Also: Crew-1 Launch Delay, Radiant LED Instruments, Van’s Updates IO-390 Usage, Ingenuity Mars-Copter

The X-37B spaceplane, a reusable, multi-purpose, system that operates without an onboard crew, won the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy 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 spac

Costs Of Training Figure Heavily Into New Edict

Well... we can't say that we didn't see this coming... Starting in October, commissioned and warrant officers selected for initial entry flight training will be required to serve at least a decade once they become an Army aviator, according to an all Army activity message published Aug. 12. The new policy doesn’t include Soldiers currently in training, said Chief Warrant Officer 5 William S. Kearns, aviation and officer policy integrator for the Army’s G-1 office. “We’re looking at troops selected for flight training in the fiscal year 2021 and beyond.” The change comes as the cost and requirements for aircraft have increased across the board, Kearns said. “There a

Enter Air to Purchase Up To Four Boeing 737-8 Jets

It's not a time to breathe easy... but maybe an excuse to breathe just a teeny little bit easier, as Boeing gets back in the business of selling 737 MAX airliners. Boeing and Enter Air have announced the Polish airline is expanding its commitment to the 737 family with a new order for two 737-8 airplanes plus options for two more jets. An all-Boeing operator and Poland’s biggest charter carrier, Enter Air began operations in 2010 with a single 737 airplane. Today, the airline’s fleet includes 22 Next-Generation 737s and two 737 MAX airplanes. When the new purchase agreement is fully exercised, Enter Air’s 737 MAX fleet will rise to 10 aircraft.

Rides Available, BUT There Will Be No Ground Tours Or Other Activities

The B-29 Doc Flight Experience Tour will land in Cincinnati, OH, for B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides this Sept. 19 and 20, 2020. Doc will arrive at Lunken Airport Friday, Sept. 18, and will be available for warbird rides during the two-day event, Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20. The tour stop in Cincinnati will be hosted by Signature Flight Support assisted by individual members of the Cincinnati Warbirds. The flight schedule for the B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides will be 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., Sept. 19 and 20. Only persons who have purchased tickets will be admitted to the ramp. There will be no ground tours or other activities. Doc’s Friends, Inc., is taking al

"We Appreciate The Impassioned Responses Received From Hundreds Of Members..."

On August 17 USPA’s board of directors convened a meeting to discuss whether to hold or cancel the 2020 USPA National Championships. After discussion, the board voted to not hold a Nationals competition this year. The Association noted that, "We appreciate the impassioned responses received from hundreds of members on both sides of the issue. USPA’s next Nationals will be held October 18-30, 2021 at Skydive Arizona." It's been a tough road for the organization... After the Competition Committee of the USPA Board met on July 30, it was decided that Skydive City Zephyrhills in Florida would no longer host the 2020 USPA National Skydiving and Parachuting Champi

Program Leads Up To The Building And Launching Of Its Orbital Vehicle

Skyrora has successfully launched its two-stage, four-metre tall sub-orbital rocket, Skylark Micro from the company’s mobile launch complex set up within a few days at Langanes Peninsula, Iceland. The rocket climbed to 26.86km in altitude before both stages were parachuted back down to sea. The launch is part of Skyrora’s de-risking program leading up to the building and launching of its orbital vehicle, Skyrora XL, scheduled for 2023. The launch of Skylark Micro was to test onboard electronics and communications that will also be used in the larger Skylark-L and Skyrora XL launch vehicles. Before launch, the team undertook a number of weather procedures to learn mor

206B Version 2 Main Rotor Blades Now Available

Van Horn Aviation (VHA) has received FAA Supplemental Type Certification / Parts Manufacturer Approval (STC/PMA) on its updated composite main rotor blades for the Bell 206B JetRanger helicopter. The VHA 206B Version 2 main rotor blades contain different carbon fiber ply counts and orientations than the original VHA 206B main rotor blades. This “softens” the blades to mimic the ride and feel of metal blades while maintaining the increased performance of composite blades.

New Waiver Also Permits The Remote Pilot In Command To Fly From A Mobile Command Center

The ability of Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus to fly unmanned aircraft systems beyond visual line of sight is expanding. The campus's Applied Aviation Research Center has received a new waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration that permits K-State Polytechnic to fly unmanned aircraft beyond visual line of sight, or BVLOS, in all Class G airspace nationwide. Class G airspace is where a majority of UAS flights take place, allowing K-State Polytechnic and the Applied Aviation Research Center to enhance research, education and training opportunities. Along with conducting flights in all Class G airspace, this new waiver also permits the remote pi

Pilot 'Informed The Passengers He Would Be Conducting An Emergency Landing'

On August 8, 2020, at an unknown time, a Bell 206B helicopter, N284S, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Marathon, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured, and the three passengers were fatally injured. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations 91 aerial survey flight. The flight's mission was to conduct aerial survey of desert bighorn sheep in the Texas Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. When the helicopter did not return for refueling at the expected time, a search was initiated. The wreckage was located about 1200, by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department personnel who notified authorities.

Aero Linx: The Tailhook Association The Tailhook Association is an independent, fraternal, nonprofit organization internationally recognized as the premier supporter of the aircraft carrier and other sea-based aviation. The purposes of the Association are: to foster, encourage, develop, study, and support the aircraft carrier, sea-based aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing, and aircrews of the United States of America; and to educate and inform the public in the appropriate role of the aircraft carrier and carrier aviation in the nation's defense system.

Abbreviated IFR Flight Plans An authorization by ATC requiring pilots to submit only that information needed for the purpose of ATC. It includes only a small portion of the usual IFR flight plan information. In certain instances, this may be only aircraft identification, location, and pilot request. Other information may be requested if needed by ATC for separation/control purposes. It is frequently used by aircraft which are airborne and desire an instrument approach or by aircraft which are on the ground and desire a climb to VFR-on-top.

“Despite the current crisis, it is important to think about the future. To that end, we have agreed to order additional 737-8 aircraft. Following the rigorous checks that the 737 MAX is undergoing, I am convinced it will be the best aircraft in the world for many years to come." Source: Grzegorz Polaniecki, general director and board member, Enter Air, in comments made as the airline signed deals for new 737 MAX airliners with Boeing.