FAA and NPS Open New San Francisco Commercial Flight Agreement to Comments

The FAA has taken another swing at regulating commercial air tours over popular San Francisco Bay parks and, in partnership with the National Park Service, has officially opened comments on a voluntary agreement proposal that it believes will keep the skies safe without jeopardizing tourism.

Interactive Aircraft Cockpit Damaged Leaving the ICAS Convention

DreamBIG Entertainment’s iconic F/A-18 Hornet cockpit has been a family favorite at airshows and community events across the country for years, and in its own time of need, that’s why many have come running to help. Nearly $40,000 has been raised to cover repairs after the beloved cockpit was damaged on its way home from the 2025 ICAS Convention.

Supervisors Vote to End the Ultralight Aircraft Ban… With a Catch

After nearly four years of effectively banning ultralight aircraft, local officials have finally voted to allow the little birds to restart operations at Yuba County Airport (MYV). Though the decision ends a dispute that escalated to a formal FAA complaint, ultralight pilots argue that the victory remains in limbo with unnecessarily restrictive rules filling the ban’s shoes.

First of Two VC-25Bs Now Expected to Enter Service in Mid-2028

The long-running replacement of Air Force One has added another year to its official timeline, with the US Air Force expecting the first of two VC-25B presidential aircraft to enter service in mid-2028. This pushes delivery even further past the original December 2024 target.

Aviation Pioneer, Leader In Aerospace Ops And Safety

Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, a trailblazer in aviation and a world leader in aerospace operations and safety, has been appointed Dean of the College of Aviation at the Prescott, Arizona, campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Also: Project Talon, McFarlane Acquisition, Sky-Tec Service, JPL Earth Helo Tests

Bombardier has earned a round of applause from the business aviation community, celebrating the formal entry into service of what it calls the “fastest civil aircraft since the Concorde.” Keys to the first Global 8000 were turned over to loyal customer and GFL Environmental CEO Patrick Dovigi on December 8. The Global 8000 comes with a headline-grabbing Mach 0.95 top speed, a certified 8,000-nautical-mile range, and a cabin altitude of just 2,691 feet at cruise. California Representative Darrell Issa (CA-48) announced the finalized 2026 National Defense Authoriz

Also: The Aircraft That Delivered, Breakthroughs and Breakdowns Report, Aero-Standouts, Aero-Stumbles 

Welcome to a special episode of Airborne Unlimited... with a look back at 2025 and what it all might mean for 2026. Call it The Aero-News Aviation Reality Check — 2025 Edition, bit make no mistake... in one form or another, these are the stories, companies, planes and products that distinguished aviation this year. While there was a;lot to cover and much that we really didn't have th s[pace for, we wanted to offer some kudos to planes, products, powerplants and programs that deserved serious kudos... as well as those who most definitely did N

Man Claims He Has Felt Persistent Effects of Toxic Fumes For More Than a Year

A Delta passenger has filed a $40 million lawsuit against Boeing, claiming to have suffered neurological and respiratory harm after inhaling toxic fumes aboard a B737. The incident allegedly occurred in August 2024 on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

Competition Prepares to Step In As Spirit Claims Business As Usual

Spirit Airlines can’t seem to stay out of the industry spotlight, this time after a report suggested the ultra-low-cost carrier could be just days away from closing its doors. Unnamed industry sources allegedly claimed that at least two competitors are quietly preparing contingency plans to absorb stranded passengers if Spirit is forced to shut down amid the holiday travel spike.

Also: Archer Takes On Hawthorne Airport, Saudi GACA, Soyuz Return, Push To Invest In SAF 

Electra is walking its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft into the formal certification phase, filing its application with the FAA to begin the Part 23 process. Work with the FAA now shifts from compliance in development to acceptance of the certification plan and building out the test program. “This certification application signals that the EL9 is fast becoming a reality and reflects the progress our team and the FAA have made together,” said Electra CEO Marc Allen. EVIO has unveiled the product of more than eight years of rigorous development: the EVIO

Also: Airbus Acquisition, USCG Helo Sniper, Remember Pearl Harbor, New Thunderbird 1

Gulfstream’s newest addition to its next-gen lineup, the super-midsize G300, is officially airborne. The jet lifted off from Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), staying in the air for 2 hours and 25 minutes. The crew took the aircraft to 30,000 feet and cruised at Mach 0.75, checking off the major boxes needed to kick off the flight-test campaign. The Trump administration has officially locked in its pick to spearhead the biggest upgrade to America’s air traffic control system in decades. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bed

