Targets Will Bump Production Numbers in Nearly Every Market, Capitalizing on Competitor's Misfortune

Airbus capped off its 1st quarter reporting with fairly positive news despite challenges to its logistical operations around the world, seeing EBIT adjusted revenues of € 0.6 billion. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury was clear that what they managed to do was pretty good, all things considered. He said the stares down an "operating environment that shows no sign of improvement," adding that the "geopolitical and supply chain tensions continue" on all fronts. Even so, he pointed out that Airbus managed to deliver 142 commercial aircraft, with overall revenues of €12.8 billion, (EBIT Adjusted €0.6 billion), and EPS of €0.76 billion. Free cash flow wasn't so great, with about €1.8 billion coming out of Airbus' pockets to keep things chugging along. Faury said that the guidance for this year remains unchanged, though, thanks to "solid order intake across our businesses."

The Industry Continues to be Rocked By Some Questionable Operations

Recent investigations and a great deal of data has resulted in ANN’s SportPlane Resource Guide’s report card system having to deal with new and worrisome reports on a number of companies. Evidence and data received from customers of the Czech-based Orlican SportPlane operation has resulted in a ‘Not Recommended’ rating for the convoluted troubles documented by at least one owner who has been trying to get his aircraft for nearly two years. This, while also dealing with excuses, an absentee dealer that was highly recommended by the factory, some bizarre post-agreement pricing escalation for the aircraft he did not get (and reportedly won't get until he agrees to pay more than originally agreed), and then... there is another report of pricing escalation issues, as well as bad business dealings and such, from an owner who brought his bird to SnF in an attempt to sell it and “be done with it.”

FAI Announces Digital Drone Race World Cup for 2024

The International Aeronautical Federation announced a new type of drone race, this time using the EreaDrone flight simulator to offer the E-Drone Racing World Cup 2024. The E-Drone Racing World Cup is aimed at providing a more cost-effective, affordable, and accessible event than previous drone races, allowing competitors to join in on the competition from the comfort of their own couch. That's perhaps the most intriguing addition to the new series, which will end up with a 4 to 5-event based run.

Neil Robertson and Aleš Kubí?ek to be Awarded in October with In-Person Ceremony

The International Aeronautics Federation's FAI Ballooning Commission added a pair of pioneers to their CIA International Balloon and Airship Hall of Fame in the form of Neil Roberston and Aleš Kubí?ek, setting a date for their induction next October. The FAI's Ballooning Commission oversees the lighter-than-air side of record keeping and oversight for international operations, stewarding the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and keeping track of every happening of the industry around the world.

Replenishment by Electric Plane? Naval Ops May Join the Future Soon

The US Navy awarded Electra Aero a contract under their NAVAIR development program to test out the battery-powered, high-wing, short-takeoff aircraft for possible use. Electra has been an unusually grounded and realistic developer in the race to create electric - but commercially viable - aircraft, and their selection by the ever pragmatic (okay, just sometimes kind of pragmatic) Navy folk speaks to that mindset.

St. Louis Will See Fighter Parts Facility to Support Super Hornets, Eagles

Boeing dotted all the I's and cross all the t's on a deal with GKN Aerospace St. Louis and its parent company, Melrose Industries, to "continue the manufacturing of critical components that support the U.S. government and its allies." “Boeing is growing across the region with a healthy backlog of current programs while also seeking future opportunities,” said Steve Parker, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

From 2017 (YouTube Version): Company Now Marketing Under Its Own Brand…

The Czech Sport Aircraft Company has had a presence in the U.S. market for some time, most notably, perhaps, as it's brief association with Piper, when it was marketed as the Piper Sport LSA. That partnership didn't work out as either company had expected, but the company is back with the Cruiser Aircraft, which it now plans to market in the U.S. under its own brand. At the Sebring Sport Aviation Expo in January, Czech Sport Aircraft CEO Martin Jurik told ANN news editor Tom Patton that when he was hired to operate the company in 2013, he wanted to have U.S. marketing and sales under the control of the company.

...Spatial Disorientation, A Loss Of Control, Exceedance Of The Airplane’s Design Limitations, And In-Flight Breakup...

Analysis: The non-instrument-rated pilot and student-pilot rated passenger were en route during a crosscountry flight when they encountered instrument meteorological conditions. Air traffic control (ATC) communications and flight track data were consistent with the pilots being aware of deteriorating weather conditions along their desired route of travel and attempting to navigate around clouds before the pilot reported to ATC that they were in the clouds. The pilot’s final radio call to ATC was that they were “still in the soup” and the airplane subsequently descended rapidly and exceeded the airplane’s do not exceed airspeed (Vne) by 70-80 knots true airspeed (TAS) before the radar data ended.

 

 

To the surprise of everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. Lakeland’s Airport reported that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport, notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations..." After months of wrangling, an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation prioritizes investments to strengthen aviation safety standards, enhance consumer protections, advance technology and innovation, and build a modern, well-trained, safety-centric workforce. The US Parachute Association tells us that whether you have thousands of jumps, or skyd

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