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Though expected several months ago, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has finally announced the certification of an electric airplane, the Pipistrel Velis Electro, the first type certification world-wide of a fully electric aircraft and an important milestone in the quest for environmentally sustainable aviation. The Velis Electro is a two-seater aircraft intended primarily for pilot training. Slovenia-based Pipistrel is a leading small aircraft designer and manufacturer, specialised in energy-

Many Written Examination Facilities Are Closed Due To The Pandemic

Transport Canada Civil Aviation is shaking things up a bit more in order to allow aviation to make what progress it can under tought circumstances. Most recently; the requirement for the applicable knowledge (written) test to have been passed before a flight test for either an Instrument Rating, or an initial Flight Instructor Rating can be conducted has been temporarily suspended until January 15, 2021. "The purpose of the exemption is to allow candidates that have not yet written the requisite written examination for an Instrument Rating, or any of the initial Flight Instructor Ratings to be accepted to attempt the flight test required for the issuance of an Instrument Rating, or

Two NASA Astronauts Will Exit The Orbital Lab On June 26 and July 1

Two spacewalks are set to continue upgrading power systems at the International Space Station at the end of the month. The Expedition 63 crew is getting ready for the summer excursions while also researching a variety of space phenomena to benefit Earth and space industries. Two NASA astronauts will exit the orbital lab on June 26 and July 1 to continue replacing batteries that store and distribute power collected from the solar arrays. They will work on the outer portion of the truss structure, or the Starboard-6 truss, disconnecting and removing the old nickel hydrogen batteries. Following that, new lithium-ion batteries will be installed in their place and powered up by mi

The SNPRM Put Forth By The FAA Added Three Models And Removed Five

As previously reported by ANN, the FAA announced changes to a proposed airworthiness directive regarding certain models of Piper PA-28 and PA-32 in response to comments made by many GA stakeholders. The proposed AD, which addressed wing spar issues following a tragic accident at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, was first promulgated in December 2018. EAA filed comments expressing concerns that the AD was overly broad, required more nuance in its formula to determine whether eddy current inspections were necessary, and underestimated the cost of those inspections.

'Detroit Has A Strong Connection To Our Country’s Contribution To World War II'

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is proud to announce that a new unit is being formed in the Detroit area. The city of Detroit has a strong connection to our country’s contribution to World War II as well as a vibrant aviation community. The charter was signed by the CAF President Hank Coates on June 1, 2020 giving the group the green light to move forward with establishing leadership and objectives. Currently, the group is looking to gain information on people who may be interested in joining or learning more about the new unit. If you are or know someone who may be interested in becoming a Commemorative Air Force – Detroit Squadron member, please u

From 2015: The Stunning Details Of A Compelling Aspect Of Aviation History

If you try to tell the story of American pilots flying variations of the German Messerschmitt BF-109 while escorting B-17 bombers on their mission, most people wouldn’t believe you. It’s also hard to believe that pilots flying British Spitfires were locked in deadly aerial battles against each other. But, these things did happen in Israel’s war for independence that began in 1948. While at EAA AirVenture 2015, ANN’s Maxine Scheer interviewed Nancy Spielberg, who is the

FAA Has Received Reports Of Uncommanded Autothrottle Advancement

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin advises registered owners and operators of The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes of the potential for uncommanded autothrottle advancement during ground operations. At this time, the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant airworthiness directive action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 39. The FAA has received reports of uncommanded autothrottle advancement (throttles advanced from idle) during ground operations. The majority of events occurred during taxi, and in one event the autothrottles advanced after landing before the speedbrakes were retracted.

Asks All Passengers to Take Health Self-Assessment as Part of Check-In Process

United Airlines is crowing about being the 'first major U.S. airline' to ask all passengers to complete a health self-assessment during their check-in process. Based on recommendations from the Cleveland Clinic, the "Ready-to-Fly" checklist asks customers to confirm they have not experienced COVID-19-related symptoms in the 14 days prior to flying. The assessment is part of United CleanPlus, the company's commitment to putting health and safety at the forefront of the entire customer experience.

NATO Support And Procurement Agency Multi-Year Contract Has $80 Million Potential Value

AeroVironment has received two firm-fixed-price orders totaling $9,804,448 from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The orders, received on March 5, 2020 and April 16, 2020, encompass the procurement of Raven and Puma 3 AE tactical UAS and spares. Delivery for the first order is anticipated by August 2020 and the second order by October 2020. The orders are part of a three-year base contract received from NSPA in January 2020. The contract includes an option for two additional years oflogistics support for Raven, Wasp® and Puma tactical UAS. The total potential value of the multi-year contract is $80 million, encompassing the procurement and sus

Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Data Is Contributing To The Investigation

On June 8, 2020, at 0946 central daylight time, a Flight Design GMBH CTLS airplane, N257V was destroyed when it was involved in an accident, near Beecher, Illinois. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane had just departed from runway 09 at the Bult Field airport (C56). There were no witnesses to the accident but preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADSB) data showed the airplane accelerated to about 60 kts. groundspeed and climbed to about 75 ft. above ground level (agl). The groundspeed then decreased to about 50 kts while the altitude continued to increase until it reached about 175 ft agl. At that time, the airplane was about 300 ft shor

Aero Linx: The European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Founded in 1955 as an intergovernmental organisation, the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) seeks to harmonise civil aviation policies and practices amongst its Member States and, at the same time, promote understanding on policy matters between its Member States and other parts of the world. ECAC's mission is the promotion of the continued development of a safe, efficient and sustainable European air transport system. ECAC's long-established expertise in aviation matters, pan-European membership and close liaison with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) enable it to serve as a unique European forum for discus

Class E (Airspace) Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D, and it is controlled airspace, it is Class E airspace. Class E airspace extends upward from either the surface or a designated altitude to the overlying or adjacent controlled airspace. When designated as a surface area, the airspace will be configured to contain all instrument procedures. Also in this class are Federal airways, airspace beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet AGL used to transition to/from the terminal or en route environment, en route domestic, and offshore airspace areas designated below 18,000 feet MSL. Unless designated at a lower altitude, Class E airspace begins at 14,500 MSL over th

"Two NASA astronauts will exit the orbital lab on June 26 and July 1 to continue replacing batteries that store and distribute power collected from the solar arrays. They will work on the outer portion of the truss structure, or the Starboard-6 truss, disconnecting and removing the old nickel hydrogen batteries. Following that, new lithium-ion batteries will be installed in their place and powered up by mission controllers on the ground." Source: From a NASA document detailing upcoming spacewalks from the ISS, as the restaffed Expedition 63 gets to work, in earnest.