Also: Electra Goes Military, Miami Air Taxi, Hypersonics Lab, MagniX HeliStrom

Amazon’s Prime Air drones are back in the spotlight after one of its newest MK30 delivery drones struck an overhead internet cable in Waco, Texas. The incident serves as an unnerving replay of safety concerns that surfaced just two months ago involving back-to-back collisions with a crane in Arizona. The more recent event occurred on November 18. The drone, registered  N139PA, had just wrapped up a delivery when it “clipped a thin, overhead internet cable,” according to Amazon. The maiden flight of LandSpace’s ZhuQue-3 rocket on December 3 was one

Also: Cosmonaut Kicked Out, Airbus Scales Back, AF Silver Star, Russian A-60 Clobbered

A Samaritan’s Purse humanitarian flight was hijacked on Tuesday, December 2, while attempting to supply a mobile medical unit in South Sudan. Authorities were able to meet the aircraft on the ground and take the suspect into custody without further incident. The aircraft involved was one of the organization’s Cessna Grand Caravans that operates solely within Africa. The FAA has taken an unusually cooperative step towards pilot mental health reform, reducing the stabilization wait time for approved antidepressant medications from 6 months to just 3. Though t

Also: Cosmonaut Kicked Out, Airbus Scales Back, AF Silver Star, Russian A-60 Clobbered

A Samaritan’s Purse humanitarian flight was hijacked on Tuesday, December 2, while attempting to supply a mobile medical unit in South Sudan. Authorities were able to meet the aircraft on the ground and take the suspect into custody without further incident. The aircraft involved was one of the organization’s Cessna Grand Caravans that operates solely within Africa. The FAA has taken an unusually cooperative step towards pilot mental health reform, reducing the stabilization wait time for approved antidepressant medications from 6 months to just 3. T

Also: AirVenture Tkts, Pipistrel TC, Samson Patent, Kolb Aircraft Resumes Production

The FAA has released an updated set of advisory circulars to support the transition to the long-awaited Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) rule, offering new direction for pilots, instructors, and light-sport repairmen. The documents, published November 14, aim to align long-standing guidance with the performance-based system that will replace the outdated light-sport framework when MOSAIC takes effect in 2026. Dynon has released SkyView HDX software version 17.4, bringing a fresh round of upgrades and quality-of-life improvements to its flagsh

From 2015 (YouTube Edition): One of Aviation’s Greatest Efforts Expands Our Ranks With Inspirational New Flyers

In this short, 2 ½ minute video, you’ll see and hear Charles Stites, who is the Executive Director of Able Flight, as he pins pilot wings on four new able flight students. You’ll also receive an introduction to an organization that takes pride in helping people succeed in ways that were not imagined before. Able Flight was created by pilots who believe that the life-changing experience of learning to fly is best shared, and they designed the Able Flight Scholarships to enable people with

...The Dynamic Rollover Was Likely Caused By The Front Seat Passenger Inadvertently Contacting The Cyclic Control While Turning To Speak With The Rear Seat Passenger

Analysis: The pilot reported that while on a local flight he noticed a squall line approaching and elected to return to the private strip from which he had departed. During the approach, rain intensity increased, and the wind began gusting to about 15 knots. The pilot landed the helicopter, lowered the collective, and reduced power. While the main rotor was turning about 420 rpm, the helicopter suddenly rolled over onto its right side, resulting in substantial damage to the main rotor system and fuselage. 

Aero Linx: Flying Physicians Association (FPA) FPA members are physician-pilots promoting safety, education and human interest projects relating to medicine and aviation. FPA organizes regional chapter meetings and an annual national meeting offering a unique combination of continuing medical education (CME), presentations by world-class aviation figures, and varied charitable and recreational opportunities.

Good News, Bad News... It's ALL News

As the preeminent online aviation news resource out there, the editorial staff at Aero-News sees a large number of news releases. We look at all of them, and can usually tell whether something merits publishing consideration within reading the first couple of paragraphs. Often, however, a new and innovative product can be overlooked because of the very words written to promote it, by the very people who created it.

Low Approach An approach over an airport or runway following an instrument approach or a VFR approach including the go-around maneuver where the pilot intentionally does not make contact with the runway. 

“There is no truth to any rumors that we are preparing to cease operations. It is business as usual at Spirit, and flights continue to operate normally... We are working closely with our debtor-in-possession providers and other key stakeholders on a wide variety of issues to support the financial needs and future of the business, as we have been throughout our restructuring process.” Source: From a statement from a Spirit spokeswoman, tryiung to ward off rumors of impending doom for the embattled airline. &nb

Industry Speaks Against Section 373 of the National Defense Authorization Act

Section 373 of the newly passed National Defense Authorization Act isn’t sitting well with much of the industry, sparking public frustration from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and Washington, D.C. officials. Their statements all serve as a warning to Congress, claiming that the provision undoing necessary safety protections put in place after January’s deadly mid-air collision.

