Also: NJSAP v Buffet, FAA Reauth, Sopwith Camel Flight Sims, FAA Flight Training Dispute
International flight enterprise BAA training inked a deal for 48 C-172s, expanding their educational Cessna fleet around the world. BAA Training is a full-spectrum GA provider with facilities in Spain, Lithuania, France and Vietnam. Additionally, pilot training services are provided through a consultancy office in India and a sales representative office in the UAE. Bell Training Academy in Valencia, Spain welcomed around 200 students to training using its nifty facilities, its crown jewel being a fully certified Bell 429 Level D Full Flight Simulator. The sim has been a hot commodity, with more than 1,000 hours logged this year alone. L3Harris Tech
The International Space Station's impending disposal could prove quite costly for NASA, as the beancounters begin to count up the damage. The administration began running some figures for the overall cost of decommissioning all 450 tons of the ISS, and the rough figure sits at almost $1 billion. The costs wouldn't have been so bad in previous years, if they could make use of Russian assistance and their Progress vehicles. Under that older plan, the Russians would provide a series of the spacecraft to be connected to portions of the ISS to provide for a stabilized, controlled deorbit procedure.
Epic Aircraft's E1000 GX turboprop gained FAA certification for Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI), improving livability and safety for operators in an even greater number of missions. The certification was a long time coming, said Epic CEO Doug King. He said it was "one of the most challenging" that the company had faced during E1000 development. "We began testing several years ago, flying the E1000 GX in all of the FAA-specified natural icing conditions. This FAA certification establishes that the E1000 GX can withstand known icing conditions in a real-world operating environment with minimal changes required of the airplane."
SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo 2024 will sport some big names from the country scene next year, with performances on tap from Trace Adkins and special guest Sara Evans starting off the week. Their show will kick things off on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, starting at 6 PM local, taking place on Warbird Ramp and its wide assortment of eye candy. It will start the show off on a high note, which will hopefully only get higher as the rest of the week's performers take to the skies.
Distributed Propulsion TBM Takes Flight Under Hybrid Power
A Daher TBM equipped with a suite of 6 electric motors took its first flight, going up for 100 minutes as the crew established function checks of major systems. The EcoPulse sports a hybrid powertrain, taking flight with a combined battery and turbogenerator arrangement that provides power to a series of electric motors mounted on each wing's leading edge. To power all those spinning props, the EcoPulse sports an 800 volt battery pack that can deliver up to 350 kilowatts of power, and keep them topped off with its turbogenerator to ensure the design does not suffer from the usual constraints of an all-battery aircraft.
NPRM Would Require Foreign Repair Stations to Implement Testing Program
The FAA wants certificated repair stations outside the USA to be held to the same standards as those inside it when their employees work on air carrier aircraft, according NPRM FAA-2012-1058. The rule would align domestic and international maintenance facilities, ensuring that "employees are held to the same high level of safety standards regardless of where they are physically located," according to the FAA. At the moment, they say "few countries require testing of aviation or maintenance personnel," a discomfiting idea to those familiar with the much more stringent programs in place stateside.
Guardian Agriculture says it's the first to utilize eVTOL aircraft in traditional agriculture operations, using a fleet of 4 "aviation-grade" aircraft to spray crops in the Salinas Valley. The company says its eVTOL drones "spray crops more efficiently, sustainably, and safely than traditional crop-dusters or ground-based equipment". Just one of their Guardian eVTOLs can cover "up to 60 acres per hour" and "carry a 200-pound payload". Downtime is pretty short, too, with a combined refueling and recharging time of "less than 1 minute".
