Regulatory Approval Needed, Schedule May Change

SpaceX’s Starship may launch on its Flight 5 test flight as early as October 13, pending regulatory approval. SpaceX has posted on its website that if it does proceed as planned, the launch window will open as early as 7 a.m. CST. SpaceX says that since it is a developmental test flight, and in view of the FAA’s continued scrutiny, the schedule may change but the company will post updates on its X (formerly twitter) account.

Unprecedented Amount of Airports, Pilots, Community Organizations Stepping Up

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) announced that the outpouring of support for the state has been extraordinary in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. There have been unprecedented numbers of pilots, airports, airfield operations staff, and community organizations that have assisted with the delivery of essential supplies to the most affected areas.

Opinion Upends Model In Place For 60 Years

On September 3, attorneys for the FAA issued a legal interpretation of 14 CFR §43.3(d), which changes how the FAA views the model of standard maintenance supervision that has been in place since the 1960s and threatening general aviation maintenance operations. The language of §43.3(d) defines the process through which anyone was allowed to perform maintenance on aircraft, but not inspections, provided they are supervised by someone certificated to perform the task being done. This allows shops to train new mechanics and allows for owner-assisted maintenance. It also allows shops to utilize more staff resources, which makes the entire maintenance industry function more efficiently.

Facilitating Business Aviation To Support Relief Efforts

NBAA has activated its Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (HERO) database to aid in mobilizing the business and general aviation communities for relief operations in the Southeastern U.S. following the crippling impact of Hurricane Helene. The database permits people and businesses to enter information about the availability of their aircraft, personnel, equipment, and other assets that may be deployed in aid missions. The information from the database is provided to government agencies as well as non-governmental organizations when they request it. The people in the database represent those in the aviation community who are able to immediately join in the disaster response a

Model Combines Lightweight Design with Pilot Comfort

Sonex Aircraft showcased its first two-seat aerobatic prototype at this year’s EAA Oshkosh Airventure. Though it has not yet reached the market, the high-wing design has received several pats on the back from potential customers for its spacious cockpit and lightweight construction. “The mission of the airplane is for it to fly like a Sonex: to be fast and aerobatic,” stated Mark Schaible, owner and president of Sonex Aircraft. The prototype aims for a final empty weight of 820 lbs or less, optimizing utility and remaining within the upcoming MOSAIC guidelines. One of

Contract Worth $1.7 Billion For State-Of-The-Art Training

CAE announced it signed a 25-year subcontract valued at $1.7 billion with SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE And KF Aerospace, to provide modern, state-of-the-art training for the Royal Canadian Air Force. (RCAF). CAE, as the major subcontractor to the Future Aircrew Training (FAcT program, will deliver comprehensive aircrew training including ground school training, live flying, and simulation. Through this, CAE’s long-standing presence at 15 Wing Moose Jaw will be extended. CAE currently operates the NATO Flying Training in Canada program.

Also: Former FAA Contractor Indicted, SpaceX Grounds Falcon, Buh-Bye KC-10, Sustainable Aviation Caucus

The FAA has issued an NPRM that will expand the models of Piper aircraft that are subject to the AD adopted by the FAA in January 2021. The AD requires wing spar cap inspections and was prompted by an accident involving wing separation on a Piper Model PA-28R-201 Arrow III. The issue is primarily found in aircraft used in flight training and other aircraft used predominantly in high-load flight regimes. Gogo Business Aviation has acquired Satcom Direct. This builds a more flexible service range by establishing an all-encompassing in-flight conne

Nineteen Young Eagles Fly With Chapter 534 At Leesburg

Contributed by Ted Luebbers Nineteen kids, eight pilots, and eight aircraft headed for the wild blue yonder with the EAA Chapter 534’s Young Eagle program. It was a nice sunny, warm day, with very little wind, when a group of young people along with parents and friends descended on the EAA Chapter’s hangar at the Leesburg International Airport (KLEE) in Leesburg, Florida.

Also: Former FAA Contractor Indicted, SpaceX Grounds Falcon, Buh-Bye KC-10, Sustainable Aviation Caucus

The FAA has issued an NPRM that will expand the models of Piper aircraft that are subject to the AD adopted by the FAA in January 2021. The AD requires wing spar cap inspections and was prompted by an accident involving wing separation on a Piper Model PA-28R-201 Arrow III. The issue is primarily found in aircraft used in flight training and other aircraft used predominantly in high-load flight regimes. Gogo Business Aviation has acquired Satcom Direct. This builds a more flexible service range by establishing an all-encompassing in-flight connectivity

Aero Linx: First Flight Society First Flight Society is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization devoted to fostering and promoting a public awareness of and wide-spread interest in the origin, history and future of flight, in all its forms and to memorialize Orville and Wilbur Wright. Our Mission: We tell the story of the Wright Brothers through community events, education, and the commemoration of the world’s very first powered flight, in Kitty Hawk, NC.

Parallel Runways Two or more runways at the same airport whose centerlines are parallel. In addition to runway number, parallel runways are designated as L (left) and R (right) or, if three parallel runways exist, L (left), C (center), and R (right).

“Business aircraft have long played an essential role in providing relief for people and communities in need in times of crisis. They are often able to turn roadways into runways, or hillsides into heliports, in order to reach isolated locations. NBAA’s HERO database offers one-stop access to those in business aviation who want to lend a helping hand with their aircraft and other assets.” Source: Doug Carr, SVP of Safety, Security, Sustainability, and International Operations for NBAA, explaining the need for their HERO program. 

Facilities Intended to Improve Service and Efficiency of Crews

Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) has cut the ribbon on a new training center in Brussels, Belgium near Brussels Airport (BRU). This facility aims to expand training opportunities for Brussels Airlines crews and external LAT customers. The new center is equipped with modern training devices for simulated safety and service experience. This includes an A320 cabin mockup and door trainers for the A320, A330, B737 and B787 models. The facility also hosts a slide tower for narrow and wide-body aircraft, a Real Fire Fighting Trainer, and a dedicated Virtual Reality area for immersive training.