Aero-News Network: The aviation and aerospace world's daily/real-time news and information service

Airborne 12.08.17: AMA Joins GoFly, Mackay Trophy Heroes, KSMO To The Rescue

Also: Orion Parachute Test, Workforce Shortage Issues, Cygnus Departs ISS, Myrtle Beach AirShow

AMA has partnered with Boeing to support GoFly, an incentive competition that encourages innovators to create a safe and easy-to-use personal flying device.“ AMA is excited to partner with GoFly in support of this creative initiative,” said Dave Mathewson, AMA executive director. “AMA has always supported advancements in aviation technology, and we look forward to witnessing the success of the GoFly program.” On Nov. 2, 2016, fourteen AC-130U Gunship crewmembers provided close-air-supp

Gone West: Grumman Albatross Pilot Mike Bialka

Had Planned To Recreate A Famous Flight With The Airplane In May, 2019

Aero-News has learned of the passing of pilot Mike Bialka, who was the captain of the Grumman Albatross "Zeus" that was well known among aviation circles in the area around Houston.

Skydiving Santa Winds Up With A Broken Leg After Landing Goes Awry

Was Taking A Gift To A 9-Year-Old Girl

We're not exactly sure why Santa would have bailed out of his sleigh to make a delivery, but the Jolly Old Elf may have been better off making a more normal landing. He might have avoided a broken leg.

Airborne 12.06.17: One Week Wonder Returns!, Jabiru LSA, Raunchy Skywriting

Also: Air Tractor SAIB, PT6A Familiarization, Teamsters-NetJets Agreement, 150 H145 Deliveries

The hugely popular One Week Wonder project, where a complete airplane is built over a seven-day period, is returning to AirVenture in 2018, on July 23-29. This time, the airplane will be a Van’s RV-12iS. More than 2,500 people participated in the 2014 project, which culminated in the successful taxiing of a Zenith CH 750 on the event’s final afternoon. That airplane continues to fly today, visiting EAA chapters and other aviation events throughout the country. It is a testament to the accessibility

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (12.08.17)

“Improving aviation safety and reopening the pilot career path are not mutually exclusive objectives. We urge the FAA to review the available data and carefully evaluate additional pathways, approving them where they will enhance safety.” Source: RAA President Faye Malarkey Black.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (12.08.17): Load Factor

The ratio of a specified load to the total weight of the aircraft. The specified load is expressed in terms of any of the following: aerodynamic forces, inertial forces, or ground or water reactions.