Precision Navigation And Flow Control Tech Now Available

Rotor Technologies and AG-NAV announced they have formed a partnership to bring automated aerial application to the Sprayhawk unmanned helicopter. The two companies recently demonstrated an integrated automated aerial application system for users to fly Rotor’s Sprayhawk agricultural UAV using AG-NAV’s Guia Platinum navigation system.

Donating up to $1.5 Million In Fuel In 2025

Phillips 66 announced it has been named the official fuel provider for Memorial Hermann Life Flight after gifting up to $1.5 million worth of fuel to the critical care aeromedical transport service. The donation will support the new Life Flight helicopters, set to begin their service next year and are designed to expand services to a broader range of areas. The arrangement is an opportunity for Phillips 66 to gift the same amount annually for the next five years.

Organization Highlights Overstretched Claims in Recent Analysis

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) recently called out an environmental study for making flawed statements regarding the sector’s sustainability. The research failed to acknowledge the effort business aviation has put in to reduce damage, putting it on a path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Hopes to Streamline Launch Licensing for Rapidly-Growing Space Ops

With commercial space operations reaching record numbers in 2024, the FAA has finally decided to open up an Aerospace Rulemaking Committee. This group aims to update and simplify the agency’s existing Part 450 launch and reentry licensing regulations. The Part 450 regs were set in 2021 as a way for the FAA to streamline the launch approval process and reduce the number of repeat license requests.

Sets Route For Journey From Prototype To Production

Vertical Aerospace has announced its “Flightpath 2030” detailing its strategy to achieve market leadership by the end of the decade. The British company is advancing the flight test program for its piloted vehicle, the tiltrotor VX-4, its order book currently numbers 1,500 aircraft with total value of $6 billion.

The First In Joby’s Planned Air Taxi Network

Joby announced that construction has begun on the first vertiport in its planned air taxi network in Dubai. The vertiport is located at the Dubai International Airport (IATA: DXB, ICAO: OMDB) and construction is being done by Joby partners Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and Skyports.

Milestone In Manufacturing Excellence In Aerospace

Piper Aircraft announced it has achieved AS9100 Rev D Certification, recognizing the company’s dedication to manufacturing excellence in the aerospace industry. The AS9100, awarded by Dekra Certification, Inc., is an internationally recognized quality management system that is standard in aerospace. Beyond enhancing Piper Aircraft’s 88+ year legacy in general aviation, it also bolsters the capabilities of its new division, Piper Industrial Manufacturing Company (PIMCO). 

It's ALWAYS About The Really Cool Video, Klyde...

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Groundbreaking Tech Enables Multiple Frequent Re-Entries

Sierra Space, an offshoot of Sierra Nevada Corporation, announced that, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, it has developed a groundbreaking new technology for thermal protection tiles for spacecraft re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. This development enables the manufacture of much-improved exterior spacecraft tiles that can withstand the high temperatures of re-entry over multiple and frequent missions.

Also: EAA Scholarship, Keewatin Air Pilots, Bell Textron Donates, Capt. Judy Cameron Scholarship

On December 1, 2024, the FAA will be finalizing major changes for current and future CFIs. While many modifications are included in this, the most major is the elimination of certificate expiration dates. CFIs will be required to complete recent instruction or a FIRC every 24 months... This year’s Flight School Association of North America (FSANA) Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) Symposium began with a presentation from FAA senior leadership. It discussed the agency’s work to increase the DPE pool and how it has paid off so far. Evektor has

From 2021 (YouTube Edition): We Were Blown Away At How Well The Nosewheel Was Adapted To The X Cub Airframe

It should not be a secret to any one of you, that with thousands of hours of taildragger time, and only a few real scares in the process, does the thought of putting a nose wheel on a cub was anathema -- and potentially a deadly sin. That is... Until I flew the CubCrafters NX Cub. The CubCrafters folks are one of the most accomplished artisans in the Cub World, which is saying a lot,  because the art and craft of building, rebuilding, and perfecting the Cub for the 21st century has become an almost religious pursuit among many.

The Descent Rate And Airspeed Rapidly Increased To Near The Aircraft’S Maneuvering Limitations For Both Bank Angle And Airspeed

Analysis: The flight instructor and student were conducting a local area discovery flight in the weightshift-control light sport aircraft. An onboard video of the accident flight and ADS-B data revealed that about 28 minutes into the flight the aircraft entered a right turn as the flight instructor stated another way for them to lose altitude was to “do spirals.” The aircraft then continued a tight descending right turn, and the descent rate and airspeed rapidly increased to near the aircraft’s maneuvering limitations for both bank angle and airspeed.

Aero Linx: HeliOffshore HeliOffshore is the global, safety-focused association for the offshore helicopter industry. Our mission is to lead a collective safety conversation, identifying the right priorities, supported by the right resources, delivering the right actions, to transform frontline safety performance.

Apron A defined area on an airport or heliport intended to accommodate aircraft for purposes of loading or unloading passengers or cargo, refueling, parking, or maintenance. With regard to seaplanes, a ramp is used for access to the apron from the water.

“How is it possible that a purportedly rigorous study would fail to disclose so much important information about business aviation’s societal benefits, including its record on emissions reduction and its leadership on a commitment to a net-zero future? Perhaps its authors were working from a preordained conclusion. If so, we would encourage an analysis that considers all relevant data about a world-leading industry’s pursuit of sustainability, on the ground and in the air.” Source: From a statement by NBAA Boss, Ed Bolen, after the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) called out an environmental study for making flawed statements regarding the sector’s sustainability. The research failed to