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.  

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.

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.  

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.

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Flight testing of the new Van’s Aircraft RV-15 engineering prototype is underway, and despite a few setbacks, the process is in full swing. The company is currently working on a few tweaks to enhance both aerodynamics and usability. Van’s released several other changes, including moving the flap handle from the overhead position to a floor mount, updating aileron control systems, and evaluating a conventional horizontal stabilizer/elevator design. Zenith’s 33rd annual Homecoming event was hosted on September 20 and 21 in Mexico, Missouri. Visitors flew and drove in from across the country for a chance to learn and mingle with both kit lovers and builders. The annual event is the primary gathering for Zenith owners and kit enthusiasts. The Trio Avionics Pro Pilot Autopilot was recently granted three new Supplemental

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Nathan Finneman has been flying since childhood, including hang gliders for a time. But when he found paramotors in 2010 he’s been flying them over the world and in air shows. He also represented the USA in the World Air Sports Federation’s (FAI) world paramotor slalom championships. Finneman was at the Lake County Airport (KLXV) in Leadville, Colorado, to launch on his record-setting flight. LXV is the highest public-use airport in North America at 9,934 feet MSL. The record actually took two attempts due to some issues such as turbulence he experienced on the first flight. California has a new law a bill that prohibits the sale, distribution, or making available leaded avgas beginning on January 1, 2031. Brought by State Senator Caroline Menjivar, it originally had a much shorter timeline, but was still opposed by some environmental groups. To no one&

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).

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 provider for business aviation. Satcom Direct will be receiving a $375 million cash payment plus five million shares of Gogo stock once the deal closes. Over the next four years, the agreement includes up to $225 million extra for performance threshold milestones. A Piper Cherokee executed a

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.