Hide/Show Archive Navigation.

All News

October 07, 2024

Airborne 10.07.24: Heli-Rescuers Threatened, Buried WWII Bomb, Dynon Upgrades

Also: Textron's 180 About NBAA, NetJets Prevails In Suit, Cebu Pacific A321neo, Mackay Trophy

After seeing a Facebook post about a family stranded on a mountain, Jordan Seidhom and his son set out on a rescue mission with their R44 helicopter -- at their own expense. After some successful efforts, local authorities intervened, inexplicably threatening to arrest Seidhom if he proceeded with rescue operations. Seidhom, the former head of Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit and a 1,400-hour pilot, knew that he could help locate and rescue them. He found a safe place to land, loaded up on supplies, and got clearance from ATC before departing. An American World War II-era 500-pound bomb that had lain buried ben

More Videos

Blue Origin Adopts 2nd Crewed New Shepard Rocket

Expansion Meets Growing Demand for Commercial Space Travel

Blue Origin plans to debut its second human-rated vehicle on the upcoming NS-27 launch. This intends to expand flight capacity alongside increasing customer demand. The launch window for the NS-27 uncrewed verification flight begins on October 7 at 8:00 am CDT. A live webcast will open 15 minutes before liftoff on Blue Origin’s website.

Mooney M20J And M20K Models Now Eligible For Upgrade

Dynon Certified announced that its autopilot, already available as an option for its certified SkyView HDX avionics suite, is now approved for all Mooney M20J and M20K aircraft. The autopilot is approach capable when paired with a compatible IFR navigator. The autopilot is a full-featured three-axis system, including yaw damper. The pricing for the complete system starts at a list price of $6,434 for these two aircraft models. The price includes the yaw damper, all brackets, hardware, and servo harnesses.

Expands High-Altitude Platform-Station Capabilities

AeroVironment, or AV, has successfully completed the first test flight of its Horus A Sunglider. This model, designed for commercial and government customers, has upgraded High-Altitude Platform-Station (HAPS) capabilities for improved stratospheric performance. Moving forward, AV is working to bring Horus A into service as quickly as possible.

Opens Road to FAA Approval for Production

Skyryse announced that it has been granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate for its Skyryse One helicopter. This moves the aircraft one step closer to FAA certification and production launch. Skyryse One, built on a Robinson R66 frame, made its public debut in February 2024. It is an IFR-capable, triply-redundant, fly-by-wire helicopter that operates with a simple swipe on its touchscreen. The helicopter replaces traditional mechanical controls with a four-axis control stick, like that of an F-35.

Represents Major Breakthrough In High Speed Flight

Venus Aerospace revealed its Venus Detonation Ramjet 2000 lb Thrust Engine, referred to as “VDR2”. The engine signifies a major breakthrough in propulsion systems for high-speed vehicles. The VDR2 enables high speed vehicles such as aircraft and drones to traverse long distances at high altitudes while achieving high-Mach speeds with unmatched efficiency. It combines high thrust and efficiency of the Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) with the high efficiency cruise of a Ramjet.

Aero-TV: Gogo Business Aviation Upgrading Connectivity

Satellite And ATG Network Technologies Getting Upgraded

Jim spoke with Dave Salvador, VP Aftermarket Channel for Gogo Business Aviation, said the company has been investing in future technologies to meet the continuing demands of pilots and passengers. They have been investing in new satellite solutions as well as Air-To-Ground (ATG) connectivity. Gogo has a new satellite product called Galileo, which is connected to the OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network to provide Gogo’s internet service, and Hughes Network Systems is Gogo’s partner on the antenna. There are two versions of antenna and the new HDX antenna is bei

Eliminates Requirement For LODA For Instructing And Logging And Compensation

The FAA has published a rule that’s been long awaited by pilots, instructors, and flight schools that ease restrictions on transition training and other specialized instruction in experimental, primary, and limited category aircraft. The rule was proposed in the summer of 2023 and this issuance finalizes several changes to Parts 61 and 91. It amends regulations for experimental aircraft to permit certain flight training, testing, and checking in the aircraft without having a letter of deviation authority (LODA).

Starting Strong With UAS/AAM Symposium and Bridenstine Keynote

The 2024 Thunderbird Drone Festival kicked off with a UAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Symposium and a keynote address from former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The symposium, hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics along with OSU’s Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, brought in experienced leaders and students to discuss the future of the industry.

One Or Both Of The Rotor Blades Came Into Contact With The Propeller And Vertical Stabilizer

Analysis: The experimental amateur-built gyroplane crashed during an instructional flight in clear daylight with low winds. Witnesses observed and heard the gyroplane flying around the local area. One witness estimated that the gyroplane was operating at an airspeed of 20 to 30 knots, about 1,000 ft above ground level. Witnesses also heard additional noises coming from the gyroplane described as banging, whining, and the engine stopping. Some observed debris and objects fall from the sky, with some witnesses describing the loss of propellers, and/or rotor blades.

Aero Linx: General Aviation Safety Council (GASCo) GASCo was founded in 1964 to provide a forum in which all of the General Aviation organisations could meet to share safety information. There were only a few members in those days but today almost every organisation that represents those who supply, maintain, control, support, regulate and, most importantly, fly each and every kind of flying machine is a member of GASCo. They meet to share experiences and ideas for the improvement of flight safety. GASCo is a Charity funded by its member organisations, pilots, aviation authorities and other generous contributors.

ARTS IIIA The Radar Tracking and Beacon Tracking Level (RT&BTL) of the modular, programmable automated radar terminal system. ARTS IIIA detects, tracks, and predicts primary as well as secondary radar-derived aircraft targets. This more sophisticated computer-driven system upgrades the existing ARTS III system by providing improved tracking, continuous data recording, and fail-soft capabilities.

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (10.07.24)

“Dynon is committed to enhancing flight safety and reducing pilot workload. We’re thrilled to expand the SkyView HDX Autopilot to Mooney M20J and M20K pilots. This advanced three-axis autopilot, including yaw damper, is designed to improve situational awareness and reduce the demands of flying.” Source: Michael Schofield, Dynon’s Director of Marketing, detailing some facets of the recent announcement offering added functionality for a number of Mooney airframes.