Committee Meets December 17 To Evaluate Status Following Prime Integrator Selection

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, announced his call to convene a hearing titled, “FAA’s Plan for ATC Modernization: Evaluating Progress, Ensuring Accountability and Results” on Wednesday December 17, at 2:30 pm EST.

ANAC Clears Way For Operations By Capable, Multi-Role Aircraft

Daher Aircraft announced that its Kodiak 900 has received its airworthiness certification from the Brazilian ANAC, or Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil, enabling the larger and faster version of the venerable Kodiak 100 for operations in a country that has a compelling need for modern, highly capable multi-role aircraft.

Airbus CEO Admits They Will Lose The Crown in 2025 Despite Winning in Deliveries, Backlog

Boeing is shaping up to earn the gold medal for aircraft orders in 2025… but what does that really mean for the competition? The answer is not much, as Airbus remains firmly ahead in deliveries and backlog despite not having tariffs on its side for much of the year.

Sure, Real Estate in LA is Expensive…but How About Airport LA Real Estate? 

Archer Aviation announced the completion of phase one in its acquisition process, putting them on track to have their own playground in Hawthorne Airport of California. They are going for the master lease from the City of Hawthorne along with the associated subleases, which will grant control of the real estate of the airport complex. They plan to acquire the FBO and passenger terminal in 2026 as part of phase 2 of the transaction. Once complete, that will grant full control. 

Acquisition Makes Spirit’s Commercial and Aftermarket Operations Part of Boeing

Boeing has checked off all the boxes on its Spirit AeroSystems acquisitions, officially absorbing the company’s commercial aircraft manufacturing and aftermarket affairs. The combined operation will also be launching a new standalone defense business under the banner “Spirit Defense.”

When He Next Looked Outside He Was Surprised To See That The Airplane Had Drifted To The Left

Analysis: The pilot of the vintage, tailwheel-equipped airplane was departing from a turf runway. The pilot described that as he initiated the takeoff toward the west, and into the setting sun, he looked inside the airplane to verify the engine instruments. It took his eyes several seconds to adjust to the shaded cockpit and when he next looked outside he was surprised to see that the airplane had drifted to the left and he was no longer able to see the runway edge markers.

The Flight Crew Felt A Bump/Thud In The Back Of The Airplane, Which They Thought Was Caused By Something Falling Into The Aisle

Analysis: About 10,000 ft mean sea level during a repositioning flight, the flight crew felt a bump/thud in the back of the airplane, which they thought was caused by something falling into the aisle from the lavatory. The flight crew observed that the landing gear unsafe light was illuminated. The flight crew stated that they followed emergency/abnormal airplane checklist items and reset the landing circuit breaker, which did not retract the landing gear.

South Korean University’s Flight Training Program Growing

Frasca International, a provider of flight simulation technology for training, announced that Hanseo University in South Korea is purchasing a new Level 5 Cessna 172 Flight Training Device, the seventh Frasca device to join the school’s fleet.

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): Reflections on War’s Collective Lessons and Cyclical Nature

The exigencies of war ought be colorblind. Inane social-constructs the likes of racism ought break down precipitously amongst men thrust together into combat’s equal-opportunity abattoir. Faced with a common, indiscriminate enemy, human beings ought perceive—suddenly, and with perfect clarity—the immateriality of color, creed, religion, and the myriad trivialities by which they fatuously divide themselves in peacetime.

Aero Linx: Michigan Helicopter Association (MHA)

The Michigan Helicopter Association (MHA) exists to bring together people who share an interest in helicopters, including private, commercial, police, and EMS operations, to enjoy fellowship, learn from one another, and celebrate the role of rotorcraft and heliports in Michigan aviation.

Lost Communications Loss of the ability to communicate by radio. Aircraft are sometimes referred to as NORDO (No Radio). Standard pilot procedures are specified in 14 CFR part 91. Radar controllers issue procedures for pilots to follow in the event of lost communications during a radar approach when weather reports indicate that an aircraft will likely encounter IFR weather conditions during the approach.

Things To Know When You Send A News Release

Aero-News gets hundreds of releases every week, ranging from industry giants like Boeing and Cessna to the smallest of flying clubs and the most quaint of air shows. After having seen the best and the worst in press releases over the years, we have some ideas to help companies do so much more to help themselves, both with ANN and with the general media.

“Our air traffic control system is in need of modernization, and Congress made a major investment in improving the system earlier this year and is working to continue investing in this effort through annual appropriations... I look forward to hearing from Administrator Bedford on next steps to implement a new air traffic control system, including the role of the recently announced Prime Integrator Peraton, additional resources needed and the current state of aviation safety.” Source: Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, has announced a call to convene a hearing titled, “FAA’s Plan

Australian Investigators Determined That His Reserve Chute Inadvertently Deployed

The Australian Transportation Safety Bureau (ATSB) has wrapped up its investigation into a recent skydiving incident, revealing that one of the jumpers was left hanging 15,000 feet above the ground from the aircraft’s horizontal stabilizer due to an inadvertent deployment of his reserve parachute. He was able to cut himself free and pull his primary chute, allowing him to leave the scene with only minor injuries.

