"...A Significant Milestone On A Long Road..."

EASA has finally given its seal of approval for the return to service of the Boeing 737 MAX, mandating a package of software upgrades, electrical wiring rework, maintenance checks, operations manual updates and crew training which will allow the plane to fly safely in European skies after almost two years on the ground. “We have reached a significant milestone on a long road,” said EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky. “Following extensive analysis by EASA, we have determined that the 737 MAX can safely return to service. This assessment was carried out in full independence of Boeing or the Federal Aviation Administration and without any economic or political pressure – we asked

The Years Do Little To Dull The Feelings Of Loss

NASA will honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, during the agency's annual Day of Remembrance Thursday, Jan. 28. This year’s NASA Day of Remembrance also marks 35 years since the Challenger tragedy. “NASA has a unique culture that is fueled by possibility, set on a path to the next giant leap for humanity, and guided by its history,” said NASA Acting Administrator Steve Jurczyk.

Electric Short Takeof and Landing (eSTOL) Aircraft Underway

Airflow is in the process of developing one of the first full-scale piloted technology demonstrators of an eSTOL aircraft. For the last year, Airflow has been utilizing a sub-scale model for test flights that have helped develop eSTOL flight control technology. The next phase will transform a Cessna 210 into an eSTOL with Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP). DEP enables operations into and out of very short runways by providing more control at slower airspeeds. Airflow will validate and refine the design parameters used to build the production eSTOL aircraft.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Training Now Available

US Aviation Academy (USAA) has started offering a Part 147 A&P program for students pursuing a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) beginning January 2021. The program offers an A&P program with hands-on experience with real aircraft in a Class Delta airport. Providing training at an airport gives students a full immersion environment into the AMT world. The A&P program is 12 months, compared to some other programs typically lasting as much as two years.

Updates Flight Standardization Board Report and Master Minimum Equipment List

The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing updates to the Flight Standardization Board (FSB) report and Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) for the Boeing 737 MAX. The draft updates, which are subject to public comment, primarily reflect differences between the original 737 MAX and the new 737-8200 series airplane. Airlines use the FSB report to develop pilot training. The new 737-8200 can carry up to 200 passengers and is equipped with an additional exit door. The FAA has proposed additional training to account for design changes associated with these features.

From 2018: DeltaHawk Engines Closing In On Certification

DeltaHawk Engines displayed an enhanced 180HP GA engine at AirVenture this past July. DeltaHawk is in the final stages of preparation for certification. The company has invested significantly in the analysis and testing of its engine, resulting in numerous enhancements to the design. For example, the new head design provides improved efficiency, simpler inspection and maintenance, a lower parts count and a reduced engine weight. A redesigned exhaust system offers enhanced exhaust flow and improved packaging.

The AEA Scholarship Program Has Awarded More Than $1.5 Million In Scholarships

The Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation will award 23 scholarships totaling more than $100,000 for the 2021-22 school year to students pursuing a career in avionics or aircraft maintenance, as well as employees and dependents from AEA member companies. Each year, ANN joins with AEA to webcast the excitement of the aviation electronics industry to the rest of the  world. One of the features of that week is the chance to expose the aviation community to the very fine work being done by AEA through its scholarship program--one that has empowered hundreds of future aviation professionals to join our ranks.

San Marcos Regional Airport Will Also Host A USAF F-16 Viper Demonstration

Organizers are moving forward with Go Wheels Up! Texas scheduled for May 29-30, 2021 at the San Marcos Regional Airport. The event, an air show, car show and concert hosted by Texas musician Cory Morrow was first held in 2019 but was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19. “We’re all relieved and excited to get to do an event this year,” says Morrow. “We believe in giving San Marcos and Central Texas something to look forward to during these turbulent times. We just want to bring everyone together and celebrate what’s great about America and Texas. It’s going to be an incredible weekend and we hope everybody in the community comes out to see w

Also: Bryant S-76B Crash Hearing, AeroEducate Initiative, Liberty University, Sustainable Fuels

Pipistrel-USA reports that over the course of 2020, Pipistrel delivered 111 certified Pipistrel Velis electric aircraft, as well as a number of the Pipistrel ALPHA Electro aircraft. One stunning stat that comes out of all this is the report that for the first time ever, Pipistrel produced more electric aircraft than gasoline powered. 2021 seems to be trending equally well... with more than 70 Pipistrel Velis aircraft on the order books and more expected. Because of the demand, Pipistrel HQ is ramping up produ

Pilot Announced Via The Radio That He Was Making An Emergency Landing

On December 29, 2020, about 0835 central standard time, a Hughes 369D helicopter, N103SU, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Tuckers Crossing, Mississippi. The pilot was fatally injured. The helicopter was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 133 external load flight. According to the operator, the pilot departed for the first flight of the day from a private landing zone to begin aerial tree trimming operations along a transmission line, which was about 2.7 miles from the departure location. The helicopter contained about 400 lbs. of fuel and was equipped with an external saw assembly that was about 120 ft in length.

Aero Linx: The International Association of Missionary Aviation (IAMA) Following World War II, several American aviators returned to the United States with a desire in their hearts to use aviation in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the globe. That desire gave birth to the first mission aviation effort in the United States, known then as Christian Airmen’s Missionary Fellowship (CAMF). Today, it is known as Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). The first flights were in a Waco biplane, and served Bible translators with the Summer Institute of Linguistics in southern Mexico. The pilot of those first flights was a remarkable woman named Betty Greene. Since those early days

Instrument Approach Procedure

A series of predetermined maneuvers for the orderly transfer of an aircraft under instrument flight conditions from the beginning of the initial approach to a landing or to a point from which a landing may be made visually. It is prescribed and approved for a specific airport by competent authority.

“NASA has a unique culture that is fueled by possibility, set on a path to the next giant leap for humanity, and guided by its history. The lessons of our past are the enduring legacy of the brave women and men who did not put limits on what could be achieved, and we all recognize the honor of being counted among them as part of the NASA family.” Source: NASA Acting Administrator Steve Jurczyk, as NASA honored members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, including the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, during the agency's annual Day of Remembrance Thursday, Jan. 28. This year’s NASA Day of Remembrance also marks 35 years since