New Product Releases Keep on Comin' at Sun 'n Fun 2022

Radiant Technology unveiled their compact, lightweight AirLite Digital Aircraft Radio during the 2022 Sun 'n Fun exhibition. The AirLite is a palm-sized, flyweight 1.6-ounce digital aircraft radio that allows anyone to monitor aircraft communication, as well as receive FM/AM broadcast radio. Powered by a built-in rechargeable battery and equipped with a large, backlit LCD screen, the AirLite is an easy way to provide pilots and operators an easy, affordable radio reception method, whether as a backup, a portable monitor, or listening station. Renters and owners might even appreciate the few minutes of AWOS time they can reclaim from Hobbes time that would otherwise be wasted idling.

Industry Evaluators Gauge Technical Feasibility, Safety, and Mission Readiness for Commercial Space Program

Sierra Space and Blue Origin have finished their Systems Requirements Review, opening the way forward for the upcoming Orbital Reef project. The team involved in the station's development includes a range of aerospace industry names, all brought together under NASA's Commercial Low-Earth Orbit Development program. Partners working on the Orbital Reef team include Boeing, Redwire Space, Genesis Engineering Solutions, Amazon Distribution & Fulfillment Solutions, Amazon Web Services and Arizona State University, each a valuable addition to the team with their own niche of expertise. The goal is a space industry first: A commercially vi

From SnF 21 (YouTube Version): We Were Blown Away At How Well The Nosewheel Was Adapted To The X Cub Airframe

It should not be a secret to any one of you, that with thousands of hours of taildragger time, and only a few real scares in the process, does the thought of putting a nose wheel on a cub was anathema -- and potentially a deadly sin. That is... Until I flew the CubCrafters NX Cub. The CubCrafters folks are one of the most accomplished artisans in the Cub World, which is saying a lot,  because the art and

Textron Celebrates a Speedy Type Certification, Delivery Process

Cessna's first 2nd-Generation Citation M2  has been delivered to its customer, initiating its service with a California business less than 6 months after the new model's announcement at the NBAA Expo. The M2 Gen2 is the most recent iteration of the Citation M2, tweaked and enhanced to keep up with the fast-paced arms race raging in the world of light business jets. Cessna refined the aircraft with a more spacious, luxurious, interior, longer range, and softer interior lighting perfect for nodding off during those long, cross country flights. Cessna says the M2 spoils its pilots, too, with an improved G3000 flight deck and smoother, more powerful Williams FJ44 engines. 

Textron Brings the Good News to Sun 'n Fun 2022

Textron Aviation announced a series of enhancements across its range of piston aircraft, boosting the capabilities of Beechcraft and Cessna offerings with a few performance and capacity boosts. Beechcraft's G36 is the beneficiary of an additional 155-pound increase to its max takeoff weight, bringing its total maximum useful load to 1,213 pounds in its standard, 6-seat configuration. As any pilot experienced with 6-seater, single-engine pistons, every additional pound is greatly appreciated, but almost a full person's worth? A suitable Sun n' Fun Present, for sure. 

ATLAS Flight Test Center Home to Full Evaluation Including Transition from VTOL, High-Speed Flight

Lillium has officially begun its efforts to test and evaluate their electric VTOL Phoenix 2 aircraft. The manufacturer will extend the flight envelope through a series of flights to evaluate the prototype's behavior in transition from vertical takeoff and hover to horizontal flight. The regime has been put into motion with Atlas Flight Test Center staff, taking advantage of its facilities and expertise. Lilium says the support from the Andalusion Foundation for Aerospace Development, as well as the Center for Advanced Aerospace Technologies has been instrumental in setting up a successful flight test campaign. 

...Was Advised That Snowplows Were On The Runway

On March 9, 2022, about 0827 eastern daylight time, a Honda Jet HA-420, N903JT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The two pilots and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated by JetIt, LLC as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 air taxi flight. The training captain was flying with the first officer on day 6 of the first officer’s Initial Operating Experience, during which the first officer was the pilot-flying. According to the flight crew, they checked the weather prior to departure from Teterboro Airport (TEB), Teterboro, New Jersey, briefed for the potential winter weather conditions upon landing at Alleg

AD 2022-07-12 Prompted By A Report Of A Crack In A Rotating Scissor Fitting

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-02-20, which applied to certain Hélicoptères Guimbal (HG) Model Cabri G2 helicopters. AD 2021-02-20 required initial and repetitive inspections of certain rotating and non-rotating scissor fittings, and depending on the results, replacing the affected assembly. AD 2021-02-20 also prohibited installing certain main rotor hubs (MRHs) and swashplate guides unless the initial inspection was accomplished. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack in a rotating scissor fitting. This AD retains certain requirements of AD 2021-02-20, and requires installation of newly designed parts, provides a terminating ac

Aero Linx: The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association is a craft specific, independent aviation union. It is not an industrial union and represents only aircraft maintenance technicians and related employees in the craft or class in accordance with the National Mediation Board Rules and their dictates. AMFA is committed to elevating the professional standing of technicians and to achieving progressive improvements in the wages, benefits, and working conditions of the skilled craftsmen and women it represents.

Wide-Area Augmentation System (WAAS) The WAAS is a satellite navigation system consisting of the equipment and software which augments the GPS Standard Positioning Service (SPS). The WAAS provides enhanced integrity, accuracy, availability, and continuity over and above GPS SPS. The differential correction function provides improved accuracy required for precision approach.

“We are excited beyond explanation to finally owning our own light jet and what it will do for me, my wife, our teammates, and clients. Knowing we can get to any project we have across the United States in hours seems unbelievable and amazing at the same time. We are looking forward to flying out of Wichita in our new M2 Gen2 jet straight to one of our solar projects in Arizona and be at home on the same day. What a blessing!” Source: Cessna's first 2nd-Generation Citation M2  has been delivered to its customer, Guy Stockbridge and his Elite Team Offices operation, initiating its service with a California business less than 6 months after the new model's announcement at the NBAA Expo.