Velis Electro, Explorer, and Velis Cub Earn Type Certificate Validation

Pipistrel recently announced that Transport Canada has validated the type certificates for its Velis Electro, Explorer, and Velis Club aircraft. The decision opens doors for Canadian operators looking for sustainable trainers and marks a notable step for Pipistrel’s ever-expanding presence in regulated training environments.

Five Individuals Recognized During a Ceremony at the EAA Aviation Center

A group of five recreational aviation trailblazers was honored on November 12 as the newest members of the EAA Sport Aviation Halls of Fame. The initiation ceremony and dinner were held at the EAA Aviation Center in Oshkosh, bringing together families and longtime friends to recognize the contributions that have made flying what it is today.

Demonstrator Flies Just Three Months After Concept Revealed

Joby Aviation announced the first flight of its recently developed turbine-electric, autonomous VTOL aircraft. This comes just three months after the aircraft concept was announced in conjunction with L3Harris Technologies, who brings technologies and expertise to address defense applications for the U.S. military.

Controller Callouts Drop Dramatically As Gov’t Reopens

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford released a new emergency order, based on a recommendation from the agency’s safety team, that freezes flight reductions at the current level of 6%. The announcement was issued prior to the House vote to pass the Continuing Resolution that reopened the government.

Years-Long Effort Boosts Safety, Consistency Across Operators

The National Business Aviation Association, together with FlightSafety International and CAE, announced the publication of a business aviation aircraft standard operating procedures that has been a long-time effort and represents a milestone in business aviation safety and consistency.

CR Brings Much-Needed Relief, Long-Term Funding Necessary

The National Air Transportation Association issued a statement on November 12 welcoming the passage of the Continuing Resolution to end the federal government shutdown and the start of restoring full operations across the DOT, FAA, TSA, CBP, and other federal agencies.

About 5ft Above Ground Level, The Airplane Stalled, And The Left Wing Dropped

Analysis: The pilot reported that this flight was conducted as part of phase 1 flight testing of the newly constructed experimental amateur-built airplane. The pilot stated that he had watched a video from the airplane kit manufacturer on “factory takeoff,” which suggested keeping the control stick slightly aft of neutral and applying partial power. During the accident takeoff, he tried the method described by the video and when the airplane lifted off, it was too slow. About 5ft above ground level, the airplane stalled, and the left wing dropped.

From 2022 (YouTube Edition): Educate, Inspire, and Honor Through Flight

To say that the crew of the Commemorative Air Force’s B-17, Texas Raiders, is passionate would be an understatement! Crew Member and Wing Historian for the CAF Gulf Coast Wing, Kevin ‘K5’ Michels is absolutely no exception. After taking a flight on the B-17 we caught up with Michels to hear a little about the history of the CAF and this particular aircraft. The CAF was formed in 1957 by Lloyd Nolen with the $1,500 purchase of a P-51D Mustang. The CAF has grown tremendously since its inception in Mercedes, TX nearly 65 years ago. 

Aero Linx: Brodhead Pietenpol Association The Brodhead Pietenpol Association is a newly reorganized (in 2017) non-profit educational corporation that grew and developed from an earlier type club for owners, pilots, builders, and aficionados of the Pietenpol Aircamper and Sky Scout. The original BPA was started in 1975 (then called the National Pietenpol Association) as a social and builder support group. It has evolved over the years and now, after four decades, has blossomed into a newly re-organized Pietenpol-focused educational organization with part of its mission now including among other activities, promoting aviation safety related to antique amateur-built aircraft, disseminating safe amateur aircraft building info, and promoting recognition of the historical significance of Bernard Pietenpol as a ground-breaking designer, builder and promoter of early amateur-built aircraft.

NonDirectional Beacon An L/MF or UHF radio beacon transmitting nondirectional signals whereby the pilot of an aircraft equipped with direction finding equipment can determine his/her bearing to or from the radio beacon and “home” on or track to or from the station. When the radio beacon is installed in conjunction with the Instrument Landing System marker, it is normally called a Compass Locator.