Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

FAA Certifies Glasair Merlin LSA

First Glasair To Not Be Sold As A Kit

The FAA has certified the Glasair Merlin Light Sport Aircraft (LSA). Certification of the Merlin LSA marks Glasair Aviation’s first entry into turnkey airplane production.

Garmin Team X introduces GMA 245/245R Audio Panels

Combines Bluetooth Wireless Music, Phone, 3D Audio And More

Garmin on Thursday introduced the GMA 245 and GMA 245R, all-digital, Bluetooth audio panels designed for experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light sport aircraft (LSA).

Boeing Following Through On Layoff Plans

Will Cut As Many As 4,000 Jobs Through Mid-Year

Boeing's is following through on its announced plans to reduce its workforce by as many as 4,000 jobs, including hundreds of executives and managers, by mid-year.

City of Los Angeles Drops Three Charges Against Drone Operator

But Has Added A Charge Of 'Reckless Flying Of A Drone'

The city of Los Angeles has dropped all three counts it had filed against filmmaker Arvel Chappell III under its recently-passed anti-drone ordinance ... but the city hasn't entirely let the filmmaker off the hook.

RDD Enterprises Now Taking Orders For 'Dream Fulfillment'

Order Book For The LX7 Aircraft Conversion Package Is Open

What if you could trade in an old Lancair IV-P for a beautiful new high-technology aircraft with offering speed up to 260 KTAS; a range of over 2,100 miles; radically improved stall and slow speed handling, Garmin avionics, Therm-X Deice, whole-aircraft parachute, and; a more spacious pressurized cabin with ergonomic leather seating for four all for just $550,000?

Montana GOP Legislators Question Dem. Governor's Airplane Use

Question Reimbursement Figure To The State For Nonofficial Use

A group of 44 Republican legislators in Montana have sent a letter to Democratic Governor Steve Bullock asking for additional information concerning his reimbursements for nonofficial use of a state airplane.

NASA's 'Spaceport Of The Future' Reaches Another Milestone

Comprehensive Review Of Ground Facilities Plan Completed

NASA is ready to begin another phase of work on its spaceport of the future, where the agency plans to launch the next generation of astronauts to Mars and other deep-space destinations.

Falcon 8X Enters Final Stages Of Flight Test, Certification Campaign

Three Flight Test Articles Have Accumulated 650 Hours In 325 Flights

Dassault Aviation's new flagship, the Falcon 8X, is entering the final stages of its flight test and certification program as work proceeds to prepare the ultra-long range trijet for initial delivery.

Ryukyu Air Commuter Unveils Bombardier Q400 Cargo-Combi Aircraft

Two Of The Type Introduced In Okinawa

Ryukyu Air Commuter of Okinawa, Japan (RAC) recently unveiled two of its Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft during a special ceremony held at the Japan Transocean Air Maintenance Center at Naha Airport, Okinawa. RAC, the launch customer of the Q400 Cargo-Combi aircraft, is a member of Japan Airlines Group (JAL) and the Q400 aircraft unveiled today are the first two of five ordered by the airline in the cargo-passenger combi configuration.

Hybrid Enterprises Receives First Customer LOI

U.K. Firm Plans To Acquire 12 Of The Lockheed Martin Airships

Straightline Aviation (SLA) has signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 12 Lockheed Martin Hybrid Airships with a potential value of approximately $480 million. SLA is working with Hybrid Enterprises, Lockheed Martin's Hybrid Airship reseller, to finalize the purchase agreement.

BBA Aviation Agrees To Divest Six FBOs For $190 Million

Sale Required By U.S. Justice Department Under Terms Of Acquisition Of Landmark Aviation

BBA Aviation has announced the sale of six FBOs, as agreed with the U.S. Department of Justice under the terms of the regulatory approval for the acquisition of Landmark Aviation ("Landmark"), for an aggregate consideration of $190 million to affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC ("the transaction").

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AD NUMBER: 2016-06-13

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.

AD: Airbus Airplanes

AD NUMBER: 2016-06-12

PRODUCT: Certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes.

Classic Aero-TV: CubCrafters 2014 - Building Off A Record Year

Looking Back On A Banner Year For Cubcrafters...

