Six Decades of Service Remembered in Decommissioning Ceremony

The Indian Air Force has finally said goodbye to its MiG-21s, which entered service more than 60 years ago and have most recently been seen as “flying coffins” rather than fighters. The decommissioning ceremony formally retired the last 36 jets operated by MiG-21 squadrons 23, the Panthers, and 3, the Cobras.

Airline Installs Starlink Internet on its First 737-800 Aircraft

United Airlines has been given the official FAA nod to put Starlink technology on its mainline fleet, and it isn’t wasting time: the equipment has already been installed on the carrier’s first 737-800, with plans to proceed with 50 regional jet installations per month and begin customer flights on October 15.

Two 737 Passenger Jets Will Be Converted into E-7A Wedgetail Prototypes in the UK

In an attempt to save the aircraft from proposed budget cuts, Congress has turned to the UK for the conversion of two passenger jets into advanced E-7A Wedgetail prototypes. The deal marks the first time in more than 50 years that US military aircraft work will be performed on British soil.

Replacing Old With Modern, Scalable, Sustainable FMDS System

The FAA announced a Request for Information concerning a contract opportunity for an industry partner to develop a new system for managing air traffic flows smoothly and safely regardless of the situation. The new system is intended to replace the existing TFMS, or Traffic Flow Management System.

From 2018 (YouTube Edition): Audio Indicators Are A Critical Part Of The System

Avilution is creating innovative panels for GA airplanes, and while a lot of attention is paid to the visual aspect of how flight data is presented, Avilution founder Mark Spencer says that audio cues are also an important part of the system. One of the places where an audio alert can be particularly helpful is in indicating angle of attack (AOA), Spencer said. As the AOA increases, a sound similar to a kazoo begins, and increases in both volume and pitch as the airplane gets closer to a stall. The Avilution XFS system also uses an audio cue to represent proximity over the runway. The audio makes the experience of the landing flare the same for any airplane in which it is installed, Spencer said.

Student Pilot Added Engine Power To Execute A Go-Around But Could Not Stop The Airplane’s Left Drift

Analysis: The student pilot stated for the preparation for his initial solo flight, he successfully completed three takeoffs and landings with his flight instructor at the airport that was planned to be used for the solo flight. During the solo flight, the student pilot completed two full stop landings without any issues prior to attempting a third takeoff and landing. The student pilot stated that during the third attempt, the airplane crossed the runway threshold about 82 to 84 kts with full wing flaps.

Aero Linx: International Cessna 180/185 Club

The International 180/185 Club is a social organization whose 1200+ members have one thing in common: they all own or have a passion for Cessna Skywagons. Pilots pride themselves in flying these “workhorses” of the sky. These planes have fixed gear and a tailwheel framework. The Skywagons’ unique characteristics require these planes be flown on the ground as well as in the sky.

Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) MANPADS are lightweight, shoulder-launched, missile systems used to bring down aircraft and create mass casualties. The potential for MANPADS use against airborne aircraft is real and requires familiarity with the subject. Terrorists choose MANPADS because the weapons are low cost, highly mobile, require minimal set-up time, and are easy to use and maintain. Although the weapons have limited range, and their accuracy is affected by poor visibility and adverse weather, they can be fired from anywhere on land or from boats where there is unrestricted visibility to the target.

We're Everywhere... Thanks To You!

Even with the vast resources and incredibly far-reaching scope of the Aero-News Network, every now and then a story that should be reported on slips through our fingers. There's a lot of news out there, and sometimes we just don't get to all of it. Fortunately for us, we realized early on we couldn't be everywhere at once -- curse the laws of physics! -- so we came up with the idea of News-Spies. Just as the title suggests, a News-Spy is a reader who notices a news item -- be it in the newspaper, on television, or something they came across at their own airport, town hall, at the office water cooler or just by walking down the street -- basically, any item a reader may think is newsworthy, that pertains to the world of aviation.

“Safety drives everything we do, and the FAA will only allow this step forward because we are confident it can be done safely. The FAA will continue to maintain direct and rigorous oversight of Boeing’s production processes.” Source: Part of a statement released by the FAA as it decided that it is ready to put its trust back in Boeing, restoring the plane maker’s authority to determine aircraft airworthiness years after fatal crashes and production quality concerns led the agency to block the practice. From now on, the duo will alternate weeks issuing certificates for certain 737 MAX and 787 jets.