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November 22, 2024

Airborne 11.22.24: BushCat Returns!, Jeff Skiles Retires, Rodents v A321neo

Also: Boeing Plays Scrooge, Artemis Assignments, Aviation Sanctions, Blue Origin Launches

The BushCat was manufactured in South Africa by SkyReach beginning in 2014, selling its first unit to a customer at EAA Oshkosh. It sold nearly 200 kits until April 2024 when it suspended operations. However, SkyReach just announced that the LSA is coming back into production under new branding as “Buchcat Aircraft Australia” with a new management team at the helm. Jeff Skiles, the First Officer who made history on US Airways Flight 1549, has moved into retirement after nearly 40 years of airline service. Skiles played an instrumental role in the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ and continued to build his legacy as a pilot. A TAP

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Jeff Skiles Retires After Legendary Aviation Career

First Officer of the 'Miracle on the Hudson' Completes Service With American Airlines

Jeff Skiles, the First Officer who made history on US Airways Flight 1549, has moved into retirement after nearly 40 years of airline service. Though Captain Sully has received most of the spotlight, Skiles played an instrumental role in the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ and continued to build his legacy as a pilot.

132 Hamsters Run Rampant in Cargo Hold, Plane Grounded for Days

A TAP Air Portugal A321neo was grounded for four days after over 130 hamsters escaped from their enclosures in the cargo hold. The aircraft will now be taken in for inspection to make sure the rascals didn’t turn any important wires into their dinner. The Airbus A321neo took off from Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Portugal on November 13.

Heavy Fuel Engine 2.0 Provides 40% Service Life Boost

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) finalized qualification testing of its new 200-hp Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) on November 13. HFE 2.0 aims to serve as a reliable, low-maintenance replacement for the US Army’s Gray Eagle 25M. The three-week round of qualification tests were conducted at GA-ASI’s flight facility in El Mirage, California.

To Supply U.S. Military With 26 T-54A Trainer Aircraft

Textron Aviation announced it has been awarded a contract for $277 million to produce next-generation T-54A trainer aircraft for the U.S. military. A total of 26 aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard under two separate procurement lots. The work will be performed at the Kansas and Texas plants with an estimated completion date of September 2026.

Only Airport In Maricopa County Without A 5,000-Foot Runway

The City of Chandler, Arizona, is gearing up to again ask residents to approve a bond request to lengthen a runway at Chandler Municipal Airport (KCHD). They have rejected previous requests but this time the City is giving them the reasons.

Airborne Affordable Flyers 11.14.24: Zenith Upgrade, Corsair V8, Alto NG Update

Also: Samson Sky, Hartzell Expands, MASSIVE Lycoming AD, DJI Neo Upgraded

Zenith Aircraft recently introduced matched-hole parts for its CH 650 kit. This streamlines the aircraft’s assembly, making it a low-time project for both newbie and veteran builders. The CH 650 kit is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Corsair Aircraft Engines in Colorado Springs, Colorado, wants to bring a replacement aircraft engine to market that may reduce cost, noise, and emissions. The engine has some interesting features, being a modified aluminum V8 engine block with significantly modified components. The ever-evolving Alto NG... has evolved once again.

Supports Transformation Of Museum Into Premier Aerospace Valley Destination

Destination Lancaster pledged $100,000 toward finishing construction of the new Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The Museum is expected to become a top destination and draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Aerospace Valley area near Lancaster, California.

Updates On Gogo’s News And What To Expect Going Into 2025

Aero-News Network CEO and Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell spoke with Dave Mellin, Director of Communications for Gogo Business Aviation at the NBAA-BACE 2024 and asked about an update regarding all things Gogo. Dave said the company announced the acquisition of SatCom Direct and that has been probably the most impactful news out of Gogo in quite some time. It brings together the two leaders in business aviation in flight connectivity. He’s confident that what each company has done so well will merge together into a very complementary union across the board. Satcom direct

Will Be Used For Training, Recon, Special Forces, And Light Attack

Airbus Helicopters announced that it has delivered the first of up to 82 H145 helicopters to the German Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), who have named them “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber (light combat helicopter) or LKH. The Bundeswehr plan to use the aircraft for training, reconnaissance, special forces operations, and light attack. This first unit will be dedicated to training operations at the German Army’s Bückeburg base. The first delivery of a H145M configured for a light attack role is scheduled for delivery in 2025 as the contract specifies.

Trump Names Former Congressman Secretary Of Transportation

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement regarding former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy’s nomination as Secretary of Transportation: “As the world’s largest non-governmental aviation safety organization, ALPA congratulates Sean Duffy on his nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation..."

Klyde, The Answer To Many Problems Is Kevlar!

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

NTSB Final Report: Globe GC-1B

About 1/3 Down The Departure Runway, He Saw An Airplane Being Pushed Onto The Middle Of The Of The Runway

Analysis: The pilot reported that during takeoff roll on a private airstrip and about 1/3 down the departure runway, he saw an airplane being pushed onto the middle of the of the runway. The pilot attempted to avoid a collision with the airplane being pushed by turning his airplane, but his airplane lost speed due to the turn and was unable to lift off. The airplane then overran the runway and impacted a fence.

Aero Linx: Airlines for Europe (A4E) Founded in 2016, A4E represents the united voice of Europe’s leading airlines in Brussels. Our 17 airline group members represent over 80% of European air traffic and carried over 718 million passengers in 2023. Leading global aircraft manufacturers are also members of A4E. Airlines with cargo and mail activities transport more than 5 million tons of goods annually.

Security Notice (SECNOT) A SECNOT is a request originated by the Air Traffic Security Coordinator (ATSC) for an extensive communications search for aircraft involved, or suspected of being involved, in a security violation, or are considered a security risk. A SECNOT will include the aircraft identification, search area, and expiration time. The search area, as defined by the ATSC, could be a single airport, multiple airports, a radius of an airport or fix, or a route of flight. Once the expiration time has been reached, the SECNOT is considered to be canceled.

“As I have told you many times, I could not have had a better colleague that bitterly cold winter day on Flight 1549 or during all that came after it. And through it all, your wry sense of humor always helped lighten even the darkest times. I wish you fair skies and following winds as you explore your next chapter.” Source: From a message by 'Capt. Sully' to his former FO, Jeff Skyles, upon his retirement.