At the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo 2014, ANN News Editor Tom Patton took the opportunity to learn more about CubCrafters variation of the famous Piper Cub. To get his questions answered, Tom met with Randy Lervold, the General Manager of CubCrafters. Lervold said their customers want the fun of flying a classic taildragger airplane, and the popularity of CubCrafters variation has proved successful.

GAMA, EAA Hail Unleaded Avgas Transition Milestone

Associations Say Development Shows FAA Is Making Progress Towards Drop-In Replacement Fuel

GAMA and EAA have noted the FAA’s announcement that it has selected two unleaded aviation fuels, developed by Shell and Swift Fuels, for Phase 2 full-scale testing in engines and aircraft. The selection is based on the least impact to the existing fleet following the results of rigorous Phase 1 laboratory and rig testing of fuel properties and compatibility with aircraft materials and components, as well as an assessment of predicted costs and environmental factors.

Egyptair Hijacker Taken Into Custody, Charged

Used Explosives Belt Threat To Commandeer Airliner

The man who hijacked an Egyptair airliner on a flight from Alexandria to Cairo diverting it to Cyprus has been taken into custody and charged with a variety of crimes, according to the Cyprus government.

Airbus: Fleet In Latin America To More Than Double By 2034

Long-Term Forecast Sees Resilience, Sound Growth Potential For Aviation In The Region

According to the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast (GMF), Latin America will need 2,540 new passenger and freighter aircraft between 2015 and 2034, to meet long term growth in the region. This demand includes 1,990 single-aisle and 550 widebody aircraft worth an estimated $330 billion.

Former Canadian Transport Minister Fatally Injured In Aircraft Accident

Was Among Seven On Board The Airplane When It Went Down

A former Canadian Transport Minister was among seven people on board a Mitsubishi turboprop airplane that went down in the Ilies-de-la-Madeleine off eastern Quebec Tuesday. All on board the aircraft were fatally injured.

AeroSports Update: The Sun ‘n Fun NOTAM

Special Air Traffic Procedures Are Required Reading For All Aviators Flying To Sun ‘N Fun At Lakeland Linder Regional Airport In Lakeland, FL

The Sun ‘n Fun Fly In & Expo starts next week on April 5 and runs through the 10th. For pilots planning to fly into the event it is critically important to thoroughly review the FAA NOTAM that has been published for operating during that time period.

F-16 Down In Afghanistan

Pilot Ejected Safely, No Enemy Fire Involved, Pentagon Says

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing went down during takeoff March 29 at about 8:30 p.m. local time near Bagram Airfield, according to an Air Force news release.

Airborne 03.30.16: USAF Pilots, FAA Drone Report, Aeroprakt A22LS

Also: SFIP16 Debut, April 1st Episode, Glasair's Diesel, Solar Impulse 2, L-39 On Levee, NZ AirShow, NC Drone Arrest, Utah Helo's

The U.S. Air Force is facing some stiff competition for pilots from airlines, but according to Major General, Brian Neal, the Air National Guard is feeling more of a pinch. The Air Force Times reports that General Neal, the acting director for the Air Guard, told the House defense appropriations subcommittee last week that while retention is a problem for the active duty air force, it is more complex for the Air Guard. He noted tha

Wipaire Expands Manufacturing Facilities To Meet Demand

Now Sole Owner Of Building It Has Leased A Portion Of Since 2012

Wipaire, Inc. is expanding its manufacturing facilities. In a purchase deal closed in late February, Wipaire became the sole owner of the 65,000 square foot building it has leased a portion of since late 2012. Renovations will begin as soon as previous leaseholders move out of their leased spaces.

FAA Proposes Special Conditions For Cirrus SF50 Parachute System

Despite Troublesome History, Cirrus Gets 'Short-Cut' From FAA

The FAA has posted in the Federal Register a proposal for special conditions for the Cirrus Design Corporation (Cirrus), model SF50 airplane. This airplane will have a novel or unusual design feature(s) associated with a whole airplane parachute recovery system.

Aero-News: Quote Of The Day (03.31.16)

“The selection of these two fuels shows the FAA is making continued progress toward the goal of identifying a viable unleaded aviation gasoline option for general aviation operators by 2018. This is critical to the future of general aviation." Source: GAMA president and CEO Pete Bunce.