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April 14, 2022

Airborne 04.14.22: JMB VL-3, Amazon Drone Program, LockMart Stalker

Also: Biden Touts SAF, Launchpoint Electric Propulsion, Airbus Sells 80 More A320s, Vertical Flight Society

Sun 'n Fun, always a chance to see the latest and greatest in the world of sport aviation, brought out a pleasant surprise this year in JMB Aircraft's new VL-3. The two-place, retractable gear LSA and SportPlane is a lightweight, carbon-bodied, Rotax-powered Czech sportplane aimed at making the $100 burger possible once again. The VL-3 shown at the exhibition was a great example of what is possible with the type, sporting an eye-catching, red leather interior and glass panel G3X avionics ensconced in carbon fiber paneling, looking every bit the part of a sporty enthusiast's aircraft. Recent journalistic digging has brought up some interesting industry

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Netherlands Air Force to Deploy Brand New Reapers to Curacao

Freshly Delivered MQ-9 Drones Ready for Service in Caribbean

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has received their order of 3 MQ-9A Block 5 Aircraft, and plan to begin flight operations later this month as they put the drones to task as ISR assets in Curacao. The delivery included a pair of mobile ground control stations from the General Atomics catalog which will soon be on their way to their new home. The RNLAF will use their brand new MQ-9A Reapers as long-range, persistent surveillance and mission support infrastructure guarding national interests for the Netherlands wherever needed.

Sleek, Split-Flap Speedster Stuns Surroundings at Sun n' Fun 2022

Sun 'n Fun, always a chance to see the latest and greatest in the world of sport aviation, brought out a pleasant surprise this year in JMB Aircraft's new VL-3. The two-spot, retractable gear LSA and SportPlane is a lightweight, carbon-bodied, Rotax-powered Czech sportplane aimed at making the $100 burger possible once again.

Inoperative Stick Shaker on Simulater Yoke Comes to Light After Weeks of Training

Indian regulators had bad news for a crop of recently trained 737 Max pilots, telling budget carrier SpiceJet that 90 of its airmen cannot fly the aircraft until they complete a retraining regimen. The issue lies with the simulator used to complete their prior training on the Max and a fault that rendered the stick shaker non-functional. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered that those who missed out on the full experience of the max must retrain to ensure consistency and correct response in the event of a stall.

UAS Makes 39-Hour Nonstop Flight in FAI Group 2 Drone Category

Lockheed Martin has completed a successful 39-hour flight endurance test using its Stalker VXE UAS. The flight was taken in February in an attempt to obtain a world record for the type using a specially configured Stalker to remain in flight for 39 hours, 17 minutes and 7 seconds. The record was submitted to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale under the Group 2 category, featuring aircraft from 5 to 25 kilos.

Klyde DOES Snore...

FMI: www.klydemorris.com

Alaska Airlines Apologizes for Service Disruptions -- Is JetBlue Next?

Says Shortfall in Pilots, Training, and Planning Collided to Create Cancellations

Last week, Alaska Airlines apologized to customers for a higher than normal number of flight cancellations throughout their network. The carrier outlined the situation as it stands, saying that in all, 10,000 airmen left the airline industry during the pandemic, seemingly for good. The airline said that training issues and scheduling resulted in a shortfall of 63 pilots for the month of April, forcing their hand and prioritizing flights where they seemed most vital.

Amid Increasing Gas Prices, President Looks Biofuel Production for Energy Independence

President Biden issued a show of support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, reiterating its position as a vital part of the aviation industry's ecological goals going forward. SAF is a key part of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, allowing the industry to continue operations and services without the deleterious effects of normal, virgin feedstock petroleum. In his remarks at a biofuel processing plane in Menlo, Iowa, Biden highlighted the potential for SAF to bring about domestically-produced energy sources to decarbonize the aviation sector while creating a series of highly technical employment opportunities throughout the industry. <

Manufacturer Makes Turnkey, Custom Hybrid Electric Systems Available for Developers, Aircraft

LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions announced the commercialization of its hybrid electric power system for aircraft. The aptly named Hybrid Power System (or HPS, since everything sounds better as a 3-letter acronym) is a combined motor and controller ecosystem designed for eVTOL aircraft of all types, geared towards boosting performance beyond what battery-only or engine-only powered flight can achieve. Just like hybrid systems in automobiles, the combination of a high-torque, instant-on electric motor and an internal combustion system manages to leverage the best of both worlds.

From 2008 (YouTube Version): Honda Aircraft Stakes Out New Territory Via a Unique Jet Design

There are few things in aviation today that can truly claim the adjective of "Unique." Much of aviation is derived from concepts, designs or planforms that we've seen before... unless you find yourself considering the HondaJet. The HondaJet is an advanced, lightweight, business jet featuring an extra large cabin, high fuel efficiency, and high cruise speed compared to existing small business jets. To achieve the high-performance goals, an over-the-wing engine-mount configuration, a natural-laminar-flow wing, and a natural-laminar-flow fuselage nose w

During The Emergency Landing, The Airplane Collided With Power Line

On March 6, 2022, about 1015 eastern standard time, a Beech A35, N764B, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Waco, Georgia. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was on a short cross-country flight when the engine began to lose power. He observed that the fuel pressure dropped to zero and attempted to regain power by hand-pumping the auxiliary fuel pump.

Aero Linx: The Rhode Island Pilots Association The Rhode Island Pilots Association has more than 300 members in and around the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. As a member of RIPA, you can both participate with and benefit from us. We are here to promote the mutual benefit and welfare of our members as a part of the aviation community. We: Promote aviation safety Exchange information among our members as well as the general public concerning the aviation industry and general aviation Foster good will and camaraderie among our members Assist our members with issues relative to general aviation <

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.14.22): Estimated (EST)

Estimated (EST) When used in NOTAMs “EST” is a contraction that is used by the issuing authority only when the condition is expected to return to service prior to the expiration time. Using “EST” lets the user know that this NOTAM has the possibility of returning to service earlier than the expiration time. Any NOTAM which includes an “EST” will be auto−expired at the designated expiration time.

“SpiceJet has 650 pilots trained on Boeing 737 MAX. DGCA had an observation on the training profile followed for 90 pilots, and therefore as per the advice of DGCA, SpiceJet has restricted 90 pilots from operating MAX aircraft, until these pilots undergo re-training to the satisfaction of DGCA. These pilots continue to remain available for other Boeing 737 aircraft..." Source: From a statement in which Indian regulators had bad news for a crop of recently trained 737 Max pilots, telling budget carrier SpiceJet that 90 of its airmen cannot fly the aircraft until they complete a retraining regimen.