“With the arrival of the second B-21 Raider, our flight test campaign gains substantial momentum. We can now expedite critical evaluations of mission systems and weapons capabilities, directly supporting the strategic deterrence and combat effectiveness envisioned for this aircraft.” Source: Troy Meink, Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, discussing the first flight of the second B-21 Raider next-gen bomber.

At Least Three Drones Downed and Four Airports Closed During the Event

On September 10, a Russian drone strike on western Ukraine crossed a little too far into Poland’s borders, forcing four of its key airports to halt operations. The nation’s Air Force responded by shooting down at least three aircraft, marking the first time that Russian drones have been downed in NATO territory since the major 2022 invasion.

Pilot Program Follows Admin EO To Unleash Drone Dominance

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy announced a new pilot program in the FAA that aims to accelerate the deployment of AAM, or advanced air mobility vehicles. The new technologies are full of potential to transform aviation, expand connectivity in rural America, reduce road congestion in urban areas, and enhancing medical and emergency transport services.

Acrimony Grows In Gulf States Over Gaza, Qatar Strike

Some Israeli weapons manufacturers have been refused entry to one of the world’s biggest aerospace expos in the United Arab Emirates after receiving letters from the organizers of the Dubai Air Show in November. This comes at a time when the anger of Gulf states grows as Israel continues its offensive action in Gaza, and more pointedly after a strike in Qatar that targeted Hamas political leadership.

Honeywell’s Surface Alert System Progresses Towards Commercial Rollout

Honeywell has come one step closer to helping prevent runway incursions, with its SURF-A surface alert system now entering its final phase of testing. The tech sounds an audible alarm, bluntly “traffic on runway,” 30 seconds and 15 seconds before a potential collision could occur.

Agency Issues Safety Alert for Lithium Battery Devices, Citing Recent Fires

A string of concerning fires has resulted in the FAA advising airlines to be more cautious about allowing their passengers to bring power banks onto planes. The safety alert recommends new rules on where lithium batteries can be stored, hoping to make potential fires easier to access and extinguish.

First-Ever Air Launch Of Smaller Loitering Munition From Larger Drone

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and AeroVironment announced their collaboration successfully completed the first-ever air launch of a Switchblade 600 loitering munition system from a Block 5 MQ-9A Reaper UAS and marks the first time a Switchblade has been launched from an unmanned aircraft.

Expandable Facility Will House Up To 8 Full-Flight Sims

WestJet and CAE announced a 15-year training agreement which will have CAE establish the Alberta Training Center of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace, which will be a cutting-edge aviation training facility housing up to eight full-flight simulators, cabin trainers, and state-of-the-art digital learning tools.

Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems And NLign Analytics

The General Aviation Manufacturers Association announced two new members, Aerox Aviation Oxygen Systems and NLign Analytics.

Pilot And Mechanic From The Flight School Were Conducting A Post-Maintenance Check Flight

On August 25, 2025, about 1456 Pacific daylight time, a Czech Aircraft Group SRO Sportcruiser, N538SF was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Puyallup, Washington. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the passenger was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations part 91 maintenance test flight. A 100-hr maintenance inspection had just been completed and a pilot and mechanic from the flight school were conducting a post-maintenance check flight.