Also: Blue Angels Homecoming Cancelled, Upgraded Puma, Virtual Rotorcraft Conference, Aviation Safety Resources

Engineered Propulsion Systems, Inc, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company undertook this development of its own initiative via their debtor’s attorney, James D. Sweet of Steinhilber Swanson LLP.  The EPS Diesel engine program had been getting serious attention from civilian and military parties while the company reportedly spent some $60 million in private investment dollars to seek a working production version and eventual certification. Textron has flown its

The Collier Trophy Has Been Awarded Annually Since 1911

The Department of the Air Force’s X-37B spaceplane, a reusable, multi-purpose, system that operates without an onboard crew, won the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy Aug. 13 for advancing technology that pushes “the boundaries of flight and space exploration.” In announcing the award, Jim Albaugh, chairman of The National Aeronautic Association which sponsors the competition, praised the X-37B, “As the world’s only autonomous, reusable spaceplane, it continues to contribute to our understanding of both space and air flight.”

Saturday, August 15, Marks A Chance To Commemorate How So many Aviators Got Their Start

On Saturday, August 15, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) will commemorate the ninth annual National Model Aviation Day, an event that celebrates the importance of model aviation for inspiring creativity and advanced learning through hands-on activities. This year, AMA invites the public to explore the hobby at home with quick model aircraft projects for kids - great for STE(A)M learning. Some AMA clubs will be also hosting socially distanced outdoor events in their communities, in compliance with local COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Flown From Kailua-Kona to Midway Island Refuge For Release

Personnel from the Coast Guard 14th District, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and The Marine Mammal Center partnered to transport four Hawaiian Monk Seals from Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital dedicated to the rehabilitation of Hawaiian Monk Seals, to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge for release. “To return four female Hawaiian Monk Seals back to their ocean home is an incredible success story and a significant boost to an endangered population where the survival of every individual is critical,” said Dr. Cara Field, Medical Director, The Marine Mammal Center.

Radiant Provides Lightweight Instrumentation For Experimental Or Ultralight Usage

Radiant Instruments introduces its new line of inexpensive, daylight readable LED based instruments. Designed to run off of standard 12 volts, this new line of instruments is exceedingly thin and very lightweight, ideal for installation in experimental and ultralight aircraft. “We started our instrumentation offerings over 10 years ago with this type of small, lightweight instrument. Now we’re bringing it back with the benefit of many years of experience in developing aircraft instrumentation. These are the most reliable yet, and full of features in a tiny footprint,” said James Wiebe, President/CEO of Radiant Technology LLC.

The Secret Service Is Closing Airspace To Drones, Specifically -- Again

To ensure the safety of convention attendees and the residents of Charlotte, The U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the FAA, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announce a “No Drone Zone” during the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Charlotte, N.C., August 24, 2020. To create a “No Drone Zone,” the FAA will establish a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) that prohibits drones and other manned aircraft as part of the security measures required for this National Special Security Event.

Jetfly Is Currently Operating Four PC-24s And Has Flown Them Over 2,400 Hours

Jetfly Aviation has taken delivery of two new aircraft: their fifth PC-24 and their first PC-12 NGX. Jetfly currently operates 47 Pilatus aircraft. Jetfly Aviation has thus far operated four PC-24s, with which it has flown over 2,400 hours. The next PC-24 has just joined the Jetfly fleet.

Aeronautical Information and Notice to Airmen Modernization Initiative Is Underway

The FAA says that their Aeronautical Information and Notice to Airmen Modernization initiative is underway and users of the Chart Supplement series will see improvements. The Chart Supplement is a nine volume civil flight information publication updated every eight weeks by the Air Traffic Organization. It is designed for use with aeronautical charts covering the United States and its territories. Chart Supplements contain airport facility information, airport diagrams and sketches, as well as numerous notices and alerts.

Total Of Three ACJ350-900s And Two A321LRs On Order

Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has won the first A321LR order for two aircraft from Lufthansa Technik, highlighting the market appeal and versatility of the A320neo Family. The aircraft will be multi-role capable and can be equipped for various types of missions, such as troop transport, different MedEvac role setups (medical evacuation) and will be operated by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe).

From 2010: Team Lead Lieutenant Colonel Bard Discusses the 2010 Air Show Season

Almost 70 years after their inception, the 431 Snowbirds continue today bolstered by the tradition of excellence, discipline, and dedication that started in 1942. In response to the onslaught of World War II, the Royal Canadian Air Force formed the 431 Bomber Squadron in Burn, England. After the end of the war and a brief time on public tours, the 431 Squadron disbanded in 1954; however, to commemorate Canada’s centennial year in 1967, the RCAF formed the Golden Centennaires, planting the seed for an

The Airport Manager Said The Pilot Had Flown The Airplane A Few Times Before The Accident Flight

On August 1, 2020, at an unknown time, a Grumman American AA-5, N7192L, sustained substantial damage when it impacted terrain less than a mile west of the Marion County Airport (X35), Dunellon, Florida. The private pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot/co-owner held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. According to the airport manager, the pilot texted his girlfriend at 1527 eastern daylight time and said he was going to "fly a couple laps" around the X35 traffic pattern.

Air Traffic Clearance An authorization by air traffic control for the purpose of preventing collision between known aircraft, for an aircraft to proceed under specified traffic conditions within controlled airspace. The pilot-in-command of an aircraft may not deviate from the provisions of a visual flight rules (VFR) or instrument flight rules (IFR) air traffic clearance except in an emergency or unless an amended clearance has been obtained...

Aero Linx: The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations An international not-for-profit organization, IFALPA represents more than 100,000 pilots in nearly 100 countries worldwide. IFALPA supports its Member Associations by: Interacting with international organizations to develop policies and positions and promote their adoption by ICAO, international regulatory authorities, and the State of each Member Association. Promoting and enhancing the role of professional pilots in ensuring the safety of the aircraft and well-being of passengers and goods; and providing professional development for the benefit of working pilots. Providing Member Associations with services as needed, including

“We conduct routine flight operations and training exercises throughout the Hawaiian islands. One of the Coast Guard’s core missions includes the protection of all marine life and we take pride in the opportunity to assist our partner agencies like The Marine Mammal Center and NOAA in recovery efforts of endangered animals.” Source: CDR James Morrow, pilot, Coast Guard 14th District, in comments associated with the story of Personnel from the Coast Guard 14th District, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and The Marine Mammal Center -- all partneringg to transport four Hawaiian Monk Seals from Ke Kai Ola, The Marine Mammal Center’s hospital dedicated to the rehabilitation of Hawaiian Mon