Mach Technique [ICAO] Describes a control technique used by air traffic control whereby turbojet aircraft operating successively along suitable routes are cleared to maintain appropriate MACH numbers for a relevant portion of the en route phase of flight. The principle objective is to achieve improved utilization of the airspace and to ensure that separation between successive aircraft does not decrease below the established minima. 

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“The Dijon Commercial Court has just ordered the liquidation of Robin Aircraft and declined, for insufficiency or incompatibility, the three proposed takeover bids. A cold shower falls on the shoulders of all those who participated in or encouraged the adventure. The harshness of the times and the human limitations of the crew force us to get down on one knee. But they don’t force us to give up.”   Source: CEO Casimir Pillissier in a final swan song via Robin Aircraft’s presswire, discussing the forced liquidation of the company.

New Air Tour Management Plan Goes Into Effect in 180 Days

The National Park Service and the FAA have published their now complete air tour management plan for Mount Rushmore - the TL,DR? All flights stay 1/2 sm from park boundaries, or 5,000 ft AGL. The plan isn't a surprise to local operators, being the stuff of years-long controversy thanks to the park's confluence of indigenous lands, controversial custody, overt politicism, and increasing crowds. 

Aircraft Owner's "Stolen" Plane Found Abandoned in Alleged Insurance Fraud

A Utah man's stolen 1970 Beechcraft was found in the backwater of Wells, Nevada, safe and sound - and netting him a 2nd-degree felony for insurance fraud in the process. The aircraft had been reported by its owner as stolen in late June, with the owner reporting it was "missing from where he left it" according to charging documents. In late August, the owner filed a claim and moved on with life. The story didn't quite sit right with investigators, however. Airborne joyrides and thefts aren't too often quiet, sedate affairs, given the implicit career waste of ruining a pilot's license in the process. Curious, local police put out feelers in the local communities, asking airport regulars what they knew about the old Beech and whether someone would have taken it...and they found what they were looking for.

With Backorders Waiting, Certification Can't Come Soon Enough for Paused Model

Boeing's 737 MAX 10 has been given the go-ahead for type-inspection authorization by the FAA, allowing the regulator to begin its own testing on the aircraft after hundreds of in-house flights. Boeing is understandably antsy to get that type certificate in hand for the MAX 10, given a long line of backorders that numbers somewhere north of 1,000 aircraft. The MAX 10's development timeline suffered quite badly at the hands of the 737 MAX debacle, being grounded after some highly visible crashes and a continued subject of congressional humming and hawing.

"Doc" Mechanic Attains Both Charles Master Mechanic and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Awards

Bob Hays, a crewman working with the B-29 Doc crew, has been recognized by the FAA with its highest honor: The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. Bob Hays started his career in 1967, beginning his PPL and going on to join the Kansas Army National Guard where he received his FAA Mechanic’s Certificate in 1975. In addition to his mechanic expertise, Bob received his CFI and ATP ratings, though not all of his jobs kept him away from desk duty.

Engine Installation Successful, 1st Flight to Come in 2024

Bell has announced another milestone in the development of their next-gen attack helicopter, the Invictus. The brand spankin' new T901 Improved Turbine Engine was tendered to Bell Textron's Flight Research Center in Arlington, Texas, bringing together all the ingredients to finally bake that cake. Bell took a moment to show off the state of the build, expecting to have the prototype flying later in 2024.

Students in UAS Major Become Flight Instructors

A new program at Embry-Riddle has begun training Uncrewed Aircraft Systems students into becoming Remote Pilot Instructors. The program is reportedly successful so far, with 13 instructors produced, and each holding Trusted Operator Program credentials. The school is proud to be the 1st academic institution to get TOP certification from AUVSI. In addition to flight operations, students in the UAS program learn how to build, design, and flight-test drones with a bevy of computer modeling and prototyping skills included along the way. 

From 2009 (YouTube Version): Educational Organization Aims to Inspire by Sharing Tuskegee Story

Founding leader Don Hinz summarized the Red Tail Project’s mission in simple, yet eloquent words:  “Inspire youth and tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen all across America.”  Since its inception, the non-profit organization has dedicated itself to sharing the extraordinary legacy of the first African Americans to be trained as WWII military pilots; these brave servicemen served their country honorably, despite the tremendous prejudice and adversity they faced during that time in our nation’s history.