Aviation Databases Reportedly Affected, Unavailable

Over the course of at least the last 48 hours, mighty Garmin, who one might assume would have pretty decent online security, appears to be the victim of a massive ransomware attack, as asserted by a number of computer media publications, that not only took down a number of Garmin consumer functions but apparently fouled up the ability for pilots to update their product databases as well... seriously impeding their ability to operate their aircraft's systems. According to a number of sources in computer media, Garmin appears to have been compromised by a ransomware attack -- which took out Garmin Connect servers and websites, call centers, and reportedly, some production lines.

Nearly Alone In The Ghost Town

by ANN Senior Correspondent Kevin R.C. "Hognose" O'Brien (Emeritus) Special Note: This was one of the best pieces to ever appear in ANN about Oshkosh... and it was written by an uncommon friend that used to give me all kinds of crap and get in my face without a second's hesitation when he thought there was something I REALLY needed to know... honest, caring, insightful, frank, and above all, a uniquely gifted human being. Best of all, a friend. We lost Kevin two years ago... and I will never look upon Oshkosh again without remembering some of the adventures we shared, the chats we had, the arguments we took on, and stories that we were a part of. Oshkosh is ab

She's a Winning Flight Instructor-Who Will Be Next?

"My heart skipped a beat when John and Martha called to congratulate me on winning the scholarship in early March. I was stoked to be riding to SUN 'n FUN with them in their Falcon. March was filled with exciting opportunities and new doors opening. In addition to winning the NAFI scholarship, immediately after SUN 'n FUN I was scheduled to attend flight training and begin a new career as a professional pilot! After years of hard work, my dream finally had come true-I was hired by an airline!" said Nobi Buntin of Honolulu, Hawaii, upon being awarded the 2020 NAFI/King Schools Scholarship valued at $18,000, including $5,000 cash and lifetime access to King courses.

Tentatively Planned To Launch In December 2023 From Antarctica

Work has begun on an ambitious new mission that will carry a cutting-edge 8.4-foot (2.5-meter) telescope high into the stratosphere on a balloon. Tentatively planned to launch in December 2023 from Antarctica, ASTHROS (short for Astrophysics Stratospheric Telescope for High Spectral Resolution Observations at Submillimeter-wavelengths) will spend about three weeks drifting on air currents above the icy southern continent and achieve several firsts along the way.

From 2010: Wings Or Wheels -- Terrafugia Has It Covered

Visitors to this year's Oshkosh extravaganza were provided an update on the progress of the Transition Roadable Aircraft, or "Flying Car" and the unveiling of a scalable model of the Beta Prototype (stage 2) next generation design. New design features include:  Automotive-style crash safety features, including an energy absorbing crush structure in the nose of the vehicle and rigid safety cage. A customized, intuitive touch-screen interface to the cockpit. Impr

HH-60 Pave Hawk Helicopter Of The 210th RQS To The Rescue!

The Alaska Air National Guard rescued four distressed hikers from Crow Pass Trail, which runs between Girdwood and the Eagle River Nature Center, July 20. The hikers had reached approximately the halfway point and were substantially low on food. They didn’t have enough for the journey back or to continue forward. Additionally, one of the hikers experienced arthritic knee and ankle pain, which caused him to become increasingly concerned. Two other hikers reported the situation along the trail, which used an inReach satellite communication device to send the GPS location to the Alaska State Troopers.

Airplane Veers Abruptly To The Left, And The Right Wing Strikes The Water...

On July 5, 2020, about 1130 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna 180C airplane, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident at Lake Hood Airport (PALH), Anchorage, Alaska. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, at the time of the accident, they were returning from a remote lake to PALH in their float-equipped airplane. The pilot stated that the departure from the remote lake was normal, with about 10 to 12 mph of wind on the lake creating a light chop on the water's surface, and no object was struck during the takeoff and depar

AD 2020-16-03 Requires Establishing A Life Limit For Certain Horizontal Stabilizers

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PZL Swidnik S.A. (PZL) Model PZL W-3A helicopters. This AD requires establishing a life limit for certain horizontal stabilizers and removing from service any affected horizontal stabilizer in accordance with that life limit. This AD was PZL Swidnik S.A. Helicopters. The actions of this AD are intended to address an unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective August 10, 2020.

Aero Linx: The International Air Cargo Association TIACA is The International Air Cargo Association and the unique international not-for-profit association representing and uniting all parts of the air cargo industry: shippers, forwarders, ground handlers, airports, airlines, manufacturers, IT providers, etc. TIACA members are traditional players and new entrants, small, medium and large companies with regional and global reach. Launched in the early 1990s, our roots go back to 1960, when a committee of the Society of Automotive Engineers in the USA launched the first Air Cargo Forum to explore the needs of the emerging air cargo industry.

"When I wasn't sewing or delivering masks, I kept up with my aviation studies, enjoying the company of John and Martha as their ground school prepared me for my CFI written exam. Their voices were always reassuring and comforting. Thanks to John and Martha, I took the written exam and passed. Now I can focus on designing my lesson plans following their phenomenal curriculum..." Source: King Schools/NAFI Scholarship winner, Nobi Bunton, describing apsects of her life as she climbs the aviation career ladder. The NAFI/King Schools 2021 scholarship application period is now open, and the winner will be announced at SUN 'n FUN in April 2021. A well deserving National Association of Flight Instructors member CFI or aspiring CFI will be awarded

Fallen Hero Remains of fallen members of the United States military are often returned home by aircraft. These flights may be identified with the phrase “FALLEN HERO” added to the remarks section of the flight plan, or they may be transmitted via air/ground communications. If able, these flights will receive priority handling.