Manufacturer Logs Nearly 800 Deliveries and Puts $73 Bil in the Pocket

Airbus recently sent out its 2024 earnings report, showing off $72.6 billion in revenue and 766 commercial aircraft deliveries. These figures represent a 6% increase, giving reason to celebrate as its primary competitor, Boeing, mourns a much rougher year.  Airbus is projecting even stronger results for 2025, targeting around 820 deliveries.

Additional Aircraft Supports Increased Demand for UPRT

Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) has increased its training capabilities by incorporating a third SIAI-Marchetti S211 into its fleet. This expansion meets the rising need for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) in an effort to reduce Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) fatalities.

Agency Uses Drones to Track Down Cartels and Drug Labs in Mexico

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been flying unarmed MQ-9 Reaper drones over Mexico to locate cartel operations and fentanyl labs, according to a senior U.S. official. The program, which has spanned multiple administrations, is conducted in coordination with the Mexican government.

New Shepard Will Have 6 Aboard For 10th Human Flight

Blue Origin announced the crew members for its 10th human mission and 30th overall flight. They are Lane Bess, Jesus Calleja, Elaine Chia Hyde, Dr. Richard Scott, Tushar Shah, and an undisclosed sixth crew member. This will be Bess’s second flight on New Shepard, the fourth astronaut to do so.

Teledyne FLIR’s Next-Gen Nano-Drone Best Of Dozens Competing

Teledyne FLIR Defense announced that its Black Hornet 4 nano-drone was selected as a winner of the Blue UAS Refresh Challenge hosted by the Defense Innovation Unit of the Department of Defense. The Black Hornet 4 is a next-generation lightweight nano-drone weighing just 70 grams.

Incident Near McAllen Int’l Was 6th Time In Four Months

A Department of Homeland Security helicopter patrolling the southern border of the U.S. near McAllen International Airport (MFE) in south Texas was struck three times by a laser pointed at the helicopter from a vehicle on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande River. This incident was the sixth time in the last four months that Air Interdiction Agents were made to take evasive maneuvers after being struck by lasers.

Growing Network Now With 24 Locations Nationwide

Freeman Holdings Group announced its recent acquisition of two FBOs in Texas, its first locations in the Lone Star state that add to the company’s growing count that now stands at 24 FBOs nationwide.

Klyde Can't Handle Social Media Actually Making Sense... Neither Can We

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Also: DeltaHawk RV-14 Runups!, GAMI G100UL Issues, Able Flight's 100th, New Rotax Problems

Sonex Aircraft has officially opened reservations for its highly anticipated Highwing kit, allowing prospective builders to secure their place in line with a $500 deposit. Once the prototype completes its first test flights, reservation holders will have the opportunity to convert their deposits into firm kit orders. Sonex expects the Highwing prototype to leave the ground as early as March or April. JMB Aircraft and Ultralight Concept have formed a joint venture with plans to recreate the legendary Stampe-Vertongen SV-4b as a full-scale ultralight version. Ultrali

Next-Gen Aircraft Replacing A129 Mangusta Fleet

The Italian Ministry of Defense announced the acquisition of new Leonardo AW249 attack helicopters, with a confirmed order for 17 units and plans to purchase up to 48 of the next-gen combat helicopters in an effort to modernize its armed forces and is part of the renewal program for the army’s aging helicopters.

Also: DeltaHawk RV-14 Runups!, GAMI G100UL Issues, Able Flight's 100th, New Rotax Problems

Sonex Aircraft has officially opened reservations for its highly anticipated Highwing kit, allowing prospective builders to secure their place in line with a $500 deposit. Once the prototype completes its first test flights, reservation holders will have the opportunity to convert their deposits into firm kit orders. Sonex expects the Highwing prototype to leave the ground as early as March or April. JMB Aircraft and Ultralight Concept have formed a joint venture with plans to recreate the legendary Stampe-Vertongen SV-4b as a full-scale ultralight version.

Pilot Discovered Two Through Penetrations Of The Ventral Vertical Stabilizer And Damage To Three Propellor Blade Leading Edges

Analysis: While conducting a post-flight walkaround inspection, the pilot discovered two through penetrations of the ventral vertical stabilizer and damage to three propellor blade leading edges, likely from foreign object debris. The stabilizer sustained substantial damage. The source of the debris could not be determined based on the available information. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

From 2022 (YouTube Edition): Jenny, I’ve Got Your Number...

Among the magnificent antique aircraft on display at EAA’s AirVenture 2022 was a 1918 Curtiss Jenny painstakingly constructed to Curtiss’s original specifications by the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Chapter 1414 in cooperation with the Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum. The two organizations, both of which hail from the village of Poplar Grove in north-central Illinois, set about the project in service of a noble, joint ambition to build a flying aircraft representative of aviation’s iconic early days.

Aero Linx: Historic Aircraft Association (HAA) The Historic Aircraft Association (HAA) was founded in 1979 with the aim of furthering the safe flying of historic aircraft in the UK and, later on, supporting the restoration and preservation of these aircraft. The Association, which currently has over 200 active pilot and engineer members, has made a major contribution to General Aviation, ensuring that British flying heritage is kept alive by promoting the safe flying of valuable, historic and heritage aircraft. The UK Air Display scene is flourishing, with more air displays taking place in this country every year than in the whole of the rest of Europe put together. By this means, larg

Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) An ultra-high frequency electronic rho-theta air navigation aid which provides suitably equipped aircraft a continuous indication of bearing and distance to the TACAN station. 

“The addition of our third S211 jet is more than fleet expansion—it is a commitment to delivering the most effective jet upset training available. With the introduction of the Every Pilot in Control UPRT Mastery Program, APS graduates are not just trained; they achieve a clearly defined level of mastery in critical upset prevention and recovery skills.” Source: APS CEO Paul Ransbury, commenting as Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) increased its training  capabilities by incorporating a third SIAI-Marchetti S211 into its fleet. This expansion meets the rising need for Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) in an effort to reduce Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) fatalities.