Also: Elektra Solar Trainer, U.S. Nationals Update, SeaMax M-22 Catches Fire, Bearhawk Aircraft At SUN ‘n FUN
The Vans Aircraft engineering team recently provided its spring progress update to the RV-15 build, showing off its redesigned tail, control system, and fuel tanks. The plane is nearing its final configuration. The design was first introduced at Oshkosh 2022, hoping to bring it to market in mid to late 2023. Followers got some new updates at the 2024 airshow, including a delayed anticipated production date of late 2025. The EAA announced that the FAA-approved updates to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 Notice, commonly known as the Oshkosh NOTAM, has been released for this year’s 72nd fly-in and convention that runs from July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The changes and updates are based on pilot feedback and FAA review of recommendations pertaining to arrival procedures. The folks at London-Corbin Airport's Kolb Aircraft reached out to ANN early recently to let us know that they were all safe and accounted for but that their manufacturing facility was pretty much wiped out. Kolb reported that, "As of right now the death toll in London KY is at 9... None of our staff were injured in the storm. The factory facility was hit by the tornado and destroyed.” All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Airborne Affordable Flyers 05.22.25 is chock full of sport aviation info in this Special Episode, Thursday, May 22nd, 2025... Presented by Aero-TV veteran videographer and Airborne Host Holland Lee. Holland is supported by ANN Chief Videographer Nathan Cremisino, as well as ANN CEO/Editor-In-Chief Jim Campbell. This episode covers:
Vans RV-15 Nears Its Final Design
FAA Notice For EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 Is Out!
Kolb Aircraft Destroyed By Tornado, All Staff Safe And Accounted For
Elektra Solar Trainer Flies 900 Miles Across Europe
International Aerobatic Club U.S. Nationals Update
SeaMax M-22 Catches Fire, Crashes into the Potomac
Aero-TV: Virgil Irwin Discusses Bearhawk Aircraft At SUN ‘n FUN
Get Comprehensive, Real-Time, 24/7 coverage of the latest aviation and aerospace stories anytime, at aero-news.net. And be sure to join us again tomorrow, for the next edition of "Airborne Unlimited" here on Aero-TV. Thanks for watching. See you, again, tomorrow!
Also: Warbirds In Review Schedule, Yak-55M Gets Tossed, DOGE-NTSB Budget Cuts, Joint Base Andrews
The Ercoupe Owners Club announced its 2025 National Convention will be held from Tuesday, July 15 to Saturday, July 19, at the Wausau Downtown Airport (KAUW) in Wisconsin. This year’s event will celebrate the 85th anniversary of the ‘Coupe’s Type Certificate. After the convention, the group will depart for the EAA AirVenture fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh. Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup, MD, PHD, discussed on the FAA’s YouTube channel “Pilot Minute” what came out of the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on mental health. Their work was informed through feedback gathered from aviation and medical professionals around the world regarding the barriers that prevent or hinder pilots from reporting and seeking treatment for mental health concerns. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association issued the First Quarter 2025 General Aviation Aircraft Shipping and Billing Report, covering results worldwide, and the result for the first three months of 2025, when compared to the same period last year, show increased shipments across all sectors as well as in the overall value of billings. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 05.23.25: Global 8000, Qatar B747 Accepted, Aviation Merit Badge
Also: Virtual FLRAA Prototype, IFR-Capable Autonomous A/C, NS-32 Crew, Golden Dome Missile Defense
Bombardier announced that the first production Global 8000 successfully completed its inaugural flight from its assembly center in Mississauga, Ontario. During the flight the aircraft performed a series of production test procedures and manipulation of all flight controls with test pilot Sandro Novelli at the controls. The Pentagon announced that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has accepted a Boeing 747 from Qatar that will be used by President Donald Trump after the Pentagon performs upgrades to include “proper security measures and functional mission requirements” according to a statement from the Department of Defense. Scouting America (aka Boy Scouts of America) has updated its Aviation Merit Badge, allowing the youth to explore everything from aerodynamics to industry careers through hands-on education. The badge is now the first in the organization’s collection to feature an interactive online resource guide. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: Elektra Solar Trainer, U.S. Nationals Update, SeaMax M-22 Catches Fire, Bearhawk Aircraft At SUN ‘n FUN
