Also: Teen Survives Wheel Well Flight, Oshkosh Seaplanes, Weird 'FlightSuit Lawsuit', WI Supports Rec A/C Ops

Sierra Nevada Corp. co-program director John Curry is reported to have said that they will conduct additional drop tests of their Dream Chaser spacecraft at California’s Edwards Air Force Base in the fall of this year. The North Dakota Department of Commerce team has been authorized to begin using a Draganflyer X4ES small UAS at its Northern Plains Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site. The authorization is effective for two years, and the team plans to begin flight operations during the week of May 5. If there was ever a time to see a movie in the modern 3D format, this has got to be it. A new theatrical release of Air Racers 3D from 3D Entertainment Distribution is now showing at select IMAX theaters. All this... and MORE in today's episode of Airborne!!!

Company Says The Modifications Eliminate Factors That Led To North Sea Ditchings

The redesigned vertical bevel gear shaft for Airbus Helicopters’ EC225 has been certified, enabling its production and installation on all rotorcraft of this type in operation globally, as well as those being produced. Certification was granted by EASA and is to be followed by validation from other international airworthiness authorities.

Retired AOPA President Still Understands What An Association Must Do To Serve An Embattled Industry

Originally WebCast October 18, 2012: Its been nearly four years since Phil Boyer stepped down as the president of AOPA at the end of 2008. When Boyer took the controls in 1991 (only the third president in AOPA’s 69-year history), the GA industry was in crisis, beaten down by product liability lawsuits. He helped pass the General Aviation Revitalization Act, which turned around aircraft manufacturing. He also championed civilian use of GPS and WAAS, and later ADS-B to benefit general aviation. Boyer had quite an effect... He upgraded AOPA management and member service, resulting in a 40-percent membership growth -- despite declining pilot numbers. He devoted considerable assets to increasing GA advocacy and member benefits, while holding AOPA dues to $39 -- and left AOPA is bett

Rose Mooney Tapped To Lead Effort At Virginia Tech

A trailblazer in the field of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) has been chosen to lead one of the six federally approved test sites working to safely introduce unmanned aircraft into the national airspace.

Flight Raises Nearly $250,000 For Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center

Actor John Corbett ... better known for his roles in movies and popular TV shows such as Northern Exposure, Sex in The City and My Big Fat Greek Wedding ... was shooting for the stars last Saturday to help knock out Parkinson's disease by auctioning off a space flight with XCOR Aerospace to benefit Muhammad Ali's Parkinson's Research Center.

Creating An Ambitious Electric Flight Program

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Powering Imagination LLC have entered into an agreement to create an electric flight program focused on reducing aircraft emissions and noise through development of electric propulsion systems.

Planning Ahead And Staying Safe Saves A Professional Airshow Pilot

Dan Marcotte describes himself on his website as being determined and driven with a sense of vision. His adventures have included racing cars and racing airplanes, and he now owns and operates Dan Marcotte Airshows. His schedule through August includes professional aerobatic performances at 7 airshows, or at least it did until he had to “hit the silk” last week.

Says UAVs Have Been Operated As 'Model Aircraft', Not Used For Commercial Purposes

Texas EquuSearch, the nonprofit organization that was recently smacked down by the FAA for using an unmanned aircraft for volunteer search-and-rescue missions, has filed a lawsuit against the administration Monday, stating its use of UAS is not in violation of the law.

Showed Autonomous Hover And Flight Operations For U.S. Army

In cooperation with the U.S. Army, Sikorsky has successfully demonstrated optionally piloted flight of a Black Hawk helicopter, a significant step toward providing autonomous cargo delivery functionality to the U.S. Army.

Free Access To Program Provided To Young Eagles Participants

EAA and Sporty's announced recently that the more than 25,000 EAA Young Eagles have now enrolled in the online Sporty's Learn to Fly course, which is provided free to Young Eagles to help them pursue aviation interests beyond their first flight. The Sporty's course is part of EAA's Young Eagles Flight Plan - a five-step program to create a clear pathway to aviation.