"One of the Most Challenging Tests" Out of the Way En Route to Certification

Archer Aviation announced the successful completion of testing on its battery packs, evaluating their ability to withstand drops without failure and rupture. The test saw their Midnight aircraft's batteries dropped at various charge states, from totally dead to 100% from a 50-foot height. Archer reports that they all tanked the hits just fine, and continued to function properly. The test was expected to be one of the most challenging of the battery of tests used to winnow out weaknesses of aircraft, and Archer sounds relieved to have it in the rear view.

Members Gain Access to Reimbursement Exceptions With Some Paperwork

The NBAA has been given an extension to its Small Aircraft Exemption through March 31st, 2026, which will "allow members to take advantage of the flexibility enjoyed by larger turbine aircraft. The current version of Exemption 7897M offers aircraft operators of piston powered, sub<12,500 lbs, or rotorcraft a few advantages like the use of alternative maintenance programs and limited cost-reimbursements of certain flights under Part 91. The cost sharing benefits of Part 91 Subpart F are usually limited to those heavier 12,500-lb+ aircraft, multi-engine jets, or fractionally owned planes.

Unified Planning Structure Eliminates Bureaucratic Pain Points

NBAA now offers a nifty little guide to help operators comply with international flight planning requirements, which should streamline the process of flying overseas. The publication is called the "International Flight Plan Format Guide", making its way into member's hands at the 2024 NBAA International Operators Conference in Orlando, Florida. The guide was drafted by the NBAA's International Operators Committee to hopefully defray the often onerous chrono-cost of those trying to fly internationally without exposing themselves to delay, fines, or regulatory hassle from the FAA, ICAO, and foreign regulators.

Control Tower Barely Half of the Height it Should be by Modern Standards, Necessitating Full Fix

Building on the good news of a recent FAA grant, Kissimmee Florida's local airport has publicized their incoming control tower, which will be (hopefully) completed with the $1 million in federal funding. Kissimmee Gateway Airport has been in need of a new tower, according to local Congressional Rep Darren Soto. He helped draw attention to the Kissimmee tower earlier this year, writing directly to FAA Administrator Micheal Whitaker. Soto was quite pleased to see the plans go through, since the older ATC tower doesn't meet FAA performance criteria. It stands at a very unimpressive height, resulting in a controller-eye level of only 43 feet above ground l

With Hypersonics in Mind, the Teacher's Pet Raises its Hand

Northrop Grumman published a little bit of cheerleading on its corporate site, promising that it can retain a technological edge against advancing laggards-turned-peers in the ever advancing race of tech supremacy. After a brief history lesson on how it provided "flight-proven propulsion for over six decades", Northrop gets down to brass tacks, citing John Hill, deputy assistant secretary of defense for space and missile defense. He testified before Congress, saying "missiles have become foundational to our adversaries' way of war, and missile defense has become foundational to integrated deterrence and defense of the nation."

Low Experience and Adverse Winds Cause Zodiac Stall Crash

In a recent aviation accident in La Veta, Colorado, the NTSB has determined that the pilot's lack of experience and decision to fly in strong, gusting wind were the probable causes. The accident occurred on March 10, 2023, at 10:45 local time, involving a Zenith Zodiac 601XL aircraft, registered under N969WD. The pilot reported a complete loss of engine power shortly after takeoff at an altitude of 400 to 500 feet above ground level (agl). The aircraft then entered an aerodynamic stall, descended rapidly, and impacted the ground, coming to rest inverted. The pilot, who had just purchased the aircraft, had no prior flight time in this make and model.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): The Airplane From Down Under Is A Proven Trainer…

Jabiru was one of the early light sport aircraft (LSA) brought into the U.S.A. when the sport pilot rules were initiated in 2004. They have long been popular for pilot training in Australia, and while at the Deland Sport Aviation Showcase 2016, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, found out more about a new model of Jabiru trainer that has been recently introduced to the U.S. Tom met up with Pete Krotje, who is the president of Jabiru North America which is located in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Aero-Linx: FAA Department Of Redundancy Department As pilots, we're all about redundancy. From the first airplanes we flew with dual magnetos to the redundant systems built into the glass panels becoming more and more prevalent, it seems like nothing gets done only once. The FAA Department of Redundancy Department keeps track of all of the redundancies, with twice the necessary staff and double the needed office space.

Aero Linx: International Committee for Airspace Standards and Calibration (ICASC) The International Committee for Airspace Standards and Calibration (ICASC) was created following the 8th International Flight Inspection Symposium (IFIS) and exists to supplement the biennial (every two years) formal symposiums by promoting continuity in the exchange of regulatory, technical, operational and commercial information in flight inspection. At the eighth meeting of its 186th Session, on March 9, 2009, Representatives of the Council to the International Civil Aviation Organization, included ICASC in the list of international organizations that may be invited to attend suitable ICAO meetings.

Parallel Runways Two or more runways at the same airport whose centerlines are parallel. In addition to runway number, parallel runways are designated as L (left) and R (right) or, if three parallel runways exist, L (left), C (center), and R (right). 

“With each new announcement, FedEx management continues to threaten every FedEx employee’s job security and quality of life. Regretfully, this news is not surprising given that recent actions taken by FedEx executive leadership have diminished the company’s competitive advantage. A business that was once the industry leader and the gold standard is rapidly turning into a cautionary tale." Source: FedEx ALPA's pretty unhappy MEC who is once again chapped at the actions of their employer's management, commenting on the discontinued negotiations to extend a contract with the United States Postal Service.

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