FAA's Existence Secured (Until the Next Reauthorization at Least)

It seems to be a running theme with the FAA that things are never just running smoothly whenever it comes up for reauthorization, with a neverending back and forth between the Senate and House as lawmakers play the bureaucratic game - thankfully, this round may finally be coming to an end. "It is very encouraging to see that U.S. House and Senate aviation committee leaders have been able to work together to put forth a bipartisan, bicameral bill to reauthorize the FAA," said GAMA president Pete Bunce. Speaking on behalf of a string of domestic aircraft makers & shakers, he applauded the impending reauthorization. 

FAI Announces Digital Drone Race World Cup for 2024

The International Aeronautical Federation announced a new type of drone race, this time using the EreaDrone flight simulator to offer the E-Drone Racing World Cup 2024. The E-Drone Racing World Cup is aimed at providing a more cost-effective, affordable, and accessible event than previous drone races, allowing competitors to join in on the competition from the comfort of their own couch. That's perhaps the most intriguing addition to the new series, which will end up with a 4 to 5-event based run.

Neil Robertson and Aleš Kubí?ek to be Awarded in October with In-Person Ceremony

The International Aeronautics Federation's FAI Ballooning Commission added a pair of pioneers to their CIA International Balloon and Airship Hall of Fame in the form of Neil Roberston and Aleš Kubí?ek, setting a date for their induction next October. The FAI's Ballooning Commission oversees the lighter-than-air side of record keeping and oversight for international operations, stewarding the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum and keeping track of every happening of the industry around the world.

Replenishment by Electric Plane? Naval Ops May Join the Future Soon

The US Navy awarded Electra Aero a contract under their NAVAIR development program to test out the battery-powered, high-wing, short-takeoff aircraft for possible use. Electra has been an unusually grounded and realistic developer in the race to create electric - but commercially viable - aircraft, and their selection by the ever pragmatic (okay, just sometimes kind of pragmatic) Navy folk speaks to that mindset.

Big Surprise To All... Including Employees and Airport Personnel

Waco Kitchen, one of our favorite airport restaurant 'chains' has taken itself off the flight roster... To the surprise of  everyone involved, Waco Kitchen shut down both airport operations with little warning and has not said much since. The Lakeland Linder International Airport reported, via Facebook (see attached image) that, "WACO Kitchen, owned and operated by Dimor Eats LLC, which leases space on the second floor of the terminal building at Lakeland International Airport (3900 Don Emerson Dr. Ste. 201), notified officials on Monday that they will be temporarily suspending operations...

Inspection to Rudder Control Linkage Required Within 200 Hours for Diamond Twin Operators

Diamond has issued a revised Airworthiness Directive for the DA42, DA42 NG, and DA42 M-NG aircraft that replaces a rudder axle, superseding a previous publication regarding the same part. The Directive orders the inspection of a self-locking nut used in the rudder T-yoke's bolt, and its installation should the nut be missing to begin with. Should the assembly not be correctly installed, operators run the risk of developing increasing play in the vertical movement of the bolt, diminishing effective rudder control in flight.

Textron Reports Solid Q1 Financial Performance

Textron Inc. reported a solid financial performance for the first quarter of 2024, indicating a strong start to the year with notable gains across its primary business segments. The conglomerate announced a net income of $1.03 per share, up from $0.92 in the same period last year. Adjusted net income rose to $1.20 per share from $1.05 per share in the first quarter of 2023, showcasing continued financial health and operational efficiency.

Kaman Delivers New K-MAX to External Lift Operator Black Tusk

Kaman Corp., a notable player in the aerospace and defense sectors, recently announced the delivery of a new K-MAX helicopter to Black Tusk Helicopter Inc., based in Squamish, BC, Canada. This transaction marks a significant reinforcement of the operational capabilities of Black Tusk, a company renowned for its diverse external lift operations including aerial timber harvesting, ski tower installations, firefighting, and hydroelectric projects. Phil Murphy, Vice President of Business Development at Kaman Air Vehicles, expressed his appreciation for Black Tusk's continued trust in Kaman's offerings, highlighting the K-MAX helicopter's exceptional performance in challenging environments.

Merlin Labs Teams With MIT Lincoln Laboratory on New TCAS

Merlin, an aviation technology working on developments for the future of automated flight, announced its partnership with MIT Lincoln Laboratory (LL) in the first step towards an operational next generation collision avoidance technology. This partnership will see the two organizations explore the commercial adoption of the Airborne Collision Avoidance System Xu (ACAS Xu) on unmanned aircraft systems. The partnership will focus on the initial integration and further implementation of the ACAS Xu software standard, RTCA DO-386, with the Merlin Pilot, allowing Merlin to deliver enhanced automated collision avoidance measures based on the outputs from ACAS Xu that exceed the standards of the National Airspace System.

Wright Electric Launchess Wright Electric Aircraft Engine Test Cell

Wright Electric, a developer of electric propulsion for large commercial aircraft, today announced the launch of its Wright Electric Aircraft Engine Test Cell (WEAETC). The WEAETC is designed to characterize the performance of megawatt-class electric aircraft propulsion systems. Founded in 2016, Wright's goal is to decarbonize the aerospace industry. Wright works with leading groups such as NASA, Y Combinator, The US Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency--Energy, and the US Department of Defense.