Unmanned Skydweller Solar-Powered Aircraft Flies

Skydweller Aero has successfully completed the first flight of its solar-powered aircraft, the Skydweller, on April 4, 2024. This groundbreaking aircraft, which boasts a wingspan exceeding that of a Boeing 747, undertook its inaugural flight autonomously--without any human pilot onboard or in direct control--from Stennis International Airport in Bay St Louis, Mississippi.

Gulftream Begins Deliveries of G700

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the delivery of the first two G700 aircraft, marking a significant milestone with the rapid customer deployment following its FAA type certification. Celebrated for introducing the largest cabin in the business aviation industry, the G700 enhances passenger experience with features such as 100% fresh air, minimal noise levels, and natural light from its 20 panoramic oval windows. This luxury jet is not only about comfort but also performance, capable of flying 7,750 nautical miles at Mach 0.85 and achieving a maximum speed of Mach 0.935, making it the fastest in the Gulfstream fleet.

Cassio 330 Hybrid Enters Certification Tests

VoltAero, a pioneering force in electric aviation, has commenced certification testing for the innovative electric-hybrid powertrain of its Cassio 330 aircraft. This testing phase marks a crucial step in the development of the Cassio e-aircraft family, specifically tailored for the five-seat Cassio 330. The testing is conducted on a ground-based bench that simulates real-world conditions, using components designated for the final production model.

Irish Aviation Authority Decision on DUB GA Access Gets NBAA Approval

The NBAA has expressed its approval for a draft decision by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) that ensures continued access for general aviation, including business aircraft, to Dublin Airport (DUB). This decision comes in response to earlier proposals by the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) to ban non-scheduled "ad hoc" flights as part of efforts to keep the airport's total annual passenger numbers under a current cap of 32 million. This cap was under scrutiny while discussions about expanding the airport's capacity to 40 million passengers were ongoing.

Also: Viasat-uAvionix, UL94 Fuel Investigation, AF Materiel Command, NTSB Safety Alert

Norges Luftsportforbund chose Aura Aero's little 2-seater in electric trim for their next glider tow aircraft. The INTEGRAL E takes the low-wing, tricycle gear, bubble canopy design and replaces an assortment of piston engines with Safran's ENGINeUS electric power plant. The result, which should enter service in 2026 (or thereabouts, given developmental delays). French sport plane manufacturer Elixir Aircraft announced a continuation of its never-ending production expansions, this time adding facilities in the US and France. Stateside, Elixir will open a reassembly facility in Florida at the Sarasota Bradenton Airport. Parts delivered from France will be checked, inspected, and assembled into full aircraft there, with the Florida location becoming the administrative, sales, and support hub for the entire US domestic market. AeroMech Incorporated will offer

Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest 

Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase', meaning it's just about to head into the oven, but the recipe isn't inked just yet. CubCrafters VP Brad Damm wants to see everyone chip in with their two cents to see how they feel about the prospective aircraft. So far, everything that's been shown off paints a very attractive portrait of a lightweight, capable, eager little bird, boasting an empty weight "well below 900 lbs..." CKD Aerospace hit innovation preview with a couple goodies right off the bat, updating fans on their line of kit aircraft, Fisher Flying Products. Now, Fisher Flying Products are looking to moving from spruce into rag & tube. The Affordable Flying Expo is on the books for January 9th through the 11th of 2025. The new fly-in offers a well-timed excuse to take the family down sou

GD Helicopter Finance Orders 20 Airbus H175 for Leasing

GD Helicopter Finance (GDHF), the Dublin-based start-up in helicopter leasing and finance, has struck a significant deal with Airbus Helicopters, securing a contract for 20 H175 helicopters. This agreement includes ten firm orders with an option for ten additional aircraft. These helicopters, known for their versatility and advanced technology, will be offered for lease to clients globally, targeting markets such as energy, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), and parapublic operations.

Also: Moya Delivery Drone, USMC Drone Pilot, Inversion RAY Reentry Vehicle, RapidFlight

UAVOS has recently achieved a significant milestone in public safety and emergency services with the first operational deployment of its UVH 170 unmanned helicopter, designed specifically for wildfire suppression. The deployment, which involved both day and night operations, represents a critical advancement in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in managing natural disasters. In a landmark agreement announced on April 22, 2024, magniX, a leader in electric aviation technology, has entered into a Letter of Intent with Harbour Air to supply 50 magni650 electric engines. This initiative is set to transform Harbour Air, North America's largest seaplane operator, by electrifying its fleet starting with the iconic De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver aircraft. The Vertical Flight Society (VFS) announced a significant milestone in the electric vertical takeoff and

Also: EP Systems' Battery, Boeing SAF, Repeat TBM 960 Order, Japan Coast Guard H225 Buy

Despite nearly 100 complaints totaling millions of dollars of potential fraud, combined with employees who claim to have been defrauded, numerous false statements, aand an attempt at a bankruptcy that failed; the Rotor X situation continues to decline. Rotor X STILL claims to be reorganizing and entertaining offers from investors -- but this is a well-worn excuse that has been utilized numerous times without fruition. The Fernandina Beach Florida Municipal Airport (FNB) is considering implementing an automated aircraft landing fee system proposed by Airport Director Sam Carver -- one that could have a decidedly negative effect on GA In the area. This initiative, aimed at generating additional revenue, is primarily focused on funding essential maintenance projects, including a $4 million runway refurbishment. Major Shane Gentry, a third-generation Marine a

Also: CAF Normandy, NetJets Pilots Ratify, IWASM Trivia Night, MV-22 Accident $$$

Boom Supersonic got the first instance of Special Flight Authorization to go supersonic, planning to push their XB-1 aircraft beyond the sound barrier. The FAA granted the authorization for them to test fly at Mach 1+ in the R-2508 Complex and part of the R-2515 High Altitude Supersonic Corridor. The FAA says that it completed a thorough review and Environmental Assessment, paving the way for future supersonic flight testing in the commercial sphere. Paul Poberezny's work needs little introduction in the world of experimental aviation, sport flying, and hobbyist aeronautics, being attached to what has grown into a titan today. Sometimes, growth makes it easy to miss the little things, and today's "little guy" is smarting more than ever just looking at the price tags of "cheap" aircraft. Poberezny, seeing similar things while he was still with us, tried to fores