Slovakian LSA Makes a Mark in the FAI Records

Czech pilots Jirí Pruša and Eliška Kudjová snagged a record for the international aeronautical federation using their trusty Shark 600 last August, beating the record for "Distance in a closed circuit without landing" by a substantial chunk of change. The team stripped their plane down to the bones, foregoing shoes in their effort to minimize wasted weight aboard. The former record was set at 1,036.073 kilometers by Hungarian Krisztian Dolhai in 2020. They beat his record by a substantial 876 kilometers, not too shabby for their second attempt at setting a record.

New Event Hits the Late Summer Schedule for German Aero Nerds

To celebrate its 30th anniversary, AERO Friedrichshafen is premiering a new addition to the sport and general aviation fare at Aalen-Elchingen Airfield, the AERO Fly-In. The new Fly-In will be done in partnership with current AERO partners Luftraum Süd and Luftsportring Aalen, the traditional airfield festival in the Ostalbkreis district (Baden-Württemberg). The theme will be centered around "Future Meets History", bringing together the best of yesterday and the most exciting of tomorrow, radial engines to battery powered whirlygigs.

Unsurprisingly, Stakeholders Support the Initiatives They Author

The Experimental Aviation Association has given the recent report from the FAA's Aviation Rulemaking Committee for Mental Health & Aviation Medical Clearances, an understandable position given the group's presence in the debate process. The EAA was one of 20 voting members of the Committee, which ultimately recommended that the FAA modify its approach to mental health services for aviators, air traffic controllers, and similarly safety-sensitive personnel. The group often counsels pilots on aeromedical issues through its staff and volunteer Aeromedical Advisory Council, giving it a window into the industry that some may lack. The EAA notes a "growing number of pilots applyin

Chinese Manufacturer Picking Up Speed, Interest for 5-Passenger Prosperity Aircraft

Chinese eVTOL manufacturer AutoFlight has announced the first delivery of one of its Prosperity aircraft, calling it a world first for a "ton-class eVTOL aircraft". The Prosperity sports seating for 5, making it one of the more useful and monetizable options among so many different eVTOL offerings in Asia. The delivery was made to an unidentified operator in Japan, and AutoFlight hints that the new aircraft will be used for demo flights at the 2025 Osaka World Expo.

Knock-On Effects of Bungling Boeing Smart as Longtime Customer Jumps Ship

Korean Air placed a large order for Airbus A350s as they watch their aging Boeing 777-200ERs grow to almost 20 years old across the fleet. Korean Air surprised those in the know with an order for 27 A350-1000s, with another half-dozen A350-900s on top of that. In the weeks leading up to the announcement, most pundits cited an expected order of about 20 A350s for the carrier. The purchase is a first for the carrier bringing in the widebody Airbus, and it's evident on its face they're jumping in with both feet. 

Also: MASSIVE Innovation Preview, 2024 AMA National Fun-Fly, Hartzell Acquires WhirlWind, Drone Safety Day

CKD Aero has partnered up with Kite Magnetics to create the Dakota e-Hawk, the “world’s most cost-effective two-seat electric aircraft”. The e-Hawk is intended to be the first in a lineup of kit aircraft using Kite’s KM-60 electric engine and running gear. The KM-60 is much like an old-school piston engine, offering air-cooled, direct drive propulsion with 60 kW (about 80 horsepower). Mark your calendars for April 9th at 1030ET... and log on to www.airborne-live.net to see this year’s MASSIVE LIVE SUN n FUN Innovation P

Chinese Brand Charters its Freighter to Meet Increased Demand at Home and Abroad

Atlas Air struck a deal with YunExpress of the Zongteng Group to charter their Boeing 777-200 under a long-term agreement, making it the second of the type in their corporate stables. The 777 is equipped as a freighter, and will begin to operate 6 weekly routes between China and the USA, bolstering YnExpress' international logistics network while serving the rising demand for e-commerce goods stateside. "We are delighted to expand our strategic and long-term partnership with YunExpress," said Michael Steen, CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Not Everything At Heli-EXPO Was Brand New…

People attend shows like Heli-EXPO to see what is the latest and greatest in aircraft and associated systems and equipment. But not everyone exhibiting at the show in Dallas in March had something brand new on display. Such was the case with the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), which is dedicated to restoring and flying vintage military aircraft. At their booth, attendees saw the bones of an iconic rotorcraft, the Sikorsky Hoverfly. Keegan Chetwynd, Curator for the Commemorative Air Force, told ANN CEO and Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell that the Hoverfly was the first mass-

Engine Seized And The Pilot Made A Forced Landing To A Rural Road

On March 17, 2024, at 0825 eastern daylight time, a Beech A36 single-engine airplane, N729CW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Blackshear, Georgia. The private pilot and the two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane departed Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), Jacksonville, Florida, at 0753, and was destined for Wood County Airport (1G0), Bowling Green, Ohio, on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. 

Aero Linx: International Bar Association Aviation Law Committee The Aviation Law Committee is a forum for lawyers practicing in all areas of international and domestic air law. The Committee addresses, for example, issues relating to aircraft/engine finance/leasing; airports; competition; dispute resolution (tort and contract); insurance; passenger safety/compensation; regulatory; and space.

New Products And Programs From The Leader In Aviation News Online

The Airborne Partnership Initiative, we call it the API, is a plan developed by ANN CEO and Editor-In-Chief, Jim Campbell, to build a synergistic, industry-wide, aviation/aerospace news program. Our aim is to grow this program to include a significant portion, if not a majority, of the aviation world’s pivotal organizations, interests, and viewpoints.

Flight Level A level of constant atmospheric pressure related to a reference datum of 29.92 inches of mercury. Each is stated in three digits that represent hundreds of feet. For example, flight level (FL) 250 represents a barometric altimeter indication of 25,000 feet; FL 255, an indication of 25,500 feet.

"We are delighted to expand our strategic and long-term partnership with YunExpress. Cross-border e-Commerce is driving significant demand for Atlas' dedicated large widebody freighter capacity. Through our partnership with YunExpress, we are strengthening our position as the preferred supplier of dedicated airfreight capacity to leading players in the e-Commerce industry. Atlas has unmatched global operating capabilities and high-quality solutions that power our customers' global supply chains." Source: Michael Steen, CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide, discussing why Atlas Air struck a deal with YunExpress of the Zongteng Group to charter their Boeing 777-200 under a long-term agreement, making it the second of the type in their corpor