From 2015 (YouTube Version): Aerovate's Kondor Shows Off A Unique Prop Technology

While at the 2014 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) convention, ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell came across something called a “passive variable pitch propeller.” Andrew Kondor, the president of Aerovate, Inc. accepted the task of explaining to Jim what it’s all about. He said it’s a propeller that changes pitch without the use of electronics or hydraulics. You’ll have to watch the video to get the full story, but Kondor explained it senses the load on the engine to make the adjustments in the propeller. The entire adjustment mechanism is part of the hub and when the prop is bolted to the aircraft it just starts to work... Sounds like black magic.

Difficulties in Running a Warbird Fleet Not Worth it After Fatal B-17 Crash

The Collings Foundation have announced an end to their flying WWII aircraft wing, deciding to ground all aircraft and intern them on display at the American Heritage Museum. The turning point appears to be the October 2020 crash of "Nine-O-Nine", a B-17 that saw the deaths of 7 in the process. In the years since, a worsening economy and the continual passage of government-trained WWII mechanics have been taking their toll, making it harder to find qualified personnel to both maintain and fly the vintage aircraft.

Instances of Instability Worrying to Flying Public

The National Transportation Safety Board has announced its first in-person roundtable discussion regarding mental health concerns in the aviation community. Recent high-profile instances of mentally frayed individuals improperly handling aircraft have piqued bureaucratic interest in recent months, and now the government engine will be slowly brought to bear on the mental health issue as a whole.

Former FAA Administrator Seen Off by Peers

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) issued a statement regarding the passing of David Hinson, former FAA administrator. GAMA President and CEO Pete Bunce issued a statement, recognizing the passage of a valued associate in the industry. Hinson was a lifelong aviator, known for his stint as FAA Administrator in addition to time as a pilot for Northwest Airlines, United, West Coast, and Midway Airlines. Prior to beginning his FAA tenure, Hinson worked as EVP for Douglas Aircraft.

Last ADS-B Data Point Was Located Adjacent To Where The Wreckage Was Located, Near  The Peak Of A Hill

On October 27, 2023 about 1345 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T206H, N915DV, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Huntington, Utah. The pilot sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight. A family member stated that the pilot had traveled earlier in the morning from his base airport in Craig, Colorado to Vernal, Utah. After spending about two hours in Vernal, the pilot departed with a planned destination of Cedar City, Utah. 

Foolish Aircraft Stunt Plays Out in the Justice System Years After Completion

Trevor Daniel Jacob, of ill-thought-out Youtuber stunt fame, will be jailed for 6 months for his actions in recovering and destroying the wreckage of his purposeful aircraft crash. In the aftermath of the crash, against the advice of investigators, Jacob loaded up the remains of the Taylorcraft and hauled them back to his initial airport of departure, where he cut up the aircraft and disposed of it in sections throughout a series of trash bins in the area. Federal authorities weren’t fooled by the mysteriously disappearing crash evidence, however, believing that Jacob went through with his own December 10 disposal with “the intent to obstruct [them] from investigating the November 24 plane crash.”

Hall Of Fame Honors Pioneers of Years Past

Women in Aviation International (WAI) has chosen their crop of inductees for 2024, with 3 historic pioneers being added to their International Pioneer Hall of Fame. Each will be honored at the 35th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, which will include a ceremony and celebration dinner next March.

As The Engine Power Remained Unchanged, The Instructor Made The Decision To Execute An Emergency Landing

On November 18, 2023, about 1522 Pacific standard time (PST), a Cessna 150M, N6266K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Woodland, Washington. The flight instructor and student pilot sustained no injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor reported that about 1425 PST, they were departed from Pearson Field Airport (VUO), Vancouver, Washington to practice steep-turns and slow flight maneuvers, to include an introduction to power-off stalls and recovery.

Inattentive Maintenance Kills Again

A Piper PA-28R-201 crashed in Conway, South Carolina on September 14, 2022, causing fatal injuries to 2. "Shortly after departure, on the first flight following maintenance, the pilot reported a loss of engine power," reads the NTSB report. "The pilot attempted a forced landing onto a gravel road, but the airplane impacted trees and powerlines on final approach. The airplane came to rest against a berm and a post crash fire ensued."

Helo Manufacturer Empowers In-House Refurb and Repair Capabilities

Schweizer has obtained its FAA Part 145 Repair Station certification, allowing the manufacturer to work on its own aircraft as a post-sale service provider. The brand makes the Schweizer S300, S300CBi, and S333 helicopters. Their repair station cert allows them to now overhaul transmissions and "other labor intensive components" in-house, lowering costs for S-series operators. “We are extremely grateful to our partners at the FAA who helped us earn this additional level of quality assurance and capability as we continue to build back the trusted Schweizer brand,” said David Horton, president and CEO of Schweizer.