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June 05, 2025

Airborne Affordable Flyers 06.05.25: New RV15 Wing, Scalebirds, Waiex-B Honors

Also: AV-30-C Software Upgrade, Paraglider Extremes, EarthX STC for Pitts, Vintage Aircraft Association

Not only have the folks at Van’s Aircraft designed a new wing for the RV-15, but they just started flying it. One of the most anxiously awaited aircraft expected at Oshkosh 2025 seems to be hitting its final strides before Van’s freezes the design and starts on a path to kithood. The new wing offers a number of upgrades including an expansion of fuel capacity to 60 gallons, and the first flight apparently met with the approval of those involved in the initial flight test, though data is slim at this point. The first in the Scalebirds Lite Fighter series is nearing design completion after extensive flight testing and som

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Current FAA Head Presents Agency’s 2026 Budget Request

Rocheleau Asks for $22 Bil to Modernize the National Airspace System

Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau recently took the stage to present the agency’s budget request for fiscal year 2026. His $22 billion ask, on top of the pre-allocated $5 billion, would support some much-needed technology upgrades, a hiring supercharge, and several other projects.

Issues RFI For “Integrator” To Coordinate All Aspects Of Project

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the FAA is looking for an innovative company to play the role of “integrator” who will lead the build-out of a brand-new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system. As a way to encourage industry partners to join in and discuss the plan, Duffy and the FAA are hosting “Industry Days” on June 10-12.

Version 3.0.1 for the Company’s Flagship AV-30-C Flight Display Earns Approval

The FAA recently gave its nod approval to the latest software version of uAvionix’s certified AV-30-C flight display. This upgrade aims to provide both feature and functionality improvements for VFR and IFR pilots. The AV-30-C is widely used in general aviation as a replacement for the traditional AI or DG in VFR or IFR operations.

Cost-Cutting Not Targeting ATC, Engineers, Inspectors

Departures and resignations are surging at the FAA, driven in part by a cost-cutting program implemented under the Trump administration, numbering about 1,200 and accounting for about 3% of the 46,000 employees, but the agency said frontline positions such as air traffic controllers, engineers, and inspectors are not part of the program and the cuts do not affect them.

Branch Looks to Revamp Trainer Fleet, Flight Instruction, and Simulator Use

Under its Flight School Next initiative, the US Army is looking to completely revamp its helicopter training programs. This could include replacing its well-loved UH-72A Lakotas, bringing in new instruction methodologies, and introducing additional simulator training.

EarthX Batteries Approved for Cessna 172, Aviat Pitts

12V Lithium Batteries Provide Impressive Weight and Life Span Savings

Colorado-based lithium battery manufacturer EarthX is now offering its 12V and 24V FAA TSO-certified batteries to the general aviation market. The 12V model was even recently granted an STC for several Cessna 172 and Aviat Pitts aircraft.

Sustainability Push is Still Ongoing, But There’s a Long Way to Go

The International Air Transport Association updated their fact sheet on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, providing a hint at what the rest of 2025 should look like for the eco-friendly Jet-A replacement. Overall, the IATA expects SAF production to reach only 2Mt this year, working out to about 0.7% of jet fuel use worldwide. On the bright side, they say, SAF mandates in the United Kingdom and European Union kicked in to help provide the kind of scaffolding the industry needs to succeed.

Lakeland College Offers Airframe and Powerplant Program to the Masses

Traviss Technical College, based in Lakeland, Florida, is now offering two Part 147-certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) courses. These are designed to help fill a long-standing gap in the aviation industry by fostering the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians. The program is run by Cynthia ‘Rosie’ Roosevelt, who began her career on a US Navy combat aircraft carrier in the early 90’s. After spending her days working on F-18s and H-53s, she decided to earn her A&P ticket and transition to general aviation. Eventually, this path led h

Also: Warbirds In Review Schedule, Yak-55M Gets Tossed, DOGE-NTSB Budget Cuts, Joint Base Andrews

The Ercoupe Owners Club announced its 2025 National Convention will be held from Tuesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 19, at the Wausau Downtown Airport (KAUW) in Wisconsin. This year’s event will celebrate the 85th anniversary of the ‘Coupe’s Type Certificate. After the convention, the group will depart for the EAA AirVenture fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh. Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, PHD, discussed on the FAA’s YouTube channel “Pilot Minute” what came out of the Aviation Rulemaking Committ

Jumper’s Emergency Parachute Deployed Out Of The Airplane And Subsequently Drug Him Into The Horizontal Stabilizer

Analysis: The pilot reported that during a skydiving flight, the first jumper scraped his emergency parachute handle while moving toward the jump door. The jumper’s emergency parachute deployed out of the airplane and subsequently drug him into the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that he heard a loud “bang” and focused on maintaining control of the airplane. After the remaining jumpers exited the airplane, the nose of the airplane “dropped straight down.”

Aero Linx: Society of Air Racing Historians The Society of Air Racing Historians was established with a small group of air racing enthusiasts with an intention to share their affection and effort towards aviation sport. Air Racing Historians society preserves the complete knowledge of races, racing records, race pilots and shares their effort of achievements and records.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (06.05.25): Go Around

Go Around Instructions for a pilot to abandon his/her approach to landing. Additional instructions may follow. Unless otherwise advised by ATC, a VFR aircraft or an aircraft conducting visual approach should overfly the runway while climbing to traffic pattern altitude and enter the traffic pattern via the crosswind leg. A pilot on an IFR flight plan making an instrument approach should execute the published missed approach procedure or proceed as instructed by ATC; e.g., “Go around” (additional instructions if required).

“We have an antiquated air traffic control system that is showing its age. In order to implement President Trump and I’s plan for a brand new system, we need the technical expertise and management experience from the best innovators in the world.” Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the FAA is looking for an innovative company to play the role of “integrator” who will lead the build-out of a brand-new, state-of-the-art air traffic control system.