First Full-Power Run Validated For Aircraft Testing

NASA announced the first maximum afterburner engine run test of its X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft, representing a significant landmark as the X-59 proceeds toward flight testing. The test run showed that the F414-GE-100 engine with afterburner does provide sufficient power for supersonic flight.

Noted Improvements In Production, Shipping, Customer Service/Support

Van’s Aircraft has achieved several critical restructuring and operational objectives after successfully emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024, including improvements in deliveries of kits and parts as well as cutting costs in shipping through revisions in packaging and crating.

AZAL Says “Physical And Technical External Interference” Involved

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) said preliminary investigations of its passenger jet that went down in Kazakhstan on Christmas Day indicate that it was brought down by “physical and technical external interference.” An official from the U.S. said that early indication suggest a Russian anti-aircraft system may have been involved.

Reflector Dish Installed On Deep Space Network Station 23

NASA’s Deep Space Station 23 recently received its crown when its reflector dish was installed onto the pedestal supporting the dish at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex near Barstow, California. When it becomes operational in 2026, Station 23 will be the 15th in NASA’s Deep Space Network.

ICAO Extends Condolences and Pledges Full Support

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has extended its profound condolences to the families and loved ones of those who perished or were injured in the tragic accident of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 on 25 December 2024. Pursuant to Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention), ICAO is calling upon Member States to extend their full cooperation in support of a comprehensive and independent investigation.

Former Jacksonville Mayor Was USDOT Infrastructure Adviser

Alvin Brown, the former mayor of Jacksonville, Florida, who has been a member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) since March 2024, was appointed Vice Chairman of the safety agency by President Biden on December 20, 2024.

Pilot Described That The Engine Experienced A Partial Loss Of Engine Power And Began To Run Rough

On November 20, 2024, about 1330 eastern standard time, an AMS Flight D O O Carat A motor glider, N17GF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Sunset Strip Airport (7GE5), Centralhatchee, Georgia. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The motor glider was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the motor glider departed with 13 gallons of fuel from Thomas Ridge Airport (3GA7), Rupert, Georgia, and was destined for Northeast Alabama Regional Airport (KGAD), Gadsden, Alabama. About 1 hour after departure, the pilot described that the engine experienced a partial

From 2015 (YouTube Version): One of Aviation’s Greatest Organizations Builds Up Our Ranks... One Worthy Flyer At A Time

In this short, 2 ½ minute video, you’ll see and hear Charles Stites, who is the Executive Director of Able Flight, as he pins pilot wings on four new able flight students. You’ll also receive an introduction to an organization that takes pride in helping people succeed in ways that were not imagined before. Able Flight was created by pilots who believe that the life-changing e

Aero Linx: KC-46A Pegasus The KC-46A is the first phase in recapitalizing the U.S. Air Force's aging tanker fleet. With greater refueling, cargo and aeromedical evacuation capabilities compared to the KC-135, the KC-46A will provide aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and partner-nation receivers. At full operational capability, the KC-46A will be able to refuel most fixed-wing, receiver-capable aircraft. The KC-46A is equipped with a refueling boom driven by a fly-by-wire control system, and is capable of fuel offload rates required for large aircraft. Its hose and drogue system adds additional mission capability that is independently operable from the refueling

Radar A device that provides information on range, azimuth, and/or elevation of objects by measuring the time interval between transmission and reception of directional radio pulses and correlating the angular orientation of the radiated antenna beam or beams in azimuth and/or elevation. Primary Radar- A radar system in which a minute portion of a radio pulse transmitted from a site is reflected by an object and then received back at that site for processing and display at an air traffic control facility. Secondary Radar/Radar Beacon (ATCRBS)- A radar system in which the object to be detected is fitted with cooperative equipment in the form of a radio rece

(Russian media has) “lied about the cause of the crash,” and Moscow “forced the damaged jet to cross the sea, most likely in an attempt to conceal evidence of their crime. Photos and videos from the cabin and after the crash are a smoking gun,” while calling for a “fair and impartial investigation to ensure that those responsible are held to account.” Source: Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha claimed, via a statement on December 27.