Also: British Airways Has Limits, Drone Pilot Sentenced, USAF Warrant Officers, Dallas ATC Outage
After more than a year being grounded for modifications, the Scaled Composites Model 437 “Vanguard” has returned to flight testing. The aircraft first flew in 2024, quickly taking a break from the skies as it prepared to serve as the airframe for Northrop Grumman’s Beacon autonomy test program. Sergei Sikorsky, whose father, Igor, founded Sikorsky Aircraft decades ago, passed on September 18 at 100 years old. He spent 41 years building his father’s legacy in the industry, taking Sikorsky’s groundbreaking developments and shaping them into some of the most renowned military helicopters in history. Yosemite Na
On September 21, two Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled by the German Air Force to identify and monitor a Russian aircraft that was flying over the Baltic Sea without radio contact or a flight plan.
Midnight eVTOL Climbed to 7,000 Feet in Its Latest Test Flight
Air taxi developer Archer Aviation is steadily progressing through its envelope expansion test campaign, recently flying its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing device to a record 7,000 feet. This comes just a month after the aircraft completed its longest-ever flight, travelling 55 miles in 31 minutes.
Says Vehicle Right-Sized Group 5 Platform For USAF, USN
Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works revealed its new autonomous drone it calls “Vectis,” and which it says is the right size and is adaptable enough to partner with both Air Force and Navy crewed combat aircraft.
Manufacturer Gives Up on its Parachute-Equipped X10 Drone After Getting 0 Sales
Drone parachute manufacturer Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions (AVSS) has voluntarily allowed the Federal Aviation Administration to revoke its certification for operation-over-people with the Skydio X10 system. The permission was granted in August 2024, but after spending months on the market without a single sale, it appears the parachute-equipped drone has been abandoned altogether.
US Secret Service Officer Watched Him Point a Red Laser at Marine One
33-year-old Jacob Samuel Winkler was charged with a felony on September 22 after pointing a laser at the presidential helicopter, Marine One, right in front of a uniformed Secret Service officer. President Trump was aboard the helicopter at the time, headed for Mount Vernon to speak at the American Cornerstone Institute.
Fujian Aircraft Carrier Launches the J-35 Jet, Beating the US F-35
China’s J-35 jet recently completed an electromagnetic catapult-assisted takeoff, beating the F-35 to the title of first stealth fighter to launch using an aircraft carrier’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS). The system is installed on the nation’s brand-new Fujian ship, which was introduced in 2022 and is still undergoing trials.
Policies Prevent Flight Attendants and Pilots from In-Uniform Coffee Runs
British Airways has implemented new policies targeting employee professionalism that many argue are too extreme to be effective. The primary point of contention is a ban on consuming coffee, soda, tea, or any other beverage except water while in uniform and in public.
Also: Tidal Flight And DeltaHawk Collab, Russian Drone Strikes, Vertical Aerospace Transition, Power Bank Rules
The FAA 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. 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 launc
From 2023 (YouTube Edition): Indiana’s Rotors ‘n Ribs Helicopter Fly-In Celebrates 7th Year
Held annually for the last seven-years at Indiana’s Goshen Municipal Airport (GSH), Rotors ‘n Ribs is an eponymously-accurate event comprising an aggregation of helicopters, helicopter pilots, first-rate barbecue ribs, and a slew of family-friendly, rotary-wing-themed attractions. “It’s been so successful that it has become one of the largest helicopter-only fly-ins in the country. It has gained national recognition in the helicopter industry” stated Goshen Municipal Airport manager and longtime helic
Failure To Maintain Airplane Control After An Engine Access Cover Opened During The Initial Climb
Analysis: The pilot performed a preflight inspection before he initiated the startup and taxi without any anomalies noted. During the initial climb after takeoff, about 100 ft above ground level over the runway, an engine compartment access cover opened. The pilot called the air traffic control tower and was cleared to land on a parallel runway. The pilot continued in the traffic pattern, but slowed the airplane in hopes that the access cover would not detach. The pilot became focused on the open cover and let the airspeed decrease, which resulted in a buffet, the left wing dropping, and the airplane “[falling] out of the sky.&r
Aero Linx: Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
For over 100 years, the American aerospace and defense industry has shaped the world around us. From the first flight to the moon landing, the impact of A&D is immeasurable. And the next great aerospace achievement is on the horizon. We are critical to the health of the U.S. economy and serve as a seamless, fundamental part of daily life. Now more than ever, it’s vital that our collective industry has a strong voice speaking on its behalf.
Ground Stop
The GS is a process that requires aircraft that meet a specific criteria to remain on the ground. The criteria may be airport specific, airspace specific, or equipment specific; for example, all departures to San Francisco, or all departures entering Yorktown sector, or all Category I and II aircraft going to Charlotte. GSs normally occur with little or no warning.
"Skunk Works is charting a critical path with this Vectis program to unlock new, integrated capabilities at an ultra-competitive speed and price point. We’ve conducted classified crewed/uncrewed teaming and operations analysis, pairing F-22s and F-35s with Vectis, and the results are impressive.”
Source: Skunk Works President OJ Sanchez, remarking as Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works revealed its new autonomous drone it calls “Vectis,” which it says is the right size and is adaptable enough to partner with both Air Force and Navy crewed combat aircraft.
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