The Vans Aircraft engineering team recently provided its spring progress update to the RV-15 build, showing off its redesigned tail, control system, and fuel tanks. The plane is nearing its final configuration. The design was first introduced at Oshkosh 2022, hoping to bring it to market in mid to late 2023. Followers got some new updates at the 2024 airshow, including a delayed anticipated production date of late 2025. The EAA announced that the FAA-approved updates to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 Notice, commonly known as the Oshkosh NOTAM, has been released for this year’s 72nd fly-in and convention that runs from July 21-27 at Wittman Regional Airport (KOSH) in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The changes and updates are based on pilot feedback and FAA review of recommendations pertaining to arrival procedures. The folks at London-Corbin Airport's Kolb Aircraft reached out to ANN early recently to let us know that they were all safe and accounted for but that their manufacturing facility was pretty much wiped out. Kolb reported that, "As of right now the death toll in London KY is at 9... None of our staff were injured in the storm. The factory facility was hit by the tornado and destroyed.” All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Airborne 05.21.25: Jimmy Stewart’s P-51, Glider Splashdown, Jet Bike
Also: Whistleblower’s Family Settles, Boeing Aircraft Tires, Horizon X7 eVTOL, Falcon 9 Record
The P-51C Mustang previously owned by beloved actor and military aviator Jimmy Stewart recently finished up an eventful weekend at the Indiana County-Jimmy Stewart Airport (IDI) and is making its way to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. A glider with two persons on board made what was called a spectacular emergency landing in the Eisack River in Bolzano in northeastern Italy on May 10, 2025. The two were uninjured and were able to exit the glider and make it safely to shore. The Bolzano Fire Department was alerted immediately and dispatched its water rescue unit to the site. No, it’s not April 1… a Polish aviation start-up recently unveiled a Star Wars-inspired flying bike by announcing its first successful flight. To bring it all together, at the controls for the maiden flight was an Imperial scout trooper. The Airbike is a one-person vehicle, capable of reaching speeds of up to 124 mph. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: Blackhawk’s Replacement, Supersonic Flight, Archer 1Q/25, Long-Range VTOL Program
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy released an update on progress being made with proposed FAA drone rules controlling Beyond Visual Line Of Sight or BVLOS operations and restricting UAS operations at a fixed facility site. These were sent on May 13 to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. RVL Aviation has inked a deal with ZeroAvia to fly what may be the ‘world’s first’ zero-emission cargo service. The operator will utilize Cessna Grand Caravans retrofitted with the hydrogen-electric ZA600 power plant. Zero-emission flights will be launched in the British Isles, but not before the partners are able to tick all certification and integration boxes. The partnership between DoorDash and Wing has for the first time introduced residential food delivery to Charlotte, North Carolina, as it expands operations beyond its current U.S. customers in Southwest Virginian and the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The partnership first launched drone delivery in Australia in 2022. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
Airborne 05.19.25: Kolb v Tornados, Philippine Mars, Blackhawk Antler Theft
Also: Tentative AirVenture Airshow Lineup, Supersonic Flight Regs, Private Pilot Oral Exam Guide, Boeing Deal
The sport aircraft business can be a tough one... especially when Mother Nature decides you need special attention -- and not in a good way. The folks at London-Corbin Airport's Kolb Aircraft reached out to ANN early yesterday to let us know that they were all safe and accounted for but that their manufacturing facility was pretty much wiped out. The final World War II flying boat has completed its tedious trek across Arizona, arriving in Tucson in preparation for its permanent home in the Pima Air and Space Museum. This aircraft, the Philippine Mars, was dismantled for transport after its last flight in February. Three Montana Army National Guard members are facing criminal trespassing charges after authorities say they landed a Black Hawk helicopter on private property to collect elk antlers. The penalty is a $185 fine. The incident occurred during a training flight from Billings to Helena. According to Sweet Grass County Sheriff Alan Ronneberg, the crew briefly touched down in a mountain pasture at the base of the Crazy Mountains and picked up two shed antlers and one old elk skull with antlers still attached. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 05.16.25: Mavic 4 Pro Launch, MH17 Blame, Cyclotech Maiden Flt
Also: Qatar Boeing Order, Bernie Sander's Carbon Footprint, Bell's 6,000th, 27th Air Force Secretary
