight fasteners were out of tolerance. This AD requires a rotating probe test of all fastener holes located in the affected area for any discrepancies, an eddy current inspection of the surrounding flange for any discrepancies, a detailed inspection of certain frames for any discrepancies, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by
Aero Linx: Aero Club of South Africa
Welcome to the Aero Club of South Africa. The Aero Club of SA pro-actively promotes, protects, and preserves all forms of sport and recreational aviation in South Africa. The Aero Club of South Africa maintains and upholds the rights and privileges of its members through various disciplines of flight. The Aero Club preserves all forms of free flight and safe gaurding our right to share the South African Skies. The Aero Club protects the rights of all members and sections from oppressive requirements and restrictions from Aviation authorities and other bodies.
Flight Check
A call sign prefix used by FAA aircraft engaged in flight inspection/certification of navigational aids and flight procedures. The word “recorded” may be added as a suffix; e.g., “Flight Check 320 recorded” to indicate that an automated flight inspection is in progress in terminal areas.
“The FAA is well positioned to keep pace with the dramatic increase in commercial space operations and support the innovation driven by the aerospace industry while keeping public safety a top priority."
Source: FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, in a statement from the FAA bragging about the record launch licensing activity conducted over 2020.
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