First DA20i Since Production Line Reopened Handed Over At HQ

Diamond Aircraft announced the delivery of the first new European-made DA20i Katana since the production line was reopened. It was handed over to Aviation Academy Austria in a special ceremony at the Diamond Aircraft headquarters in Wiener Neustadt on November 28, 2025.

Nine-Seat Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Hopes to Earn FAA Part 23 Type Certification

Electra is walking its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft into the formal certification phase, filing its application with the FAA to begin the Part 23 process. Work with the FAA now shifts from compliance in development to acceptance of the certification plan and building out the test program.

Representatives Davids, Flood, Carter, and Mann Introduce SAF Act

Four US Representatives are taking another swing at getting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) legislation into government… and hopefully this time, it’ll stick. The Securing America’s Fuels (confusingly, also referred to as SAF) Act was introduced in the House by Reps. Sharice Davids, Mike Flood, Troy Carter, and Tracey Mann on December 9.

Board Approves Purchase Of Two Aircraft Through United Rotorcraft

The Kern County Board of Supervisors voted in March 2025 to approve the purchase of two Black Hawk helicopters from the U.S. Army’s surplus program that will be transformed into Firehawk firefighting helicopters. The county’s fire department is asking the board to approve an agreement with Seaview Helicopters to provide training to four pilots who will fly the Firehawks.

Will Establish Regulatory Pathway For Introducing eVTOL Ops

The Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation announced the signing of an agreement with Archer Aviation to collaborate in the development of a regulatory pathway for the introduction and scale-up of eVTOL air taxi operations in the Kingdom.

Bringing Commercial Flight School Perspective To Army Program

M1 Support Services announced that Quantum Helicopters, a leading provider of professional helicopter pilot training, joined Team M1 to bring the perspective of a commercial flight school as well as expertise to the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) program.

Indian Airline Failed to Plan Schedules Around New Regs, Canceled 4,500 Flights Last-Second

IndiGo’s holiday meltdown has officially turned into an incredibly expensive operational oopsie, with the Indian airline now expecting to pay more than $55 million in compensation after botched roster planning met newly tightened duty-and-rest regs. The result was more than 4,500 flight cancellations in just over a week and a logistical mess that stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers.

From 2023 (YouTube Edition): Bridge of CiES

CiES Inc. is a Bend, Oregon-based designer and manufacturer of modular embedded aircraft systems and sensors. The company’s fuel-level senders have largely transformed—and bettered—fuel-management in general aviation aircraft. Differing dramatically from marginally-reliable float and legacy capacitance fuel-sensor systems, CiES’s intelligent fuel-level sensors are precise, dependable, and safe. Comprising advanced sensor technologies, unique interfaces, and embedded software, CiES products provide pilots and aircraft operators accurate and reliable data upon which important decisi

Aero Linx: British Helicopter Association (BHA) The BHA promotes the compliant, safe and considerate use of rotorcraft throughout the UK. Its activities are directed by a Council of Management. The BHA encourages European harmonisation through its membership of the European Helicopter Association. The BHA negotiates with government departments, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), on behalf of the industry.

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Local Airport Advisory (LAA) A service available only in Alaska and provided by facilities that are located on the landing airport, have a discrete ground-to-air communication frequency or the tower frequency when the tower is closed, automated weather reporting with voice broadcasting, and a continuous ASOS/AWOS data display, other continuous direct reading instruments, or manual observations available to the specialist. 

“America is on the cusp of the next great biofuels revolution. The Securing America’s Fuels Act is yet another way Congress can grow our bio economy and encourage innovation that creates great jobs across rural America.” Source: Representative Mike Flood, who is one of four US Representatives who are taking another swing at getting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) legislation into government… and hopefully this time, it’ll stick. The Securing America’s Fuels (confusingly, also referred to as SAF) Act was introduced in the House by Reps Sharice Davids, Mike Flood, Troy Carter, and Tracey Mann on December 9.

Hi Folks... This is a special issue of the Propwash newsletter, dedicated only to its being a personal message from the ANN gang to you. I promise not to do this too often, but hope that I can impose on you for a few minutes in order to seek your continued support. We'd like to make one last pitch for book orders while they might affect the total print order. We have sent this book to the printer and are in pre-press prep right now (proofs expected today)... and the more we can add to the print tally, the more cost-effective our printing prices (per book) become. As you