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August 12, 2020

Airborne-Flight Training 08.12.20: MS FlightSim, New Liberty Degrees, FAA Scandal

Also: Eastern Michigan University, Vermont CAP Wing, Navy’s 1st Black Female TacAir Pilot, 737 MAX 8 FlightSim

Pipistrel has hit the big-time, as one of the aviation world's most iconic products is featuring the Virus SW 121. In partnership with Microsoft, the Pipistrel Virus SW 121 is one of the PREMIUM aircraft available in their new, long-awaited, Microsoft Flight Simulator Program, which is scheduled for release on August 18. Described as a 'highly accurate' model of the Pipistrel Virus SW 121, this will be one of the planes available to fly in the Premium Deluxe Edition. Liberty University School of Aeronautics (LUSOA) has added two degrees to its growing academic offerings — a Master of Science (M.S.) in Aeronautics and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Aviation

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Airborne-Flight Training 07.29.20: King Schools, TPS Commandant, Diamond DA40s

Also: Pakistan License Scandal, United A/L Pilots, Sterling Adds Frasca, King Schools Giveaway

King Schools has been busy these last few months, despite the ravages of a global pandemic... As a result, Pilots taking flight training via the Cessna Flight Training System will find their learning easier and more fun as a result of upgrades to their courses. New features include updated navigation, design and functionality on their iPhones, iPads, laptops and desktops. Flight instructors will also see major modifications to features in the Course Tracking Application (CTA). Want to win a FREE King School&rs

23.6% Decrease In Total Sales Compared To The First Six Months Of 2019

The Aircraft Electronics Association released its second-quarter 2020 Avionics Market Report. In the first six months of the year, total worldwide business and general aviation avionics sales amounted to $1,151,137,731.73, or more than $1.1 billion as reported by the participating companies. The figure represented a 23.6% decrease in total sales compared to the first six months of 2019. During the second-quarter months of April, May and June, sales decreased 37.3% compared to the same time frame one year ago.

The Flight Test Certification Program Will Include Three Variations Of Flying Aircraft

Textron Aviation has flown its second Cessna SkyCourier flight test article (P1). The milestone flight for the high-wing, large utility aircraft comes just two-and-a-half months after the prototype Cessna SkyCourier first took to the skies on May 17. The P1 aircraft is the first conforming production flight test aircraft and is the first airframe configured as a freighter.

On-The-Job Experience, Classroom Training, Hands-On Lab Work Offered

Duncan Aviation has received the endorsement of the US Department of Labor for its new Powerplant Apprenticeship program -- and eight full-time technicians will begin their 24-month apprenticeships this month. In spite of everything 2020 has thrown at the business aviation industry, Duncan Aviation continues to take a proactive approach to finding ways to resolve the critical shortage of skilled technicians that’s expected in the industry in the next few years.

The HTV-9 Delivered Four Tons Of Gear On May 25

A Japanese resupply ship will depart the International Space Station next week after nearly three months attached to the orbital lab. Meanwhile, the Expedition 63 crew continued a variety of science operations. JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, announced Tuesday, Aug. 18, as the release date for its H-II Transfer Vehicle-9 (HTV-9) cargo craft. Ground controllers will remotely control the Canadarm2 robotic arm to grapple and remove the HTV-9 from the Harmony module. Commander Chris Cassidy of NASA will command the Canadarm2 to release the cargo craft into space completing an 85-day station mission. The HTV-9 will orbit Earth on its own for two more days and reenter the atmosphere abov

EASA Issues TC For Continental CD-170 Engine

CD-100 Series Has Accumulated Over 7.1 Million Flight Hours

Continental has received EASA Type Certificate (TC) validation for the Jet-A CD-170 engine. The CD-170 engine is part of a series that has accumulated over 7.1 million flight hours. The newly certified Jet-A engine is included in the current type certificate for the CD-100 engine series. The TC is the first of many certification programs Continental plans to apply for other foreign validation type certificates.

Ok; Not The Most Heroic Rescue In The Books -- But When Duty Calls...

There are times when truth is far stranger than fiction... this is one of those times. We're fond of showing how aircraft and aviators come to the rescue, time and time again, to people in need... but this is one of those few times we've been able to report a heli-rescue... due to an upset cow. The folks at the California Highway Patrol's Golden Gate Division Air Operations told quite a tale via Facebook (and by the way, their page is GREAT reading...). "This morning, CHP helicopter H-32 responded with fire fighters and Medic Ambulance of Solano County to a report of an elderly couple who had fallen after being chased by a cow..."

Reps. Estes, Larsen Author Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act

Reps. Ron Estes (KS-04) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) have introduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent aerospace supply chain furloughs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Act of 2020 establishes a temporary relief program to provide up to 50 percent cost-share to help cover costs of pay and benefits for employees at risk of being furloughed due to the pandemic. The bill includes critical oversight provisions to protect American jobs, boost labor protections and prevent use of relief funding for stock buybacks or to pay dividends.

From 2016: EAA’s Pilot Proficiency Center Is Designed to Encourage Proficiency and Provide Actual Training…

While at EAA AirVenture 2016, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton, stopped by the Pilot Proficiency Center in its new location at what was known as the, EAA Four Corners. This new central location brings to light EAA’s position that pilot proficiency is key to aviation safety.

"Realizing a substantial decrease in worldwide avionics sales during the second quarter was the expectation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic impact of the disease has been significant, and the business and general aviation electronics industry is not immune to the crisis. However, I remain optimistic that our industry will be poised for recovery as our shops and manufacturers continue their essential operations, legislators continue to address key employment initiatives, and our industry amplifies the immense value of business and general aviation as an economic catalyst." Source: AEA President and CEO Mike Adamson, in remarks accompanying the most recent Aircraft Electronics Association second-quarter 2020 Avionics Mar

When The Airplane Was Nearly Stopped, It Nosed Over

On July 24, 2020, about 1002 Atlantic standard time, a Cessna 177RG, N1813Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Salinas, Puerto Rico. The private pilot and the flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The pilot, who was the owner of the airplane, stated that he performed a thorough preflight inspection and an engine run-up before departure with no fuel contamination noted and no discrepancies with the run-up reported.

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (08.12.20)

Aero Linx: The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) The British Airline Pilots’ Association (BALPA) is the professional association and registered trade union established to represent the interests of all UK pilots. We represent over 10,000 pilots and are recognised in 23 different companies; that’s over 85% of all commercial pilots flying in the UK. The association holds the largest collective resource of commercial pilot qualification and experience in the UK.

Airmen’s Meteorological Information (AIRMET) In-flight weather advisories issued only to amend the Aviation Surface Forecast, Aviation Cloud Forecast, or area forecast concerning weather phenomena which are of operational interest to all aircraft and potentially hazardous to aircraft having limited capability because of lack of equipment, instrumentation, or pilot qualifications. AIRMETs concern weather of less severity than that covered by SIGMETs or Convective SIGMETs. AIRMETs cover moderate icing, moderate turbulence, sustained winds of 30 knots or more at the surface, widespread areas of ceilings less than 1,000 feet and/or visibility less than 3 miles, and extensive mountain obscurement.