Also: NJSAP v Buffet, WAI 2024, NAHF 2024, Alaska-Hawaiian
Van’s aircraft has filed for reorganization under the chapter 11 bankruptcy code. Van’s Founder Dick VanGrunsven said "I realize that the word "bankruptcy" here is shocking, however the key word here is "reorganization", which implies continued operation and improvement. Our doors will remain open and we will continue to work hard to serve our customers." 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 Oc
Also: Rolls Royce Nixes Electrics, 3rd RS-25 Test, Eve Air Mobility and Flynas, ArianeSpace
Skyworks Aeronautics has been busy in recent months, announcing sales, developments and patents in a matter of weeks. Its most recent was an issued US patent for its Precision Airdrop System, an airborne vehicle designed to deliver payloads much like a standoff munition. The PAS offers intermediate-distance deliveries with a gliding stage to target before autorotating down to ensure precise landings. ZeroAvia found a like-minded partner abroad, finding a deal with up-and-comer Ecojet. Ecojet, a nascent carrier promising to be the "flag carrier
Also: Bell Training, FAA Reauthorization, Coulson Aviation, More Pegasus Tankers
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." During their investigation, the NTSB found a good deal of engine damage, oil, and heat discoloration. Rolls-Royce's recent strate
Also: EAA Grant, Oshkosh Dates, Mini B-29 v Golf cart, Aerolite 120 Bows Out
Here’s a look into the future... Flyer Indústria Aeronáutica's locally assembled RV-10 LSA received approval from Brazil's ANAC, making it the first such multi-passenger SportPlane in the world. The Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil started in on their own MOSAIC-style regs by granting authorization to a 4-place aircraft, with approval to a type of plane pilots around the world have eagerly awaited. Light plane manufacturer Robin Aircraft has been pushed into liquidation by way of French court order after the judges overseeing the f
Signature Aviation announced the opening of a newly built private aviation facility at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), improving the flying experience in a large Iowa hub. The greenfield project features a 5,000 sq ft guest terminal sporting the now-ubiquitous interior design of nicely furnished business lounges. The vibes are matched by a "host of premium amenities engineered to streamline travel," like a lounge with expansive views of the surroundings, conference suites, an internet cafe, and a fully stocked coffee bar. Crew even get their own lounge areas, allowing for comfortably separated rest from their charges while they prep for the next leg.
Negotiations to Come, but at Least the Announcement Seems Positive
Hawaiian Airlines pilots in the ALPA Master Executive Committee likewise commented on the impending merge with Alaska Airlines, stating they were looking forward to a "bright and productive future as a single, unified pilot group." Hawaiian Airlines is a bit different from the norm among carriers, being a homegrown interisland operator from the outset. Locals are understandably wary about "big city folk" coming in to start shuffling routes for a vital form of transportation in such an expensive market. It's easy for those accustomed to mainland operations to see the apparent money sink that far-flung aircraft operations are, but Alaska should be the closest thing to a kindred
ARC AeroSystems announced the return of the Avian Pegasus Gyroplane. Avian stemmed from employees of Avro Canada, designing their gyroplanes in Canada and ultimately producing 3 prototype pre-production aircraft to work through the certification process. Ultimately, the firm died out in the early 70s, with its assets put up for sale. One remaining prototype, along with the design's rights and type certification, found their way into ARC AeroSystems' hands in 2023. Stratolaunch LLC has continued its efforts to develop a Mach 5 capable aircraft, helped along by a fami
Also: Hartzell Eng Tech Acquires Kelly Aero, Av Emissions, H125 4 Axis AP, Electrified Caravans
Light plane manufacturer Robin Aircraft has been pushed into liquidation by way of French court order after the judges overseeing the firm’s troubled state declined the bids offered for the classic company. Owners and operators of Robin Aircraft and CAP10 planes won’t find themselves left out in the cold thanks to an arrangement with CEAPR, a local enterprise that has provided parts and support for the company’s work for years already. L3Harris Technologies announced an agreement to sell off its Commercial Aviation Solutions ar
Easy Online Forms Available For Sport Plane Manufacturers And Suppliers To Be Listed In The Upcoming eSPRG
Work on the SportPlane Resource Guide is going well… Albeit a little bit behind schedule, because as we got into this process, things became a bit more complicated simply because we learned we could do an even better job at certain aspects of this project than we thought from the beginning. They say that the enemy of true quality is the phrase "good enough" and we want to be far more than “good enough.”
