Also: Upgraded Bell 47s, LaHood Optimistic, 'Aero-Integrity', Darkside of the Moon, Flying People, 400th Mustang and SO Much More!

It’s almost over... aviation’s version of a long-running soap opera, that is. This week's big story is the apparent end of five years of political infighting over long-term FAA reauthorization. US federal lawmakers Tuesday settled on a four-year funding bill for the FAA, after an incredible 23 short-term extensions. The Associated Press reports the bill authorizes 63-billion dollars for the FAA through the 2015 budget year, and includes compromises on several contentious issues. Beyond that, the unions aren't happy about it, LaHood is, Bell and Eurocopter each claimed victory in a recent lawsuit, and quite few other aero-stories. In addit