OnSite Narrative By Wes Oleszewski, ANN Space Correspondent

Cape Canaveral, T-02:29:20 and Counting: The SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle stands poised on the on the pad - GOX'ing billows of white vapor into the humid Florida night. Gleaming white with its upper two thirds illuminated by floodlights, the vehicle has finished fueling. Occasionally large chunks of ice can be seen falling from the side of the vehicle in a scene reminiscent of the early days of rocketry at the Cape. That is indeed appropriate, as tonight's mission is one of a flight test nature rather than one of satellite placement, or planetary exploration. On the line tonight is the budding Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) concept and the launch system put together by a "pr

Cites Accident In Which Airplanes Were Directed Into Thunderstorms

In a letter addressed to acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, the NTSB is recommending that the agency look into ways that real-time lightning displays can be offered to air traffic controllers.

Company Producing Five Ready-To-Fly Airplanes Per Month

On April 18th, 2012 The Airplane Factory received its S-LSA Airworthiness certificate for the first Sling LSA (N511NG), making it the latest LSA to come to market. The Sling began development in 2006 in South Africa, and over 60 airplanes have been delivered in other parts of the world, with over 100 orders received by the factory to date. This airplane is the first US-registered Sling.

Agrees To Take A New Look At Cargo Pilot Exclusion

In a surprise move Thursday night, the FAA admitted that it "discovered errors" during the course of preparing its court papers. The FAA now says it is ready to provide the relief requested by the Independent Pilots Association (UPS pilots union), and will take another look at whether cargo pilots should be excluded from new rest rules published in December.

Sailplanes Not In Contact With ATC Should Squawk 1202

In a notice issued on March 7, 2012, the FAA will now offer transponder code 1202 for glider pilots to use when not in contact with ATC. The new code will help ATC differentiate gliders, which have unique flight and maneuvering limitations, from other VFR traffic.

Over 400 Workers, Officials, Others Show Support For GA Manufacturing

Senators Mike Johanns and Ben Nelson joined GAMA and over 400 workers, state and local officials and aviation enthusiasts today at Duncan Aviation for a general aviation (GA) jobs rally. The rally was held inside Duncan Aviation’s new paint hangar at the Lincoln Airport.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Set To Launch May 19th

The first U.S. commercial space flight is scheduled to launch this week from Cape Canaveral. Commercial launch company SpaceX has built a capsule that will go to the ISS and thus open the era of commercial space flight. The Falcon 9 rocket is on track to launch on Saturday, May 19, with a backup date of May 22. The rocket will carry the Dragon capsule into space, on a mission to deliver supplies of food and water to the International Space Station.

Total Sales Exceed $120 million, Including 3 Hawker 4000 Jets 

EBACE was a good show for Hawker Beechcraft, which announced Thursday that it secured orders for 11 aircraft - including three of its flagship Hawker 4000 super-midsize business jets, a Hawker 400XPR, six King Air 350i turboprops and a King Air 250.

Replaces OEM Lead Acid Design

Concorde is pleased to announce that the popular Embraer 500 (Phenom 100) FAA approved STC SA01633WI has received ANAC validation in Brazil.

“To advocate for people to shoot down any object from U.S. airspace is irresponsible, dangerous and unlawful. Unmanned aerial systems are being designed to serve the public good." Source: AUVSI President & CEO Michael Toscano.

When used in conjunction with ATC instructions, gives the pilot the latitude to delay compliance until a condition or event has been reconciled.

National Associatoin of Flight Instructors

Founded in 1967, NAFI is dedicated exclusively to "raising and maintaining the professional standing of the flight instructor in the aviation community." Through the years, NAFI has kept that pledge. Now, more than ever before, we are moving to enhance this original commitment.