For The First Time, The FAA Issued Santa A Special Commercial Space License For A Crewed Mission To The ISS

The FAA has announced it has granted Santa Claus and his reindeer-powered sleigh special operating authority to engage in interstate air-cargo-delivery services directly to rooftops throughout the United States on Christmas Eve. In addition, for the first time ever, the FAA issued Santa a special commercial space license for a crewed mission to the International Space Station using his StarSleigh-1 space capsule powered by the Rudolph Rocket. The mission license includes both launch and reentry operations and will occur from a U.S.-based spaceport. “We are pleased to help Santa safely navigate through the National Airspace System to br

From Two Great Men... An Aero-Holiday Memory

One of the greatest joys I have as the so-called boss of ANN is the many people I meet and the precious few that I get to know as friends. Two of my great friends have had the same name... Frank Kingston Smith, Senior and Junior. Frank Sr. has been gone a number of years now but our memories of him are fond and numerous... though his son is still often a vociferous advisor and co-conspirator via email. Some time ago, Frank, Jr., sent me a really great message... and it made for one more fitting way by which I can wish you all a very Merry Christmas -- Jim Campbell, ANN E-I-C

Completed 27 Eclipse 500 Initial Type Ratings In 2020 With A 100% Pass Ratio

AEROCOR’s flight training department tells ANN that it completed 27 Eclipse 500 initial type ratings in 2020 with a 100% pass rating among it’s students. Based on current bookings, AEROCOR anticipates completing 3 training events per month going forward. AEROCOR has combined its sales activities with aircraft training, offering optional training bundles with each aircraft it sells.

The “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide,” Which Breaks Down Key Regulatory Information Related To The Proper Use Of Leases

As part of a comprehensive industry response to federal concerns over illegal charter flights – including those conducted under so-called “sham dry lease” arrangements – the NBAA and other leading industry groups have announced the publication of the “General Aviation Dry Leasing Guide,” which breaks down key regulatory information related to the proper use of leases and how improper use, whether intentional or inadvertent, can lead to illegal operations. Nearly all general aviation flights – including those conducted under dry leasing arrangements – take place in com

From 2014: Looking Back At Oshkosh 2012 With One Of The Airshow Industry's Top Fliers

Top-notch aerobatic performer, Rob Holland, amazed the crowds at EAA AirVenture 2012. ANN had a chance to talk with Rob and asked him about his career as an airshow performer. Rob said that while going to college for an aviation degree he made a trip to the local airport and saw a pristine Steen Skybolt airplane parked on the ramp. He asked the owner if he could take a picture of the airplane and the owner offered to take him for a flight. One flight was all it took; Rob was hooked on aerobat

The A330-800 Is The Latest Addition To Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft Product Line

Uganda Airlines has taken delivery of its first A330neo, the latest version of this airliner. It is the first Airbus aircraft delivered to Uganda Airlines, which was established in 2019. The A330-800 is the latest addition to Airbus’ commercial aircraft product line. Thanks to its mid-sized capacity and excellent range versatility, the A330neo is considered an ideal aircraft to operate as part of the post-COVID-19 recovery. The A330neo will enable the new airline to launch its long-range operations with non-stop intercontinental flights to the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Large Hole Was Noted On The Top Of The Engine Crankcase, And The Numbers 5 And 6 Connecting Rods Were Missing

On December 2, 2020, about 2115 central standard time, a Bellanca 17-30A, N28067, was substantially damage when it was involved in an accident near Arden Hills, Minnesota. The pilot and passenger and an occupant of the motor vehicle were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot said this was to be a night sightseeing flight around the city. About 10 minutes after takeoff, he heard a loud “bang” and the engine began to vibrate. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power completely.

AD 2020-26-08 Was Prompted By Reports Of Damage To The Inner Fixed Structure (IFS) Forward Upper Fire Seal

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes powered by Rolls Royce Trent 1000 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the inner fixed structure (IFS) forward upper fire seal and damage to thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the thrust reverser (TR). This AD requires repetitive inspections of the IFS forward upper fire seal and thermal insulation blankets in the forward upper area of the TR for damage and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective

AD 2020-26-09 Requires Repetitive External Surface High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) Inspections

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in fastener holes at a certain station of the center wing box. This AD requires repetitive external surface high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections and repetitive external surface ultrasonic inspections; or repetitive internal detailed inspections; of a certain station of the center wing box for any cracking, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 27, 2021.

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