Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

2009 In Review: The Year In Sport Aviation

Sport Aviation is about fun ... flying for the sheer joy of being in the air. From new designs to advanced technology, the sport aviation world made large strides this past year, but had it's share of sad news as well.

NASA's Unstoppable (So Far) Mars Rover Has Uncertain Future

Unprecedented Sixth Anniversary Nears

NASA's Mars rover Spirit will mark six years of unprecedented science exploration and inspiration for the American public on Sunday. However, the upcoming Martian winter could end the roving career of the beloved, scrappy robot. Spirit successfully landed on the Red Planet at 8:35 p.m. PST on Jan. 3, 2004, and its twin Opportunity arrived at 9:05 p.m. Jan. 24, 2004.

Best Of The Breed '09: Final -- Sportsman 2+2, RV10 Named Best EXP A/C

Amateur-Built/Experimental -- (Tie Vote) -- Glasair Aviation Sportsman 2+2, Van's RV-10

Crane Co. Reaches Agreement with GE and Boeing

Dispute Over Dreamliner Braking System Software Resolved

Industrial products manufacturer Crane Co. announced Wednesday that it had executed agreements with GE Aviation Systems LLC and The Boeing Company resolving its claims relating to the brake control monitoring system for the Boeing 787.

86th AW Expands USAF Africa Support With First Super Hercules Flight

The first C-130J Super Hercules mission in support of U.S. Air Forces Africa, or 17th Air Force, opened up doors to a future partnership of support between the 86th Airlift Wing and upcoming missions into Africa. The mission's aircraft commander, Maj. Robert May of the 37th Airlift Squadron, and his crew were tasked to fly into Mali Dec. 19 to bring home 17 troops who were assisting with training Malian forces.

Full Service Fuel Stop: VMGR-252 Supports Training with Mid-Air Refueling

A KC-130J Hercules aircraft from Cherry Point’s Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 performed mid-air refueling over the waters of the Atlantic in support of a training mission, Dec. 15.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (01.02.10)

Aero-Linx: Jeppesen Aviation Weather Page The folks at Jeppesen have a VERY handy weather page with extensive links to some useful weather tools. Jepp has been providing weather for the aviation professional and enthusiast for over 20 years. Their weather maps combine the latest data from National Weather Service, NEXRAD radar mosaics, and GOES Satellite imagery, along with analyses and forecasts from a staff of professional aviation meteorologists.

Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (01.02.10)

"The highest priority for this mission right now is to stay mobile, if that's possible." Source: Steve Squyres of Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., principal investigator for the Mars Rovers, discussing issues facing the program as it nears its Sixth anniversary.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (01.02.10): Decision Height

Decision Height With respect to the operation of aircraft, means the height at which a decision must be made during an ILS, MLS, or PAR instrument approach to either continue the approach or to execute a missed approach.