FMI: www.sportplane.com,
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The Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington recently obtained a pair of Sopwith Camel flight simulators, allowing attendees to experience the closest thing to the original today. These simulators will be one of the jewels of the Museum's WWI exhibit, offering visitors an immersive flying experience in the iconic aircraft. Rather than push newbies through the usual flight training curriculum of a flight sim, the Sopwith Camels will give operators a range of scenarios to play with, reinforcing repeat attendance and fresh experiences. The FAA's
With The eSPRG Only Weeks Away From Its Start Date, A-AF Will Help To Support Sport Flyers, Worldwide
With the all-new and all-digital SportPlane Resource Guide getting ready for publication early next year, the Aero-News Network is pleased to announce yet another addition to the Airborne video news programming roster… Airborne-Affordable Flyers. Dedicated to keeping people up-to-date on the most affordable aspects of sport and general aviation, Airborne-Affordable Flyers is one of our most exciting offerings yet. A-AF will delve into more than just the current LSA community, but look at all aspects of aviation to examine and ev
Observed The Accident Airplane Flying South, Before It Began A Left Circling Turn With A “White Mist” Trailing The Airplane
On October 31, 2023, at 1123 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA32-300, N44601, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Marion, Ohio. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. A witness stated that he was standing outside his house when he heard an airplane flying in the distance and the engine sounded like it was “oscillating.’ He looked up and observed the accident airplane flying south, before it began a left circling turn with a “white mist” trailing the airplan
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
BIG Upgrades In The Works --- ANN Is Seeking EXCEPTIONAL New Staffers
The last few years have been about as challenging a time as we can recall... but we survive (yeah, we're kinda surprised, too) and look forward to 2023 and what we see as a very rewarding (and yes, still challenging) new generation of activities at ANN. After some truly weird times during the pandemic, ANN continues to expand slowly, but surely, and we have some truly intriguing upgrades coming up over the next few months. In other words, we're about to grow again -- REALLY/TRULY -- and in some novel directions. The much-appreciated expansion of
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And That's But One Of Over A Dozen Major Developments Planned For The Next Year Or So
Aero-News Network is now available on Roku and Amazon FireTV! That’s right folks. You can now get your daily dose of aviation news… right on the ol' giggle box! This is an EPIC development for our network, one of many to come, and we’re thrilled to offer you this new way to watch our news programming. Whether you’re a traditional website reader, podcast listener, or YouTube subscriber, we’re dedicated to giving you quality, honest, aviation news that you can trust and broadening our reach and audience aggressively in the coming years, so that we may both Grow and Inform the aviatio
Brand New! Avoid The Need For A Comeback... Get Your Marketing Right, Right Now!
Some time ago, the Aero-News Network, responding to numerous requests, established a marketing and communications sister company by the name of AEROPRENEUER... and it's been doing amazing work under these difficult circumstances -- and getting results! We're getting rave reviews from our clients, and working hard to earn the trust of a number of new marketing partners along the way. ANN's Amber Cedroni has come up with a few tips to help aero-businesses stay alive in these tough times, and
Emphasis On Growing The Future of Aviation Through Concentration on 'AFFORDABLE FLYERS'
It's been a number of years since the Latest Edition of Jim Campbell's HUGE SportPlane Resource Guide first saw the light of day. That massive 1100 page book last featured over 800 exciting sport aircraft from all over the SportPlane universe... at a time when the SportPlane industry was still a healthy, thriving enterprise (those were the days...). While there has been some consideration, off and on, toward updating the nearly 5 pound book, the near implosion of the SportPlane and kit industry over the last decade has made such a pursuit an unwieldy one... until now.
It’s been a while since we have reminded everyone about all the ways we offer your daily dose of aviation news on-the-go...so here is a full list of ways you can subscribe to our channels and get notifications when there are new episodes or breaking news!
1) Subscribe To Our Newsletter
When surveyed, almost half of our audience shared with us that they rely on our daily newsletter to get their aviation news for the day and stay up-to-date in their field or craft. Are you subscribed yet? If not, use the link below to receive our daily Propwash emails that always feature a feed of our latest stories and breaking news.
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Aero Linx: American Astronautical Society (AAS)
Formed in 1954, the American Astronautical Society (AAS) is the premier independent scientific and technical group in the United States exclusively dedicated to the advancement of space science and exploration. They strongly support NASA's Vision for Space Exploration, and are members of the Coalition for Space Exploration and the Space Exploration Alliance. They are also committed to strengthening the global space program through cooperation with international space organizations.
Close Parallel Runways
Two parallel runways whose extended centerlines are separated by less than 4,300 feet and at least 3000 feet (750 feet for SOIA operations) for which ATC is authorized to conduct simultaneous independent approach operations. PRM and simultaneous close parallel appear in approach title. Dual communications, special pilot training, an Attention All Users Page (AAUP), NTZ monitoring by displays that have aural and visual alerting algorithms are required. A high update rate surveillance sensor is required for certain runway or approach course spacing.
“We confirmed today that this disruptive propulsion system works in flight, which paves the way for more sustainable aviation. The lessons learned from upcoming flight tests will feed into our technology roadmap and strengthen our position as leader in future all-electric and hybrid-electric propulsive systems.”
Source: Eric Dalbiès, Safran’s Executive Vice President Strategy and Chief Technology Officer, as a Daher TBM equipped with a suite of 6 electric motors took its first flight, going up for 100 minutes as the crew established function checks of major systems.
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