Agency Notes Three Incidents Of ESP System Engaging When Not Appropriate

The FAA has issued an emergency AD for Cirrus Model SF50 (Vision Jet) airplanes following three reports of the stall warning and protection system (SWPS) or Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP) System engaging when not appropriate, with the first incident occuring in November 2018 and the latest in April 2019. The SWPS or ESP systems may engage even when sufficient airspeed and proper angle of attack (AOA) exists for normal flight.

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After several years of development, the prototype of the Horten HX-2 made its public debut at AERO-Friedrichshafen last week. The single engine HX-2 was built at Horten headquarters at the Kindel airfield. The prototype, based on the original design by Reimar Horten, incorporates a blended-wing both technology comprised of carbon/glass-fiber materials. It is powered by a Rotax 912 engine turning a pusher propeller. It carries a little more than 60 gallons of fuel in two tanks. Evektor´s SportStar RTC has received EASA approval for night operation. The SportStar RTC is popular among European air clubs and professional pilot training organizations. The Night VFR version of the SportStar RTC is equipped with the certified Rotax 912S (100 hp), 3-blade ground adjustable propeller, a Glass Cockpit with Dual 10.6” Screen

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Google’s ‘Wing’ has launched a drone delivery service in North Canberra, Australia. Through Wing’s service, customers can order a variety of items on Wing’s mobile app, and have them delivered directly to their homes via UAS in minutes. Since 2014, Wing has been testing UAS delivery in Australia. Over the last year and a half, Wing has made more than 3,000 deliveries to Australian homes in Fernleigh Park, Royalla and Bonython communities, delivering food, small household items and over the counter chemist products. In what may be one of the ultimate unmanned vehicle adventures of 2019, SpaceIL got ever so close, but in the end was not able to land its Beresheet lunar lander on the surface of the Moon. The landing attempt was planned for 3:25 p.m. Thursday afternoon. At about 3:24, co

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YUP... its THAT time of year again! This is ANN's infamous April First Episode... strap in, and get ready to be fooled, bamboozled and led astray! Drone Skeet has been selected as a demonstration sport for the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles, CA. Teams will consist of shooters and pilots competing in timed rounds. Each team will have 5 minutes to shoot down as many of the opposing team's drones as it can, then they will switch sides and the other team will have an opportunity to shoot. At the end of 6 rounds, the team which has downed the most drones will be declared the winner. Partial credit will be awarded for drones that are damaged but can still fly. SpaceX engineers are scrambling to resolve a possible orbital conflict 500 miles above the surface of Mars. W

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AMA has responded to the FAA's NPRM on the Operation of sUAS Over People. Overall, the AMA believes the proposed rulemakings on flying over people and night flying are a step toward opening the airspace for more commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operators. For model aircraft hobbyists, however, they do not anticipate these rules will have a significant impact on their existing guidelines for safe and responsible operation. "...For years, our National Model Aircraft Safety Code has been recognized by Congress, as well as state legislatures, as a safe and effective means of managing the model aircraft community. Our members know where, when and how to fly safely and they do not present a risk to the airspace," the AMA commented. On March 29, 2018, a pilot and passenger departed Thames Aerodrome in N

Interested Parties Can Comment Through April 30

The FAA has posted a draft report from the Boeing 737 MAX Flight Standardization Board. The FSB reviewed only the training aspects related to software enhancements to the aircraft. The report is open to public comment for 14 days, with the comment period ending April 30. After that, the FAA will review those comments before making a final assessment.

Bolen Calls The Event 'Inspiring'

As the 2019 edition of the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2019) drew to a close under sunny skies, organizers said the growing show pointed to a continual increase in speed and altitude for the event, and the broader industry in Asia.

Equipped With Thermal And Other Sensors To Assist In SAR

Rega presented a new type of aircraft for searching for missing persons at its recent annual Media conference. The newly developed Rega drone can autonomously scan large search areas and is equipped with various sensors, such as a thermal camera. As a result, in future, Rega will have at its disposal an additional device to help it search for people in distress.

Aviation Development Program Designed As A Pathway To Jobs In Air Traffic Control

The FAA has announced a pilot program to help prepare people with disabilities for careers in air traffic operations. A key focus for the FAA’s Office of Civil Rights is to identify specific opportunities for people with targeted disabilities, empower them and facilitate their entry into a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Event Set For September 13-15 In Muncie, IN

The AMA Foundation will host the Friends of the Foundation Fun Fly at the International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, September 13-15, 2019.