DJI’s recent flagship drone announcement was slightly diminished by the decision to exclude US customers from the launch. Though the US and DJI have been on poor terms for years, many did not expect the drone manufacturer to willingly sacrifice such a large market. More than a decade after the accident occurred, the UN's aviation council ruled that Russia was responsible for the deaths of all 298 passengers and crew on board Malaysian Airlines Flight 17. ICAO will decide how the nation can right its wrongs. On July 17, 2014, Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 took off from Amsterdam with plans to land in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It was in cruise over a rural area in the Donetsk Oblast of Eastern Ukraine when a surface-to-air missile shot it down, killing 298 passengers and crew. Australia-based company CycloTech recently got its BlackBird electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) demonstrator airborne for the first time, kicking off the aircraft’s unmanned test campaign. This paves the way for the developer’s full-scale project: the CruiseUp. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne-Flight Training 05.15.25: Ray Scholarship, Alto NG, Fighter Training
Also: FedEx Pilots, Army Restructuring, Alaska ANG, Incentive for ATC Hiring
EAA Chapter 534 in Leesburg, Florida announced that the 2025 Ray Aviation Scholarship winner is Abdiel Hernandez from Tavares, Florida, a 16-year-old finishing up his sophomore year at Tavares High School. Abdiel has been a member of the EAA Chapter 534 youth program for some time and has taken several flights with their Young Eagles program. He has always had an interest in aviation, and wants to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. DirectFly USA brought several of its best-sellers, the Alto NG, to this year’s SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. In the end, every single one sold and will be put to work in a flight training role. Demand has yet to slow, with this year’s production slots still filling up. The U.S. State Department has given initial approval for the sale to Ukraine of $310.5 million worth of equipment and training support for F-16 fighter jets in a deal that will also promote improved cooperation with the U.S. Air Force. The deal is pending final authorization by Congress and would also enhance the ability of Ukraine to meet threats by ensuring its pilots are well-trained. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!
Also: National Space Council, IAG Orders, Joby Formation, MH17 Blame Placed
A bill to limit frivolous use of ADS-B tracking data was signed into law by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. This legislation battles the recent trend of US airports using ADS-B information to impose landing fees on general aviation planes. fter a ‘telecommunications issue’ with Philadelphia TRACON brought yet another string of delays, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy shared plans to cut back flights into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The ground stop lasted for around 45 minutes. Flights at Newark Liberty International Airport will be reduced “for the next several weeks,” Duffy claimed... Hartzell Engine Tech acquired E-MAG, maker of aircraft electronic ignition systems that are lightweight, reliable, and provide longer engine lifespans, improved starting, and smooth idle. Hartzell Engine Tech intends to obtain certification for the General Aviation market for the E-MAG products to enable offering them as easily installed replacements that do not require external, backup power or power conditioners for continued operation. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: MQ-9B UAS MTC, FlightSimExpo, New JPL Director, Japanese Lunar Lander Preps
Merlin’s flight testing campaign continues to rapidly progress with its certification-ready Cessna Caravan at Quonset State Airport (KOQU) in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Recent test flights validated core systems functionalities including Flight Guidance and Autothrottle. These assist the aircraft in maintaining its desired flight path and automatically manage airspeed using engine thrust. Dronetag has confronted the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority for allegedly selling an identical copy of its remote ID device, the Mini. Despite its legal team reaching out several times, they have not received a response. Dronetag is an EU-funded and NATO-supported manufacturer that produces a variety of technologies for drones. Several of these are remote ID devices, which serve as a sort of digital license plate to broadcast the drone's location data to other parties. Slovakia-based developer Klein Vision recently unveiled the production-model prototype of its flying car. If all goes to plan, the AirCar will hit the market in early 2026. The AirCar is the outcome of more than a decade of work from Klein Vision co-founders Stefan Klein and Anton Zajac. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
Airborne 05.12.25: $1M Flying Car, Marion Airport Saved, AirVenture Cup
Also: ‘Sonoran Beauty’ Jump-Qualified, IAG Orders, FAA Shuts Down ATC Oversight, EAA Joins Modern Skies
Slovakia-based developer Klein Vision recently unveiled the production-model prototype of its flying car. If all goes to plan, the AirCar will hit the market in early 2026. The AirCar is the outcome of more than a decade of work from Klein Vision co-founders Stefan Klein and Anton Zajac. The company was officially established in 2017 and had its first flying car prototype in the air by 2021. Iowa’s Marion Airport (C17) is being temporarily saved in a $500,000 runway sale, representing less than a third of the city’s original purchase. The new owner, 530 Investments LLC, will be required to maintain the runway for at least the next 10 years. It’s that time of year again for pilots with aircraft of all shapes and sizes to begin registering for the annual AirVenture Cup Cross-Country Air Race (AVC). Over 100 people have put their names into the competition so far, and applications will remain open through June 2. The AVC is an amateur open-circuit race, available to all experimental and factory-built airplanes. Over the last 26 years, it has become a staple of the EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh airshow. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne 05.09.25: Frecce Tricolori MidAir, A6M3 Zero Returns, Houthis Bombed
