Despite Weary Staff and Frustrated Passengers, it’s “2 More Weeks” All Over Again

Leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided to extend the mask recommendation originally set to expire on April 18. Now, the duration has been extended by 15 days, ostensibly to monitor for any observable increase in severe virus outcomes - not cases - as the most recent COVID-19 variant begins making the rounds in New York. The Transportation Security Administration heeded CDC recommendations and extended the requirement through May 3.

Pipistrel Velis Used in Joint Elbit/RAF Program

Elbit Systems UK has begun a series of battery-powered test flights under the UK Ministry of Defence in an effort to assess sustainable alternatives to current military aircraft. The concept was undertaken as part of a joint project between the MoD, and Affinity Flying Training Services, a joint venture between Elbit and KBR Inc. The testbed, dubbed the pathfinder, uses a Velis as a small, two-seater demonstrator. Flights aim to help the Royal Air Force assess the technology of current electric aircraft, determine its effectiveness as an impactful pilot training system, and provide a nice, zero-carbon operation to point to when critics point to MoD emissions. 

Rumors Abound Around Prime Air: Impatient Execs, Musical Chairs, and a 25-Acre Brushfire

Recent journalistic digging has brought up some interesting industry gossip regarding the internal workings of Amazon's drone delivery program. The idea of automated, "floor to door" aerial delivery of packages is one being approached from multiple angles throughout the UAV market, and of all those racing to get their program up and running, Amazon has often been seen as one of the strongest bets to make.

Air France-KLM is Most Recent Addition to Freighter Clientele for Recently Introduced Aircraft

Air France has placed an order for a set of 4 brand new A350F freighters, closing a deal they had hinted at towards the end of 2021. The freighters will go to bolster the cargo capacity of Air France, allowing for more efficient and sustainable operations amid increasing demand. The A350F was introduced last year to the tune of 29 orders and commitments from a handful of customers, though Airbus feels confident that it will continue to accumulate demand as deliveries are made and the operational savings gain notice.

From 2018 (YouTube Version): Wright 'B' Flyer Organization Is Preserving Aviation History

Wright "B" Flyer Inc. is an all-volunteer, membership-based, not-for-profit corporation located at the Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport near Dayton, Ohio. They fly one Model B look-alike during the summer months, and curate a hangar that doubles as a museum. The flying airplane, No. 001, is available for fly-overs and static displays at public and private events. Honorary Aviator Members, who pay the $100 membership fee, are eligible for a free orientation flight at the facility in Dayton. Experience the thrill of pioneer flight. You’ll sit out in the

eXtra Performance Wing Program Moving Along, Expected to Scale Up In Coming Years

Airbus announced a new phase in its recent eXtra Performance Wing system, moving into wind tunnel testing as they hone technology for use in industry decarbonization. The eXtra Performance Wing project began last fall, taking inspiration from natural wing systems as seen in biology in order to improve wing aerodynamics, efficiency, and performance. Airbus hopes that further study will yield benefits that reduce CO2 emissions in future aircraft, using their AlbatrossONE testbed aircraft. Its semi-aeroelastic hinged wings unlock during flight upon encountering instability or turbulence, tucking themselves once again to minimize unneeded drag.

Airplane Touched Down Just Past The Approach End Of The Runway And Bounced Back Into The Air

On April 5, 2022, about 1231 central daylight time, a Cessna TU206F airplane, N858JA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Marlin, Texas. The 2 pilots were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight. The airplane departed the Houston Executive Airport (TME), Houston, Texas, on a pipeline inspection flight with a destination of Waco, Texas.

AD 2022-06-14 Requires Revising The Existing Maintenance Or Inspection Program

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-12-08, which applied to  all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes; and  Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes. AD 2017-12-08 required revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or revised structural inspection requirements. This AD requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. The FAA is issuing t

Aero Linx: The Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons (AANGFS) The Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons (AANGFS) is a 501(c)4 non-profit professional organization that provides timely education and information for it's member Flight Surgeons currently serving or retired from the United States Air National Guard.  The organization was founded in January 1980 by Col. Blas Moreno (deceased) of the Rhode Island National Guard.  Dr. Moreno was a renowned philanthropist and talented flight surgeon. The Alliance and it's member physicians will be forever grateful for his help in creating our organization.

Option Approach An approach requested and conducted by a pilot which will result in either a touch-and-go, missed approach, low approach, stop-and-go, or full stop landing. Pilots should advise ATC if they decide to remain on the runway, of any delay in their stop and go, delay clearing the runway, or are unable to comply with the instruction(s).

"It makes no sense that people are still required to wear masks on airplanes, yet are allowed to congregate in crowded restaurants, schools and at sporting events without masks, despite none of these venues having the protective air filtration system that aircraft do. Now is the time for the Administration to sunset federal transportation travel restrictions - including the international predeparture testing requirement and the federal mask mandate - that are no longer aligned with the realities of the current epidemiological environment." Source: From a letter drafted by Airline Execs from Delta, American, United, and 7 other carriers in response to the CDC extension of the inflight mask mandate.