Sporty’s Is More Than Just a Pilot Shop

Sporty's is well known for their line of products for pilots, having been a part of the aviation landscape for decades. But less-well known is the company's in-airplane flight training, according to Sporty's Academy president and COO Eric Radtke, who spoke recently with Aero-News Editor-in-Chief Jim Campbell. Sporty's says that the Academy is committed to its students success, and is proud of a success rate more than double the national average. Sporty’s credits this success to its modular approach to flight training, employing the right tools to ensur

Arsenal of Democracy Builds Excitement For September Event

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day (May 8, 1945) the Arsenal of Democracy (AOD), in conjunction with the WWII 75th Commemoration Committee, will produce an online video tribute titled VICTORY IN EUROPE - VE DAY 75 YEARS LATER. The live-stream video tribute will honor this historic anniversary and pay homage to those who served on the frontlines and on the home front during World War II. Award-winning broadcast journalist David Hartman and renowned aviation production expert Scott Guyette, of Sleeping Dog Productions, have come together to write and produce this remarkable project. The video will include interviews with WWII veterans, historical battle footag

"I Believe That Today We Need Our Community More Than Ever..."

The Regional Airline Association has decided that 2020 is not going to happen as far their annual convention is concerned. Faye Malarkey Black, the President & CEO of the RAA, noted that, "This is a difficult announcement to make. After holding one of our strongest annual conventions in a decade in Nashville last year, we were looking forward to implementing numerous investments in our schedule and events designed to offer even greater value this year. More importantly, we know our convention provides for an important venue to bring our community together. I believe that today we need our community more than ever. In fact, our team is working on a virtual event to tide us over unti

Companies Team Up To Make Rush Deliveries Of Desperately Needed Ventilators

Kodiak Aircraft airlifted 240 emergency ventilators to Sacramento, California last week, enabling critical health care equipment to be rapidly delivered to a region hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Percussionaire Corporation and Kodiak Aircraft are both based in Sandpoint, Idaho. The emergency ventilators are produced by the Percussionaire Corporation, based in Sandpoint, while the Kodiak 100 Series II airplane and pilot time were donated by the Kodiak Aircraft Company, which is also based in Sandpoint. To speed up the delivery of this emergency equipment, which can be the difference between life and death in treating COVID-19 patients, Percussionaire Corporation conside

Analyze The Weather On Your Route To Make Safe Decisions—And In Only 10-15 Minutes!

The FAA sent us an interesting announcement about an upcoming webinar that seems too important to miss... and its not like we have all that much to do while sheltering in place... right? The FAA tells us that weather is the most lethal of all major causes of aviation accidents.... and after doing the news at ANN for nearly a quarter century, we'd be hard-pressed to disagree. In a 90 minute webinar, Instructor Delia Colvin will show you how to meet the FAA briefing requirements while ALSO developing skills that will allow you to make better decisions regarding flight.

The Air Force Is Analyzing Operational Efficiency – One Airframe At A Time

Aerodynamics testing on the KC-135 Stratotanker confirmed vertically mounted wiper blades reduce aircraft drag by approximately 1% during cruise conditions, potentially saving the Air Force $7 million annually in associated fuel costs. Across the KC-135 fleet, blades are positioned horizontally on the windshield as part of the aircraft’s original 1950s design. However, as the understanding of aviation aerodynamics advanced, research indicated placing the wipers vertically when not in use could improve aerodynamic efficiency and optimize fuel use. Commercial airliners first demonstrated the concept on the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, a jet airliner primarily used by

The FAA Expects The Adjustments Will Not Have Any Operational Effects

To ensure the continued resiliency of the air traffic control system amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the FAA is planning to temporarily adjust the operating hours of approximately 100 control towers nationwide. Making these adjustments allows for continued safe operations throughout the national airspace system while minimizing health risks to our workforce. These facilities have seen a significant reduction in flights, especially during the evening and nighttime hours, since the pandemic began. Adjusting the operating hours will further protect our employees and reduce the possibility of temporary tower closures from COVID-19 exposures by ensuring enough controllers are available t

The Expedition 63 Crew Is Also Ramping Up Its Preparations For The First Commercial Crew Mission

A Russian space freighter has rolled out to its launch pad ready to resupply the International Space Station this weekend. Meanwhile, the Expedition 63 crew is ramping up its preparations for the first Commercial Crew mission and more cargo activities planned for May. Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA is looking forward to welcoming a pair of fellow NASA astronauts aboard the station at the end of May. Commercial Crew astronauts Robert Behnken and Doug Hurley are preparing for their launch aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship scheduled for May 27 at 4:23 p.m. The first crew to launch from U.S. soil since 2011 will dock one day later to the station and

Aero Linx: The Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia The Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia is widely recognised as Australia's premier organisation promoting the preservation, restoration and flying of old aeroplanes.  “Old Aeroplanes” includes Antique, Classic and Contemporary aeroplanes, both Civil and Military from the 1920s through to the 1960s. Zhe AAAA was formed in 1974 by a group of owners and enthusiasts to fill a need for an association to represent the interests of owners of old aeroplanes at a time where aircraft were being exported or forced out of the air by heavy Government charges and regulation. The most important role of the Association has been t

Automated Weather System Any of the automated weather sensor platforms that collect weather data at airports and disseminate the weather information via radio and/or landline. The systems currently consist of the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS), Automated Weather Sensor System (AWSS) and Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS).

"On a personal note, you have probably read that two RAA member airlines liquidated this year, and other airline and associate member companies have announced furloughs. Never before in my career have, I seen our industry face so many challenges at once. This of course, sits atop the incredibly sobering human impact of this health crisis. My fellow Pittsburgh native, Fred Rogers, famously told his viewers, in times of trouble, to “look for the helpers.” In this industry, we need only scan social media to see incredibly inspiring stories of our member airlines, supply company partners and their essential workers locking arms (from an appropriate social distance of course) to meet the vast and evolving human needs associated with this health crisis. Whether it is an ai