Also: Hartzell Pathfinder Carbon Prop, RAF Flyby, Qatar's BIG Boeing Order?, ‘Luxury Aircraft Tax’
Three MB-339 jets from the Italian Air Force’s aerobatic demonstration team, dubbed Frecce Tricolori, collided mid-air during an airshow display. Luckily, despite some substantial damage to the planes, no injuries were reported. One of the aircraft hit two others while in formation. The three pilots quickly moved to get their aircraft on the ground. After a lengthy restoration from a collection of scrap off Taroa island, the Military Aviation Museum announced the first flight of their A6M3 Zero–probably the first Model 32 variant to fly since the factory made them in 1945! The Houthi rebels recently lost three out of their four aircraft, including two Airbus A320s and one A330, due to Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s primary airport. All airline and airport employees had been evacuated before the strikes, leaving no human fatalities. The airstrikes, launched on Tuesday, May 6, looked to destroy three civilian planes, the departure area, the runway, and a military air base at Sana’a International Airport (SAH) in Yemen. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Also: Duffy Wants $$$, KS Airports, Morningside U’s Aviation School, New Airstrip In ID
After 6 were killed in a helicopter crash over the Hudson River, several US Representatives presented bizarre legislation that would ban pretty much all non-essential helicopter operations across New York City. The bill addresses a general heightened concern for growing air traffic rates in high-density areas and new irrational anti-aviation sentiment. Around 3,000 machinists from two Pratt & Whitney plants in Connecticut officially inked an end to a three-week strike over wages, job security, and retirement benefits by approving a four-year contract. The strike, which began on May 5, marked the company’s first labor stoppage since 2001. H55, Swiss-based developer of electric aircraft, announced the conclusion of the Arizona segment of its Across USA Tour for its Bristell B23 Energic aircraft with 104th landing up to this point. This was the third stop of its planned eight-stop tour across the states to demonstrate its electric aircraft is past being just a vision but is a viable and operational commercial product ready for deployment. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
As the air traffic controller shortage trudges on, the US Department of Transportation is rolling out even more financial incentives (aka bribes) to encourage experienced controllers to remain on the job beyond retirement age. The latest offer is a 20% annual bonus. Vertical Aerospace announced that its VX4 eVTOL performed its first successful winged flight with a pilot at the controls, marking the first piloted wingborne flight of a winged eVTOL in open European airspace. The flight, piloted by Chief Test Pilot Simon Davies, came on the heels of approval by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, or CAA. SpaceX launched its ninth flight test of a complete Starship vehicle nearly on time after a few minutes of holds before getting a move on. This was a far tougher flight test than previous missions, especially for the booster which was subjected to some aggressive and adverse test conditions... which it did not survive before its scheduled landing in the Gulf of America. This was the second flight of the booster... All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-Unlimited!!!
Airborne-NextGen 05.28.25: SpaceX Tries Again, Electra Blown Wing, Solar Record
Also: Horizon X7 eVTOL, Golden Dome, Merlin Exp A/W Cert, Rotors v Trees
SpaceX launched its ninth flight test of a complete Starship vehicle nearly on time after a few minutes of holds before getting a move on. This was a far tougher flight test than previous missions, especially for the booster which was subjected to some aggressive and adverse test conditions... which it did not survive before its scheduled landing in the Gulf of America. This was the second flight of the booster... Electra has conducted wind tunnel testing at the MIT Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel that confirmed its blown wing design delivers the high lift for takeoff and landing within just 150 feet, or about 10% of the distance required by conventional aircraft of similar size. Elektra Solar announced that its Elektra Solar Trainer aircraft successfully completed a 900-mile trip from southwestern Germany through Austria and Hungary, terminating in Brasov, Romania. The trip, originating at the Donaueschingen-Villingen Airport was flown in seven legs, the longest of which was a little over 185 miles. All this -- and MORE in today's episode of Airborne-NextGen!!!
