Back-Taxi A term used by air traffic controllers to taxi an aircraft on the runway opposite to the traffic flow. The aircraft may be instructed to back-taxi to the beginning of the runway or at some point before reaching the runway end for the purpose of departure or to exit the runway. 

“Our WAI members across the nation are grateful for the service and sacrifice of the formidable group of WASP who served so honorably during World War II. This group of brave and dedicated women risked their lives to do their part for the war effort and paved the way for so many of us to pursue our personal aviation dreams."

Source:WAI CEO Lynda Coffman, commenting on why Women in Aviation International (WAI) members and friends will honor the valiant service of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) by visiting their graves and leaving an appropriate decoration in the form of flowers or other remembrances. In its seventh year, the #HonorTheWASP program was established by WAI to take place (fittingly) over the Memorial Day weekend each year.

With Their Restructuring Plan Approved, Sportplane Legend's Prospects Looking Up

The court has approved Van's Aircraft's bankruptcy reorganization plans, settling a stressful period for the company with some pretty optimistic news. Van's Aircraft filed its Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization back in March, setting up their ideal path to recovery amidst some very expensive challenges, both internal and external. Van's founder Dick VanGrunsven and his family have really stepped up to the plate to back the company's finances, too, according to some of the outside experts brought in to herd cats during the process.

Cost-Cutting Managers and Tech-Focused Manufacturers May Herald End of Two-Person Cockpit

With the FAA's legislative life secure, industry lobbyists have moved on to the next battle, ensuring that flight decks across the country and around the world don't have empty seats in the interest of 'efficiency'. The Air Line Pilot Association International joined hands with the AFL-CIO's Transportation Trades Department to call on US Regulators to "aggressively advocate for at least two pilots on every flight deck here at home and in international forums."

Senate Confirmation Also Grants 5-Year Extension to Board Tenure

Jennifer Homendy has been approved to embark on her second 3-year term as Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), coinciding with a confirmation to serve another 5-year term on the board itself. The selection was approved by a grateful industry, with General Aviation Manufacturers Association CEO Pete Bunce welcoming her back into the fold.

‘Nice Low Cost Carrier’ Well on its Way to All-A220 Fleety by 2025

Azorra has handed off its first leased Airbus A220-300, delivering it to Breeze Airways direct from Mirabel, Canada. The delivery marks the first of 22 such aircraft on order to the aircraft lessor, highlighting their faith in the narrowbody A220 as a hot ticket for regional airlines. The delivery continues building momentum for the ULCC as they keep moving on to become the third largest operator of the A220 family in the world.

Integration Begins Ahead of Instrument Evaluations

Skyfire Consulting has embarked on a partnership with Thales USA to integrate the Skyfire SF2 into the Vantis, North Dakota UAS test range. The SF2 offers a payload-agnostic design, enabling comprehensive testing of advanced airspace management tools and air traffic systems in the UAS ops range. Thales already took delivery of some SF2s for testing in warming springtime weather.

Unusually Talky Industry Really IS Grateful for Some Legislation for a Change

The Alliance for Aviation Across America joined in the chorus approving of the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration's new reauthorization through the House of Representatives. Devin Osting, the interim executive director of the Alliance for Aviation Across America, said the industry really could not do without the bill. "This FAA reauthorization is critically important for general aviation and our national air transportation infrastructure. It includes vital investments in our local airports, increasing the authorization of the Airport Improvement Program from $3.4 billion to $4 billion annually, and promotes significant advancements in areas such as workforce development and advanced air mobility, which are essential for the future growth of industry."

Postaccident Examination Of The Engine Revealed That The Crankshaft Was Fractured At A Crank Cheek

Analysis: The pilot had recently finished building the airplane and it had amassed about 55 hours of flight time on the airframe and engine (A UL Power Engine--Ed). While the pilot was maneuvering at about 700-900 feet above ground level (agl), the engine made “rough” sounds and vibrated. About 20 seconds later the propeller seized and the pilot made a forced landing in the field below. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft was fractured at a crank cheek, just aft of the journal of the No. 2 connecting rod. A materials analysis revealed that the crankshaft fracture resulted from fatigue cracks originating at the surface of the aft radius on the No. 2 rod journal, likely due to high operating stresses on the fillet radii.

Aero Linx: VC-25 - Air Force One The mission of the VC-25 aircraft — Air Force One — is to provide air transport for the president of the United States. The presidential air transport fleet consists of two specially configured Boeing 747-200B's — tail numbers 28000 and 29000 — with the Air Force designation VC-25. When the president is aboard either aircraft, or any Air Force aircraft, the radio call sign is "Air Force One."