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August 05, 2020

Airborne-Unmanned 08.05.20: VSR700 Flies, QF-16 Target, EHang 216 CA FltOps

Also: XPONENTIAL 2020 Goes Virtual, FCC Fines Hobbyking, Drones Protect Sea Turtles, King Schools Giveaway

The prototype of Airbus Helicopters’ VSR700 UAS has performed its first free flight. The VSR700 performed a ten minute flight at a drone test centre near Aix-en-Provence in the south of France. This is a significant step in the programme following the first flight in November 2019 when the prototype was tethered to comply with regulatory requirements. To enable this free flight, Airbus Helicopters implemented geofencing, a virtual perimeter, which enabled and justified a flight clearance from airworthiness authorities for free flight. The flight test programme will now evolve to progressively open the flight envelope. A team from Boeing and the U.S. Air Force complete

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Airborne-Unmanned 07.22.20: EASA Drone Regs, Swift HALE, Helo v UAV

Also: UAVOS Joins HAPS, Schiebel Monitoring Ship Emissions, US–Swiss Drone Agreement, EHang 216 Sightseeing Demos

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has published a proposal of airworthiness standards for the certification of the vast majority of light unmanned aircraft. These standards will greatly contribute to the safe operation of drones for a wide variety of services, such as parcel delivery in urban environments, railways and power lines inspection or delivery of essential supplies into crisis zones. The proposed standards, now open for public consultation, are known as Special Condit

Aircraft Is Currently In Production

Textron has previewed the next generation of its King Air turboprop family with the Beechcraft King Air 360/360ER. The updated turboprop offers the latest technological advancements in the cockpit, a redesigned cabin, and enhancements to passenger comfort. The aircraft is currently in production with customer deliveries expected to begin in the Fall of 2020.

Diversified Portfolio Supports Commercial, Military, Robotics, Manned/Unmanned Aerial Systems And Multi-Modal Aircraft

Aspen Avionics has entered into an agreement in principle to become a member of the AIRO Group of companies. Under this agreement, Aspen Avionics will continue to operate as it does presently; continuing to support the general aviation market segment. As part of the AIRO Group, Aspen will expand its investments, resources, and new technologies in not only avionics for general aviation but also to offer avionics solutions for manned and unmanned flight platforms for commercial, military, robotics and multi-modal aircraft.

Multiple Enhancements Typify Aggressive Conversion

MD Helicopters has delivered a newly certified MD 530F to Wilson Construction. Wilson has upgraded one of its four MD 500E helicopters to an FAA-certified MD 530F model aircraft. An operator of MDHI helicopters since 2005, Wilson Construction delivered their E-model aircraft to be overhauled and recertified as an F-model (Type Certificate 369FF) at MD Helicopters’ Mesa-Arizona manufacturing and completions center.

The Tour Will Crisscross The USA, Starting At Sun 'N Fun

A group of passionate aviators are defying the state of the world and planning on a unique tour of the USA in 2021. What started out as an homage to the 50th version of the National Stearman Fly In (NSFI) in Galesburg, IL, is now the 'Boeing Stearman Homecoming Tour 2021.' The tour will crisscross the USA, starting at the Sun n Fun event in Lakeland, Florida on April 13 and ending at the NSFI on September 5, arriving as a big gaggle of planes.

Embraer Announces the Phenom 300MED

Unique Medevac Solution Designed To Be Quickly And Easily Configured

Embraer has announced the Phenom 300MED, which is also available for retrofit, through a partnership with umlaut and Aerolite. Embraer and umlaut are jointly developing and certifying a new STC utilizing Aerolite equipment. The Phenom 300MED is now available for customer configuration. Designed as an ideal solution for both civil and government applications, the Medevac solution will be installed exclusively by Embraer's Services & Support organization.

Will Also Be Making Available A More Advanced 'Pro' Subscription

Altitude Angel announced it is integrating its data with UAV avionic solutions provider Sky-Drones, to enhance its drone management platform, Sky-Drones Cloud. By integrating Altitude Angel's data, Sky-Drones have been able to develop a range of products and services, improving its in-app experience. Operators will now be able to subscribe to UTM services, providing situational awareness through the display of NOTAMS, Temporary No Fly Zones, and ground hazards.

“Atlanta Is The Optimal Choice For Our Newest Warehouse...”

Gulfstream has just opened a hub dedicated to worldwide aircraft parts distribution in Atlanta. Positioned within two miles of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the warehouse’s location will allow parts to be delivered around the world more quickly and efficiently. “Atlanta is the optimal choice for our newest warehouse,” said Derek Zimmerman, president, Gulfstream Customer Support.

From 2016: An Amazing Opportunity For Colorado’s STEM Educators…

In this video you’ll hear about a program that is designed to inspire teachers to inspire their students by sharing with them the excitement of flying in a 1942 Boeing PT-17 Stearman trainer plane. Hetty Carlson, of the Teacher Flight Program, explains how they use aviation as a tool to motivate and encourage students.

Throttle Control Was Very Loose When Moved By Hand In The Cockpit

On July 18, 2020, about 2245 central daylight time, a Beech A23-24 airplane, N3412V, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Burns Flat, Oklahoma. The pilot and his 3 passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that while established in cruise flight the airplane experienced a gradual loss of engine power. He was unable to restore engine power by switching fuel tanks, turning on the fuel boost pump, and advancing the throttle, mixture, and propeller controls full forward. The pilot stated that he turned on the landing light and made a forced landing in a grass

Aero Linx: The Washington Aviation Association The Washington Aviation Association is a group of businesses with an interest in aviation and who value the rights of pilots and the aviation industry. Organized in 1938 as an informal coalition of aviation businesses, the Washington Aviation Association was formalized into a non-profit corporation in 1948 to confront problems of the industry and build a stable and prosperous future.

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (08.05.20): Coupled Approach

Coupled Approach An instrument approach performed by the aircraft autopilot, and/or visually depicted on the flight director, which is receiving position information and/or steering commands from onboard navigational equipment. In general, coupled non-precision approaches must be flown manually (autopilot disengaged) at altitudes lower than 50 feet AGL below the minimum descent altitude, and coupled precision approaches must be flown manually (autopilot disengaged) below 50 feet AGL unless authorized to conduct autoland operations. Coupled instrument approaches are commonly flown to the allowable IFR weather minima established by the operator or PIC, or flown VFR for training and safety.

"As a recognized innovator in the general aviation segment, Aspen's inclusion in the AIRO Group's diversified company portfolio not only helps strengthen Aspen Avionics current business lines but opens up opportunities in other aerospace markets that will enable future growth and innovation. This is a very exciting development for our current and future customers as well as our employees and allows us to take our business to a higher level. We are glad to be a part of the comprehensive and diversified group of aerospace technology companies AIRO is building that span a wide range of rapidly growing aerospace markets." Source: John Uczekaj, president and CEO of Aspen Avionics, in comments made as Aspen Avionics entered into an agreement in