Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

NASA Invests In Shapeshifters, Biobots, Other Visionary Technology

Selects 25 Early-Stage Technology Proposals For Further Development

NASA is investing in technology concepts that include meteoroid impact detection, space telescope swarms, and small orbital debris mapping technologies that may one day be used for future space exploration missions.

Two Receive Master Instructor Designation In March

National Accreditation Recognized By The FAA

Two instructors have renewed their Master Instructor designation in the month of March. Master Instructors LLC said in a news release that all were accredited as Masters by Master Instructors LLC, the international Master Instructor accrediting authority. All obtained their designation through the Master Instructor "Fluid Review" program online.

NASA Ready To Study Heart Of Mars

Scheduled For Launch As Early As May 5

NASA is about to go on a journey to study the interior of Mars. The space agency held a news conference today at its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, detailing the next mission to the Red Planet.

M-Air Autonomous Aerial Vehicle Outdoor Lab Opens

University of Michigan Now Hosts Advanced Robotics Facilities For Land, Air, Sea, And Space

An outdoor fly lab for testing autonomous aerial vehicles is open for use at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. M-Air will let researchers and students safely push algorithms and equipment to their limits, says Ella Atkins, professor of aerospace engineering.

Successful Fifth Launch For Aireon

Brings Global Air Traffic Surveillance System Closer To Full Deployment

Aireon has successfully launched and deployed a fifth space-based ADS-B payload, hosted by the Iridium NEXT satellite constellation. The satellite was carried into orbit by a flight-proven SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, bringing the total number of Aireon payloads in orbit to 50.

CommutAir Announces Rotor Transition Program (RTP)

Will Help Helicopter Pilots Shift To Fixed-Wing Flying

CommutAir is now offering a Rotor Transition Program (RTP) to assist military and civilian helicopter pilots transition to fixed wing aircraft at CommutAir, United Airlines' fastest growing regional airline partner.

P&W Field Support Team Powers Wideroe's Entry Into The Jet Age

Carrier Will Take Delivery Of Its First Turbofan-Powered Aircraft This Month

The Pratt & Whitney GTF engine is engineered for the future, making it a perfect fit for an airline looking to enter a new era of aviation. Widerøe, a longtime operator of Pratt & Whitney PW100 turboprop engines, is now set to take delivery of its first turbofan-powered aircraft in April. This will be a very special aircraft: Widerøe is the launch customer for the Embraer E190-E2, an aircraft powered exclusively by GTF engines.

The Junkers Aircraft Factory Is Back In Business

Historic F-13 Replica Manufactured Nearly A Century After The Airplanes First flight

Almost a century after the maiden flight of the Junkers F 13, its historic replica has once again been certificated.

ESA Conducts First Test For Largest Mars Mission Parachute

Initial Tests Deemed A Success By The Agency

The largest parachute ever to fly on a Mars mission has been deployed in the first of a series of tests to prepare for the upcoming ExoMars mission that will deliver a rover and a surface science platform to the Red Planet.

Fired Whistle-Blower Pilot Reinstated By OSHA

Had Been Terminated In 2016 After Complaining About Possible FAA Violations By His Employer

A pilot who was fired in 2016 for alleging FAA violations by his employer has been reinstated by OSHA.

AD: Airbus Airplanes

AD NUMBER: 2018-06-04

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, and -231 series airplanes.

AD: Textron Aviation Inc. Airplanes

AD NUMBER: 2018-06-11

PRODUCT: Certain Textron Aviation Inc. Models A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35, V35A, and V35B airplanes.

Airborne 04.02.18: Rob Holland Emergency, WWI @OSH18, FAI Drone Racing

Also: Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion, 'Learn To Fly' Month, Airborne Wireless Network, FlightSafety Int'l

Airshow pilot Rob Holland had a rather harrowing experience late last month, and told much of the story on his Facebook page: Among his remarks, Rob reported that... "...I thought I would fill you in about the events of the past few days... First to get it out of the way, I’m 100% fine. That said, On March 25th I took off from NAS Kingsville, Texas for a cross-country flight. About 15 minutes into the flight... I lost all engine power." Rob reported that the canopy was covered with oil and that

FCC Authorizes SpaceX To Provide Broadband Satellite Services

First Such Approval Granted By The Agency

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved an application by Space Exploration Holdings, doing business as SpaceX, to provide broadband services using satellite technology in the United States and around the world. With this action, the Commission takes another step to increase high-speed broadband availability and competition in the United States.

Hubsan Launches New Signature Drone Product H501A+

Company Says 'High-Quality' Drone Will Be Affordable

Looking to reach consumers who have stayed away from the expensive U.S. drone market, Hubsan has launched a high-quality, affordable drone option -- the H501A+. Hubsan's innovative H501A+ model is the company's newest signature product and is available starting at $199. Hubsan offers a complete line of drones including FPV, Quadcopters, and racing drone versions for the drone enthusiast market sold directly through its website.

Jeppesen Teams With Bad Elf To Integrate Wireless Flight Data Transfers

Service Targeted To GA And Business Aviation Pilots

Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen has introduced a new mobile version of its Jeppesen Distribution Manager (JDM) flight data update technology, and announced a new strategic alliance with Bad Elf, a leading provider of aviation hardware and software solutions. Together, Jeppesen and Bad Elf have now established a wireless data transfer system for aircraft owners and operators, using JDM Mobile and the Bad Elf Wombat portable device to update avionics data cards.

Coast Guard, Partner Agencies Respond To Downed Aircraft In Florida

Locate Two People Fatally Injured Near St. Lucie Inlet

The Coast Guard along with partner agencies located the remains of two people involved in a downed aircraft incident Saturday approximately 20 miles east of St. Lucie Inlet.

EAA’s ‘Spirit Of Aviation’ Coming To Locations Throughout The U.S. In 2018

Virtual Reality Flights, Hands-On Activities Coming To Aviation And Non-Aviation Events

EAA will again deliver the excitement of flight throughout the United States in 2018 as EAA’s “Spirit of Aviation” mobile unit, sponsored by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), visits numerous events this year. The mobile experience brings introduces EAA to aviation enthusiasts through hands-on, member-tested activities engaging people in aviation.

AUVSI Announces Keynote Speakers For XPONENTIAL 2018

Show To Be Held In Denver Beginning April 30

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has announced keynote speakers who will guide discussions about the benefits and future of unmanned systems at AUVSIXPONENTIAL 2018, the industry’s largest trade show, from April 30 to May 3 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

United, Mesa Airlines Receive Tentative Approval Increase Cuba Service

Will Boost The Number Of Flights Between Houston And Havana

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has tentatively awarded United Airlines and Mesa Airlines authority to begin offering daily nonstop service between Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Havana's José Martí International Airport. Subject to final government approval, United will expand from Saturday-only service to daily service.

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (04.03.18)

“We are pleased to welcome this exceptional line-up of experts to keynote the themed sessions at XPONENTIAL 2018. These outstanding speakers will enhance XPONENTIAL’s educational programming by lending their expertise, experience and unique perspective in unmanned systems.” Source: Brian Wynne, AUVSI president and CEO.